#Rootwork

[thevillain-s]

HOODOO: “If freedom don’t ring, these “roots” gonna sing!!!!”

[covenofvenus]

Easy Homemade Florida Water Recipe No.1 Enchant your herbs using the following tags.

Lavender/Lavanda - for cleansing, protection and peace of home, mind, body and spirit

Orange/Naranja - for spiritual cleansing, to attract good fortune and luck, removal of stagnant energy.

Rosemary/Romero- for cleansing, protection

Cinnamon/Canela - for speed, to attract good luck and fortune

Cloves/Clavo - for domination of adverse conditions, to attract good luck and fortune, to remove negativity and purify spiritual vibrations

Mint/Mentha - for purification of energy, cleansing, protection and the attraction of good luck and fortune

Tangerine/Mandarina - for purification, to attract positive energy, uplift and bring abundance, to clear away negative influences

Lemon/Limon - to purify, cleanse and promote clarity

Mix together in a decent sized bottle, using distilled water and one cup of cheap high proof Vodka or Rum as a preservative, charge on your altar, in the moonlight or using your prayers.

Let sit for a week & Voila!

[hoodooboo]

i cannot stress enough how important a relationship with your ancestors is, especially now.

a white candle, a cup of water and 15 mins is really all you need.

place your white candle and glass of water on your altar. your altar can be anything: the top of a dresser or nightstand, a mantle, a small table, a window sill, anything.

light your candle and call on your ancestors. if you know their names, call them out if you want. or just say “to my ancestors, known and unknown, i welcome you here now. i look forward to getting to know you.”

then take a couple minutes and just listen. you may notice a change in the temperature, or a song stuck in your head. maybe you don’t hear or feel anything at all. that’s okay. it takes time to get to know someone in the physical, so it makes sense that it take some time in the spiritual as well.

spend a couple minutes once a week, talking to and listening for your ancestors. start with 2 minutes, then 5 etc. refresh the water once a week. increase the number of times you’re at your altar slowly. you don’t have to go all out all at once, trust me.

after a while you can start giving different offerings like: coffee, tea, likka, tobacco, dragons blood, food ect. again, don’t go all out all at once.

personally, since i’ve started over, i only give big offerings on first sunday. i make a nice sunday dinner complete with dessert for my ancestors the first sunday of every month. i struggle with my mental health and having low energy and this works for both me and my ancestors. figure out what works for you and yours.

also, remember your ancestors are more understanding than we think. you may think they don’t understand queerness, mental illness, disability etc but i promise you they do. you are not the first and you won’t be the last.

okay, i think that’s it for now. feel free to add to this post some more tips for ancestor work

[spamishmoss]

ADVICE FOR BEGINNER PRACTITIONERS

I'm a generational witch and have worked in the craft for around 10 years, with some experience in conjure. I'd like to disclaim that I am still fairly young - but I feel as though I've gathered a decent well of knowledge. And thus, as I connect with others in this community, I'd like to share it.

1. Know what type of work you're actually doing.

"Witchcraft" is a blanket term often used to describe any type of ritualistic manifestation, however, not all of what you may regard as 'spellwork' is considered to be witchcraft. You see, at their core, any spells, workings, or prayers are examples of folks working with energy to achieve a desired outcome. Many religions that denounce or don't explicitly link themselves to witchcraft manipulate energy in their practices in very similar ways to witches themselves. However, these religions still do not consider what they're doing to BE witchcraft - this could be because of stigma or a variety of different things, but it's usually important to respect this because if you ignore the origins of your work, then you'll miss important cultural context - and the history of any items used or deities called upon DOES affect the results of any ritual significantly. There are also closed practices in which only certain people can work with a type of energy because of heritage, location, age, gender, etc. Participating in closed practices when you are not invited is not only disrespectful, but it can also be extremely dangerous because you can anger the gods of that practice and spirits that have been venerated for thousands of years. This can result in horrible misfortune.

So, to summarize, when you're conducting rituals created by other people or working with gods or spirits venerated by others, it is extremely important to learn the history (mythos, examples of previous use, etc) and cultural background of what it is that you're doing. It may take longer, but your results will be better and you also won't accidentally put yourself in harm's way. This doesn't so much apply to extremely simple things like lighting a white candle to honor a recently passed relative, because it's common knowledge that thousands of cultures around the world have done that for years. But if when researching rituals and whatnot you find something completely unfamiliar to you, do NOT try and work with it until you've looked into it more.

