Samedi: Curios

The beautiful, sea-blue stone known as aquamarine is an ancient talisman of those devoted to the sea. As I am thoroughly missing the blue water right now, I find it is high time to discuss the crystal most precious to my lwa, La Siren.

Aquamarine, a variety of beryl, has been used as a talisman and made into beads and pendants since the dawn of civilization. Beads of aquamarine have been found in Sumerian and Egyptian burials from as early at 4,000 BCE, when bead making was just taking off as an art form. The stone was thought to ease the soul's transition from life into afterlife, probably a stunning psychological trauma that needed - and needs - all the easing it can get.

The stone has long been believed to enhance psychic power, and is a favorite of those who work in the business of divination. Scott Cunningham, in his Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, gives a simple yet powerful ritual for enhancing one's psychism and empathy. Place an aquamarine of any size, even the smallest bead will do, in a glass of fresh water and let this sit in the light of a full moon for three hours. Retrieve the stone, which you might want to tuck away wherever you store your divining tools, and drink the water to achieve increased psychic awareness. This ritual can be repeated as often as necessary.

Probably because of its color, aquamarine is associated with seafaring and safety on the water. The Phoenicians, whom the Ancient Egyptians simply referred to as "The Sea People," sent their men out into blue water with amulets of aquamarine to protect them from storms and drowning. Fishermen along the coasts of Europe and North Africa still wear aquamarine for this purpose. Tuck an aquamarine in your luggage, or wear one on your person, when you travel by or over water to safely arrive at your destination.

Aquamarine can also be used in the same ways one would use amethyst. Wear it to inspire courage, calm, joy, happiness and strong relationships as well as keep the mind alert. Bonne chance ~

Header: Orpheus and Eurydice by Michael Putz-Richard via Old Paint

Jeudi: Curios

Amber, as Scott Cunningham notes in his Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, is quite possibly the oldest form of adornment in the world. The solidified sap of now extinct coniferous trees, amber ranges in color from a deep reddish-orange to sunny yellow. And, of course, there are sometimes little bugs and leaves permanently captured in the stones.

Amber has a myriad of magickal uses and is certainly the jewel of choice for Wiccans and particularly High Priests and Priestesses. Considered a source of energy, amber is believed to represent the so called fifth element or Akasha that binds the four visible elements - fire, air, earth and water - together. Thus wearing of amber, usually in silver settings, is thought to increase the power of the worker and the efficacy of his or her spellcraft.

Viking children were often given simple amber necklaces to protect their health. This habit is still common today in colder areas of the world where amber is most plentiful. In Siberia, Canada and here in Alaska, natives wear amber and ivory together to bring prosperity and turn away the evil eye.

Wearing amber has for centuries been thought to improve the wearer's looks. Cunningham notes the irony of this: during the Renaissance, women wore amber in order to gain weight while in our times it is worn to assist in healthy weight loss. The efficacy of both these approaches may be a little spurious, but I have found that wearing amber regularly does lift one's mood which in turn makes one more attractive.

If you feel you are under psychic attack, or perhaps just having a run of "bad luck," add a few amber beads to a warm bath, settle in and soak. Then wear or carry the beads with you until your next bath. Taking loose amber or wearing a piece of amber jewelry to a job or other interview will also increase you confidence and by turns your chances of landing that job.

A bit of powdered amber added to any incense is said to increase the intended purpose of same. In Ancient Sumer, Babylon and Phoenicia, amber dust was burned during labor to ensure a safe birthing for both mother and child.

When buying amber, be sure to do your research. Items labeled amber are sometimes nothing more than glass or resin. Know your dealer and choose wisely. Amber is not cheap by any means so you will want to purchase the best quality you can afford. I have found that the right piece of amber will often find you rather than you finding it. You may receive it as a gift, stumble upon it at a flea market or run across an ad in the paper or online. For instance, I found the amber ring I now wear regularly at a local art store that was reducing their inventory. I knew the store owner well and therefore had no concerns about quality. The real kicker was when the ring fit - which I did not at all expect given my unfortunate "man hands," to use a "Seinfeld" reference. Reduced price, trusted source and it slipped on perfectly; ring me up, if you'll pardon the pun. Bonne chance ~

Header: Amber pendants via Wikipedia

Jeudi: Curios

Technically, it is a stretch to call the eau de toilettes popular in hoodoo "curios", but they don't really fit into any other category I don't believe so here we are.

The three perfumes in question are Hoyt's cologne, which is commercially made, and Kananga and Florida Waters, both of which are sold commercially but also often made by the root worker. All three are delightfully floral, with Hoyt's cologne probably being the most "masculine" of the scents. Likewise, all three are used in workings, particularly for love and luck, baths and as offerings to the lwa and the ancestors.

Far and away the most popular is Florida Water, which is added to floor washes, laundry and hand and body washes to chase away jinxes and crossed conditions as well as usher in times of good fortune. Florida water is a key ingredient in the Lady Bath. A cleansing dedicated to Erzulie Freda, this bath is undertaken to renew the spirit and bring the good fortune that accompanies the smile of the lady Erzulie.

