Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly! A New Magazine for Hoodoo and Conjure Enthusiasts!

If you haven't heard by now, there is a brand new magazine on the horizon for folks whose souls lie deep in the heart of the conjure arts. I am so excited about this project and the response we have received from the endeavor...it just validates the need for such a magazine.

You may be wondering how this all came about. Well, I cannot take credit for the original idea...it came from Papa Legba who advises me on business opportunities on a regular basis. It was after petitioning him that it became clear this was a project worth attacking, so I pitched the idea to someone I thought to be my friend, who immediately said she was in, albeit mostly for friendly support.

Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly it is a project that I believe should reflect the community of rootworkers, conjurers, folk magicians, authors, and artists inspired by Spirit and the conjure arts. This is proving to be a realistic goal as I have been approached by several folks who are eager to contribute in a variety of ways. I have wonderful interviews featuring notable folks in the magickal arts, as well as the every day rootworker. I am featuring professionals and those who practice privately or within their circle of family and friends. I am featuring a column on international hoodoo as it is evident this tradition has spread to all corners of the world. And, as an artist myself, I am featuring artists who are inspired by Spirit and conjure.

For example, the first featured artist is Deacon Gary, th' Georgia Mojo Man and his Allegedly Genuine Souvenir Mojos. Deacon Gary really was a deacon in a local church in his community, so he dons the title honestly; it is not just a clever title. The first time I set eyes on his art I knew he was ridden by Spirit to create signatures of love and luck to share with the world. Take a look at what he has to say about his conjuring process:

"Brethren, it is a true saying that "Mojos are curious horsemen", mounting steeds of diverse forms and sizes. And I, Deacon Gary, the Mojoman of Georgia, by the inspiration of the Creative Fire from the Great Creator Spirit, am appointed to the selection and acquisition of horses, worthy and acceptable, for Mojos to mount.

Once a horse, worthy and acceptable to be mounted by a Mojo, is chosen, then is the Mojo conjured to ride forth into the world."

Oh, there is so much more to this story but I have to save it for the magazine.

Another regular column you will find in Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly is based on my new book the New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo Formulary. I will share with our readers recipes for New Orleans oils, portions, gris gris, powders, floor washes, spiritual baths and animal and mineral curios. Few people outside of New Orleans Voodoo realize the influence of the French perfumeries on some of the formulas. And, some of the regional differences in the various botanical and zoological materials incorporated in ritual formulas within this tradition have been hotly and incorrectly contested in some of the forums. I think that sometimes people like to argue for the sake of arguing, and as a result miss the opportunity to learn a little something  that could quite possibly enrich their lives and practice.

These are just a few of the topics you will find in Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly. To read more, please visit the official website Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly.

Copyright 2010-2013 Denise Alvarado, All rights reserved worldwide. Please ask if you would like to repost this article.

Make Your Own Super Power Conjure Bag

In Northern African magic, sulfur is said to be equal to salt in its magickal qualities for repelling evil entities and conjuring power energy. Sulfur is used as a primary ingredient for banishing spells and exorcisms. Traditionally, sulfur can be burned or carried as a talisman or in a conjure bag. Burning is not adviseable as it is potentially quite irritating. Here are a couple of ways to make power conjure bags using sulfur.

Sulfur Spell Conjure Bag: You will need a piece of red flannel cut into a 2 x 2 inch square (minimum). You can use any red material but in New Orleans flannel is frequently used in hoodoo workings. Place a piece of sulfur in the center and tie the bag using leather or hemp cord. You can also use sulfur powder for this. Activate the bag by attaching a small sword charm to it.

Sulfur Spell Extra Power Conjure Bag: You need a piece of red flannel cut in a 4x4 inch square. Place some or all of the following into the bag: a pinch of sulfur, a pinch of henna or iron oxide, a pich of kohl powder, a pich of graveyard dust or dirt, and a pinch of tobacco. Carry this super power conjure bag with you to give you power over malevolence.

How to Perform a House Cleansing

One of the most frequent questions I get from people is that of how to get rid of negative energy in the home. Sometimes the energy is defined as spirits, ghosts, evil entities, or just a general negative vibe. Regardless of the type of negative energy, it is necessary to start by performing a home cleansing. Sometimes, you have to do this more than once, particularly if the energy is pervasive or just downright stubborn.

Cleansings are a staple in New Orleans Voodoo and Southern hoodoo practice. Many works require a basic cleansing to be performed first, to remove any negative energy that may interfere with the work to be done. Cleansings are also done by themselves whenever a “clean slate” is needed. The goal of a cleansing is to restore a person to a natural, balanced state and to provide them with some immediate relief.

To perform a home cleansing, you will need some sage or cedar or sandalwood incense or holy water. You can also use some holy anointing oil to anoint the entrances to your home, such as doorways and windows.

This ritual calls for a spiritual practice called “smudging” wherein objects, people, or spaces are lightly covered with the smoke of incense, or the smoke of smoldering herbs such as cedar or sage. Simply light the incense or herbs and fan the smoke with your hand or a large feather. Offer the smoke to the helper Spirits by fanning it to the west, north, east, south, heaven, and earth and respectfully ask them to help you clear the area of all negativity.

Begin fumigating the area, beginning with the doorway. Smudge it, and all of the corners moving from the floor up, going clockwise. Smudge everyone present, starting from their front, going from their feet to their head. Have them turn around and repeat the procedure. Next use some Holy Water and sprinkle it (or you may place it in a spray bottle so that you can mist it) on the floor of the room or area you wish to have blessed. Mist each corner and move to the center of the room. Anoint the window sills and doorways of your home with holy anointing oil. As you are doing this, repeat the prayer of protection:

Prayer of Protection

The light of God surrounds me

The Love of God enfolds me

The power of God protects me

The presence of God watches over me

Wherever I am, God is

And all is well.

You may now thank God, the helper Spirits, or whatever Divine spirit you deem to be your Higher Power for their special attention.

Express your love, say “So be it”, and say goodbye. Your space is now properly cleansed.

At this point, you could bury a medal of St. Benedict in your front yard and/or carry one on your person for added protection.

You can find a complete line of cleansing and uncrossing products at my website Creole Moon.