St. Michael the Archangel

He "Who is like G'd"

Though technically speaking Archangel Michael is not a Saint, sometimes this entity is venerated as one. In Hoodoo, he is petitioned to protect and shield from abusive people, harmful magick and demons, and their snares and trickery. In Santeria and sometimes ( by certain practitioners ) in New Orleans vodoun he is syncretized with Ogun, and sometimes with Legba as well.

The day of the weak associated with St. Michael is Sunday, so it’s clear that his planetary rulership is over the Sun. The Hebrew name translates to “brilliant one” or “one who is brilliant” and the Archangel plays important role in Abrahamic religions and Kabala , otherwise ( in other systems, such as Higher magick ) he is “imported” from those religions. His metals are gold and brass, and herbs and resins associated with this spirit are many, among commonly  mentioned Angelica, include  Orange, Bay laurel, Benzoin, Ambergris, Cinnamon and Frankincense. It is said that the results of working with St. Michael are seen in seven days after the petitioning him.

Iconography and depiction of St. Michael is rather uniform really, he is depicted as mighty warrior with the flaming sword,  as his feature, sometimes also holding the scales to weigh the souls of the deceased. In Catholic and Orthodox Christian Iconography St.Michael is often depicted defeating the Adversary, trampling the Wicked One ( a nice example is “Archangel Michael” by Guido Reni’s ) or slaying the dragon.

Here is St. Michaels signature that can be inscribed on candles or petitioner paper ( candle colors are red or white )

We can find countless invocations, and compelling words of power,  relying on this spirit's power and authority,  in many Western Higher magick text s. 

Generally, in magick ,  this spirit is seen as a “blockbuster spirit” , spirit that clears away evil spirits, demons in particular, and undoes their evil. Therefore, it should not surprise that St.Michael is petitioned in hex removal spells, uncrossing and reversal magickal  work, and here are few examples :

Uncrossing spell

It is believed that if the crossing or hex is very powerful, old or personal concerns had been  used to cast the  negative spell, and/or the originator is not known, or the crossing comes from wicked spirits, and common uncrossing procedures give no satisfactory results, St. Michael is to be called upon

Red candle is lit, in front of the St.Michaels image , dressed with any suitable oil ( Run D Run, St. Michael’s oil, Reversing oil, Uncrossing oil, Jinx killer oil ) and a petitioner paper is placed bellow the candle. The petitioner prays to St, Michael for liberation from evil that has befallen on them ( or their client ) after what a purification bath, with the addition of the same oil ( used in ritual ) is suggested.

Judika Illes suggested blending Frankincense, Myrrh and Salt in Almond oil as base, as suitable oil for such work.

Reversing and protection spells

St.Michael is also called upon, when returning the evil spells to their originator, and a very popular ( and very powerful ) method calls for writing Your enemy ‘s name ( or just "enemy", if  the name is  unknown ) on a piece of papper, placing   the paper in the  glass  , sprinkling it  with sea salt and pouring ( spring or Holy ) water over it. The saucer is than placed over the glass and the glass is swiftly overturned, so that it rests on saucer, without any water  being spilt , I n the process, and should some water escape, the ritual act is repeated. Then, a white candle is turned upside down, so that one could pick out the wick from the bottom of the candle, now becoming the top. Candle is divided into nine partitions ( in some version into nine small candles ) , and burned atop the glass for nine ( in some version seven days ) while praying that the evil spells are returned to the originator. I like to use St. Michael prayer by Pope Leo XIII in any apotropaic or protective magick work with Archangel Michael ( even though I’m an Orthodo x Christian ) , whether in Latin or other language . The English version is this:

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen

There is a nifty protection spell I was taught to use employing the mentioned prayer,  and the Psalm 91^st ;

Light a Novena candle to St. Michael the Archangel or white or red offertory candle fixed with St.Michael’s oil. Read the Psalm 91^st and then the prayer given above and it is believed that as long as the candle burns, You will be safe from all ills.

Holy cards or St. Michael medallions are common ingredients in protection mojo’s and New Orleans Home Protection “packets” alongside protective herbs and salt. St. Michales holy card or printed images are often used in creating protective “amparos” a type of amulets used frequently in Latin America or Spain[1]

St. Michael image is believed to be a powerful ward on itself, and is often found on Hoodoo altars dedicated to more "dangerous" spirits, such as Santissima Muerte, to ensure that they "behave". Other than being a block buster spirit, St. Michael is also seen as an psychopomp.

St. Michael the Archangel’s oil

This is my personal formula I’d like to share with my readers, based upon cross-reference on various herbal correspondences given for this Archangel, as well as resin, and essential oil’s correspondences and my personal inclination towards certain of the ingredients

This oil formula ( among many others ) will be available in my upcoming document that I will post on my Scribd page, so check often ; )

· Frankincense resin

· Dragon’s blood resin

· Myrrh resin

· Angelica root

· Bay Laurel leafs or essential oil

· Cinnamon powder or essential oil

· Salt

Mind that cinnamon essential oil can act as skin irritant , so if using use a in a pinch, sort of say. All in base of either Almond or Ambergris oil.