Though Florida Water is the most popular of the eau de toilettes mentioned, it is not the easiest to make at home. Kananga Water, which can be used similarly to Florida Water, is however. Here is one recipe from Fortunes in Formulas for the Home, Farm and Workshop published in 1937:

10 drop ylang ylang oil
5 drops neroli oil
5 drops rose oil
3 drops bergamot or lavender oil
10 ounces of alcohol

Mix gently and steep these ingredients together in a glass jar with a tight lid for about 24 hours. Add about 10 ounces of distilled water to make an eau de toilette. Make sure to store your end product in glass as well and keep it out of direct sunlight. Use in washes, baths or as a cologne to lift your spirit. Bonne chance ~

Header: Notre Dame de Grasse, France c 15th century via Deities and Demons (see sidebar)

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Bayberry chips, which are rather like wood chips that one might find in a garden, are a wonderful little bit of magick to have around this time of year. Most of us spend too much at the Holidays - a tradition that, contrary to what many an anti-consumerism advocate would have us believe, has been firmly in place since Roman times when people went broke giving gifts at Saturnalia. I personally don't think this is a "bad" thing; when was making others happy labeled "bad"? But, we do need to pay the bills and refilling the coffers in January is not a bad thing to concentrate on, either.

So go get some bayberry chips (easily found at any herbalist) and try one - or all - of these old hoodoo tricks for getting back at least some of what you've paid out.

Keep a few bayberry chips in the place that you keep your paper money and coins. I've mentioned that I have an envelope that I stuff the stray dollar or five dollar bill into for safe keeping until the next time one of the kids "needs money" at six thirty in the morning. There are bayberry chips in the envelope and I occasionally add a little cinnamon for good measure. Though not full to bursting by any means, that envelope is never empty.

Dress a green candle with olive oil or, if you have it, Money Drawing Oil or Oil of Success. Put the candle in a sturdy holder and put bayberry chips in a circle around the holder. Visualize your need - a job, a raise, a good tax return or investment - and light the candle. Allow it to burn down and out with the confidence that fortune will come your way.

In a green flannel bag, place six bayberry chips, a cinnamon stick, a whole nutmeg, a sprinkling of thyme and a piece of pyrite (fool's gold) or a silver dime. Tie up the bag with yellow or gold thread and say the 23rd Psalm or recite out loud your need to good fortune/luck/prosperity. Feed the mojo frequently with whiskey or Money Drawing Oil and carry it with you.

As a final note, bayberry candles were originally made from wax from the plant - which is also known as the myrtle candleberry - and were burned to draw success and good fortune to the home. Modern bayberry candles by and large are only scented with synthetic fragrance and have, therefore, lost their innate power to draw luck. These candle should be dressed before burning when being used in magick, just like any other store-bought candle. Bonne chance ~

Header: Illustration by Coby Whitman via Mid-Century

Jeudi: Curios

Garnets are one of my favorite semi-precious stones, and not just because I was born in January. For centuries, garnets have had a connection to friendship and keeping friends close even when they are physically separated. While we don't think much about something like that in our "I'll text you when I get to the far side of the globe" world, only a few short decades ago such things were a lot more dear. Then too, there's the fact that the deep, rich red of a garnet always puts me in mind of the Holidays.

Garnets are ruled by the planet Mars and are therefore considered masculine and projective. For all these reasons, garnets have been and still are used for protective purposes. In times gone by, garnets were thought to repel stinging and biting creatures and anklets were made of garnets for those who had to tread on dangerous ground, particularly where scorpions or snakes might lie in wait. The stones were also thought to drive off supernatural creatures, especially those like vampires that struck at night. Wearing a garnet necklace to bed was always advisable and Jewish mothers might include a garnet or two in the charm above their baby's bed to ward against the viscous appetites of Lamia.

According to Scott Cunningham, garnets can serve a similar purpose in our modern age. Charged and worn, garnets can strengthen the personal aura and repel negative energies and intents. Because garnets have always thought to guard against theft, wearing them may help keep would-be muggers out of your personal space.

In Medieval medicine garnets, worn or crushed and drunk in wine, were thought to regulate the blood. They have been used in "New Age" medicine to help relieve swelling and rashes.

My favorite application for garnets, however, returns to the issue of keeping friendships. If you must part with a close friend, make them a gift of something with a garnet in or on it before you go. The stone, again treated with intention, will continue your mutual affection and ensure that somehow, someway, you will be together again. This is a sentiment that the Victorians seem to have understood judging from this enchanting gold locket set with pearls and garnets. A votre sante ~

Header: Chimeres by Pascal A.J.D. Bouvert via Old Paint

Jeudi: Curios

On Tuesday we talked about the uses of tobacco in various magickal systems. One of the herb's uses in hoodoo is as a substitute for the unpredictable curio now known as sulphur but frequently referred to in older texts as brimstone. Sulphur has been, and to some degree probably still is, used for jinxing and uncrossing alike. It is also an original component in the crossing formula known as Goofer Dust.

Sulphur is both toxic and combustible, so using it the way it was originally intended, magickally speaking, is not something I recommend. I'm not big on jinxing either so sulphur isn't in my hoodoo cabinet. Information, however, and historical usage is a different story. Use sulphur at your own risk.