2. People Lie

There is a small number of people who knowingly practice witchcraft or similar works. There is an even smaller percentage of people who tell the truth about their experiences and are skilled enough to make spells work consistently. It is easy to become a 'real' witch, but we are rare in Western society for a variety of reasons - a big one being that it takes lots of time and research. Many people who claim to be psychics or 'witches' are either scam artists, in psychosis, or are too ignorant to realize the errors in their craft that are preventing their spells from working - and they brag about them anyhow as if they do work. It is important to understand that, while you are learning about witchcraft or consuming content related to it, people are going to lie to you. Many people will exaggerate their anecdotes or just makeup stories altogether, either for recognition or to sell a product. On the other hand, witchcraft is WEIRD. Things that shouldn't be possible become more common, and it opens your eyes to the fact that some things just can't be explained with science. In my personal experience, at the beginning of my craft, my spells would manifest slowly as odd coincidences, but now I can control the timing of my work much better, and - since I am more experienced - the results are more effective and shocking than they were five years ago. So, in conclusion, some things that may sound like lies can actually reveal themselves to be true - and the world is actually that much stranger than you thought, while other things that seem fictitious just are. Thus, it's important to ensure you trust any source you may be getting information from - even from me, your dearest Nicasia.

3. Your results aren't going to be consistent at first.

This kind of piggybacks off of the last piece of advice, but when you're a beginner witch without any enchantments already active for whatever reason, it's unlikely that everything you do is going to work - and that is okay. I remember finding this very discouraging when I first started because I thought that if my spells didn't work, it meant that witchcraft itself wasn't real and everything I was doing was stupid. But spellwork is a very old and complicated practice, so when you're a beginner, it can be easy to make mistakes. Like I've said, as I've become more experienced, my spells are more effective. I'd say they work about 85% of the time now as opposed to my former 20, and the sole reason for this is that I'm more knowledgeable. Practice makes perfect, and even the elders can fail sometimes. Spells can fail for a variety of reasons. It can be because of the moon phase, your poor mental health or lack of subconscious belief, unstable energy, previous blocks, etc. Sometimes you can do everything perfectly and your ancestors or spirit guides just won't let something manifest because it's not meant for you - even to the point of your supplies going missing out of the blue. What's important is that you keep trying.

**If you don't have mental health issues, are currently living a privileged lifestyle, or have never been cursed before - this next part likely doesn't apply to you, but certain people will need to do uncrossing or road-opening work to begin spellwork. People can bind your energy, and thus your ability to do witchcraft, and you can even do this to yourself by overthinking too much. Many witches preach beginners learning protection magick first, and I agree that's usually a good idea, but there are cases where you gotta make sure your gates are open before you can receive iykwim.

4. You Don't Need to Spend Money to Have Effective Spells

As with all 'cool people' things, witchcraft is done best when you get creative. In Hoodoo / Conjure, a closed practice of African American folk magic, there's an emphasis on the fact that slave magick was created by those who literally had nothing and just had to learn to work - in secret - with the energy of what they had on hand. It is 1000% doable to do witchcraft without investing in expensive crystals, oils, and herbs. Don't get me wrong, the more you put into your craft the more you can get out - whether it be effort or money, and sometimes expensive supplies are genuinely just better. But if you have a strong intention and know how to call upon the right spirits, you can literally do witchcraft just by thinking. Don't limit yourself by thinking that since you can't afford to buy the angelica root in a spell posted online, you have no chance of doing it successfully. That's when you research substitutions and build upon that ritual to your needs until you finally have your own spells.

5. People are assholes

People suck. When and if you choose to tell people about your craft, you're going to get mixed reactions. Be very careful about who you tell, because witchcraft is very misunderstood and misunderstanding leads to hate and violence. Some people may even respect your work but inform you they don't believe in it: Which is fine, but this may affect your confidence in witchcraft and spells. Thus, sometimes, it's better to keep things to yourself. I'm a very anxious person, and many of my personal friends don't even know I'm a witch for this exact reason. I've found that my craft works better when I don't tell people about it. When I do workings concerning other people, even if they've specifically asked me to do them, I often won't tell them when exactly I conduct their spell. This is because I don't want them overthinking and second-guessing themselves, therefore closing themselves off to receive any new energy.

Opinions and facts matter, remember that. But above all, have confidence in yourself and your craft - and of course, stay safe.

- Nicasia

[propheticeve]

If someone claims to practice Hoodoo but says they don't pray, then they are not truly practicing Hoodoo. Don't let the trend followers on social media make you believe that prayer is bad. Praying as a beggar is bad because it spiritually opens a portal, and begging is a form of low vibrational energy. This low vibrational energy allows spiritual leeches and parasites to attack you, leading to spiritually transmitted demons, psychic attacks, mental episodes, and freak accidents. However, with proper prayer and an understanding of how your words can access different realms, you are truly practicing Hoodoo correctly.

[neworleansvoudou]

February calendar from the Hoodoo Almanac 2025.

[magickmama777]

Witchy tip: Do rituals under the same moon phase that was present the day you were born. You have a special connection with that energy.

I have found this to be very useful. For some reason folks think you can only harness the most energy from the New and Full moons.

[madamzea]

Hey !!!!!

