Hoodoo is a form of folk magic created from the beliefs and customs of American African slaves. Hoodoo also incorporates beliefs and customs from Native American, Christian, Jewish, and Celtic folklore. The word is derived from the Ewe word Hudu. Some synonyms are: conjure, witchcraft, or rootwork.

Mojo, also called: mojo bag, mojo hand, conjure bag, trick bag, lucky hand, root bag, toby, jomo, or gris-gris bag is a hoodoo amulet. The word mojo comes from the African word mojuba meaning a prayer in a bag. A mojo used for divination is called a jack, jack bag, or jack ball. In the Caribbean, a bag is called a wanga or oanga bag, from the African word wanga, which means charm or spell. Once a mojo bag is sealed, it is usually not re-opened whereas a medicine bag or pouch can be opened and items added or removed at any time.

The mojo bag is a portable altar that reminds you of what you are manifesting and keeps you immersed in the energy of the spell. It amplifies your affirmations. The mojo bag can be filled with different items depending on the purpose of the bag: herbs, roots, coins, minerals, lodestones, parts of animals' bodies, bodily fluids, full name, date of birth, personal items (hair, photo, fingernails, body fluids), a petition paper, and various other objects of magical power.

MAKING THE BAG

There are always an odd number of items in the bag (the bag not included in the count) but no more than 13 items. The items should come from at least 3 different elements such as: root, mineral, herb, oil, nut, metal, and personal concerns.

The energy that provides the power to the mojo bag or spell is the intention that goes with the action of creating and maintaining the bag. Each item is talked to as it is placed in the bag. When the bag is filled, it is given the breath of life. This is done by blowing into the bag.

AWAKENING THE BAG

The bag is anointed with oil as a symbol of the bag’s life blood. It is then shaken awake. Also rattles, bells, drums, or verbal declarations can be used to energize the bag. Next the bag is purified and blessed by passing it clockwise through smoke (from smudge stick or incense). Or rootworkers typically use a cigar and shot-gun the smoke into the bag. Tobacco sends the petition directly to the spirit world. The bag can also be heated up (made hot) with alcohol, coffee, or condition oil by spraying the bag with a small amount.

In addition, I create smudge with sage for cleansing & purification and charge with Reiki life force energy.

To seal or not to seal the bag depends on its purpose. Sealing makes it final and if opened, the spell is done or ready to be disposed of. If this is an ongoing spell that will need to be fed you may choose not to seal it. If your bag is already sealed, do not open it. Bags are tied specifically in a traditional way and untying the knots will release its power.

CARE AND FEEDING OF THE BAG

You will need to feed your bag at least once a week. The most common liquids used are alcohol, such as whiskey; a perfume, such as Hoyt's Cologne or Florida Water; bodily fluids, such as spit or urine, or a condition oil. You can also do a mouth spray with alcohol or coffee. When anointing your bag with oil, dab it 5 times, once for each of the 4 directions and once for the center. Talk to you bag aloud and tell it how it has helped you and what you need it to do next.

Other forms of energizing your bag include: laying it in the sunlight and/or moonlight for 24 hours. The time of the full moon is perfect for this, holding a clear crystal pendulum over the bag and passing it slowly in a clockwise circle 9 times, to cleanse, pass the pendulum slowly anti-clockwise 9 times. Also Reiki can be used to energize your bag. If you are not attuned, ask a Reiki practitioner to perform the Reiki for you.

WHERE TO KEEP THE BAG

Mojos either draw something to you or expel things away from you. Mojos are typically carried on the body, close to the skin. Some people carry them in their purse or pocket. You can also put them under your pillow while you sleep. Do no not allow anyone to look at your mojo bag or touch your mojo bag!

Safe travel mojo bags can be placed in your vehicle. Home blessing bags can be kept hidden above the front door. Protection bags can be kept at the 4 corners of a room. Prosperity spells can be kept in the kitchen. Love and fidelity spells can be kept in the bedroom. Cleansing and uncrossing spells can be kept in the bathroom. Protection bags can be buried in the corners of the yard or under the steps of the main entrance. In a new construction site, a bag can be placed where it will remain for as long as the building stands.

If you want to expel things away from you, you can take your bag to a crossroads where the energy will be dispersed by passing traffic. When you are doing a cleansing or uncrossing mojo, natural running water is a place that will cleanse and empower.

DISPOSING OF THE BAG

Mojo bags die. This may be due to the bag being worn, from it being touched, looked upon, not being fed, or the spell is complete. It is important to dispose of your mojo properly. All of the items should be buried upon completion. Bury them at a strong tree if possible. You can also burn the sack or throw it in the garbage far away from your home or work. When you do so, do not look back.