When the intention was to lay a jinx on someone, a simple trick of making an X over their footprint with sulphur was frequently employed. Done with intention, this was believed to bring ill-fortune to the enemy. Some root workers claimed they could even kill a person this way. For the most part, this type of magick is more an issue of belief than supernatural power. The footprint chosen was invariably somewhere that the enemy would see it and, believing in the magick, the person would fall ill, bring trouble on themselves or  sometimes even pick up stakes and move.

The opposite could also be accomplished with a mixture of sulphur and salt. In this case, should a person find evidence of a jinx being put on them, they were to cover the trick with sulphur and salt to nullify the problem.

My favorite use of sulphur in hoodoo is a trick designed to make a friend out of an enemy. The hard part of this working is to obtain something sharp and nonflammable from your enemy. You do not necessarily have to harvest this item - which can be as simple as a tack and as fancy as a pair of scissors; you can ask an acquaintance to obtain it for you. Next, while concentrating on your future friendship with your former enemy, pass the point of the object through the flame of a white candle. Now dip the point in sulphur and then pass it through the flame again to ignite the sulphur. *Do this out of doors if you are indeed using sulphur. As noted, the fumes are toxic; you don't want them in your home.* Wipe the point clean and dress the object with holy water or whiskey. Return the object to the place from which it came exactly as it came to you (either with your own hand or through another). Your enemy will warm to you within the week.

There is a very old voodoo trick involving sulphur, black ink, and some other items that is said to achieve the death of an enemy. I've never tried that, and I'm surely not about to... Bonne chance ~

Header: The Harvest is Past, The Summer is Ended by J.F. Wetherbee via American Gallery

Jeudi: Curios

The alligator is an amphibian both maligned and adored along the Gulf coast of the United States. Feared for their quiet ferocity, they are also appreciated as sources of magickal instruments. They just happen to taste great, too.

In old time hoodoo, animal curios were used quite literally all the time. Though the practice is discouraged more or less in our modern age, alligator curios continue to be popular. Bats, cats, frogs and toads have been set aside to a large degree but alligator parts can often be found, usually because they are raised commercially. The majority of the animal is sold for meat or hide - much like cattle - while feet and teeth are doled out to root workers. For a fee, of course.

Alligator teeth are popular amulets worn for protection in the South, particularly around the neck. This is no different than the practice in my current home state of Alaska, where bear and wolf teeth are worn to protect and impart the strength of the animal. The nice thing about gators is that they shed their teeth throughout their life. The truly lucky person will find a gator tooth along the bayou and then use it for the most common intention of this curio: good fortune in gambling.

Both the feet and teeth of alligators are considered extremely lucky as pocket pieces for those who frequent the gambling table. The tooth probably obtained this reputation for the reason just mentioned. Carrying the foot - usually of a small alligator - can reasonably be considered a form of like-makes-like magick. These amputated parts somewhat resemble an outstretched human hand, just waiting for money to be deposited in it.

Here are two old time recipes for gambling luck pocket pieces. One enlisting a gator's tooth, the other its foot.

Take an alligators tooth and, while visualizing yourself winning consistently at your chosen game of chance, dress it with whiskey, Van Van oil or Easy Life oil. Carry this in your pocket when you go out to gamble, and re-anoint it frequently.

On a piece of brown paper (a piece of paper bag works well), write down your wish for money in red ink. This may be specific to gambling or any other way of getting an income. Dress a gator foot with Van Van oil or whiskey and wrap the brown paper tightly around it. Wrap red thread or twine around this packet three times and tie this off with three knots. Carry this with you, in your pocket or purse, as you pursue your chosen source of money. As with the tooth, dress this mojo frequently with your chosen libation.

Some folks also attach an alligator foot to a key chain and use this daily to bring general luck and, as always, money. If you are really old school, attaching the foot to your watch fob harkens back to the very old days of New Orleans voodoo/hoodoo. Legend has it that Jean Laffite had a bejeweled gator foot that dangled from his watch fob. This was lost, depending on the story you hear, either at the Battle of New Orleans or in the great Galveston hurricane of 1818. Either way, his luck seemed to go with it.

And there's the lesson; hold on to your alligator foot, or tooth, for dear luck. Bonne chance ~

Header: Alligators by Tom Root via American Gallery

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

The herb known as Solomon's seal is, it probably goes without saying, named for the Biblical King Solomon. The seal part comes from an obscure talent that the Hebrew king happened to have: imprisoning demons. He kept his catches in a jar with an enchanted seal and thus the herb, in almost all magickal disciplines, has a reputation for guarding, protecting and banishing.

Scott Cunningham tells us that Solomon's seal root is dried, powder and sprinkled in the four corners of a home to guard it. Wiccans also use the powdered root in exorcism rituals and spells for protection. An infusion of the root is used to sprinkle things and people to banish troubles, often with fern fronds or fresh rue.

In hoodoo, Solomon's seal root chips are placed on window sills and along the tops of door frames to keep trouble from entering the home. I remember my aunt doing this when she didn't want her daughter's "no account" boyfriend coming around. It worked; my cousin is now married to a doctor. Catherine Yronwode advises adding fern fronds if there is a particular concern about break-ins.