If you’re a African-American Hoodoo practitioner, please do not get these three books, as they are written by white people who are doing digital blackface.

Hoodoo is a closed African-American spirituality practice that only African-Americans can practice. We do not have a lot of resources or books written by African-Americans so I will try to provide all the books that I use by actual African-Americans.

It’s upsetting that I find a book about Hoodoo thats written by a white person or a non-African-American person. I don’t like that.

Some African American Hoodoo authors I suggest are:

Stephanie Rose Bird

Monique Joiner Siedlak

and Tayannah Lee Mcquillar

[fermentedcherries]

🌙🦋hoodoo inspired witchy moodboard✨🔮

[beawitch4]

[freelyenvolving]

Repost via @hoodoohistorian

[covenofvenus]

🌸The History of the Magic of Spring🌸

Greetings fellow seekers of the arcane,

As the spring season is now upon us, let's delve into all of the mystical tapestries of spring, a season that has long been revered in occult and metaphysical traditions for its potent symbolism, transformative energy, and profound connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

As we explore its numerological significance, associated deities, spirits, colors, and herbs, we shall also draw upon the wisdom of the great Renaissance magician, Cornelius Agrippa, to illuminate its deeper occult meanings.

The Occult and Metaphysical Significance of Spring

Spring is the season of renewal, a time when the Earth awakens from its winter slumber and bursts forth with life. In the grand wheel of the year, spring represents the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess—youth, innocence, and the promise of new beginnings. It is a time of balance, as the vernal equinox marks the moment when day and night are of equal length, symbolizing harmony between light and dark, masculine and feminine, and the seen and unseen worlds.

Metaphysically, spring is associated with the element of Air, the realm of thought, renewal, change, communication, innovation and inspiration. It is a time to plant seeds—not only in the soil but also in our minds and spirits. The energy of spring is one of expansion, creativity, and the breaking of old patterns to make way for new growth. This season invites us to align ourselves with the rhythms of nature, to shed the stagnation of winter, and to embrace the vitality of life force energy that flows abundantly during this time.

Numerology of Spring

In numerology, spring resonates with the number 3, a sacred number that embodies creativity, manifestation, and the divine trinity. The number 3 is often associated with the Maiden, Mother, and Crone; the past, present, and future; and the mind, body, and spirit. It is a number of synthesis and harmony, reflecting the balance of the equinox and the triadic nature of spring’s energy: growth, renewal, and transformation.

The number 3 also corresponds to the planet Jupiter, which governs expansion, abundance, and optimism—qualities that are deeply aligned with the spirit of spring. In magical workings, the energy of the number 3 can be harnessed to amplify intentions related to creativity, fertility, and new beginnings.

🌸Western, Eastern, South American & Indigenous Deities and Spirits of Spring

Spring is ruled by a pantheon of deities and spirits who embody its themes of rebirth, fertility, and renewal globally & culturally.

African American Traditions and Spring

African American spiritual practices, which often blend African ancestral traditions with Christian, Indigenous, and Caribbean influences, hold spring as a time of profound spiritual significance. The season’s themes of rebirth, resilience, and liberation resonate deeply within African American culture, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of the community. In the tradition of Hoodoo, a African American folk magic system rooted in African spirituality, spring is a powerful time for rituals of renewal, cleansing, and growth. Hoodoo practitioners often perform spring cleaning rituals, both physically and spiritually, to clear away stagnant energy and invite prosperity.

This might involve sweeping the home with herbs like hyssop or basil, or using Florida Water (a traditional cologne with purifying properties) to cleanse the aura. Spring is also a time for planting roots—both literal and metaphorical. In Hoodoo, roots like John the Conqueror and High John the Conqueror are used in spells for strength, courage, and overcoming obstacles. These roots, planted in the fertile soil of spring, symbolize the resilience and determination of the African American spirit.

Spring is also a time for honoring ancestors in African American traditions. Practices such as setting up ancestor altars with fresh flowers, candles, and offerings of food or drink are common. The ancestors are seen as guides and protectors, and their wisdom is sought during this time of renewal. The blooming of flowers and the return of life to the land are reminders of the enduring presence of those who came before us. For many African Americans, gardening is also not just a practical activity but a spiritual one. The act of planting seeds, tending to the soil, and watching life emerge is a powerful metaphor for resilience and growth. This connection to the Earth is deeply rooted in African traditions, where the land is seen as sacred and imbued with spiritual energy. Spring gardening rituals often include prayers or blessings for the seeds, asking for a bountiful harvest and the blessings of the Earth.

African Traditions and Spring

In many African traditions, spring is celebrated as a time of renewal, fertility, and the return of life-giving rains. The Yoruba people of West Africa, for example, sometimes honor Oshun, the goddess of rivers, love, and fertility, who is often associated with the vitality and beauty of spring. Oshun’s energy is invoked during rituals to bring abundance, healing, and joy. Her sacred colors are yellow and gold, and offerings of honey, oranges, and sunflowers are made to her.

