The Doctrine of Signatures

Denise Alvarado
In ancient times, people tended to use the concept of resemblance in the application and practice of medicine and the law of similarity to the practice
of magic. These ideas were central to the understanding and prediction of
which plants, roots and herbs would be curative of specific diseases, and
which would have a supernatural effect on a given condition. Using the
concept of resemblance, for example, ailments of the spleen were treated
with the the common fern Asplenium scolopendrium as it bears a striking
resemblance to a spleen. The leaf of Hepatica acutiloba was shaped like the
liver, so it was used to treat liver disorders, and the leaf of the Cyclamen
persicum resembles an ear, and so it was used to treat earaches. This ideology was prevalent through the 16th century.
In the 1500s, Paracelsus von Hohenheim (14931541) referred to the
concept of resemblance as The Doctrine of Signatures. He believed that by
observing the physical properties and characteristics of plants one could tell
which ones were used in healing the conditions of humankind. Characteristics such as smell, shape, color, the time of growth, and when a flower blossomed were all indicators of a specific plants given medicinal use. Paracel-

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sus noticed that the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) flowered in winter, for example, and thus concluded
that it had rejuvenating powers. He then introduced it to the
pharmacopoeia and recommended it for elderly people
(Pearce, 2008).
The central idea to the Doctrine of Signatures is the belief
that everything was created with God the Creators divine
signature. The Heavenly artist signed each living thing with a
special mark indicating the purpose for the creation of the
organism. We know the purpose by observing the visual cues
and signature associations. This idea is not limited to just
plants, however. It has also informed us as to the use of how
animal parts have been used medicinally (see the article on
the website about the use of threatened animal species in
Traditional Chinese Medicine).
In the early 1600s Jakob Bhme (1575-1624) from Grlitz, Germany wrote "Signatura Rerum; The Signature of all
Things". His book espoused a spiritual philosophy; however it
soon was adopted for its medical application. The Doctrine
states that, by observation, one can determine from the color
of the flowers or roots, the shape of the leaves, the place of
growing, or other signatures, what the plant's purpose was in
God's plan.
Although the Doctrine of Signatures traditionally refers to
plants and their characteristics, in Hoodoo we apply the same
train of thought to animals and minerals as well. If we want
a couple to fight like cats and dogs for example, we employ
dog and cat hair in our formulas. Applying the concept to
dirt, for example, we can get these correspondences
(courtesy of Madrina Angelique):
Dirt from a bank - Mixed with magnetic sand, this dirt can
be used to gain money. Add to Commanding and Compelling
powder and dust loan papers to secure a loan or wrap in
small squares of brown paper and place in the shoes when
looking for a job.

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Crossroads dirt - When you want to open your roads, mix this dirt with
camphor and dust your shoes with it. To draw people to your business brush
it over the pavement or use it to work with the spirits of Crossroads. Dust a
yellow candle and burn when you have a decision to make.
Dirt from four corners - Mixed with cinnamon to bring in customers from
the four corners of the earth when sprinkled over the doorstep. To overcome obstacles, mix with cayenne pepper and sprinkled over an enemys
personal effects to totally confuse them.
Dirt from a police station - Used to literally bring the law down on someone. Mix with Fiery Wall of Protection powder and scatter around the perimeter of the home to guard against theft.
Dirt from a court - This dirt is employed to influence or win legal cases and
to achieve justice in a situation. To work such a trick, mix it with powdered
low john root and wear it in a red flannel bag around your neck.
Church Dirt - Used in clearings and purifying rituals. Scatter a little of this
dirt in the four corners of the house to purify it of negativity.
Graveyard Dirt - Graveyard dirt is employed for literally hundred of tricks
and spells. Employed in aggressive love magic, curses, protection work.
Graveyard dirt is a
staple
of Hoodoo practice.
Dirt from a family plot - This dirt is used to keep a peaceful home, place it
in white handkerchief, tie the corners and hang it above the door.
Similarly, we can apply the concept to water from different sources:
Water from a Stream - Consecration, luck, peace, take things away, healing.
Water from a Mine- Prosperity, abundance, earth secrets, power, force of
will, physical prowess.

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Lightning Water- Fast effects, change, power, passion, strength, warrior

force.
May Water - considered the most powerful and sacred of all the rain waters, use for joy, healing, cleansing, head washings.
Rain Water- Joy, healing, cleansing, head washings, spirit communication.
Ocean Water- Fertility, cleansing, peace, riches, comfort, joy, parenthood,
pregnancy.
Spring Water- New beginnings, strength, growth, happiness, riches, prosperity.
Hot Springs- Purification, excite energy, healing, power, protection from
harm, business success.
Holy Water- Protection, blessing, empowerment, consecration, baptism.
Water from a Waterfall- Purification, power, cleansing, love, wisdom
Lake Water- Spirit capture, hunting.
Mud Puddle- crossing, stagnation, creating blockages, illness, obstructing,
negative energy, left-handed works
River Water Wealth, Love, Drawing things, art, disposing ritual remains.
Sewer Water- Crossing, cursing, left-handed works.
Stagnant Water - Stopping a situation or condition, stagnation, capturing
spirits.
Stump Water - power and protection

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