A mojo to encourage others to respect you can be achieved by combining Solomon's seal root, High John the Conqueror root, three Devil's shoestrings and a chip of Dragon's Blood resin in a red flannel bag. Feed the mojo with Crown of Success or olive oil. This should be kept near the skin and is said to draw advantageous friendships to the person who carries it. The results can be enhanced by adding a curio such as a silver dime (best if it is from the year of your birth, or that of a successful person you know) or something that belonged to someone successful.

Solomon's seal is a favorite herb in Pow-Wow as well. The dried root is used in healing rituals, particularly sprinkled in the four corners of the sick person's room or to make a magick circle around them. As Silver Ravenwolf notes in her book American Folk Magick:

To country folk, a salt circle was considered suspicious in nature to outsiders, therefore Pow-Wows mixed angelica, Solomon's seal, and vervain to create an area of protection inside a room. It could be swept away easily without raising any undue attention.

And, as unfortunate as it may be, that is an excellent tip for those of us who to this day have to be a little clever and a lot surreptitious about our magick. Bonne chance to all and a Happy Birthday to Ms. Ravenwolf.

Header: Lamb Clouds by Adolf Bohm via Old Paint

Jeudi: Curios

Silver in all forms, as amulets, coins, beads, pieces of jewelry and even as table wear, is a powerful magickal substance in all disciplines around the world. It was one of the first precious metals worked by man because it comes from the Earth in its pure form. There is no need to add anything to silver before working with it. In the past it has been less expensive than gold, as well, making it a comfortable choice for the average person.

In Wicca, silver jewelry is worn to honor the Mother Goddess. This tradition probably goes back centuries and links silver to both Earth and sky. The metal is pulled from the Earth, but has the sparkling quality of the moon and stars. Crescent shaped objects, either to be worn or put on altars, have been made of silver since the dawn of civilization. Even after Christianity and Islam swept across much of the world, the silver crescent continued to hold a place of honor. As one of the attributes of the Virgin Mary, the crescent is still a symbol of the Divine Mother.

In many cultures, silver has always been considered an excellent choice for amulets of protection. As Scott Cunningham notes in his Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic, there's a valid historical reason for the literary notion that silver can destroy vampires and werewolves. Crosses of any kind may foil a vampire, but a silver cross trumps all. And what better way to dispatch a werewolf than with a silver bullet?

In hoodoo, as we've discussed before, silver dimes are prized for their money-drawing qualities. Minted in the U.S. until 1945, these dimes are added to mojo bags or carried as a pocket piece. They are also considered good for drawing love or inspiring lust.

Silver jewelry, set with any stone or none at all, can have a wide range of benefits. Cleansed and worn with intention, it can improve psychic ability and encourage psychic dreams. Silver is worn to attract love as well, and the metal's drawing power is increased if it is etched with the planetary symbol of Venus, according to Cunningham. The Celts believed that silver would calm anger and anxiety; just touching a person with something silver could relieve their mental torment. Silver is worn for this purpose today as it is thought to balance emotions and instill inner calm.

I'll end with an excellent, and elegantly simple, money-drawing spell provided by the master, Mr. Cunningham. This working in particular is for the attraction of unexpected cash - something most of us could certainly use - so plan on a little surprise if you use it. Acquire a pure silver coin, if possible; if not, any small piece of silver will do. Empower this and place it under a candle holder. Dress a green candle with olive or money-drawing oil while concentrating on your need for funds. Place the candle in the candle holder and light it with intention; visualize that unexpected money coming your way. It helps if you know the amount you need and can keep that in the back of your mind while the candle burns down and out. Bury what is left of the candle on your property or in a house plant and carry or wear the silver piece to encourage your bank account to grow. Bonne chance ~

Header: Assumption of the Virgin Mary by William Henry Machen via American Gallery

Jeudi: Curios

The beautiful, red-orange semiprecious stone called carnelian always reminds me of summer.  Its fiery color also inspired our ancestors, who used this red form of chalcedony as a ward against fear, a help with depression and a source of virility.

In ancient times, carnelian was usually worn in rings.  The Ancient Egyptians believed that carnelian set in gold could conquer feelings of jealousy, hatred and anger in one's self and others.  The Greeks and Romans believed carnelian was a promoter of health and could, in particular, keep diseases of the skin, body parasites and insanity at bay.

In the late Medieval period and Renaissance in Europe, Scott Cunningham tells us that large carnelians were engraved with the image of a sword or, to even better effect, a warrior in full armor and worn a an amulet against harm, including the psychic intrusion of someone trying to read your mind.  These amulets were also hung in homes and churches to keep away lightening and the evil workings of witches.

Now, carnelian is particularly prized for its ability to keep doubt, fear and depression at bay.  Carnelian is considered the go-to curio for people who fear public speaking but have no way of avoiding it.  For this purpose, Cunningham advises wearing the stone in a ring or necklace although I have a pair of carnelian earrings that have served me well in such situations.

Carnelian is thought to give shy people a boost of self-confidence and impart eloquence of speech.  It is also considered a psychic stone, improving second-sight while quelling nightmares.