In ancient Egyptian cosmology, spring also aligns with the festival of Sham el-Nessim, which marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated with feasts, music, and offerings to the gods. The goddess Isis, who embodies the power of resurrection and renewal, is often honored during this time. Her story of resurrecting Osiris mirrors the themes of death and rebirth that are central to spring.

Indigenous Traditions and Spring

For many Indigenous peoples of the Americas, spring is a time of profound spiritual significance, marked by ceremonies that honor the Earth’s awakening. The Hopi people of the southwestern United States celebrate the Bean Planting Ceremony, a ritual that aligns with the spring equinox and involves prayers for fertility, rain, and a bountiful harvest. The Green Corn Ceremony, practiced by many Indigenous nations, is another springtime ritual that celebrates renewal and purification.

In the Andean traditions of South America, spring is associated with Pachamama, the Earth Mother, who is revered as the source of all life. Offerings of flowers, seeds, and coca leaves are made to her during rituals to ensure her blessings of fertility and abundance. The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, celebrated by the Inca, marks the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (which aligns with the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere) and honors the return of the sun’s life-giving energy.

Latin/Hispanic/South American Traditions and Spring

In Latin America, spring is often celebrated with vibrant festivals that blend Indigenous, African, and Catholic traditions. In Mexico, the arrival of spring is marked by the Festival of Xipe Totec, the Aztec god of renewal and agriculture. Xipe Totec, whose name means “Our Lord the Flayed One,” is associated with the shedding of old skin and the emergence of new life. His rituals involve offerings of seeds and flowers, as well as dances and processions.

In Brazil, the Festival of Iemanjá, the Yoruba-derived goddess of the sea and fertility, is celebrated in February, aligning with the energy of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Offerings of flowers, mirrors, and perfumes are cast into the ocean to honor her and to seek her blessings of abundance and protection.

Asian Traditions and Spring

In many Asian cultures, spring is celebrated as a time of renewal and the blossoming of life. In China, the Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, marks the beginning of the agricultural year and is a time for family reunions, feasts, and rituals to honor ancestors and deities. The goddess Nuwa, who is credited with creating humanity and repairing the heavens, is sometimes invoked during this time for her creative and restorative powers.

In Japan, the arrival of spring is celebrated with Hanami, the viewing of cherry blossoms, which symbolize the fleeting beauty of life and the impermanence of all things. The Shinto goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, who is associated with flowers and volcanic energy, is honored during this time for her connection to the life force and the cycles of nature.

In India, the festival of Holi marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with vibrant colors, music, and dance. Holi honors the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the triumph of good over evil, as well as the renewal of social bonds and the joy of life.

Caribbean Traditions and Spring

In the Caribbean, spring is often celebrated with festivals that blend African, Indigenous, and European influences. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Carnival season, which culminates in February or March, is a time of exuberant celebration, music, and dance. While Carnival does have some Christian roots, its origins can be traced all the way back to African and it's vibrant energy and themes of liberation and renewal align with the spirit of spring.

In some Afro-Caribbean traditions such as Santería and Vodou, spring can be a time to honor deities associated with fertility, growth, and the life force. Oshun (Santería) and Erzulie (Vodou) are both spirits of love, beauty, and abundance who are sometimes celebrated during this season. Offerings of flowers, sweets, and honey can be made to them to invoke their blessings.

Western Traditions and Spring

Persephone (Greek): The goddess of spring and queen of the underworld, Persephone’s return from the realm of Hades marks the arrival of spring. Her story symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.

Eostre/Ostara (Germanic): The namesake of Easter, Eostre is a goddess of dawn, fertility, and the rising sun. She is often depicted with hares and eggs, symbols of fertility and new life.

Flora (Roman): The goddess of flowers and blossoming plants, Flora presides over the beauty and abundance of spring.

Green Man (Celtic): A spirit of nature and vegetation, the Green Man represents the regenerative power of the Earth and the life force that surges through all living things.

Freya (Norse): Though often associated with love and war, Freya also embodies the fertility and vitality of spring.

These deities and spirits remind us of the sacredness of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all life. They invite us to honor the cycles of nature and to celebrate the return of light and warmth.

🌸Colors of Spring

The colors of spring are imbued with magical significance, each carrying its own vibrational energy:

Green: The color of growth, renewal, and the Earth itself. Green is associated with the heart chakra, healing, and abundance.

Yellow: The color of the sun, intellect, and joy. Yellow energizes the mind and inspires creativity.

Pink: The color of love, compassion, and new beginnings. Pink opens the heart to self-love and emotional healing.

Pastels: Soft hues of lavender, mint, and peach carry gentle, nurturing energies that support spiritual growth and inner peace.

These colors can be incorporated into rituals, altars, and clothing to align with the energy of spring and to invoke its blessings.

