Gumbo Ya Ya

is t he ezine published by Planet Voodoo that provides up to date information about the goings-on of Planet Voodoo and our special sister projects and partners: Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly, MedicinesandCurios.com, CrossroadsMojo.com and anything else that may pop up. In every issue of Gumbo Ya Ya we include choice content from the Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly Facebook group (are you a member yet?) as well as information from a variety of sources. In this issue, you will find a money spell, yummy West African recipes, info about Kwanzaa, choice moments on the Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly Facebook group, magical uses for mirrors, the Hoodoos cupboard and much more. The purpose is to get folks talking and thinking, thinking and talkingall at the same timeyou know, a gumbo ya ya! Have comments or questions about this ezine? Feel free to email me at voodoomama@planetvoodoo.com. *******

contributors belong to their respective authors.

In This Issue
Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly...3 Crossroads University...4 Simple Money Spell...5 Teaching the Truth About Thanksgiving...5 Kwanzaa...8 Odu Ifa Meditation...11 West African Recipes...12 Worshippers of the Voodoo...14 Choice Moments on the HCQ Facebook Group...18 Troubles Water...20 Lucid Tea...20 Tools and Supplies of Conjure...20 Spell for Protection...22 Vortex Ritual in Sedona...23 Winsoms Critters.: Wasps & Termites...26 Mugwort...28 The Hoodoos Cupboard...28 Uses for Rose Water...29 Magical Uses for Mirrors...31

OFFICIAL LEGAL HOOPLA

Feel free to pass this ezine around but do not extract the content and use it for any commercial or personal purpose. This ezine must be left intact as it is and may not be resold on any download or torrent sites or anywhere else. To do so is a violation of federal copyright laws and violators will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law (both mundane and spiritual). Planet Voodoos Gumbo Ya Ya Copyright 2011 Denise Alvarado All rights reserved. All content is by Denise Alvarado unless otherwise indicated. Copyrights of the individual
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Hoodoo & Conjure quarterly

ust when you think you got things ready to roll, here comes a snaffu. We had serious printing problems with HCQ Issue #2 and had to send off for a second and third printing! We are keeping our fingers crossed and barring any further problems, we should start shipping Issue # 2 by next week. It will be well worth the wait, I promise you that. And it is even better than the first! Over 150 pages of authentic Hoodoo and conjure from a variety of traditions, not to mention we have jam-packed it with information about New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo. Read about Louisiana superstitions, New Orleans Gris Gris, how to grow a botanica in your backyard, and home protections and wards. We've got information on the Voodoo Doctors of New Orleans, Pomba Gira, red brick dust, Indian Spirit Hoodoo and St. Anthony. Learn how to invoke Archangel Iophiel, make a business Elegba, and feast your eyes on Altars, Crossroads of Power. This issue features a couple of international submissions, one about Belizean indigenous death rites by Winsom Winsom and our featured cover story about Mama Moses and the conjure tradition of the underground railroad by Witchdoctor Utu who resides in Canada. These articles will NOT disappoint you. As far as charms and formularies go, we've got a whole section on sex and love magic, protection charms, a Lavender Lust bottle for same sex couples, selections from a Witch's Hoodoo Grimoire, how to make Jupiter Cakes and more! And that's not all! Believe it or not, there is even more than this. And well, to find out everything that's in it, you'll just have to pick up a copy!

Available at Planet Voodoo. www.planetvoodoo.com

Where you can find information about Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly There are a number of places where you can find information about Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly. Here they are: http:// www.Hoodooandconjurequarterly.com This is the official blog for the journal where we post updates and interesting stories and excerpts from HCQ. https://www.facebook.com/ Hoodooconjurequarterly Our official Facebook page! http://www.twitter.com/Hoodoojournal Follow us on Twitter! http://www.youtube.com/user/ Hoodooconjurejournal Our official YouTube channel http://www.planetvoodoo.com Planet Voodoo http://www.conjurecorner.com Planet Voodoo's Conjure Corner, the only educational site for New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo *******

Foundations in Southern Rootwork

Learn about the primary roots, herbs and curios used in Southern rootwork, their mystical associations and uses in conjure. Class starts November 15, 2011.

Foundations in New Orleans Voodoo

Class will cover the basics of New Orleans Voodoo. You will learn the history of Voodoo in New Orleans, the basic pantheon of Spirits, important concepts and terminology and more. Class starts November 15, 2011.

The Spiritual Tradition of Marie Laveau

This group is to honor the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans by learning about her life and work, developing a relationship with her, learning how to create an altar for her and ultimately serving her as an individual practitioner. Class starts January 5, 2012. Each class is $24.95 and lasts 4 weeks. Students must be a member of Conjure Corner in order to take the classes. Contact Denise Alvarado at planetvoodoo@planetvoodoo.com for more information. Join Conjure Corner, the only educational site for New Orleans style Voodoo and Hoodoo! http://www.conjurecorner.com

CROSSROADS UNIVERSITY
Want to learn about New Orleans Voodoo and Southern rootwork ? Then, head on over to Planet Voodoos Conjure Corner to sign up for the following courses:

Simple Money Spell

bottle when at home. Allow money to come into your life. It is done. *******

TEACHING THE TRUTH ABOUT THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving as it is currently portrayed by mainstream media and in the majority of academic settings is laden with myths, misinformation, and falsehoods. Driven by the need for a "feel good" history, society continues to ignore the painful fact that the Native American genocide is quite possibly the most denied of holocausts. This denial serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and fails to provide our children an honest education. An unknown history is a history destined to repeat itself. As such, it is imperative to learn the historical truth and pass this truth down to our children who are the next generation of leaders - leaders who determine which course this country will take with regards to the social and political relationship with Native American people.