In all eras, carnelian has been worn to encourage the sex drive and fertility, particularly in men.  Remember, too, that if you cannot afford carnelian - which is admittedly rather pricey - red jasper is a perfect substitute.  And, as always, cleanse your stone(s) with holy water, salt or sunshine before using them.

One last note, if you will indulge me.  This post is dedicated to two of my favorite guys named Scott.  First the incomparable Scott Cunningham, the anniversary of whose birthday was yesterday; may he know eternal happiness in the Summerland.  Second my dear - and very much alive - friend Scott Rose who recently had to abandon a labor of love; I have no doubt that the future holds so much more for you!

Happy Summer to all in the Northern latitudes, and - as always - Bonne chance ~

Header: Jeanne d'Arc and Saint Michael by Spencer Baird Nichols c 1925

Jeudi: Curios

Roosters and hens with black feathers probably have a place in every magickal discipline around the globe.  They are especially prized, to my knowledge, in gypsy folklore and by hoodoo root workers, particularly in and around New Orleans. 

The African-based spirituality of the Caribbean, Southern U.S. and South America has a long history of using chickens for sacrifice but, to a large degree, the use of these specific creatures – that is chickens with black feathers – does not involve butchering and eating them.  The focus is the power of the animal itself and that of its feathers.

An old and somewhat shadowy gypsy working known as taking up the black fast is used to retrieve stolen goods and/or take revenge on the thief.  Of course, travelers had and still have very little in the way of possessions so theft was a particularly vicious crime that required equally vicious retribution.  In this ritual, the victim of theft would obtain a black hen.  Both man and bird would abstain from food and water from sunup to sunset every Friday for nine consecutive weeks.  This was thought to force the culprit to return the stolen goods.  Alternatively, it was imagined that he or she would meet a gruesome end.

In hoodoo, black hens and roosters are kept by root workers so that their feathers might be utilized in uncrossing magick.  Feathers were burned to a fine ash and this would be used on the body of those suffering from a jinx, either rubbed or blown on by the root worker, to take off the evil trick.  Workers used black chicken feather whisks for similar purposes.  These were made either from a bundle of feathers tied together or from a whole wing which had been dried with the feathers still attached.  The victim would then be brushed with the whisk, usually working down from the head to the feet, as part of an uncrossing ritual.

Most prized in and around New Orleans were the speckled chickens known as Fizzled Fowl.  Because root workers removed jinxes and sent them back to their original creator, these men and women were thought to be targeted by witches and others who meddled with evil.  Most of them would tell you that it was not uncommon to find some form of jinxing mojo or throw somewhere in their yards now and again, left there by someone with the intent to harm.  To this end, many kept Fizzled Fowl to scratch up, peck at, eat and destroy these agents of evil before they had time to work their magick. 

Some root workers even rented their chickens out to clients who were having similar trouble, letting the animals “work” the afflicted person’s yard for a few weeks to clear up the problem.  One New Orleans root doctor, working in the city around the turn of the 20^th century, became so famous for his uncrossing work that he was known as the Fizzly Rooster.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Two Fizzled Fowl c 1874 via Albion Prints

Jeudi: Curios

The beautiful, deep blue stone known as lapis lazuli has been used for magickal purposes since the most ancient times.  In fact, it may have been one of the first precious gems actively sought by our ancestors.

Lapis lazuli has always been associated with kingship, possible because of its almost purple color which is sometimes flecked with golden pyrite.  It was highly prized in ancient Middle Eastern civilizations such as Sumer, Assyria, Egypt and Phoenicia.  In Sumer, the adornments of the gods were said to be made of lapis lazuli.  Rulers had their cylinder seals, spool-like, carved seals that would be rolled over soft clay to leave a recognizable mark, made from the stone.

Phoenician pirates admired lapis as plunder.  In Ancient Egypt it was used in not only jewelry but household items and even furniture for the royal and wealthy elite.  Physicians ground lapis lazuli into a powder and mixed it with various ingredients to cure everything from headaches to aging.  Thanks to the Egyptian’s funerary rituals, we are blessed with a wealth of beautiful objects inlaid with intricate designs of lapis lazuli such as the bracelet shown above.

Warriors favored the stone as well and carried it into battle to allow them to be courageous unto death.

In modern magick, the stone is still used for healing.  It is said that holding, carrying or wearing lapis can calm nightmares, ease anxiety, reduce fever and improve eyesight.  The stone is often used by psychic healers when performing rituals for people who are physically removed from where the healer is.

Lapis lazuli is also thought to increase psychic awareness.  Wear, carry or hold a piece of lapis before and/or during a reading of your chosen divining medium such as runes or cards.  The stone is thought to break the dominant conscious mind’s hold on the subconscious, allowing for more accurate use of the divining tool.

According to Scott Cunningham, lapis is also a love-drawing stone.  He recommends using a raw, unpolished stone that has a point or sharp edge.  This along with a pink candle should be empowered with your need for love.  While still concentrating on love, etch a heart into the candle wax with the lapis.  Light the candle and place the stone close to the candleholder.  Relax, and continue to envision love entering your life as the candle burns down and out.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Ancient Egyptian bracelet of gold and lapis lazuli c the 22^nd Dynasty via The Ancient World

Jeudi: Curios

Animal parts have long been used in various magickal disciplines as amulets and charms.  From individual teeth and bones to whole skulls, wings and claws, the animal in question was used virtually in its entirety for food, tools and to assist in shamanic working.

