Perhaps
the best known item in Hoodoo or Southern folk magic, is a mojo. It's
a magic charm carried to bring luck, money, love, protection... just
about anything you'd like! The origin of the practice is definitely
African but the origin of the term is disputed. Possible sources
include the Gulluh word 'moco', ('witchcraft'), the Fluca 'moc'o',
('medicine man') or West African 'mojuba', ('I salute you'). Put
together by a root doctor or conjurer, the charm is also known as a
'mojo hand', 'conjure bag' or 'gris-gris' bag.
What
makes a mojo so powerful that it has become the stuff of legend? What
differentiates it from other talismans? A mojo is 'alive' with
spirit. The spirit of the contents, of the maker and of the carrier
all combine in it and the bag is representative of an ongoing,
reciprocal relationship between the three. It is animated when
created, (for example, when including a John the Conqueror root the
spirit of John, a historically based figure in African American
folklore, is 'awakened' by holding the root and calling 'High John,
John the Conqueror', three times). After it's s made, it 's
periodically re-animated by the possessor with oils or other
substances.
What
a mojo consists of depends on the desired result but there are some
common denominators. Traditionally it contains an odd number of
items, (at least three, usually one animal, one mineral, one herbal).
Roots, herbs, stones, flowers, bones, feathers, talismans and prayers
are all common ingredients. Petitions and prayers are spoken over it
and often added to it, (pieces of paper with words, names, psalms
etc). The recipient adds his or her personal items to it as well.
The
mojo is then 'fixed' by passing it through incense smoke, over flame
or sprinkled with salt water. Next, the intent of the charm is
petitioned for by reciting psalms, scripture and by breathing onto
it. It is then 'dressed', usually with conjure oil but sometimes
with whiskey or other alcohol or even perfume. This 'feeds' the roots
and is the final step in bringing the mojo to life. This action,
along with petitions and prayers, is repeated periodically throughout
the time the owner possesses the it.
Mojos
are most often worn on the person or in a purse, though house mojos
are sometimes made, however. In either case, it is traditionally kept
out of sight. This is because it is believed that if someone sees or
definitely if someone touches your mojo it loses all or some of it's
power.
Examples
of basic mojo ingredients:
Marie
Laveau's Money Charm: Pyrite, Rabbits Foot, Magnet
Love:
Rose, Lavender, Magnets, 2 Sea Shells, Name Paper
Luck:
Southern John Root, Five Finger Grass, Rabbit's Foot
Protection:
John the Conqueror Root, Hyssop, Hematite, Feathers, Psalm Paper