What you need for this spell: 5 old pennies, 5 dimes, 5 quarters 5 coins from 5 countries other than your own 5 kernels of dried corn 5 sesame seeds, 5 cinnamon sticks 5 cloves 5 whole allspice 5 pecans

Directions
Place each item into a thin, tall bottle, such as a spice bottle. Cap it tightly. Shake the bottle with your receptive hand (the one you do not write with) for 5 minutes while saying these words: Herbs and silver, Copper and grain, Work to increase my money gain Place the money spell bottle on a table somewhere in your house. Leave your purse, pocketbook, wallet, and/or checkbook near the

Why teach the truth about Thanksgiving?

To debunk stereotypes and historical myths. To move away from a monocultural paradigm to a multicultural one. Thanksgiving is a much bigger concept than the feast at the Plymouth Planta-

tion. When lesson plans are built upon partial and biased information, we are not teaching the truth.

Myth: The pilgrims invited the Indians to the feast to show their gratitude for the help they had received. Fact: The purpose of the feast was to negotiate a treaty that would secure the lands of the Plymouth Plantation for the pilgrims. Myth: The first Thanksgiving was the feast at Plymouth Plantation. Fact: The first Thanksgiving was approximately 30,000 years ago according to the most recent archeological data. By the New Stone Age (about 10,000+ years ago), Thanksgiving had become associated with giving thanks to God for the harvests of the land. Many indigenous people have feasts of gratitude multiple times throughout the year and for a variety of reasons. Thanksgiving has always been a time of people coming together and giving thanks for that fellowship has become part of the celebration for many. In short, there are many Thanksgiving stories to tell. Why limit ourselves to one myth? How did the current myth of Thanksgiving come to be? It is the product of the melting pot era of the 1890s and early 1900s when our country was attempting to develop a national identity. Public education was a major tool for social unity, and to many writers and educators this meant a common national history. History was written to reflect this goal. As a consequence, Thanksgiving became a national holiday (1898), replete with stereotyped Indians and stereotyped Whites, incomplete history, and an inspirational myth. What else can we learn when we teach a balanced and informed Thanksgiving? 1. There are cultural differences between Indian tribes. Not all Indians look the same or live the same way. 2. We can learn about the political structure of Indian tribes and the importance of women in government. 3. We can broaden our concept of Indian
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The Problem
Myth: The pilgrims came to American to escape religious persecution (partial truth). Why is this a problem? Because it sets the stage for perpetuating the stereotype of Noble Civilization vs Savagery. (1) Fact: Pilgrims were a subsect of the Puritans, political revolutionaries who intended to overthrow the British government, and actually did so in 1649. Many were fugitives, as well as victims of bigotry.(2) Myth: Thanksgiving Day represents a day when the pilgrims and the Indians sat down and shared a feast with each other in peace and harmony to celebrate the fall harvest. This event was the first Thanksgiving. Fact: In 1970, the Wampanoag secured a copy of a Thanksgiving proclamation made by the governor of the colony. After a militia returned from murdering the men, women, and children of an Indian village, the governor proclaimed a holiday and feast to give thanks for the massacre. Other colonies were encouraged to do the same every autumn when the crops were in; in other words, at each fall harvest, go kill Indians and celebrate your murders with a feast. Also, in the Thanksgiving sermon Plymouth in 1623, Mather the Elder gave special thanks to God for the devastating plague of smallpox which wiped out the majority of the Wampanoag Indians who had been their benefactors. He praised God for destroying "chiefly young men and children, the very seeds of increase, thus clearing the forests to make way for a better growth", i.e., the Pilgrims.(3)

4.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

leadership. For example, the Wampanoag did not have chiefs; rather , they had sachems and tribal councils. We can learn how the Constitution of the United States and articles of Confederation came to be. We can learn what the Constitution of the United States and Articles of Confederation are, for that matter. We can learn the importance of conservation and taking care of the land (Mother Earth). We can learn about respect, honesty, and integrity in our interactions with others and in how we conduct ourselves. We can learn about how the seasons are celebrated in different cultures. We can learn the importance of the family dinner table. We can learn empathy and compassion for others. We can learn about agriculture. We can learn about the different dwellings various Indian tribes used and continue to use, as well as the dwellings of people in cultures all over the world.

(3). See "Chronicles of American Indian Protest," pp. 6-9. Also see Berkhofer, Jr., R.F., "The White Man's Indian," the comments of Cotton Mather, pp. 37 & 82-83.