Badger teeth, usually carried individually, came into hoodoo through John George Hohman’s now famous book Pow Wows or the Long Lost Friend.  Hohman wrote in the book in the mid-19^th century and it has since been published in several additions by various publishers.  The work focuses on the folk magick of the German settlers of Pennsylvania, which was heavily influenced by Native American herbal and folk knowledge.  Hohman avers that a badger tooth is an all around good luck charm that should be carried whenever possible.

In American Folk Magick Silver RavenWolf touches on the use of animal charms in modern Pow-Wow but does not focus on specifics.

By the 1920s, hoodoo root workers were including a badger tooth in mojos for gambling luck, as well as those for general good fortune.  For gambling in particular, the tooth was often attached to a watch fob, necklace or keychain and worn in a pocket where it could be easily touched or rubbed for luck.  Dressing the tooth frequently, particularly with Van Van Oil, and saying the 23^rd Psalm while doing so was thought to increase its power.  Bonne chance ~

Header: The Gambler’s Wife via A1 Reproductions

Jeudi: Root Work

Every once in awhile even the most fortunate among us feel the need for someone or something to keep us safe.  For the most part, this is a psychological condition that is usually manifested by a feeling of anxiety or dread brought on by change.  Being mammals, we’re intimidated by change and we feel the need to put up our guard, so to say. 

Such a situation is tailor made for the kind of working that will result in something we can hold and carry.  At least for me, a pocket piece or mojo bag that I can grip tightly in a moment of worry goes a long way toward helping me stay grounded and face adversity.  Here is my favorite mojo for protection.

1 dime (if the coin is a silver dime – minted before 1947 – so much the better)

1 penny (an “Indian head” penny was originally recommended for this mojo but, as with the dime, a new coin is perfectly serviceable)

1 pinch dried basil

1 pinch dirt from a churchyard (not a graveyard)

1 metal nail

A lock of your hair or your fingernail clippings

Select a square of fabric (flannel is traditional but any natural fabric will do) in a color that best suits your need for safeguarding.  If you are embracing change but anxious to get it over and done, consider black.  Yellow is a good option if you are in the process of healing and looking for renewal.  White is an all-around protective color; red is the most commonly used color of cloth for this mojo as it increases personal strength and power. 

Place all the items listed in the fabric square while envisioning your anxiety and worry slipping away, replaced by an overall feeling of protection.  Bring the corners of your square together and tie up your mojo tightly with ribbon, thread or string.  Dress your mojo bag frequently with a spot of olive oil or, if you have it available, Van Van oil.

Carry this mojo with you as close to your body as possible.  When you feel overwhelmed, hold it in your hand and let it guide you through your anxiety to a state of calm determination.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Our Lady of the Victory of Malaga by Luis Nino c 1740

Jeudi: Curios

As we’ve discussed before, crystals, gems and metals that are frequently used in all forms of magick would probably be classified under the heading of curios in hoodoo. Many of these items are new to root work, although some use of rocks and minerals has a long-standing tradition in Voudon. Sometimes there is a bit of a cross-over, however, and today’s metal is one of those exceptions.

Copper is a very old metal that has been used in religious and ritual magick for centuries. Copper was sacred to the Queen of Heaven in ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Persian and Arab cultures. Copper objects have been dedicated to all the goddesses of love and battle, Inanna, Astarte, Ishtar and Al-Uzza for instance. This in turn has led to copper’s association with Venus, the Morning Star. Copper talismans were common in Ancient Egypt and usually worn by people who could not purchase gold or silver. Copper was also sacred to the Native cultures of the Pacific Northwest.

As copper is an excellent conductor of energy, it is often used in the making of “magick wands”. These are used by individuals and groups to focus magickal energy.

The use of copper as both healer and protector is also long standing. Indigenous healers in Central and South America use copper, often in the form of old, all-copper pennies, as a conductor for removing physical or psychological illness from a body. This has translated to the New Age habit of wearing copper bracelets or anklets to balance bodily energy. According to Scott Cunningham, these should be worn on the left side by right-hand-dominant people, and vice versa.

Old Indian Head pennies are used in hoodoo for protection. The idea is that the Native American on the copper coin stands as a “watcher” to keep trouble away from a person or place. This usage of a copper penny is thought to be particularly effective for shady or outright illegal businesses. Such pennies are also believed to bring luck and money, particularly if minted in a leap year.
Finally, probably because of its ancient affiliation with Venus, copper is thought to attract love. Scott Cunningham advises that an emerald set in a copper ring is an excellent talisman for improving one’s love life. Bonne chance ~

Header: Babylonian Statue of Ishtar wearing copper jewelry c 1,000 BCE

Jeudi: Root Work

In 1978 James Haskins, a prolific writer, published a book called Voodoo & Hoodoo.  The subtitle is “Their Tradition and Craft as Revealed by Actual Practitioners” and that is exactly what the book is about: memories of voodoo religion and hoodoo practices told to the author by elderly people who knew a thing or two about the “old ways”.  The book covers just about everything imaginable on the subject and is written in a delightful, conversational style that sucks the reader in as thoroughly as a well-paced novel.