Expressing gratitude

Though in Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, there are no suggestions for a tribute, in Hoodoo it’s customary to “pay” a spirit after they have helped, and I myself find such practice reasonable, very respectful and very beneficial. A candle lit, or a contribution to loccal police or comunity watch shall do, among other. It does seem like least we could do, right :D

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it, elsewhere provide credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post. [1] to learn how to make St. Michaels amparo visit this brilliant video by Devi sprig www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAAsVF-rZeY The first image show Catholic holy card depiction of St.Michael and is from www.luckymojo.com , page/entry about St. Michael ( lucky mojo amulet’s archive, St.Michael Archangel ) respectfully. The second image is edited by myself and shows Michael's Angelic signature

Have a brilliant day and may the Lord bless You !
Shade :)

Hoodoo Herbalism Wood Betony

Wood Betony or Bishopwort is a common, yet neglected magickal plant. While “imported” in Hoodoo Herbalism from European, American people did use plant Pedicularis canadiensis as Wood Betony, prior to the introduction of the aforementioned. In this article I will be speaking of Stachys officinalis, and while some authorities will claim they are used interchangeably, and that such practice is justified I beg the difference, well regarding the justification of equal use of plant. They are not even botanically related, let alone magickaly, well according to my knowledge that is, and I will elaborate on that later in the article.

Bishopwort or Lousewort is very common in Europe, where it’s native ( occurs naturally in some parts of Asia and in Northern Africas ) and it’s easy to distinguish, even to those without proper botanical taxonomy, morphology and systematic knowledge.

It can grow up to , about 60cm ( sometimes slightly more ) , and it can be recognized by purple inflorescence ( S. officinalis and S. betionica ) . Flowers have 5 teeth calyx and a corolla with anthers that stick straight out, making a positive taxonomic marker for Lamiace family. Being a skyophyte, it like’s grasslands and open wood, or meadows. In magick we use the two mentioned species S. officinalis and S.betonica. A species S.subernata is quite resembling, but yellow color of the flowers helps differentiate it, as they tend to occur together sometimes.

Use in European based magick


Old Roman entries are consistent with later European ( mostly British, Wells and German sources ) that prescribe the plant against sorcery and ghosts. It’s a typical plant to be used in Beltaine and Midsummer bonfires, and is found in various purification and protection mixtures. It’s often grown or sprinkled nearside homes to provide a sort of “protective barrier through which no evil can enter” [1] as a late occult herbalist stated. My experience taught me that it has brilliant evil repelling, banishing and vanquishing properties, hence it’s a ingredient in a potion recipe against evil spirits that I composed, and that calls for combining :

• St John’s wort
• Wood Betony
• Blackberry leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Basil
• Salt and
• Pepper

Europeans make similar mixtures with Wood Betony to treat notorious “Elf’s shoot” a mysterious condition belived to be caused by Elven arrows. Depending on sources recipes differ, some containing only the key ingredient, being Lousewort, while other common ingredients include Garlic, St John’s wort and Nettle.
It’s still common to found in some churchyards, to calm or banish the angry ghosts.
Anglo Saxon works on Herbalism suggest placing it bellow pillow, around neck or the juice of the plant ingested prior to going to bed to “prevent dreaming” and “nightly visions” and some modern authors assure us that it protects body and soul during astral journeys.

Hoodoo uses of Wood Betony

As I stated before, Hoodoo people use also “another” Wood Betony ( Pendicularia canadiensis ) but they use it interchangevly with Wood betony ( S. officinalis ) mostly to shield from spirits and diseases, and can be found in some “Reversing” incense recipe alongside Agrimony. Here is my personal formula of such incense “genre” :

• Wood Betony
• Agrimony
• Hyssop
• Patchouli Leaves ( optional )

It’s used in a bath to undo witches curses and to protect from same, along with 8 other herb , according to Miss Catherine Yronwode ( among other ingredients Wood Betony, Whitw clover, Nettles etc )[2]

I myself find it useful in countering unnatural diseases ( brought by magickal work ) and in a form of oil such as my formula I like to call “Vigoro oil”
• Wood Betony
• Self Heal
• Boneset
• Samson snake root
• Camphor essential oil
All to base oil or Almond or Olive, with a vit E capsule.

NOTES: This article was composed and writteb by me, therfore should YOu desire to use it elswhere, feel free, just add the credits Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com or give a direct link to this post
CREDITS: While no consulted literature or sources were quoted, I do want to note sources ofr specific information, as indexed in the text
[1] Cunnungham Scott, "Encyclopedia of magick herbs", entry on "Betony, Wood"
[2] "Hoodoo herb and root magick" Catherine Yronwode

Clairvoyance and seeing spirits

Please, take my sincere appologies for the delay in posting this very post, it was due for 25th or 26th of april. Due to technical troubles I was unable to publish it on time. I hope You will still find the text useful, particularly for Middsummer. Thank You for the understanding, cordially Shadow.





As the Beltaine approaches, and we feel the spirits around us , be them fae, or the souls of dear deceased person, we might wonder how can we see them ? For people with mediumship abilities, it’s easy, they just roam the space with their eyes. Intuitive and open-minded people may also get a glimpse of the spirits, in their peripheral sight, or may dream of them, or even see them when astral projecting.

I wrote on significance and folklore Bletaine and Fairy magick before ( LINK ) and being that on this day the veil between the worlds is thin ( just like on Samhain ) it’s ideal time to converse with spirits or attempt to see them.

Is this advisable to try ? Honestly, it seems mostly subjective. If one feels ready to see specters of Fae ( and / or other nearby lingering spirits ) they should try, well in my humble opinion anyhow. If their aim is right and heart’s are without ill will they might get a glimpse of that often , in jargon, described as “more than meets the eye” , physical one at least  On the other hand, seeing spirits may be a highly traumatic experience, even
If one does not perceive it as such, even remotely, so to sum it up, both the choice and the responsibility are Yours alone

For Your convenience I collected, edited, wrote and presented some formulas to help You in becoming able to see spirits and here I will be discussing them

Folklore belifs and secrets of the cunning folk

According to some occult experts, on Samhaine and Beltane, all You need is to be on a place where spirit/s might appear and to be of an open heart.
You would be surprised how many different kind of spirits may appear near gravesites , especially old ones, and I do not refer only to ghosts of the dead, although on such places they might be most inclusive. Or an isolated clearance in the woods, mushroom rings, or fields with Daffodils or Digitalis flowers, all those are places, upon which not only possibility of encountering fae or ghosts increases, but so does our innate spiritual averseness and even clairvoyance.