🌸Herbs of Spring

The herbs of spring are potent allies in magical workings, each carrying the essence of the season’s vitality:

Dandelion: A symbol of resilience and transformation, dandelion is used in spells for wishes, divination, and spiritual growth.

Nettle: A herb of protection and purification, nettle clears stagnant energy and strengthens the body and spirit.

Violet: Associated with love, healing, and intuition, violet is a sacred herb of spring that connects us to the fairy realm.

Lemon Balm: A herb of joy and abundance, lemon balm uplifts the spirit and attracts prosperity.

Elder: A tree of regeneration and protection, elder is sacred to the goddess Freya and is used in rituals of healing and transformation.

These herbs can be used in teas, sachets, or incense to harness the energy of spring and to support magical intentions.

🌸Cornelius Agrippa on the Occult Significance of Spring

Cornelius Agrippa, the renowned Renaissance magician and philosopher, offers profound insights into the occult significance of spring. In his seminal work, Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa describes spring as a time when the celestial influences of the Sun and Jupiter are at their peak, infusing the Earth with life-giving energy. He associates spring with the eastern direction, the element of Air, and the zodiac signs of Aries and Taurus, which govern new beginnings and material abundance.

Agrippa emphasizes the importance of aligning magical practices with the seasons, noting that spring is an auspicious time for rituals of growth, healing, and manifestation. He also highlights the role of the planets in shaping the energy of the season, particularly the influence of Venus, which governs love, beauty, and fertility, and Mars, which brings vitality and courage.

Agrippa’s teachings remind us that spring is not only a time of external renewal but also an opportunity for inner transformation. By attuning ourselves to the rhythms of nature and the celestial forces at play, we can harness the power of spring to manifest our desires and to deepen our connection to the divine.

🌸🌸 Conclusion 🌸🌸

Spring is a season of profound metaphysical significance, a time when the Earth awakens and the veil between worlds grows thin. Its numerological resonance with the number 3 reflects its themes of creativity, balance, and transformation, while its associated deities, spirits, colors, and herbs offer a rich tapestry of magical correspondences.

Drawing upon the wisdom of Cornelius Agrippa, we see that spring is a time to align ourselves with the celestial forces of renewal and to embrace the boundless potential of new beginnings. Additionally, when we are exploring the traditions of African Americans, Africans, Indigenous peoples, Latin America, Asia, the Caribbean and Western Europe, we gain a richer, more intersectional understanding of all of the spring’s magic.

As we walk this path of the arcane, let us always try to honor the sacred energy of spring, planting seeds of intention and nurturing them with love, wisdom, and gratitude.

For in the cycle of the seasons, we find the eternal dance of life, death, and rebirth—a reminder that we, too, are part of the great cosmic web.

Blessed be, dear seekers. May the magic of spring this year always guide you on your journey.

xx

Lyonessa Hart🌸

[thelazyhoodoo]

lazy hoodoo tip: I'm making sweet potatoe pie from the Bress 'n' Nyam cookbook and it calls for cinnamon and nutmeg. Both are good for abundance and prosperity so you might as well add a lil juju and bake with intention.

Also, Bress 'n' Nyam is a dope cookbook to add to your collection. It's full of great Gullah Geechee recipes and I haven't had a recipe miss yet.

[sheydmade]

Home Protection in Folk Magic: Charms, Wards, & Work to Magically Protect One's Home

by Keziah

As times get harder, many more are turning to magical customs to find security and protection. In my piece Protection Work in Folk Magic: Herbs, Spells, & Charms for Protecting Yourself & Others, I focused on taking magical protection with you wherever you needed it, but there was nothing at all written about the protection of one's home and property. This piece focuses on just that, including accessible and affordable (even free) means of magical protection that any practitioner (from beginner to a true veteran) can utilize.

Evil spirits, malicious magic, unwanted company, and even the presence of law and immigration enforcement — magical protection of the home is incredibly versatile and accessible. Now more than ever, we're in need of as much help as we can get, so I hope that there's something in this piece that can bring you and yours even the slightest peace of mind.

Note: This piece focuses largely on the folk magic with which I am most familiar with. I'm from the Southern US and have studied folk traditions within the South, Appalachia, Britain, and Europe. You'll see some overlap amongst these customs, as many Southern traditions were birthed from British practices. There is also a sprinkling of Jewish custom mentioned within this piece, as I happen to be a Jewish person. I write that which I'm familiar with, and, as a Southern of mixed race (Black and white) who happens to be Jewish, this is the world of folk magic I felt comfortable writing about. While this piece is meant as an exploration and resource, please be respectful of the sources of these magical works. If that particular work is not relevant to you based on your practice or if it belongs to a closed tradition (such as a Jewish custom or a practice found within certain schools of hoodoo), please respect that and see the alternative recommendations.