REMEMBER:
The antidote to a feel-good history is not a feel-bad history, but an honest and inclusive one (Loewen, 1998). ******* References (1). See Berkhofer, Jr., R.F., "The White Man's Indian," references to frontier concepts of savagery in index. Also see Jennings, Francis, "The Invasion of America," the myth of savagery, pp. 6-12, 15-16, & 109-110. (2). Larsen, C. (1986). An introduction for teachers. Available: http:// www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/articles/ thanksgiving.html

This kit is for students in the Foundations in Southern Hoodoo course offered through Planet Voodoo's Conjure Corner. The kit contains 10 herbs, roots and curios that are the focus of study for the course. Available exclusively at

medicinesandcurios.com

KWANZAA
Kwanza is an African American holiday rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced by numerous indigenous cultures in Africa. The word "kwanzaa" derives from a Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits". The celebration emphasizes the unity of African American families by focusing on seven principles called the "Nguzo Saba." The seven principles reflect a culturally oriented way of life that can develop a positive sense of African American identity and selfesteem. There are seven days in Kwanzaa, one principle for each day. Kwanzaa was created by Dr, Maulana Karenga, professor in the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and author and scholar-activist who stresses the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture. Kwanzaa seeks to enhance awareness of the past in order to deal with the present and the future more effectively. The Nguzo Saba embody the principles that helped Africans endure and survive slavery, oppression, and historical trauma, and provides a focal point for positive African American cultural identity. Kwanzaa is a spiritual, festive, and joyous holiday and Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa.

HARAMBEE
Meaning "let's pull together!", this word represents a call to unity and collective work and struggle. Swahili term used as an expression of parting with good wishes and an expectancy to meet again.

KWAHERI

When is Kwanzaa?
The first Kwanzaa was was celebrated on December 26, 1966. Starting on December 26th, Kwanzaa lasts for seven days and nights, until January 1st. It is an American holiday, and occurs between the Roman Catholic and Protestant celebration of Christmas and the secular celebration of New Year's Day.

Nguzo Saba: The 7 social and Spiritual Principles of Kwanzaa

UMOJA (UNITY) (oo-MOE-jah). Celebrated

Swahili Words and Phrases Associated with Kwanzaa

HABARI GANI
Many people start the nightly celebrations by asking "Habari gani?" which means "What's the news?" The correct response is the Nguzo Saba of the day. on day one. This principle teaches striving for and maintaining unity in the family, community, nation, and race. KUJICHAGULIA (SELF DETERMINATION) (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah). Celebrated
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on day two. It is a principle that teaches defining oneself, naming oneself, creating for oneself, and speaking for oneself. UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK and RESPONSIBILITY) (oo-JEE-mah). This principle is celebrated on day three, and teaches building and maintaining the community together, recognizing others problems as our own, and solving those problems together. UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) (oo-JAH-mah) Practiced on day four, this principle teaches building and maintaining African American stores, shops and other businesses and profiting together from them. NIA (PURPOSE) (nee-AH). This principle is practiced on day five. It is a principle that encourages the collective effort of building and developing the community in order to restore African Americans to their traditional greatness. KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) (koo-OOMbah). Practiced on day six, this principle emphasizes doing the best you can and as much as you can always to to make your community better than when it was first inherited. IMANI (FAITH) (ee-MAH-nee). On day seven, this principle serves as a reminder to believe in the African American culture, family, community, and in oneself. Shorthand Version: Umoja = Unity Kujichagulia = Self-determination Ujima = Working together Ujamaa = Supporting each other Nia = Purpose Kuumba = Creativity Imani = Faith in our people and ourselves

How is Kwanzaa Celebrated?

From: http://www.harperchildrens.com/ holiday/kwan.htm

During the week of Kwanzaa, people gather in the evenings to light the candles of the kinara and share thoughts on the Nguzo Saba of the day. There are seven candles, mishumaa saba, with three red candles to the right, three green candles to the left, and one black candle in the center of the kinara. The red is for the blood of the African people, the green is for the hope of new life, and the black is for the face of the African people. The table is set with straw mats called mkeka, reminders of traditions and starting places, and mazao and muhundi, fruits and vegetables, representing the rewards of unity. Muhundi are ears of corn, and there is one ear for each child. Children are the center of the Kwanzaa celebration. There is also a unity cup, or kikombe cha umoja, from which all will sip. During each night of Kwanzaa, one might stay at home with family or join other people out in the community. On the evening of Kuumba, there is a celebration called Karamu. This is the great feast of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American heritage. There are folktales, songs, stories of the lives of famous African Americans, and plenty of food to enjoy! This is the night when people exchange gifts, too. It is a feast of the past, present, and dreams for the future. According to Kwanzaa'a founder, "there is a traditionally established way of celebrating Kwanzaa. We should therefore observe these guidelines to make our Kwanzaa the most beautiful and engaging one and to keep the tradition. Without definite guidelines and core values and practices there is no holiday.