Furthermore, time of the day when the spirits become easily visible are “threshold times” such as Twilight ( and no I do not mean the obnoxious and tacky movie trilogy >_< ) and Midnight. Circling three times around a graveyard, according to cunning folk, will significantly increase Your chances of seeing spirits. Should You, carry some Lavender and inhale it’s scent while at it, You are more than likely to see them. There is an interesting claim by famous deceased author Scot Cunningham : “In a wild and lonely place, preferablyby moonlight, hold a holey stone up to one eye. Close the other one and peer through the stone. You may see visions, ghosts, or nonphysical entities” , found in his book about gemstones [1] According to certain Scottish priest, Robert Kirk ( author of the significant and influential text on fae , from 1815th year ) , You need to procure a rope that had been tied around a coffin, and, tie it around Your waist, bend over and look, in-between, or “through” Your legs ( like kids often do ) some funeral procession, and You will ( according to author ) see the fairies. [2]


Herbs, herbalism and potions of spirits

There are many herbs that increase clairvoyance, reveal what is hidden or invisible or attract spirits.

Diferent cultures may have some of the plants related to spirit different, unique to the specific culture and geo-ecological areal.
Anthurimum ( Obake anthurium ) is for example a very strong spirit beacon and is indigenous to Hawaii areas , then there are Indian pipes ( I think they are pretty common in Arizona , USA ), with their perky yellow, slightly eerie flowers, or even the European Datura also known as Angelic Trumpet ( Datura stratimonium ) strongly associated with ghost and even evil spirits, and also very toxic to human and most of animals.

There are also those, cosmopolite or widely available plants, well famed for their powers to connect us to kingdoms of intangible , mystic and realms of mists and shadows.

Carrying a ring made of Rowan branches or Hawtorn ( Cartaegus monogyna, C.officinalis ) twigs, and looking through it on Bletaine ( or Samhain aswell ) should according to herbalists enable one to see fairies and spirits of nature through this unique “looking loop” . If You try this under Moonlight, You have certainly increased Your chances of seeing, what’s hidden from eye.

Cowslip ( Primulla verris ) or as also called Calver’s key reveals that what is hidden and invisible , and is often carried for such purposes.

Eyebright ( Euphrasia officinalis ) and Poppy ( Pappaver communis, P. somniferum ) petals can strongly increase one’s clairvoyance and spirit sight or faery sight as some phrase specific aspects of the same ( clairvoyance ), and are often applied as “eye baths”

There are potions drunk, eye infusions, and special incense/s called suffumigations, that are designed to aid us in seeing spirits or help them materialize. Following are two examples of such, written by myself

Potion of sight

• One part of Lunar slime ( or Lunar water )
• One part of Moonstone essence
• 1/15 – 1/20 part of Dried Mugwort
• Tincture of Opium*

Make strong infusion of Mugwort using, mixture of Moonstone essence and Lunar slime, as a base for decoction ( You can add a Moonstone to a lunar slime when making it and spare Yourself of excess work ). In strained and
Cooled infusion add up to 5 drops ( on a cup ) of Opium tincture. Drink and wash Your eyelids, and brow chakra with potion.
* If You do not know how to create the Tincture of Opium, get if from some occult shop, or learn how to make ( so it’s safe to use , as long as proper dosage is respected ) from a trusted source. If You feel uncomfortable or scared, using the Opium tincture, simply use Poppy petals instead

“Corpora spiriti” incense

This is my personal formula for suffumigation incense, that will act as medium for materialization of the spirit. I chose the seven ingredients ( seven being the number of the spirit ) that are reputed to invoke spirits and help them become visible, perhaps even tangible up to a point.

Combine

• Woods aloe *
• Acacia
• Dittany of Crete
• Small amount ( pinch ) of Saffron
• Some Myrrh resin
• Amaranth flowers or dried Amaranth
• Lavender flowers or few drops of essential oil

*Should You lack Wood’s aloe ( or feel more incliened to ) use Dragon’s blood resin in it’s place
Mix well and create incense, either with saltpeter ( self ignitable ) or as dry mixture . Light, or burn on charcoal to make spirits materialize.


Incense to see spirits of the dead in our dreams

Combine Acacia, Althaea and Star Anise, and burn before going to bed, on altar or besides candle dedicated to the dead, and they should appear in Your dream.

NOTES: This article was written and compounded by myself, therefore should You desire to use it or any part of it elsewhere, You may, as long as You provide the credits, Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com , or of course a direct link to this post.
CREDITS: [1] ( Cunningham’s encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magick. Llwellyn Publications, USA , entry on Holey stones,102nd page )
[2] The information came from Rosemary Ellen Guiley’s “Fairy Magick” 2008th edition book, but the original source is a 1815th year occult work called “Holly community” by Robert Kirk, entry here is paraphrased/edited by myself
The potion and incense recipes are written by myself, and If You want to use it in any media other than online ( and If You do use it online You must give credits ) such as magazine articles or book, e-mail me for approval using above given address.The image shows holey stone and is from http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1094/1215132184_8d8faf1306.jpg, used for illustrative and explanatory purposes here, all credits to the author

Hoodoo Blue ( Laundry bluing, haint blue )

Though to some may appear reminiscent to “Hoodoo blues” and therefore remind of Doctor John, and in general, music genre associated with African American Conjure community, this article will deal with the power of different kind of blues ( as in blue,  the plural form ). The color that comes to my mind, when speaking of Hoodoo, is pale yellow  and brownish pastel color, present so much on roots of all kind and old, parchment paper leafs of Hoodoo recipe books. But on a second thought, there is another color so prominent,  and respected in Hoodoo. This color is blue.

