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As a black woman, I am a complicated mixture of global DNA. My ancestors are African by way of Morocco, French by way of Martinique, Native American by way of Choctaw and Cherokee Nations, Sikh Indian by way of Goa, and Scottish by way of Glasgow.
My family is a beautiful rainbow. We have so many shades of brown, yellow, tan, peach, and white that it’s always a surprise as to what the newborn babies in our family will look like. Our accents are varied. You will hear everything from a southern drawl to a clipped almost British dialect even though we all lived for many years within 10 miles of each other.
Representing The African Diaspora
My skin represents the perfect encapsulation of the African diaspora but being multiethnic has had its challenges. The religions and spiritual practices of my ancestors are varied and deep. I am usually happy to discuss Judaism, Christianity, and the ways of the Choctaw and Cherokee at length, BUT, I have never publicly discussed Hoodoo, Voodoo, or Juju – until now.
Stepping out of the Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Juju Closet
The reasons why I’ve been in the Voodoo/Hoodoo closet are varied but they all sing the same basic, boring 4 count key of C tune, of an obsession to people-pleasing. Thanks to movies and other media, most people find raw African religions, scary. 😱😱😱 But what I have discovered is that the histories of these religions are not fraught with wars over land or missionary missions in efforts to convert or control others.
Instead, what these religions represent are rituals to help individuals grow their confidence, prosperity, network, net worth, and improve their intuitive gifts. I don’t deny that what is seen in the media is concerning but most of the actual practices are benevolent.
Today I will be stepping out of the Hoodoo, Voodoo, and JuJu closet to share one of my favorite rituals with you.
Each week I will dive deeper into these teachings. If you have questions feel free to comment below. I will make sure to get back to you.
Here we go!
How to Make Your Honey Jar
The Honey Jar Spell is one of the oldest forms of bottle spells in the world and is heavily utilized in Southern Conjure or Hoodoo. They are created to sweeten a situation or to keep something steadily flowing in the direction that you wish.
What You’ll Need
- A jar with an air-tight lid (jelly jars, mason jars, pasta sauce jars will do just fine!)
- Honey of your choice (raw, local, or infused. – if infused make sure the herb or flower matches your intention)
- An odd number of ingredients that support your intention (remember like attracts like) Examples include herbs, coins, seashells, personal effects, photos, stones, etc.
- A brown paper bag and pen (to write your petition)
- White tealight candle and lighter
The Steps…
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Gather Your Supplies
have fun with this, only select items that bring a smile to your face.
- Cleanse your space and supplies
(with smudge smoke or your preferred cleansing method)
- Write your petition on a piece of brown paper
(I use brown grocery bags) but you can use parchment too.
- If you are trying to draw or release a person, write their name 3 times on a piece of paper
use red for love, green for money or any color ink that speaks to you.
- Flip the paper 90 degrees
then write your name 3 times.
- Write your desire in a circle covering both names
Do not lift your pen off the paper while writing your desire. If you lift your pen by mistake, tear up the paper. Get a new piece and start over.
- The two names should cover each other
The result will be that the two names are crossed over each other, like a tic-tac-toe grid, and the other person’s name will be under yours. This is called crossing and covering their name.
- Fold Paper
If you’re trying to draw something to you, fold the paper towards you (i.e. money, love, etc.) If you are trying to move something away from you, fold the paper away from you.
- Put Folded Paper in the jar
- Add Other Ingredients Now (optional)
court case root for a court case spell, two rose petals for a love spell, a lump of sugar for a family member, two clove buds for friendship, bayberry root or sassafras root for a money spell, a pair of Adam-and-Eve roots for love, two small Lodestones for sexuality, a pinch of deer’s tongue leaves for a proposal, or a square of camphor for cleaning out bad things of the past.
- State Your Intention Out Loud
Speak your intention upon each ingredient and place each in the jar.
- Pour the honey over all of the ingredients
As you do this, pray to your gods/ancestors/guides for your petition to be sweetened, increased or kept flowing, etc.
- Visualize Your Intention Coming True
Spend at least 3 minutes visualizing your intention as already complete. Feel the feelings of this accomplishment.
- Shake Your Honey Jar
gently shake your jar as you are visualizing.
- Taste Of Honey
Place your pinky finger in the jar to pull out a taste of honey and as you eat it, say, “As this honey is sweet to me, so will I become sweet to [the name of the person or situation you are working this on].” You can do this three times ~ reciting your wish with each dip and taste. When finished put the top back on.
- Charm The Tealight Candle
Speak your intentions/prayers over the candle, light it, and place it on top of the honey jar. Let it burn down while continuing to visualize and pray.
- Place The Jar
Set the honey jar on your altar or somewhere you’ll see it daily. Leave it on your altar until the intention has shifted or manifested.
- Keep The Light
Burn a tealight daily for 3, 7, or 9 days total to feed the jar’s intentions.
- Shake it Daily
Don’t forget to shake the jar gently while praying and visualizing daily.
A Word Regarding Honey
I’m aware that honey is not vegan. As such with all magic practices our goal is to harm none. Our bee population is dying off at an alarming rate due to pesticides and global warming. We need honeybees as they are our biggest pollinators. They help grow food by pollinating many of our fruits and vegetables.
Some Action items
It’s important that we all assist honeybee longevity because if all of the honeybees die out, we could lose a large portion of our food sources. Here are a few steps you can take to help preserve them
- plant native flowers, trees and shrubs.
- put a bee bath in your garden, yard or patio and
- support local beekeepers, farmers and gardeners at your local farmers markets and/or stores.
May this ritual bring you love and sweet peace.
Sat Nam,
Ezina
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