Haskins devotes only a couple of pages to the issue of witches and, in particular, “hag riding”.  Even in brief, the discussion is a fascinating take on the ancient archetype of the “wicked witch” which seems to be a curious combination of various cultural beliefs and actual physiological experience.

As Haskins notes, the folklore of hag riding most probably comes from a West African beliefs about the habits of witches.  According to this folklore, witches are said to visit sleeping people, climb up on their chests and suck their life out, either via blood or breath or both.  Another spin is that the hag literally rides the sleeping person’s astral body out to do her mischief, returning them to bed only as the sun rises.  This version has the same effect as the other; a wasting death through exhaustion.

Similar beliefs exist in European and Middle Eastern folklore as well and those who swear to have experienced the phenomena may in fact be responding to a form of night terror known as sleep paralysis.  In this scenario, a person’s brain jolts to consciousness out of sleep a few seconds before their body’s neurological function has time to do the same.  They report feelings of being pinned down, stifled or crushed and being unable to draw in a decent breath.  It is not hard to imagine something, or someone, sitting on your chest or holding you down in such a situation.

Because hag riding was particularly feared among practitioners of hoodoo, several forms of protection were developed to keep witches out of homes and away from those sleeping peacefully therein.  Haskins reports on remedies for hag riding from the first two decades of the 20^th century.   Almost all of these have counterparts in European folklore as well.

Salt should be sprinkled around the home, and particularly in the fireplace.

An individual should carry black pepper or a knife.  Putting matches in one’s hair was another way to ward off hags.

Planting mustard seed near or under the front porch was said to keep both witches and ghosts away.  Mustard or flax seed – sometimes along with a pan of cold water – placed next to the bed was said to work too.

Hags would not touch a sleeping person with a sifter under their pillow.  An alternative kitchen tool for this purpose was a pair of scissors.     

Hanging a horseshoe over the front door was thought to encourage luck and keep both hags and ha’nts (ghosts) away.  The installation of a new roof, window or door was a sure trick against both troubles as was a fresh coat of blue paint.  Specific colors, known as “haint blue” are still favored for painting porches today.

Most of us would not admit to being troubled by hags or ha’nts “now’a days”.  All the same, the old wisdom is usually the best.  Then too, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…

Header: Shutters painted haint blue from an excellent article on the subject here at Curious Expeditions

Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Slippery elm, also known as red or Indian elm, is a species of tree native to most of North America.  Its use in all modern magickal and medicinal practice probably originated with Native American tribes of both the north and south.  The tree, which has a reddish bark and a gooey, sappy interior, has been used for years in preparations to ease upper respiratory congestion.  The bark of the tree is generally the preferred magickal catalyst.

In Pow-wow, slippery elm bark is mixed with gag root and carried to stop gossip.

Wiccans burn the bark as an incense to stop gossip and malicious tales being told about the residents of the home being treated.  Scott Cunningham notes that charms carved from the bark can be worn by children, particularly around the neck, so that they develop a “silver tongue” as they grow to adulthood.

In hoodoo, the dried bark is sprinkled in the corners of a home or workplace to rid the area of evil and put down harmful gossip that may be affecting those who live and/or work on the premises.  A mojo against slander can be made using dried rue, slippery elm bark and a turbo or “cat’s eye” shell.  Carry this with you to keep the jealous tongues of enemies and false friends from wagging.  A third trick for the same issues is to put a pinch of slippery elm bark in each of your shoes.  Bonne chance ~

Header: British poster from World War II via Mid-Century

Jeudi: Curios

In hoodoo, the unspoken mantra is keep it simple.  Since most root workers and hoodoos from the origin of the practice have been enslaved, impoverished and/or “just gettin’ by”, what they might term “fancy” ingredients have come into the lexicon only recently.  Today’s curio is a good example of the wisdom of the mundane made magickal.

Needles are common objects that have been used in hoodoo since before anyone can remember.  They are often referred to in older texts on the subject as “golden eye needles”, probably because those pretty needles with the gold colored tips became affordable during the first part of the 20^th century.  Needles are used in many forms of root work, particularly but not exclusively in jinxing and throwing tricks.

It probably goes without saying that needles are used to carve names and symbols in candles.  This practice, along with dressing the candle with oil, helps to focus the root worker’s attention and ensure a better outcome for the candle burning ritual.

Needles can be used singly or in groups in “doll baby” magick where a doll is used as a representation of an enemy or lost or potential lover.  The needles are used not only to sew up the doll (what in Wicca is often referred to as a “poppet”) but also to spear it in strategic places.  Done correctly, this practice will bring either physical pain to the enemy or heartache and longing to the wished-for lover.

If a root worker is sewing up a mojo bag, they will of course use a needle and hand sewing is always preferred.  The needle can be dressed with a specific oil that goes along with the intended use of the mojo.  In the antebellum South, rumor had it that slaves who were employed as tailors and seamstresses might empower their needles for harm or good, depending on what they were sewing, and for whom.