It can be  an  “Angelic influence candle” or a haint blue paint in ( and on lol ) folk’s dwellings, or it’s a blue water colored with Laundry bluing ( laundry blue Reckit’s or Mexican anil balls ) or with Bluestone Cu ( SO4 )2. This nice blue color inspires respect, and instills peace among conjurers and root doctors, as well as among arguing clients, and strikes fear into malevolent. Alongside these, well-known uses, I’ve encountered some of these items in "Bend over" or  other kind of Influence formulas, and  in the  Hyatt’s anthropological works, we encounter usage of bluestone in gambling luck. So let’s go through some of the “sources” of Hoodoo blue ( followed by some exemplary formulas, as I do, after all, tend to write practical articles ) And their uses :


 Laundry Bluing and Bluestone

Laundry bluing and Mexican anil balls, a washing products, composed of Ultramarine ( or more rarely Persian blue ) dye,  and compressed washing soda, entered Hoodoo spiritual works, as a safe substitution for the toxic bluestone,  which was used in apotrophaic and gamble luck spells among Conjure community. Although it’s pretty much safe ( as long as You are careful not to come in direct contact with ) to use Bluestone in mojo’s and gamble luck spells, as well as in making Blue water for placing around, for bathes or any other type of product we plan using on humans, or other living beings, we use laundry bluing or Mexican blue balls. You can encounter names such as "Roman vitriol" and "Blue copperas", and they all refer to copper sulphate  , a crystalline, sulfide salt of Copper acid, a form of fungicide used in agriculture .

WARNING : If You have any doubts of how to properly handle, bluestone, keep in mind that is corrosive and highly toxic, and that If You decide to ignore this warning , for any possible injury, intoxication or otherwise harmful effect on Your body homeostasis I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. You can always use LAUNDRY BLUING ( like Reckit’s crown laundry bluing or Mexican balls ) as magickaly equal substitute.

Spirit repelling blue water

Dissolve some Laundry bluing in metallic pans or glass bowls, or metal bowls, and strategically arrange those in places infested with evil spirits to drive them away, while at the same time  to beacon the kind ( benevolent ) spirits . A florwash made Copper blue, salt and Blessed water can do wonders as well, and will rid the place of evil, where used.

Gambling charm ( mojo bag )

Hyatt’s “Hoodoo – Conjuration – Witchraft – Rootwork “ entry 13000, teaches us to place ( sew together ) 9 silver dimes with a piece of Bluestone in a red flannel mojo, to have success in games of chance and gambling. [1]

Aura of Influence

One spell suggests adding :

• Coriander seeds
• Licorice
• Sweetflag
To a jar or a bottle of Laundry bluing ( meaning either  Reckit's stuff dissolved in water, or the liquid laundry bluing ) and leaving it sit for 7 days, then straining. The liquid is used to wash clothes, and  when  the clothes have dried,  one   is to wear them to inspire respect, and make others agree with him/her, improve leadership qualities , personal power, and boost self-confidence. [2]

It can also be used to dye, one of the components of Peace water, meaning either the oil or water. I’ve heard of folks mixing it with Florida water and using that as Peace water instead.

Haint Blue paint

Haint blue is a pale, celestial-marine , to aquamarine paint/color often seen on porch ceilings, doorways and even inside the Houses all over the world, particularly in Southern States (USA), Indonesia, Haiti, some parts of Africa and Mediterranean. There seems to be a neverending discussion between scholars of all sorts, anthropologists, sociologists and occultists about the origins of the custom of painting walls, ceilings or doorways  with haint blue, to keep evil dead sprits away.
Does it comes from  the Gullah tradition ? Or from the Cherokee beliefs, that every spirit of the deceased ancestors are by nature angry and mischievous. Maybe it comes from old German-Anglo-Saxom customs of warding off similar ( but by no means same ) hag creatures? There are no solid proofs that the belief comes from a single culture-bound system.

In my humble opinion , it might as well be coming from Mediterranean. I live in a Mediterranean country and the common folk belief, if not even a part of culture, here is that angry and mischievous spirits can not cross body of water, let alone sea or ocean water and that they greatly fear pale, aquatic tints and colors. Most likely however seems, that such beliefs are not culture bound at all, furthermore they may be cosmopolite and probably even developed simultaneously In many parts of the world. Because, regardless of the part of the world, haint blue paint has pretty  much the s ame purpose everywhere, to repel evil spirits and negate them entrance to a dwelling of a kind, most often house. In States , and  some other English speaking areas, these spirits are often called “haints” ( aka angry ancestral spirits ) , hence the name. The paint is supposed to confuse the spirits, and make them think it’s either water or the celestial infinities , what  they see in front  of themselves, and haints as earthbound creatures, eager to remain on , our physical plane must by all means avoid those. All sorts of demon, and lower-level malicious spirits, likewise  fear it.

