Hoodoo, Rootwork, Conjure
Powders and their use in Hoodoo
Powders have been a main staple of the Hoodoo practice for as long as it
has existed in it's current form, and for a good while before that in
the Vadun religions that Hoodoo is partially based on. I'll begin by
listing the methods that a Hoodoo powder can be used, and then go on to
describe how you can make your own. I'm doing it in this order because
there are readymade powders that beginners can use if they so wish.
Now, you might think that using a powder is as easy as chucking it at
something/someone and that's the magic done, but this is definitely not
the case. One of the simplest methods of using a powder is sprinkling,
but this should be done while walking backwards. It's also not just
enough to throw the powder randomly, you must act as if sowing seeds and
visualize the intended effects of your actions at the same time. Some
practitioners insist on walking a specific number of steps, but I
believe this to be unnecessary, however, you may choose to walk a
specific number if numerology is important to you personally. Generally,
you sprinkle the powder where you want the effect to take place, for
example if you wanted to increase the profit of your business you would
sprinkle it in the business place. This method is used for basically all
variations of powders, from ones to attract luck, love and wealth, to
those that curse or drive enemies away.
Some persons will anoint candles twice, once with an oil, and then again
with a relevant powder. This is effective in improving the power of
candles in ritual work, or indeed any work involving candles. This can
also be applied to people; some persons will apply the powders directly
to themselves or keep them in pockets if they wish effects of good luck
or other beneficial magic to affect them throughout the whole day.
Conversely, if cursing or trying to compel someone, the powder is often
secretly sprinkled on them or hidden in their clothes. It is important
to note that visualization is important in all the methods listed in
this post; you should be vividly imagining the powders causing the
desired effect while deploying the aforementioned powder.
Blowing the powder is another method commonly used, for good luck
powders it is effective to blow the powder to the four compass points
while reciting a blessing of your choice. Similarly, powders can be used
by blowing them at the intended target, even if the target is out of
sight, if you have a general idea of their direction. This is generally
used for powders with negative effects however.
The last, and most complex method is that of laying tricks. This is used
in many varied forms which I will list. During ritual, some persons will
draw out a design with powders and lay out candles at appropriate points
in the design. If affecting a building, the powder is placed in four
corners of the room and then the centre. If access to the building is
unavailable, the powder is placed at the outside four corners of a
building. In cursing, crosses are often made of negative powders on the
pavement in front of the targets house, or somewhere they are likely to
walk. This is not recommended as there is division over whether the
powder can affect innocent passers-by.
Now, onto making powders of your own. This can only really be done if
you have a mortar and pestle, or a similar tool that will allow
grinding. Automatic machines can be used, but I highly recommend doing
it by hand, as this is what allows you to put your own personal
intentions and energy into the working. It's really rather simple, you
just place all the ingredients in there and start grinding away while
visualizing the desired effect and at the same time imbuing the powder
with your own energy, raised by any method you like. If you desire you
can do this in a circle with appropriate incense burning, but I have
never found this to be necessary. Once you feel that the powder is
ready, simply put it in a paper envelope or sachet for later use. Or use
it immediately if you so desire.
