While there are definitely times that magic can be delivered successfully without the use of anything but a thought, a look, a gesture, or maybe a few well-flung words, there are also times when we know that's just not going to cut it. It's those times that we reach for the pen and paper and get busy writing a ritual or spell that we're sure will get the job done. Most of us start with the incantation since it's the part that seems to take the longest. We engage in games of wordplay, switch this for that, and rotate verse and sentence structures to improve the clarity of meaning and intent. We work at it until we're sure that even someone with only two brain cells to rub together would understand our meaning and that there's no chance of error or mistaking what we want.
Then, quite pleased with ourselves since the hard part is done, we sit back and start to think about what else we'll need for this ritual. We check our personal reference libraries, make a list of our choices, and set off to obtain the ritual supplies that will tie the whole thing together. That, of course, is when a peculiar look crosses most of our faces. Why? Because we soon come to realize three very important things.
First, we discover that the items on our lists simply aren't to be had at the local metaphysical shop—at least, not in ready-made form—and even if the store does carry the ingredients for making them ourselves, we don't know what those might be or how to put them together properly. But we're magical practitioners, for Gods' sake; we have a ritual to perform, and we're not to be deterred. So we take a deep breath, march up to the counter, and ask the clerk for advice. And that's when the second very important thing grabs our attention: The folks at the shop are just as clueless as we are. Most of them have never even heard of this stuff, much less have any idea where we might find it. And now, number three begins to dawn bright and clear: We suddenly realize that we were very sadly mistaken. The hard part isn't done at all. In fact, it's just beginning.
So, now what? Do we scrap the ritual and that lovely incantation? Do we use the incantation anyway and hope like hell it's powerful enough to stand on its own? Or do we continue to search for these items until we're so old and decrepit that we can remember neither why we wanted them in the first place nor why we even cared?
Absolutely not. Help is on the way—and it's right here in this chapter.
True enough, the items often associated with hexing and its antidote tend to have rather odd names—Goofer Dust, Hot Foot Powder, Four Thieves Vinegar, and so on—but the actual ingredients that comprise them aren't strange at all. In fact, I'm willing to bet that you've got most of what you need already, right there in your kitchen cabinets. It's usually just a matter of having the recipes at hand and knowing what to do with the finished product, both of which I've included here.
Occasionally though, there will be that ingredient or two that not only seems to be essential to the concoction at hand, but also completely evades all attempts at reasonable capture. So, I've done my best to rectify that problem as well by playing with the recipes until I found substitutions that don't hamper strength or effectiveness, and will be fairly easy to locate.
With the major problems solved, let's talk a little bit about the recipes. The first thing you'll probably notice is that the proportions aren't listed in most of them. But there's good reason for that. It simply means that unless otherwise noted, you should start out with equal portions of each ingredient. And since you're not likely to be mixing up large amounts of any one substance—at least not right away—I suggest you begin with a teaspoon of each. Then later, if you discover that you're using more of a particular product, you can always increase the amounts and make a larger batch.
It's also important to mention that, unless noted otherwise, all of the recipes that follow are versatile as far as form. This means that the ingredients in an incense recipe can also be blended as an oil, a powder recipe can be used to mix a wash, and so forth. (The only exceptions are Eviction Notice Powder and Swamp Water.) There are, however, a few tricks I've picked up over the years when it comes to working with particular supply forms. And to save you time and trouble, I've included them below.
If you don't plan to burn the incense on charcoal, you'll have to add an incense base to your recipe. While some stores carry incense base and have it available for purchase, I've also discovered that sawdust works well, as do small twigs pulverized in a coffee grinder. A pinch of saltpeter will also do the trick. But if you go that route, be absolutely certain to only use a pinch. Otherwise, your ritual may have to be amended to include an evocation to the local fire department!
Just an aside: While the incense you've just mixed may smell heavenly, know that it doesn't always smell as good when burning. In fact, some of these recipes may not smell good at all. And if that's the case, just remember that you're using it for a HIP—a hex in progress—and nothing about a hex is lovely except the end result: that point where your foe stops screwing with you!
If you're using a coffee grinder and you're preparing several different mixtures, it's important to clean the grinder between uses. Start by scrubbing it with a brush and a 50:50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water—this will break down any resin residue—then follow with hot, soapy water, and finish with a boiling water rinse.
Always try to find your ingredient list already in oil form. Then using an eyedropper and a clean bottle, blend two drops of each oil together at a time. Increase by one drop each until you have enough of the finished product to do the current job. In this way, you'll keep the original oils intact and have them on hand for other uses.
If you must use dry ingredients for oil-making, use a base oil that doesn't turn rancid. (Grape-seed or jojoba oils are good choices.) Place the dry ingredients in an electric potpourri pot, and mash them up with a fork to bruise them. Pour in just enough oil to cover, then turn on the pot. Heat for twelve hours, stirring every two to three hours, adding a bit more oil if necessary. Strain, bottle, and use. (Please note that while the oil may not have much fragrance at this point, the aroma—or lack thereof—has no bearing on magical potency.)