Indigo powder ( or indigotines )

Indigo tint , although not as light and pale as that obtained from Bluestones, has similar properties in magick and can additionally be used to dye oils and other products. You can get pale-er tint, If You use less indigo powder in base. Indigo powder C16H10N2O2 ( though mostly synthetic for those purposes ) , known as indigotine or carmine indigo is what is used to dye texas ( like Denim for example ) pants/jeans. Source of Indigo are plants of Indigofera genus, or less commonly Woad ( Isiatis tinctoria ) or Dyer’s knotweed ( Polygonum tinctorium ). In magick, it founds popular use in Uncrossing baths, and is often suggested by some Conjurers, for such. It is not, however that much present in traditional Hoodoo, were people will   simply go ahead and use Laundry bluing.  Also, alcoholature of the indigotines, malkes a brilliant Saturn related ink and a good addition to bath in small doses. It can also be found in some very old, spirit repelling and vanquishing potions and recipes.

NOTES: This article was written and compounded by myself, therefore If You wish to use it elswehre, feel free, but give credits : Shadow of Shadows magick place, or Shadow-333@hotmail.com Credits [1] from “Hoodoo – Conjuration – Witchraft – Rootwork “ by Harry Middletone Hyatt, entry 13000, paraphrased here Credits [2] Original spell, in slightly different form can be found in "Encyclopedia of 5000 spells “ by Judika Illes The image is taken by me, and shows Crown reckit blue squares and altar candles in pale blue color, all obtained from occult supplier

Many Blessings!

Spring Solar magick ( Energy flow, reenergizing and renewal )

Warm air, moody weather, with interlace of sun and timely , soothing rains, dominant green in nature, scent of blossoms and spring flowers are some of the things we readily associate with, so long awaited spring. The dark part of the year is definitely gone, so is the introspection and anabiosis that normally come with it on spiritual plane. This long period of darkness, and self-battling has more than likely caused mental and physical fatigue in many people, be them spiritually aware or not. Some of the causes are mundane, some spiritual, some both, yet the result is same, weakness when we need the strength. Fear not, this is entirely normal for this time of year, even physiologically. The crafty and cunning folk, as well as those of “ higher “ magickal perspectives, had know that for ages now, they’ve worked up some rather nifty methods of dealing with energy lack.

Wether it’s wearing stones, taking potion or doing some energy channeling/meditation, it’s important to renew oneself after the long winter, so we are ready for the rest of the year and so that we do not miss a thing important, due to meekness of body and our mind.
Christians have a brilliant saying : “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak!” . Sometimes, going outside, enjoying still kind, solar energy and merely smelling the spring can do wonders, itself. But there are folks that are simply not as perceptive, sensitive or are simply too worn out, depressed or otherwise held back as a result of aforementioned self struggle and winter darkness. Such people, or people that happen to be in scuh situation could use some magickal knowledge, and recipes of the wise

Solar magick and correspondences are most proficient for this kind of work as well as power of the Crescent Moon. Mind that the magick I had here in mind is similar, but not the same to Power magick, Spiritual/Occult power magick and even Road opening, yet with significant differences.Therefore in this post we will discuss way of magickal reenergizing, renewal or simply put methods of making the chi flow strong and undisturbed again 
So here are some examples

Heaven and Earth meditation

Drawing energies from both Heaven ( symbolic of spiritual, ascendance, uplifting ) and Earth ( symbolic of grounding, strengthening ) , will not only work as charging from double source, but will bring the so needed balance as well. Perfect timing for such meditation can be midday, eclipse or midnight.
Sit on the ground in comfortable position ( it’s preferable to do this outside, should that be impossible at the moment, next best choice is in a nice room near an open window ).
Raise Your hands above Your head with palms opened, and envision gold rays if light coming down, and being absorbed through Your palms, circulating downwards Your body. Then, envision roots growing from Your feet, deep into Earth, and absorbing the Earth energy in from of green pulsating, powerful light, ascending up the roots and into Your body. See the Energies of Earth and Celestial energies softly intertwine becoming strong white light pulsating through all Your body. Keep that image for few minutes in Your head and You should feel energized and empowered.
This visualization can also come handy as a part of shielding.



Energy potion ( ingestible )

• Warm infusion of small peeled, cubed Ginger rhizome ( ½-1 teaspoon to 2 dl ) in spring water with a pinch of cinnamon
• Juice of one Orange
• Some fresh Mint finely chopped or few drops of Mint juice
• Honey that stood exposed to Sun some for at least and hour after Midday ( noontime ) , as much as You see fitting
• OPTIONAL: Powdered mace in a smallest finest, pinch

Combine all together, stir thoughtfully, bless and strain if needed be, and drink in three portions during the day, or all at once, should You be in serious energy deficiency state.
Another version for those that dislike ginger can be made with simple Echinacea infusion with Cinnamon and Honey, like above.


Spells of renewal and empowerment

Very simple, and very effective. Take Sowilo runic body posture, holding between Your palms, a cleansed, and charged Sun stone or Carnelian or Citrine. Place some Honey on Your tongue ( small amount , best to use Solar charged or Lunar charged honey as described in potion recipe above ) and say some words of power

Light of Heaven , Divine fire

Give me strength

Give me power

This is my desire
!

Hoodoo strength/power drawing spell ,

On a piece of petitioner paper write Your name and cross it seven times with the word power. Fold three times towards Yourself. Place the paper in a small jar, cover it with brown sugar, add some Echinacea root or Master of the Woods powdered if You have, and then place also a fed lodestone in the bottle. Place a with candle on the lid, and light it praying for strength and empowerment.

Strenght and endurance powder

Combine Echinacea root powder with Master of the Woods and High John root powder and lay small amount in Your shoes. Such powder shall prevent tiredness.