Small sharp and potentially dangerous items, including needles, are also key ingredients in the protective working known as a witch bottle.  We discussed the making of these very effective personal guardians last March.

Don’t underestimate your needles; they are tools not only for creating beauty but for bringing – and keeping – harmony in your life.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Girl at a Sewing Machine by Edward Hopper c 1921

Jeudi: Curios

The form of green chalcedony commonly called bloodstone, because of the dark red flecks that run through it, has a long history in both common and ritual magick.  It has been used as a Christian symbol, a focus of Templar ritual and a curative.  Since ancient times, the bloodstone has been prized for various uses.

In ancient cultures, bloodstones were thought to quite literally stop bleeding.  Though the Ancient Egyptians used it in rituals for opening locks and bonds, its use by Roman soldiers and gladiators is the most familiar.  Bloodstones were carried by these men to increase their strength and help them to avoid being wounded in the first place.  If they were cut, the warriors would apply their bloodstone directly to the injury in the hope of halting the hemorrhage.  Reliable sources from the era say that this procedure often worked.  As Scott Cunningham notes, though, much of this success was probably due to the coolness of the stones – which were usually large – and the application of direct pressure.

In the Middle Ages, bloodstones were carved as medals with pictures of the crucifixion or the martyrdom of saints.  This gave the stone its alternative name: martyr’s stone.  According to the Inquisition, the Knights Templar had an enormous bloodstone carved with the image of the Devil which figured in their Satanic rituals.  It probably goes without saying that nothing even vaguely resembling this has ever been located.

Meanwhile, further down the class ladder among wise folk and old wives, small bloodstones were carried as pocket pieces or tied onto the body for specific benefit.  Gripping a bloodstone was thought to calm anxiety and promote courage.  Pregnant women tied a bloodstone around their left arm to prevent miscarriage.  When labor was imminent, the stone was moved to the left thigh where it was thought to encourage a quick and easy childbirth.

In the Renaissance era, the bloodstone began to be associated with legal issues and money.  Carrying a bloodstone into court was thought to ensure victory; better results could be achieved if the stone was worn as jewelry set in gold.  This type of personal adornment was also thought to keep a prudent man’s coffers well padded.

This idea trickled down as well.  By the 18^th century, merchants kept a bloodstone in their purse or lock box to promote monetary increase.  In modern times, bloodstones are slipped into purses, wallets and cash registers for the same reason.

In the romantic era, when the high Gothic style of poetry and literature reigned supreme, the bloodstone became popular in jewelry.  At first, it was used as a symbol of mourning but its popularity continued into the Victorian and Edwardian era even after this association appears to have been forgotten.

Header: Bloodstone set in gold c 1865 via Facets of History

Mercredi: The Art of Giving

It happens to be that time of year again.  The one where pretty much all of us, regardless of background, creed or faith, start to think about the giving of gifts.  The problem is that we in the Western world are bombarded by the media blitz of “only the biggest is best”.  If you don’t buy her a diamond, you don’t love her.  Only the largest, most plugged in, most HD-iest TV will do for him.  And as for the kids? iPod, XboX, new phone, laptop…  what is your problem Mom and Dad?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: no.  You have to put a stop to it at some point and yet – despite the withering of our economy here in the U.S. and elsewhere – we still insist on buying, buying, buying.

But that’s not the point of this post.  Everyone needs to do what’s best for them.  I maintain, however, that something handmade tucked into a stocking or waiting on a breakfast plate is one of the kindest things anyone can do for someone they love.  So I’ll kick off the season with a dream mojo.  Easy to make, easy to use, and full of sweet dreams.  Here’s what you’ll need for four bundles:

5 tbsp dried lavender

25 whole cloves

5 tbsp dried rosemary

1 amethyst bead for each mojo

Four fabric squares about 5” x 5”; your choice of color

Ribbon or thread to tie up your bundles in either matching or coordinating color

Take some time away from your worries to concentrate on putting these dream mojos together for family and/or friends.  Light a candle, put some music on, immerse yourself in a dreamy atmosphere so that you can infuse your work with wishes for pleasant, prophetic dreams.

When you’re ready, combine the herbs in a bowl or cup.  If possible, use your fingers for this and concentrate on the magick of sound sleep.

Next, lay out your fabric squares.  I like to use a soft fabric like silk, satin or velvet in dreamy, night time colors like dark blue or violet but white muslin will work perfectly well.  Distribute the herb mixture evenly into the four fabric squares.  Place a little amethyst bead on each of the piles of herbs; this is to keep away nightmares and restlessness.  No semi-precious stones to hand?  No worries; use a pinch of salt or a large seed such as a pumpkin or sunflower seed to do the same job.

Now you are ready to tie up the bundles with your ribbon or thread.  Remember to use three knots for each before finishing with a bow if you like.  Don’t forget to continue to focus throughout the process.

Give these right away or tuck them into a safe, quiet place for presentation at your holiday celebration with instructions for them to be placed under the receiver’s pillow at bedtime.  And please don’t forget to make one for yourself; you deserve beautiful dreams, too.  A votre santé ~

Header: Dante’s Dream by Dante Gabriel Rossetti c 1871