Jeudi: Root Work

It seems to me that the two major fixations in January of any given year are weight loss/getting in shape and finding love/marriage. Certainly the ads on television would have us believe as much. But people in the real world tend to gravitate to these kinds of “resolutions” as well. Generally speaking, aside from “make me rich and famous” (I love that one), when I’m asked to help with something this time of year, the request involves either love or looks.

The fact of the matter is that nothing happens with the help of magick alone. If you want to be fit you need to hit the exercise of your choice and make allowances for diet. If you want to find love you have to first of all – here’s one some people don’t readily grasp – be loveable and second, put yourself out there where you can meet people. But a little focus will help so, this week and next, let’s talk about love and health, magickally speaking. First up: love.

There are paths of magickal practice that do not believe in working spells to draw love aside from those with a completely nonspecific application. These practitioners feel that working magick to spark the interest of any one individual or kind of person is manipulative and therefore invokes the “Law of Three”: what you send out will return to you threefold. In other words, if you try to make someone long for you, you’ll just end up pining away miserably for them. Hmm. One wonders if you’re not already doing that given your current desire.

Hoodoo isn’t so concerned with backlash. While ethics are always to be considered the idea in hoodoo, particularly with regard to love magick, is that everyone benefits. Two consenting adults doing what comes naturally is the goal. Hardly a harmful outcome if you step back and think about it.

Each individual has to follow their own conscience in all things, not just magick. If you are uncomfortable with being specific in love magick, use the following workings only in their broadest sense. If you want to attract someone in particular, consider adding a picture of that person or what is known in hoodoo as a “personal concern” (nail clippings, hair, etc.) to your pocket piece or other work. Use your best judgment and remember, there is such a thing as retribution. Preying on anyone unable to make adult decisions will lead you to a place you don’t want to be. At that point, prison really is the least of your worries.

Now that we’ve got the cautions out of the way, here are a few “tricks” that might help you in your search for the perfect man or woman; regardless of your gender, by the way.

To attract a woman, carry a High John the Conqueror Root close to your body. Some workers advise that the root be “dressed” with Florida Water or Hoyt’s Cologne on a regular basis to keep it powerful. This will work for men or women seeking the companionship of women.

Speaking of colognes, steeping shavings from the same root in Hoyt’s Cologne, Florida Water or Kanga Water for a month with the intention of improving sex appeal is highly recommended for gentlemen wanting to attract ladies. Once it’s ready, just splash some of it on as an after-shave. Added bonus: rubbing it on your hands before gambling is said to bring luck.

On the other side, a Queen Elizabeth Root should be carried to attract a man. Again, this will work for either gender and “dressing”, in this case with Florida Water, is recommended by some. If you have a specific gentleman in mind, consider taking a bath in water to which a tea made with the powdered root has been added. Soak for nine, twelve or fifteen minutes and then let your skin air dry before you spend time with the man in question.

Regardless of gender, some root workers highly recommend lemon grass as a seasoning in shared foods to encourage romance and enhance sexual pleasure. Something to consider once you move to that stage of your relationship.

Another simple, non-specific pocket piece I like to recommend is a carnelian stone that has been left in the sunshine for a day. Carry this with you and hold on to it when you feel your self-confidence dipping. It will help improve your mood and your confidence. I find that nothing, aside from a delightful sense of humor, is more attractive than that. Bon chance ~

Header: Two Strings to Her Bow by John Pettie c 1882