NOTE: This article and recipes are written by myself, so If You wish to use any of it elswhere, credeits must be given, Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com . First image is Albert Durer's illustration "The Sun, The Moon and the Basilisk", which is a fragment of an old manuscript kept in British musem, and is used here for illustrative purposes only ( image source www.britishmuseum.org ). The second image shows Sowilo runic body posture and is from www.sunnyway.com I believe ( I recieved this image as a part of personal e-mail correspondence ) and is used here for explanatory purposes only.
The powder recipe, was inspired by entries from "Hoodoo herb and root magick" by Catherine Yronwode

Hoodoo Studious Success ( Pass test spells )

There are many formulas and products in Hoodoo magick designated
To be beneficial to one’s mind, intellect, mental domination, social skills or even psychic powers. In lack of better term, “mind products” are a rich family in Hoodoo. Some of the famous formulas include “King Solomon’s wisdom”, or “Master key”. However these may be considered formulas with profound effect, on mind in more than just cognitive process
And logics. The two examples mentioned foster spiritual and elevated wisdom.

In this post, however I will speak of a slightly different genre of the family. And this is, what I like to call “Pass test” products. These products differ slightly from general “wisdom family” because they focus on shorter terms effects, and other than mind empowering and boosting ingredients, contain also success curios. Simply put, they are meant to do just what the name says, help one be successful in school, and pass tests thanking to both mind power and luck and success powers.

The best day for this type of operations is obviously Wednesday and the most proficient time of the day are hours or Mercury. Patron saints in Catholic Christian fiath, that are commonly associated with students are Thomas Aquinas, St. Albertus Magnus, Catherine of Alexandria and among Orthodox people, one of the patron saints of studnets and schoolchildren is St. Basileus.

The candles we use in such magickal work, should be of yellow or gold color, orange or seven days candles. Spheral and image skull candles are a brilliant choice as well. Purple offertory candles are another great choice. The words such as “pass test” may be inscribed in continuous ascending spiral on the candle.

Herbs associated with wisdom and mind power ( in terms of Hoodoo herbalism ) include, but are not limited on, Mint, Sage, Solomon’s seal root, Smart weed, Sage, Verbena, Peach tree leafs, Camphor, Bay laurel, then Rosemary etc.


I feel silly for having to point this out, but You do actually have to study. Simple “studious success” spells exist in most of the traditions, even folk magick ( see examples later in the text ) , and without further ado, here are some examples


Pass test/exam oil


• Mint leaves
• Solomon seal root
• Peach tree leaves
• Verbena
• Bay Laurel essential oil
• Sage essential oil
• Some Sandalwood or Bergamot essential oil ( optional )

Simple folk spells for exam passing

These spells orriginate from Balkan pennisula folk magick lore, though the one with the book seems to be widespread in Europe

• There is a custom in Balkan peninsula, that when the school kid or a student goes to take an important exam, mother or other dear person is to pour ( spill ) water behind them, as they walk outside the house, minding not to pour water on to the student, but that the water comes close to their ( student’s ) backs, simply put follow, but do not catch 
• Hold a new fresh egg for a few moments, prior to leaving Your yard, and hit it against some large stone. This Balkan simple, traditional folk spell ensures that no ill or misfortune may interfere with You on the day You have important task. Balkan folk commonly say : “Break an egg to outsmart the Wicked”
• Place a book ( textbook, one from which You have been learning ) bellow Your pillow , while asleep. If the material ( book, textbook ) was read ( material/lessons ) learned , then placed bellow the pillow it will assure that all the information bits come together and will strengthen memory, focus and eloquence, preventing confuse or memory flaws. .



Spell to pass test

Needed
- Seven day or large yellow, offertory candle
- Pass test oil
- Mint and Verbena mixed powder
- Incense like, King Solomon’s wisdom, or alike incense
- Petitioner’s paper , with phrase such as “pass exam” written 7 times and crossed 7 times with Your name

Carve “pass test” in continuous ascending spiral, on Your candle, If You are using Offertory candle. If You are using Seven days candle You don’t need to carve anything. Either way, dress a candle with “Pass test/exam oil”, and dust the candle with Mint and Verbena mixed powder.

Inscribe the petitioners paper as suggested and, fold it three times towards Yourself. Then place it underneath the overturned saucer, and on the saucer place the candle.

Light the candle, and light the incense. Fumigate Yourself with the incense briefly, than place it near the candle.
Than Read Psalm 23rd and follow by Your personal petitions to pass the test.

Prayers

Following Orthodox Christian prayers will bring You success, in specific task ( in this case, exam taking and studies ) . Now it is customary in Orthodox Christian practice to “give thanks” with a prayer, upon receiving spiritual help from Divine forces. Therfore many prayers, have two version, one to be prayed, when asking for help, and other giving thanks or expressing gratitude afterwards. The given prayer for successful task is no exception.

Prayers Before Any Task \

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, You have said, "Apart from me You can do nothing." In faith I embrace Your words, Lord, and I entreat Your goodness. Help me to carry out the work I am about to begin, and to bring it to completion. To You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty God, our Help and Refuge, who knows that we can do nothing right without Your guidance and help; direct me by Your wisdom and power, that I may accomplish this task and, whatever I do according to Your divine will, so that it may be beneficial to me and others and to the glory of Your holy Name. Amen.

My Lord and Savior, You became man and labored with Your hands until the time of Your ministry. Bless me as I begin this work. Help me to bring it to completion. Lord, enlighten my mind and strengthen my body, that I may accomplish my task according to Your will. Guide me to bring about works of goodness to Your service and glory. Amen.