Against Spirits & Evil

Southern Folk Prayers:

In Southern folk customs, prayers and Bible verses are abundant in magical workings, especially when it comes to protection work. One custom calls for the recitation of prayers/verses to rid one's home of an unwanted spirit.

What you'll do:

Open all the doors and windows in your home, ensuring the spirit has plenty of options of places to leave through.

Starting at the back of the house (and from the uppermost level if you live in a multi-story home), work your way from the back of the house toward the front (do this on each level if applicable).

Whilst walking, recite a prayer or Bible verse used to ward off spirits. Where I'm from, the Our Father/the Lord's Prayer is most commonly used, and, as I recently learned after spotting it in 'Doctoring the Devil', Psalm 31:15-17 can also be used. As a Jewish practitioner of magic in the South, I've opted for Psalm 91, which has been known to be used against spirits.

Our Father/the Lord's Prayer —

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven; Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 31:15-17 —

My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.

*Alternatively, one can simply chant or recite that last line — and let them be silent in the grave — whilst performing this work.

Psalm 91 —

1 He who dwells in the covert of the Most High will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I shall say that Adonai is my shelter and my fortress, my g-d in whom I trust. 3 For Adonai will save you from the snare that traps from the devastating pestilence. 4 With (his/her/their) wing (he/she/they) will cover you, and under (his/their/her) wings you will take refuge; (his/her/their) truth is a comforting shield. 5 You shall not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day; 6 Pestilence that prowls in darkness nor destruction that ravages at noon. 7 A thousand will be stationed at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not approach you. 8 You will but gaze with your eyes and see the annihilation of the wicked. 9 For when you said, 'the Lord is my refuge,' you made the Most High your dwelling. 10 No harm shall befall you, nor shall plague draw near your tent. 11 For Adonai will command angels on your behalf to guard you always. 12 On your hands they will bear you, lest your foot stumble on a stone. 13 On a lion and a cobra you will tread, trampling the lion and the serpent. 14 For he yearns for Me and I shall answer him; I shall fortify him, for he knows My name. 15 He will call Me and I shall answer him; I am with him in distress; I shall rescue him and I shall honor him. 16 With length of days I shall satiate him, and I shall show him My salvation.

Crib & Nursery Protection:

As children are, in many traditions, seen as being more susceptible to the influence of spirits, many magical traditions have special protective customs aimed specifically at the young ones. One such protective custom comes from Southern Appalachia.

What you'll need:

Iron nails

What to do:

Drive an iron nail into the bottom of the foot of a crib or into a crib post. Alternatively, iron nails can be driven into the corners of the door and window frames. This is believed to protect the child(ren) from spirits of all ilk, not only ghosts.

For those who favor plants over nails, there's an alternative method of nursery protection —

What you'll need: (any combination of the following herbs)

Chamomile

Yarrow

Basil

St. John's Wart

What you'll do:

Hang a bunch of chamomile, yarrow, and lavender from the doorpost or at the window in the nursery. Plants can be dried or fresh. All three are believed to have protective powers and to also bring peace to an area.

Basil can be used in any room (hanging from windows and doors) to keep spirits away.

Salt the Doors, Sweep the Floors:

From Southern conjure to Jewish folk magic, salt being used as a means of protection across countless traditions and magical paths.

What you'll need:

Salt

Water (optional)

What you'll do:

Where to place the salt and how to use it varies from traditions to traditions.

In Jewish custom, salt is lined at the doors of the home, a protective barrier against evil. The salt can also be kept in clothes, closets, under beds, etc. as a means of a magical protection. This practice is also found in Southern folk magic in the US, in British folk magic, and in European folk magic.

In the Southern US, salt is a common ingredient in sweeps — a method of magical cleansing that can be used to bring protection, luck, financial stability, and such. Salt, used with other ingredients (these vary depending on the purpose of one's sweep), is scattered across the floors of the home (working from the back of the house toward the front, from the top of the house toward the bottom) and then swept from the home (again, in that same pattern of back to front, top to bottom). For protection work, you'll find that salt is commonly used alongside rosemary, basil, cinnamon, cloves, and high john the conqueror.

Another custom that can also be found in some forms of European folk magic and Jewish folk practice is the use of saltwater instead of just salt. The saltwater is sprinkled at the threshold of the home, or sprayed upon the doors and windows.

Haint Blue:

'A small white house with a blue door' (via Oleksii Piekhov)

In the Southern United States, one custom of home protection comes in the form of a hue of a paint. Haint blue doors, porch floors, or porch ceilings are used to ward off spirits. The blue color is believed to confuse the spirits, who mistake it for water, as it's a common belief in the South that spirits can't cross moving water. My own door is painted a lovely haint blue and I can't praise its effectiveness enough.

Bells:

In many folk traditions, it's believed that bells warn of the presence of evil and that their ringing or chiming wards off evil spirits and entities of all kinds.