Symbols of Kwanzaa

From: http://www.melanet.com/kwanzaa MKEKA (M-kay-cah). The Mkeka is a straw mat on which all the other items are placed. It is a traditional item and therefore symbolizes tradition as the foundation on which all else rests. KINARA (Kee-nah-rah). The Kinara is a candle-holder which holds seven candles and represents the original stalk from which we all sprang. For it is traditionally said that the First-Born is like a stalk of corn which produces corn, which in turn becomes stalk, which reproduces in the same manner so that there is no ending to us. MSHUMAA (Mee-shoo-maah). The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) on which the First-Born sat up our society in order that our people would get the maximum from it. They are Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). MUHINDI (Moo-heen-dee). The ear of corn represents the offspring or product (the children) of the stalk (the father of the house). It signifies the ability or potential of the offsprings, themselves, to become stalks (parents), and thus produce their offspring -- a process which goes on indefinitely, and insures the immortality of the Nation. To illustrate this, we use as many ears of corn as we have children which again signifies the number of potential stalks (parents). Every house has at least one ear of corn; for there is always the potential even if it has not yet been realized. KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA (Kee-coam-bay chah-oo-moe-jah). The Unity Cup symbolizes the first principle of Kwanzaa. It is used to pour the libation for our ancestors; and each

member of the immediate family or extended family drinks from it in a reinforcing gesture of honor, praise, collective work and commitment to continue the struggle began by our ancestors. ZAWADI (Sah-wah-dee). The presents (gifts) represent 1) the fruits of the labor of the parents, and 2) the rewards of the seeds sown by the children. Parents must commit their children to goodness which to us is beauty. We must commit them to good acts, good thoughts, good grades, etc., for the coming year and reward them according to how well they live up to their commitments. Goodness, again, is beauty and beauty is that which promises happiness to the family and community. For all acts, thoughts and values are invalid if they do not in some way benefit the community. KARAMU. The feast symbolizes the high festive celebration that brings the community together to exchange and to give thanks to the Creator for their accomplishments during the year. It is held on the night of December 31 and includes food, drink, music, dance, conversation, laughter and ceremony. NGUZO SABA (En-GOO-zoh Sah-BAH) Symbolizes the seven principles of Kwanzaa which were developed by Maulana Ron Karenga. The Nguzo Saba are social principles dealing with ways for us to relate to each other and rebuild our lives in our own images. BENDERA YA TAIFA. The Black Nationalist flag represents the struggle for freedom. The color red symbolizes ancestral blood; The color black symbolizes the collective color of all Black people; and the color green serves as a reminder of the land, life and new ideas that should be continued and obtained. *******

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Odu Ifa Meditation

K'a m fi knj j'aiy. K'a m fi wr-wr n'okn or. Ohun b if s'gb, K'a m if se'binu. Bi a b de'bi t'o tt, K'a simi-simi, K'a w'waj ojo lo titi; K'a tun b w r'hn orn wo; Nitori ti sn ara eni ni. Let us not engage the world hurriedly. Let us not grasp at the rope of wealth Impatiently. That which should be treated with mature judgment, Let us not deal with in a state of anger. When we arrive at a cool place, Let us rest fully; Let us give continuous attention to the future; and let us give deep consideration to the consequences of things. And this because of our (eventual) passing. Eji Ogbe The Odu Ifa

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West African Recipes

Benne Cakes
Benne cakes are a food from West Africa. Benne means sesame seeds. The sesame seeds are eaten for good luck. This treat is still eaten in some parts of the American South. You will need:

Gambia who make a rice and fish dish they call Ceebu Jn. Since Nigeria has the largest population of any African country, it's safe to say that most of the people who make and eat Jollof Rice are probably Nigerian. There are many variations of Jollof Rice. The most common basic ingredients are: rice, tomatoes and tomato paste, onion, salt, and red pepper. Beyond that, nearly any kind of meat, fish, vegetable, or spice can be added. What you need

oil to grease cookie sheet 1 cup finely packed brown sugar 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup toasted sesame seeds

oil for frying one chicken (and/or a pound or two of

stew meat), chopped into bite-sized pieces one or two onions, finely chopped salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (to taste) Flavoring add-ins (to taste) chile pepper, chopped garlic thyme bay leaf ginger cinnamon curry powder two cups chicken broth or chicken stock, or beef broth or beef stock (or Maggi cubes and water) two or three ripe tomatoes, chopped Vegetable add-ins sweet green pepper (or bell pepper), chopped string beans or green beans green peas carrots, chopped cabbage, chopped four cups rice one small can tomato paste Meat add-ins cooked ham
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Preheat the oven to 325. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Mix together the brown sugar and butter, and beat until they are creamy. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and sesame seeds. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 mintues or until the edges are browned. Enjoy! Source: The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington

J o l l o f R i ce
One often hears that Jollof Rice (or Jolof Rice, Djolof Rice) is a Nigerian dish; indeed it is often made by Nigerians. However, it has its origins among the Wolof people of Senegal and

 shrimp or prawns (or dried shrimp or

dried prawns) Garnishes fresh parsley, chopped cilantro, chopped lettuce, shredded hard-boiled egg, sliced

