Mardi: Herbal-Wise

The herb known as Job’s Tears, in reference to the sufferings of Job in the Bible, are actually the seeds of a specific kind of grass from Asia.  The grass is a weed in subtropical areas, but the seeds are easily obtained elsewhere via pagan stores and hoodoo botanicas.

In hoodoo, the reference to the tribulations of Job is applied to the herb, and the seeds are considered a powerful wishing focus.  Root workers say that you should collect seven Job’s Tears and make a sincere wish over them.  The seeds should then be carried in your pocket for seven days.  Finally, you should approach a running body of water, say the 23^rd Psalm (“The Lord is my shepherd…”) while holding the seeds and then throw them over your left shoulder into the water.  Walk away without looking back and your wish will manifest, some hoodoos say within seven days.  A similar ritual (without the use of the Psalm) is recommended in Wicca as well.

In Mexican magick, a curendaro might recommend that a client wanting to select winning numbers carry seven Job’s Tears and a Cross of Caravaca that has been blessed by a priest.  This talisman is said to ensure success at gaming and particularly the lottery.

In Wicca, Job’s Tears are thought to help cure sore throats and colds.  For this purpose, a necklace made of the seeds is worn.  Old wives would also recommend a necklace of Job’s Tears as a talisman to make teething comfortable for children.  This is probably a like-makes-like type of working as the seeds can look similar to baby teeth.

Finally, Scott Cunningham recommends carrying three Job’s Tears on a daily basis for all around good luck.  Given this, adding them to just about any mojo bag probably couldn’t hurt.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Antique Cross of Caravaca via antiquesarms.com