What you'll need:

Bells (these can be of any size, can be small bells tied to a cord or kept in a bag, can be bells on a wind chime, can be a single bell)

Cord, string, or twine (optional)

A small bag (optional)

What to do:

Hang bells on or near your front door. They'll ring when evil is near your home, warning you of its presence. Their singing will also work to ward off evil.

The bells can be little jingle bells on a string or in a small bag. You can tie your bells to yarn and hang the strand beside the door. I keep mine on my doorknob. You can also mount just one bell beside your door. This is a very versatile method of magical protection, so change it however you like to fit your needs and style.

Garlic Charms:

Garlic is a go-to tool for protection in many magical practices, and in Cornish cunning ways garlic can be used to protect one 'against the influence of people and spirits with vampiric and envious tendencies.' -Gemma Gary, folk-magical practitioner and author, in her work 'Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways'

What you'll need:

Whole garlic bulbs

Red ribbons

(optional) Bells

What to do:

Whole garlic bulbs should be tied with red ribbons and hung on, above, or beside doorframes and/or window frames.

Bells can also be added to this charm for extra oomph.

Hagstone Charms:

Hagstones, also called adder stones, serpent’s eggs, fairy stones, and witch stones, are stones which bear a naturally occurring hole caused by erosion or some other natural event. Hagstones have been used as protective amulets for long while in traditional folk magic of Britain. Hagstones can be used to protect from a number of things - general protection overall, as well as protection from spirits of various ilk, protection from harm on the sea, protection of livestock and farmlands, protection from nightmares, and more. Here, we'll look at how to use them to protect one's home.

What you’ll need:

Hagstone (one or more)

Thread, cord, or twine.

What to do:

Pass your thread, cord, or twine through the hole of the hagstone. You can knot the thread beforehand for added protection as a form of knot magic. Knots are believed to strengthen protective work, as they can confuse or distract spirits.

You can add as many hagstones as you like. One is plenty, but I’ve seen charms with as many as nine stones.

Hang your hagstone charm within your home or on your porch to protect the space from spirits and evil. One of mine hangs from a nail in my doorframe at the front of my home.

Against Law Enforcement

Dirt Dust:

This is a regional variation of a work used in the Southern US known throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virgina.

What you'll need:

Dirt from near a police station Use any combination of the following ingredients along with the police station dirt —

Black pepper

Black mustard seeds

Brick dust

Coal dust

Dirt from an anthill

Dirt from a church yard (can be used in any work to ward off or get rid of unwanted persons)

Dirt from a graveyard

Red pepper flakes

Salt

Seeds of caraway

Seeds of lemon

Seeds of pawpaw

What you'll do:

To help keep police away from your home, mix the dirt, black pepper, and mustard seeds together. Dust the threshold of your home with it and sprinkle it at the outer corners of your home.

Some customs call for the recitation of Bible verses (welcome to the South, y'all; there are Bible verses in basically every kind of magic down here) whilst sprinkling this mixture. If that's up your alley, here are some verses that can be used for various purposes —

-Psalm 35:1 (for protection against any law enforcement)

Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.

-Psalm 35:4-6 (for protection against any law and immigration enforcement)

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.

-Psalm 44:7 (for protection against police, immigration enforcement, and those who would bring such trouble down on your home):

But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

Sator Squares:

As featured in my piece Protection Work in Folk Magic: Herbs, Spells, & Charms for Protecting Yourself & Others, the Sator Square/Rotas Square is a versatile protective tool that can be used to many ends, including to keep unwanted people away from your home (and, yes, we're going to use it here to keep away immigration or law officers).

The Sator Square / Rotas-Sator Square is a palindromic word square used as a magical charm or amulet. It’s been around for quite some time (with the oldest known square possibly being from as early as AD 50) and has been found to have been used historically throughout Europe, Africa, Asia Minor, and the Americas. As to its origins and intended purpose, no one knows for sure, but the Sator Square has come to have a number of magical uses, including as a tool for curing ailments, aiding in childbirth, putting out fires, and, in fitting with the theme of this piece, in protection magic.

Medieval Sator Square etched into a wall; Oppède-le-Vieux, France.

There are many variations of Sator Squares / Rotas-Sator Squares, but the most common forms consist of five rows of five words, each with five letters, arranged in a 5x5 grid. The Rotas-Sator Square (in which rotas is the word listed first, pictured below on the left) was the more common in pre-medieval use, but the Sator Square (in which sator is listed first, pictured below on the right) became far more prevalently used than the Rotas-Sator variation at some point in medieval Europe.

Rotas-Sator Square (left) and Sator Square (right).

In Appalachian and some Southern folk practices within the United States, one can use a Sator Square for protection. To do so for one's home simply write the square onto a paper or cloth or carve the square into wood/etch it into clay and mount the square somewhere within the home — above the mantle, near the front door, above a window. It's said to repel unwanted company of all sorts, as well as offer various protections.