Heat two tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Stir-fry the chicken (or beef) in the oil until it is browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the oil and set aside. Add the onions, the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and one or two of the flavoring add-ins (if desired) to the skillet and fry the mixture until the onions begin to become tender. Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set aside with the meat. In a dutch oven or large covered cooking pot, bring the broth and two cups of water to a simmer. Place the meat and onion mixture into the dutch oven and cover. In the same skillet used for the meat and onions, stir-fry the tomatoes and one or two of the vegetable add-ins. Continue frying the mixture until the vegetables are partly cooked, then add them to the meat, onions, and broth in the dutch oven. Again in the same skillet, combine the rice and the tomato paste. Over low heat, stir until the rice is evenly coated with the tomato paste. The rice should end up a pink-orange color. Add the rice to the dutch oven and stir gently. Cover the dutch oven and cook the mixture over a low heat until the rice is done and the vegetables are tender (maybe half an hour). Stir gently occasionally and check to see that

the bottom of the pot does not become completely dry. Add warm water or broth (a quarter cup at a time) as necessary to help rice cook. Adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add one of the meat add-ins while the dish is cooking. (Shrimp cook very quickly and should not be over-cooked or they will become tough; ham can be added at any time.) Serve with one or two of the garnishes and Green Tea with Mint with or after the meal. In a A Song Flung Up to Heaven (New York: Random House, 2002), Maya Angelou recounts returning home to the United States from Africa . Her mother shares a letter containing a recipe for Jollof Rice: . . . Mother brought out a recipe for Jollof rice that I had sent her from Ghana. She unfolded the letter and read, "Cook about a pound of rice, saut a couple or three onions in not too much cooking oil for a while, then put in three or four or five right-sized tomatoes . . ." At this point in her recitation, Bailey began laughing. He was a professional chef in a swank Hawaiian hotel. The approximation of ingredients and cooking time amused him. "Dice some cooked ham in fairly largesized pieces," my mother continued, "and include with salt and cayenne pepper any leftover fried chicken into the tomato sauce. Heat through, then mix in with rice. Then heat quite a while." We all laughed when Mother said she had followed the recipe exactly and that the dish was a smashing success. (Angelou, 2002).
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Capturing Choice Moments on the Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hoodooandconjurequarterly/

HCQ word of the month

AWESOMESAUCE
Thanks Melissa Pomerantz! *******

healing, restoring balance, making life better, and empowering ourselves and the community to take control of our lives, develop relationships with the spirits and make those changes. It is understanding that we do not operate in isolation in this world or the other worlds, we are all connected, from time past to time present and time future. It is about seeing the Spirit in the root and honoring it for the gifts it brings us. It is understanding that our elders are the earth upon which we stand. ~ Mama D *******

HCQ Words of Wisdom

Some people are convinced that magic and conjure is applicable to EVERY situation in life. I say: the first real steps of magic are to pay your debts, fold the laundry, take out the trash, and be able to disagree with someone without calling them any word with "hole" in it. ~ Mary Elizabeth Bahl! New Orleans Voodoo is about gratitude...gratitude to the Ancestors which encompasses all that is Mother earth as well as those who have come before us. Voodoo is about

HCQ quote of the month

Big city butchers lol ! Need to open a shop called "ROOTWORKERS PRIME CUTS AND BONES" and sell all kinds of useful meat products and even do ritual slaughters and sell blood too (which I have also found at the same butcher in TN, he sells it outside for blood puddin' ) ~ Mitchell Tibbs *******

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HCQ discussion of the month

A bit of humor from Mitchell Tibbs: RIIINNNNNNNNNNNG goes the bell, class is in session, WHAT would you use this lovely item for in your workin's ? Be creative !

ings of books I say a gris gris or wear this on you somewhere)... Hope I did good since I'm learning... ~Silver S.

I agree, erectile functions, sexual power, fertility, etc. ~Gabriel A. I can see rollin' this thing in some Stay At Home powder and then stuffin' it in a lovers shoe and buryin' it in a flower garden to keep a man faithful . ~Mitchell T. I have a friend with a bulls penis cane all stretched out and dried he uses as a wandcant say its any weirder than my fibula wand. ~Kevin R. *******

HCQ Art of the Month

Ox penis. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Tibbs, copyright 2011 All rights reserved.

Definitely could be used in fertility magick as well as any working to bring lust into ur life!! ~Lisa T. Image: make a statue of a fertility god w/ox penis... Erected of course to make any god proud... I'm going off the top of my head... Ox penis (dried) are very strong animals so thinking you could use this in a conjure to help w/strength & courage to obtain a goal to obtain a more fertility (from my read-

Baron La Croix by David Joshus Ginsberg, copyright 2011, All rights reserved.

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TROUBLES WATER
by Mitchell Tibbs From Grannys notebook:

1 tsp eyebright 1 black tea bag Boil 3 cups water , add all herbs to coffee filter or cheese clothe and let steep for 30. Take out herbs, add black tea bag and let steep for ten minutes. Add nothing but a mug. This is a bit slow acting or it was for me but, when it does kick in you will feel the heat before anything, will wash over your face and after that you will have a euphoric relax and might be a bit nausea. So have some mint on hand or something to settle your stomach. When you get drowsy (and you will ) lay down or will regret it by falling down cause it comes on fast after that. Be advised, I am NOT doctor at all, I am NOT saying use this, I am NOT responsible for any negligence. USE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION ! Thanks and enjoy.