Prayer After Any Task
Thank You, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in my work. You are the fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness, that I may praise You always. Amen.

The following prayers should be read or spoken before and after the actual study process, and like previous, have second, “thanksgiving” part


Prayer of a Student

Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen.

Prayers Before Study

Most blessed Lord, send the grace of Your Holy Spirit on me to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study and by it become a better person for Your glory, the comfort of my family and the benefit of Your Church and our Nation. Amen

Christ, the true light, who enlightens and sanctifies every person coming into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine upon me (us) that I (we) may see Your unapproachable light; and guide my (our) steps in the way of Your commandments, through the intercessions of Your all-holy Mother and of all the Saints. Amen.

Prayer After Study

I thank You, Lord our God, that again on this occasion You have opened my eyes to the light of Your wisdom. You have gladdened my heart with the knowledge of truth. I entreat You, Lord, help me always to do Your will. Bless my soul and body, my words and deeds. Enable me to grow in grace, virtue and good habits, that Your name may be glorified, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.


NOTES: The recipe for oil, and spell to past test were written by myself. The folk spells, are as said in text, part of traditional Balkan witchraft, the picture is edited by myself ( Originally trading card of Yu gi oh game, "Brain contol" property Konami ), prayers are from www.orthodoxprayer.org posted here for educational purposes

Many Blessings !

Spiritual baths and bathing

As a dedicated Hoodoo student, one of the first thing’s I had to learn about were spiritual baths. They are a staple, in great majority of treatments a Hoodoo doctor may prescribe. They are also quite popular in New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo, If my observations are correct on it, as well as in work of so called “Spiritual church” , a specific system indigenous to Louisiana, which seems to be a mixture of Hoodoo and NO Voodoo.

It is rather hard to pinpoint the beginnings and origins of practice of spiritual bathing. We can assume that, as fare as concerns Hoodoo, ritual baths come from two main sources. Christian or Judaic ritual bathing, often in body of water, and from African witch doctors cures to foot tracking ( casting a spell, often harmful one, using foot imprints ) which often implied cleansing clients as well as dwellings with water that may have contained herbal material as well, or animal curios.

In my humble opinion, I believe mikveh ( also spelt Mikvah, or Mikve, or Mikva ) or Judaic ritual bath was very influential to Hoodoo bathing practice. Although Hoodoo baths are ( thankfully ) much simpler in terms of creation and use. Mikveh , as ritual bath in Jews, is very simple from point of ingredients. It contains simple water. But the water must of a natural source ( best choice is body of moving water such as river ) like river, lakes or even rain water, hail water or melted snow.
The very intricate practice of mikveh baths, reflects in the complexity of their preparation and applications. Rules referring to collecting and preparing the water for mikveh are extremely precise and leave no place for disobedience or ultimatums of any kind. For example the basin must be of specific dimensions, specific amount of water is used, water is poured in specific way, if got by melting snow, the snow must be melt in a very specific way etc. Everything about making and using these types of baths is ritual, if not ceremonial. The rules describing how to make mikveh, and how, and when to use it, can be found in the Hebrew Bible and in other Hebrew religious text, or literature. There are specific situations after which mikveh should be used, such as menstruation or childbirth in female, or in Orthodox Jews, special mikveh is taken prior entrance to synagogue. It is also suggested that mikveh should be taken after any abnormal emission ( discharge ) of bodily fluids. There is one rule,regarding Mikveh, that is invariable, regardless of the specific Judaic tradition, and it says, that body must be completely immersed, at least once.



Baths can also have initiatory purpose, like baptism in Christians. Spiritual bathing is suggested in many places in Bible, and a well known and fine example is the quote form David’s repent Psalm :”Cleanse me with Hyssop and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow” ( Psalm 57:7 International version ) . This is in the same time a very popular bath taken in Hoodoo for personal cleansing and Uncrossing, or after “doing a job” on someone else.

Except from a tradition/religious perspective, baths also differ in terms of purpose ( banishing or attracting ) and in terms of applications. While most of the baths are taken, by means of filling the tub and emerging the whole body, or pouring baths over our body, some may target specific areas. Here are most common examples

Head washes – baths designed to be applied to head, mostly used when healing the mind, or in uncrossing work, when the crossing targeted one’s thoughts and peace of mind. Also in some traditions ( like Voodoun or Palo ) taking a head wash may be reffered as “feeding the head” and usually has initiatory purpose.

Hand washed – Are baths used mostly by gamblers to wash their hands prior to taking part in games of chance. They are very popular among Hoodoo people. Another reason to take this kind of bath is after dealing ( including handshaking ) with unpleasant or dangerous people, or ( once again ) after doing a job on someone else.
Spiritual workers are known to tale this type of bath after work with “heavy” or disturbed patients.

Feet wash – These type of bathes are not that common in Hoodoo, but among Christian folk these are used in cleansing and soothing, sometimes also prior to entrance to temples. Cunning folk used these baths to “drive out” evil energy through feet of the patient.