Corncob Charm:

In Kentucky and Tennessee (and perhaps other regions of the US), it's said that one can use dried corn cobs to deter police from coming onto one's property.

What you'll need:

A dried corncob

Nail (if hanging)

Yarn/string (if hanging, preferably red or black)

What to do:

One can either hand a dried corncob (usually from a string, which is sometimes braided) on their doorpost or one can bury a dried corncob at each of the four corners of their home.

Penny Charm:

Penny charms to discourage the attention or presence of law enforcement aren't at all uncommon in the South.

What you'll need:

4 or 9 pennies (some customs specify 'Indian Head Pennies') / (different customs call for different amounts; see below for more information)

What you'll do:

Some variations of this charm call for placing the pennies in a row underneath your doormat. Some call for nailing or gluing the pennies above your front door. Some call for burying the pennies at the property of your boundary or at the front gate.

As to whether one should use 4 or 9 pennies, it depends. Where I'm from, I'd always been told that 9 were used, but in some other Southern regions, the custom is 4 pennies, and in Jake Richards' 'Doctoring the Devil' it's specified that 4 pennies are used unless the house in question is home to illegal undertakings or business, in which case, 9 pennies are preferred.

There has also been a shift as to whether it's necessary to acquire Indian Head Cents or not. Traditionally, the Indian Head Cent was used (at least in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia), but I've seen this work done with regular pennies as well. Nowadays, the Indian Head Cent is harder to come by and buying them just for this work can cost quite a lot. If it's more accessible for one to use regular pennies, then know that you're not the first and won't be the last to do so.

Against Intruders

Garlic:

Yes, garlic has made a second appearance! What can I say? She's a powerful little ally.

Garlic is used for protection across countless countries and customs. This particular method of protection against intruders and unwanted company can be found in English folk traditions, various forms of folk magic in the Southern United States, Jewish folk magic, and several branches of European folk practices.

What you'll need:

Garlic strands, bulbs, or braids (dried or fresh)

What you'll do:

Hang garlic at your door. This can be outside of your home or inside and is usually done from the woodwork around the door but can also be done near the door or on a porch rail. In some English variations, the garlic is hung from the mantle or above the fireplace or near a kitchen window.

'A bunch of garlic hanging from a ceiling.' (via Orestis Christodoulou); 'A pile of dried grass.' (via Maxim Tolchinskiy)

Dust & Dirt:

In Louisiana's branch of conjure and hoodoo, it's said that one can keep intruders away from their property with simple methods and few ingredients.

What you'll need:

Goofer dust (also called gopher dust/gopher's dust/goofer's dust) *there are various ways of making goofer dust and it depends on where you source yours as to what exactly it will consist of

Alternatively, if you cannot acquire goofer dust, one can use graveyard dirt on its own or combined with any of the following ingredients —

Ash

Salt

Coal dust

Iron shavings/iron dust

Brick dust

Eggshell powder

What you'll do:

Simply spread the dust either around the boundaries of your property or (if you haven't the ingredients to spare or would like to limit how much you're putting out due to the presence of animals or wildlife you don't wish to expose to any of the ingredients) at the boundary of your gate, your doors, or your porch.

Against Witchcraft

Horseshoe Charm:

What you'll need:

A horseshoe (used)

Tinfoil (optional)

Nails

What you'll do:

Hanging a horseshoe over the front door or the main entrance to one's home is believed to both secure luck within the household and protect against malicious magic sent to the home or to any member of the household. Iron horseshoes are believed to work best, and some practices within Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia also call for wrapping or dressing the horseshoe in tinfoil before hanging it about the door.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

'Backwoods Witchcraft: Conjure & Folk Magic from Appalachia' - Richards, Jake

’Conjure/Doctors: An Exploration of a Black Discourse in America, Antebellum to 1940’ by Brown, David H.

’Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs’ -Cunningham, Scott

'Divination, Magic, & Healing: the Book of Jewish Folklor' - Isaacs, Ronald H.

'Doctoring the Devil: Notebooks of an Appalachian Conjure Man' - Richards, Jake

Jewish Magic and Superstition: A Study in Folk Religion’ - Trachtenberg, Joshua

'Lowcountry Voodoo A-to-Z' - Marsh, Carole

'the Master Book of Herbalism’- Beyerl, Paul

’On the Origin of the Rotas Sator Square’ - Fishwick, Duncan

'Silent as the Trees: Devonshire Witchcraft, Folklore, & Magic' - Gary, Gemma

'Southern Cunning: Folkloric Witchcraft in the American South' - Oberon, Aaron

'Sticks, Stones, Roots, & Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo, & Conjuring with Herbs' - Bird, Stephanie Rose

’the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook’ -Alvarado, Denise

'Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways' - Gary, Gemma

[propheticeve]