Herbsaint (assuming this is the liquor

folks) citronella oil kerosene guinea peppers (?) lye mixed with ashes of a thorn bush crab apples Brussels water (?) rue salt tobacco matches crumbled up

Says to mix this up when in a great need to warn away the troubles that come your way.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES OF CONJURE

Excerpt from the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook by Denise Alvarado Following is a list of some basic tools needed for spellcasting and rootwork.

LUCID TEA
by Mitchell Tibbs Here is some tea I mixed up that is for lucid dreaming and relaxing as well. Tastes VERY grassy like, a slight earthy after taste or like breathing in fresh cut hay. There are several toxic ingredients so USE AT YOUR OWN DISCRECTION !!! 3 tbsp Skullcap 2 tsp mugwort 1/2 tsp mandrake root 2 tbsp lemon balm 2 tsp catnip 1 small bay leaf 1 tsp vervain

Baskets for harvesting. Bottles and jars. I encourage recycling bottles and jars of all kindsperfumes, pickles, baby food, etc. Cauldron. A cast iron pot or Dutch oven will suffice. Charcoal blocks. This is the best way to burn loose incense, but avoid those that contain saltpeter, as it is toxic. Pure bamboo charcoals from Japan are preferable. Chimnea. This is a miniature fireplace. They come in a variety of sizes and are great for rituals and burning incense.
(Continued p. 22) 20

Coming in December the new hoodoo and conjure quarterly 2012 calendar!
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Droppers. These are essential for dispensing droplets of essential oils. Funnel for ease of transfer of liquids, oils, and powders. Kettle for heating water. Measuring spoons, preferably stainless steel. Mortar and pestle for hand grinding herbs, resins, tough spices, and roots. Plastic bags for storage. Paper bags for drying herbs and disposing ritual remains. Pruning shears for harvesting plants and herbs. Scissors for cutting twine, string, cord, and material. Straining device, such as stainless steel sieve or cheesecloth. Storage containers for herbs such as brown paper bags and dark glass containers. Twine or hemp cord for tying herbs, gris gris, doll babies, and mojo bags. Red, green, yellow, and black flannel (purple flannel, chamois, and leather are also good to have on hand). *******

Cover the bottle in white cloth, and begin to wrap the cloth around and around with white or purple thread. While you are wrapping the bottle, around and around, say, "Oh ancestors, protect me, here is my bottle, come here and do the work for me, protect me... " Keep wrapping and wrapping and wrapping the bottle until the cloth is completely wrapped down to the shape of the bottle. Rub as much of yourself as you care to with the rum mixture. You can do it in the bathroom if you want to avoid getting your clothes wet with rum. Cap the bottle and put it back on the altar. spend some time in sacred space, and then leave the ancestors alone with their food for a while. Don't shower right away, wait at least an hour. Anytime you need to, and at least once a week, rub your forehead, the nape of your neck, your wrists, the insides of your elbows, backs of the knees, and soles of the feet with the rum mixture. Also, take a plain white pocket handkerchief and sprinkle it with a little of the mixture, and carry it on your person, in your handbag or pocket. ******* Please visit Mambo Racines website Roots Without End Society for information on Haitian Vodou and for Services for the Noninitiate: http://http://www.rootswithoutend.org/ index.php The Roots Without End Society is an international Vodou society whose home peristyle is located in Haiti's cultural capital, the beautiful town of Jacmel. Their Haitian membership all live in the Jacmel area, and they offer Vodou ceremonies in the United States and around the world. The Roots Without End Society is led by Mambo Racine Sans Bout. Mambo Racine and the Roots Without End Society offer training in the Vodou religion and related magic, initiation in Vodou, magical work, readings and divination, herbal healing, and many other resources.
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Spell for Protection

by Mambo Racine Sans Bout Sa Te La Daginen Get a bottle of white rum, and present it to the four directions. Open it and place it on the altar. Pour out some of the rum three times on the ground or into an offering bowl. Add powdered cinnamon, ground allspice, sesame seed, (I am trying to focus on ingredients that are generally available in an American grocery store), lemon peel or lemon juice (do NOT use lime), a little ground red or black pepper.