Anatomy of a Hoodoo bath

While there are ready, easily obtained Hoodoo baths offered by occult suppliers, many like to make the bathes themselves. It is not that hard at all, but lets first discuss the main types of Hoodoo bathes

• Mineral baths – very popular among Hoodoo practitioners, often very simple made from an odd number of mineral ingredients, sometimes a single one, like household ammonia or laundry bluing. They also often contain salt, or sugar ( for business success, drawing customers or attracting love ) saltpeter and Epsom salts. They may contain and addition of essential oil, but then we would speak of another type, as explained bellow in the text
• Herbal baths – Infusions of herbs and roots. Made by pouring boiling water over herbs and roots and washing Your body with it or adding it to tub water.
• Herbal – mineral, or mineral – herbal baths – are baths containing both herbal and mineral material, like for example some Epsom salts with the addition of Essential oil or specific condition oil, depending on bath’s goal . Spiritual workers I’ve been fortunate to become friends with, always advise that this types of baths should not be merely “scented” Epsom salts, or baking soda, but that they also contain some dried or fresh, chopped up ( not powdered ) herbal material.

The Hoodoo herbal baths most often ( or always according to some schools of thought ) contain odd number of ingredients, and this is how I make them myself.
I will most often use 3, 5, 7, 9 or 13 ingredients, depending on the bath’s goal.

Disolving Bath crystals, or bath salts

There is also a specific type of very popular Hoodoo bath supply called : Bath crystals.
Bath crystals are dissolved directly in tub or in water, or herbal infusion and poured over body, or added to florwashes.
They are made by slowly adding ( drop by drop ) condition oil to sea salt or table salt, while steadily mixing salt and oil. When the oil becomes scented and absorbs just enough of the oil, bath crystals are ready. You can use food dye to color them according to Your need. Here is an example, that might come handy for upcoming St. Valentine’s day

- Half a cup of Salt
- “Attraction” or “Love me” Condition oil
- Red dye ( You can use small amount of Dragon’s blood, powder, as it makes a good addition to love mixtures, and will color the salts red )

( If You happen to be “out of” love related condition oil, add some Rose otto , Lavender and Jasmine absolute to salt )

These salts are then left to dry in a tinfoil for a few days or so, and then can be used. Technically speaking as soon as You make them ( If You have not exaggerated in adding the oil ) the bath crystals or bath salts are ready.

How to properly take a spiritual bath ( according to Hoodoo tradition )

Here are some most basic rules, applying to most of the baths taken to cure some condition or attract something positive in our life

1. Make sure You wash Your body with shower gel or soap ( or even body scrub ) prior to taking spiritual bath.ritual baths are taken to cleanse spiritual “filth” , not physical. Therefore body is properly physically cleansed prior to spiritual bath.
2. Follow the instructions of taking the particular bath. If it’s poured over body ( or alternatively body is immersed ) certain amount of times, usually being an odd number, do as suggested.
3. Some conditions may require that the bath taken as treatment is repeated daily for certain period of time ( for example in Uncrossing work , baths can be taken once or for 3, 9 or 13 consequtive days, luck drawing baths may require 7 days of bathing with them etc. )
4. After taking a spiritual bath, You should not wipe Yourself ( with towel ), instead let the bath simply air dry on Your skin. If it is too cold You may dress a bathrobe.
5. You can use remaining water as a floor wash, or pour it over crossroads, facing east, especially for uncrossing work

While bathing, it is good to recite Psalm or Prayer that support Your need ( or other words of power, such as chants when speaking of baths in European witchcraft ) and sometimes appropriate candles are lit. So here is an example

Spiritual cleansing bath
__________________________

- Make a strong infusion form Hyssop, and Pine needles
- To strained bath, add some blessed salt and some lemon juice
- Add few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil to bath

Pour bath 9 or 13 times over Yourself, or immerse the same number of times.
During the bath, recite or read the psalm 57th . Read also Psalm 37th If You suspect You may have been crossed, and Psalms 3rd , 10th and 91st If You are spiritually oppressed.
While taking a bath You may light odd number of white candles, If You are to dress them, use some cleansing oil, like Van Van for example.
When finished bathing, let Your skin air dry, then wear some new ( if possible ), or clean white clothes, and sleep in new sheets, preferably white, or at least clean bathrobe ( best option of color, once again, white ) and go to sleep.

This type of bath can be undertaken when feeling spiritually filthy, to get relieve from our sins, remove spiritual oppressions and blockages, or as a part of uncrossing work.

This very type of cleansing bath should be taken, if possible, during the wanning period of the Moon phase and best if 13 or 9 days before the new Moon.


Now here are a few more recipes

Money attraction bath

- Patchouli leaves
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar in small amount


Gamblers lucky hand wash

- Chamomile flowers
- Calendula flowers
- Five Finger’s grass leaves
- High John TC root chips
- Irish moss


Cleansing, Healing, Uncrossing and Blessing bath

- Florida water half a cup
- House hold Ammonia, tablespoon
- Conjure water half a cup

Add to half filled bath of warm water, or dilute in few liters of spring water and pour over Yourself.

Emergency bath

- Laundry bluing
- Five finger’s grass or/and Hyssop infusion
- Blessed salt

Or

- Chinese wash
- Laundry bluing
- Household ammonia ( up to tablespoon, no more )

Or

- Household ammonia
- Sea salt
- Epsom salts

These can be used for removal of strong evil that has suddenly befallen upon one.

Simple, one ingredient bath made with Laundry bluing is a brilliant and highly potent uncrossing agent, as well as bath made from spring or rain water with addition of Holy water from the church.


Peaceful bath

- Rosemary
- Basil
- Lavender

Or

- Peace water
- Florida water
- Few drops of Sandalwood or/and Lavender essential oil


NOTE: The article, as well as bath recipes are written by myself, therfore If You need to use them elswhere Yiu must provide credits : Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com , Image is a digital reproduction of painting called " The Baptism of Christ" by Francesco Albani, and is used merely for illustrative purposes Second picture of the sprig is a photography taken by myself

Thank's for reading and many Blessings :)