VORTEX RITUAL IN SEDONA FOR 11/11/11

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vortex is a power point in the earth, where the world of spirit and the world of the physical connect in a special way. It is an invisible crossroads, the way I look at it. The vortex ritual I conducted was guided by Spirit -it uses the place of power - the vortex to petition Papa Legba to be with us as we pray for special blessings. We make libations and give offerings to the spirits that come through to us. I conducted a Native American pipe ceremony and we allowed our requests to be carried to the creator through the sacred tobacco smoke. Then, we wrote our petitions directly on the rock around the cairn, which is made from seven stones chosen by the participants and found within the vortex. The number seven represents the 7 sacred directions. Legba's veve was also drawn with a charred palo santo (not shown). After the ritual, as we were heading home, a black wolf ran across the road in front of us. The pennies are offerings to Legba and the writing is our petitions (you can't see all of it - I didn't want to reveal people's personal petitions). It was interesting but no one really asked for anything selfish; it was more universal requests for general happiness, prosperity and wellbeing for anyone who would happen upon the spot and see it. I gathered some red sand from the site after the ritual and some water from the creek you can see in the background. The water is crystal clear. As you can see in the photos, there were cairns everywhere from small ones sitting by themselves on rocks or logs to larger ones and finally to a whole concentration of them right at the vortex site. All in all, it was a very powerful experience. *******

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Wasp Nests
Thanks to our beloved Winsom Winsom (contributor for Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly) for posting photos of critters making their presence known around her home in Belize. According to Winsom They [wasp nests] are making me wealthy-that's their job right now. I am waiting to collect them. As long as they are there I will have money . Other than money, our HCQ Facebook group members identified several other ways to use paper wasp nests (to learn about dirt dauber nests in conjure and Hoodoo, check out HCQ Vol 1):

Grind into a powder and add to cayenne and black pepper. Sprinkle in an enemies path or on their property. ~Madrina Angelique Ground into a "go away" powder along with cayenne and sulphur. Of course, you can always just drop the nest on a person ((blinking innocently)) ~ Karen Thoms Use a paper wasp Nest get some dead Flies and Dead wasps some Spider webs Black string or twine Bind a doll or Picture put these in a box in a Dark place and your enemies will not come close to you or your home ~ Chris Roe As many comments have indicated the are a great addition to Goofer Dust. Another way of using it to goofer someone is to write a persons name on a small piece of paper and roll it up. If you can, stick the rolled paper in one of the openings. If not, pin it to the nest with a black headed pin. Then sprinkle the whole thing with Goofer dust, or sulfur, black pepper, red pepper, graveyard dirt and the like.
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Winsoms Critters

Anoint a black candle with Crossing or Black Arts oil and carve the letters DUME (Death Unto My Enemy) into the candle. Then light it while cursing their name and deeds. Hold the candle in your hand and use it to drip wax all over the nest until it is covered with wax. While doing this you can say such things as "It is not my hand which hold this candle, but the hand if Justice and Retribution which will soon knock upon your door and drag you down to the depths of your own destruction". When this had been accomplished and the nest is thoroughly coated in the wax you may take it, and any other remnants if the spell and bury them in the cemetery.

Leave offerings for the hungry dead and exit the cemetery from a different route. Do Not Look Back! ~ Matthew Venus

Termite Nests
Winsom Winsom Termite nest...this is a small one but they are usually much bigger. Their bite is not something you want to experience....After they have left the nest you can use pieces for many different thingslike magical workings. Termites old houses can be used for both good or bad, it depends on what it is placed
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with it. Alone, you can basically destroy someone or thing, you just have to know what to do. With rose petals, rose water, mugwort and crystal water or ground crystal dust you can open up the door to communication and build a relationship. Mixed with five special ingredients everything impossible becomes possible To make your habanera peppers very hot, put some of the nest around the root when planting. Mixed in your compost, it keeps crawling bugs away. I have heard (but never tried) it can be used for parasites in the stomach by boiling a chunk of the nest and drinking the teaThere are other bush remedies for that. *******

crystal balls and mirrors.

Yes I also use it as a wash for my mirrors. To aid in Healing and Pain Also, have seen mugwort used in an attack powder that specifically targets spellworkers. In essence, in this particular powder it increased the target's psychic sensitivity and along with the other ingredients helped unbalance their mind as far as contact with spirits went. It basically works by opening their minds so much to spirits and overheating their heads that they go crazy, or that's the intent. And no I am not giving away the recipe openly. :) Smoking a mirror brings visions, rubbing on the body keeps ghosts away. There are even tales in old books of the Roots of Mugwort used in the treatment of epilepsy *******

Mugwort
Question....other than Astral projection....what else can Mugwort be used for

Sleep enhancement Dream enhancement. Especially for spiritual connections. One incense in particular is designed to enhance dreams from Spirits you work with. very simple, dried rose and mugwort. Used in conjunction with valerian as a hypnotic. Commonly used in acupuncture. Highly effective for turning breach babies when applied as moxibustion to certain parts of the pregnant woman's feet Commonly used in acupuncture. Highly effective for turning breach babies when applied as moxibustion to certain parts of the pregnant woman's feet I use a decoction of mugwort to wash my

The Hoodoos Cupboard

This question was posed on the HCQ Facebook group: What are the basics that you think everyone should have in their cupboard? Here are some of the responses:

Well, you have rosemary it is a great stand by but, as far as hoodoo goes, you can't go wrong with five finger grass. I've been a practicing "Witch" for many years. I've recently bought various colors of flannel, ribbons and doohickeys, Spanish moss, clay and doll face molds. I have a bunch of essential oils and herbs and stones....
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Hmm-- my basics for rootwork: herbs: cinquefoil, mints, rosemary, calendula, rue, hyssop, rose, peony, lavender, cone flower root, St. John's Wort, nettle, morning glory vine, gardenia, vetiver. Bark-willow, cherry, birch Stones: clear quartz, Lake Superior Agate, rough Emerald, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Blood Stone, Petoskey Stone, Lode stone, Pyrite Assorted: shells, sticks, feathers Animal Curios: Deer mandible/ teeth, possum jar, Alligator teeth/claws, snake skin sheds, porcupine quills. More oils than I can list, assorted jars, vials, candles, bags, string, glitter... I use the quills in defensive workings or in place of pins with dolls salt, bay rum, candles, sage/frankincense For cooking, I like to keep cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, sea salt, crushed red pepper, basil, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cumin, vanillin, curry powder, unbleached sugar, bay leaves, ground sage, dried seaweed, allspice in the cupboard for generic purposes, unless I left anything out. I also like to keep some store-bought pre-blended Cajun and fajita seasonings for quick meals when I don't have either the time or ingredients to make those particular blends in a rush. I swear if dishes are over-seasoned they could put someone in a coma, judging from how much I puked during some of my earlier cooking experiments. Basil, Candles assorted Colors, Rosemary, Bay, Florida-water, allspice, Nutmeg, Lodestones, Flannel of Different ColorsPretty much my basics when I started and now my tools and Ingredients have grown . *******

Uses for Rose Water

Rose water is a staple in contemporary Hoodoo. It is used in many formulas for Spiritual waters and can be used as an offering to the Spirits, used in floor washes as well as a whole host of other uses. Here are a few other uses our members came up with:

Use as a blessing in the home Use in works for love and creating a harmonious atmosphere Bathe in it for its heady aroma Very nice in lemonade (use just a little bit) Use it when making baklava Refreshing face splash Use as an ingredient in homemade Florida Water

You can also add a little bit of rose water to red ink to make your own Doves blood ink. Here is a formula from the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook for making Angel Water : Angel Water (Portugal Water) Angel Water, also called Portugal Water, is said to have its roots in Portugal. It first made its appearance in hoodoo during the 18th century. The most popular recipe for this water is in Henri Gemaches (1942) The Magic of Herbs, where he describes how it is made according to one H. W. Leyell, a supposed authority on the subject: Shake together a pint of orange flower water, a pint of rose water, and half a pint of myrtle water. Add 2/3 of distilled spirit of musk and 2/3 ambergris. Heat spoils it and cold imprisons its perfume. (Gemache, 1942, p. 28)
(continued p.31) 29

POMBA Gira Poppet

Available Exclusively at www.crossroadsmojo.com
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I have been unable to locate a H.W. Leyell in any literature of note indicating the expertise attributed to this person. However, I did find a recipe in a 1901 formulary for Eaud Ange. The ingredients and portions are as follows: Eaud Ange

Eau de rose 1/2 pint Eau de fleur d oranges 1/2/ pint Eau de myrtle pint Essence of ambergris 2 fluid drams Essence of musk 1 fluid dram dram of violet, rose or verbena (given as an alternate recipe from a different source in place of the musk) Agitate them briskly together for some hours, and again, frequently for a few days observing to keep the bottle (closely stopped) in a warm room the whole time. Lastly, after repose, decant the clear portion, and if necessary, filter the fluid through white bibulous paper. Nearly colorless. Almost miraculous virtues are attributed to this delicious water. *******

Magical Uses for Mirrors

Mirrors are used for a variety of purposes in conjure, from scrying to repelling and jinxing, to conjuring spirits. Mirrors have been said to have the ability to capture the soul of the person who looks into it, to conjure the double, reflect evil, and to provide a passage to a sacred space or other dimension. Compact mirrors are nifty little portable

conjure tools. There are any number of ways to use compact mirrors. For example, Chris R. from the HCQ Facebook group suggests compact mirrors are good for amplifying sexual energy and attracting a sexual partner. To prepare a compact mirror for this purpose, wash the mirror in cold running water to cleanse it, then play a porno movie with the mirror facing the movie so that it is reflected into the mirror. Keep the mirror wrapped in a color consistent with your intent, and when ready to use simply aim it at your target. Other members had some good ideas for using compact mirrors, as well. For example, compact mirrors are good for keeping an eye on whats going on behind your back in public places. Hanging a mirror over the entrance to
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your bathroom will prevent your positive energy and financial well-being from going down the toilet. When preparing a mirror for use in a spell that involves another person, it should always be covered so that you dont inadvertently capture your own reflection in the mirror. If you do see yourself in the mirror by accident, simply wash the mirror with cold water and allow it to air dry. To make your own magick mirror for scrying, purchase an 8x10 picture frame or a decorative frame at least that size and a can of glossy black paint. Remove the glass from the frame and spray one side of it with 3 to 5 coats of paint. Do your best to spray the paint evenly and allow the paint to dry completely. Replace the glass in the frame with the unpainted side pointing outward. Make a solution of mugwort and rose water and cleanse the mirror with it. Allow to air dry. Anoint with Psychic Vision Oil and tell the mirror what you want it to do for you. Place a large quartz crystal on the mirror and then cover it with a black cloth for 3 days after which it will be ready for use.

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