While it's certainly okay to reuse bottles, be absolutely sure they're clean before using them to blend anything else. (The last thing you want is the residue of an opposing concoction mixed with the new blend.) Wash them in hot, soapy water to which you've added a little bleach, then scrub the insides thoroughly with a small bottle brush. Scald them with boiling water after, or put them in the dishwasher for a full cycle.
When preparing a powder, you'll want to grind the ingredients as finely as possible. While you can accomplish this with a mortar and pestle, I've found that it's much easier to toss the ingredients into a coffee grinder, set it to “fine,” and hit the button. (You may have to do this two or three times.)
To give this mixture a powder-like consistency, stir in a teaspoon or two of cornstarch before using.
Clean the coffee grinder between uses following the directions outlined previously for Incense Tips.
There's nothing like an automatic drip coffeemaker when it comes to brewing washes. Just put a filter in the filter cup, add the ingredients, fill, and brew. Then add the mixture to a gallon of water. (Note: Since some of your ingredients may be poisonous, do NOT use your regular coffeemaker for this purpose. Obtain an inexpensive one—thrift stores and yard sales are good starting points—and use it instead.)
Before you brew again, clean both the filter cup and pot thoroughly, following the directions above for Oil Tips.
Before we get to the recipes, it's important to decide what form of the product actually suits your needs best. If your curse actually involves paying a visit to the target's home, for example, then a powder or wash may be just the thing. But if it doesn't, an oil or incense may be more appropriate. It all depends on the curse at hand and how you plan to deliver it.
Deliver it?
You hadn't thought about that, had you?
If your answer is no, don't feel bad. While curse writing and planning generally come easily once folks decide to take that route, it's common for the actual delivery plan to completely slip the mind. That's because we just expect the curse to spring from the altar and deliver itself, and that's not always the case.
Chances are, of course, that you'd rather your subject be oblivious to the fact that you cursed them. And the last thing you want is to be caught at it, which is exactly what could happen if you're ballsy enough to run over to their house in the middle of the night, armed with washes or powders or something to bury on their property. Even worse, you might be arrested for trespassing. And since spending the night in the pokey certainly wouldn't play well into your plans, that's something you'd do well to steer clear of.
This doesn't mean that you can't engineer your curse to deliver itself. Neither does it mean that powders and washes may not be appropriate to your purpose. It simply means that you may have to rework things a bit and take some extra precautions. But if you've already gone to all the trouble of working out the curse at hand, thinking it through again is certainly worth the effort. Especially if it guarantees your success.
That said, the various forms that the recipes can take, as well as the different ways they can be used, are listed below for your convenience. Please note that some of them also list certain precautions. And if you don't want to deal with unsavory residue later, you'd do well to heed them.
Speaking of precautions, there's one other thing that bears mention before we begin. Regardless of the form you decide upon, one thing holds true for all: Clearly visualize your target during preparation, then dispose of any leftovers once the cursing ritual is complete. (Do NOT use on any other subject!) By doing this, you'll safeguard others from harm should they accidentally touch the substance.
Precautions:
After use, clean the coffee grinder as previously directed in the Incense Tips section.
Cleanse your ritual area by smudging it with Uncrossing Incense. (See recipes later in this chapter.)
Precautions:
Cover work area completely with several layers of newspaper, and remove them from your home immediately when work is finished. Alternatively, burn them and dispose of the ashes.
Dispose of any leftovers outside the home.
Clean your hands thoroughly. (See previous instructions under Oils.)
Precautions:
Cover work area completely with several layers of newspaper, and remove them from your home immediately when work is finished. Alternatively, burn them and dispose of the ashes.
Wear surgical gloves during use, and dispose of them immediately. If household gloves are worn instead, soak them after use in hot bleach water, then place them on the top rack of the dishwasher or in the washing machine for final cleaning.
Flush any leftovers down the toilet or garbage disposal. Follow with plenty of water and the juice of one lemon, then flush with water again.
Pour three tablespoons of salt and the juice of one lemon into a clean spray bottle, then fill it with water and shake well. Use this mixture to clean your work surface, then follow with your favorite household cleaner. (This mixture may be saved for future use.)
Precautions:
(See precautions for Powders.)
Little aggravates me more than not being able to find what I need when I need it. And this is especially true of magical formulae. (What's worse, after all, than being right in the middle of a magical operation and having to stop midstream to chase down that elusive incense recipe?) To that end, this section is organized in alphabetical order for easy use and look-up. But that's not all. You'll find every formula mentioned in this book—regardless of magical flavor—included here as well. It's one-stop brewing at its best.
Use this incense in rituals to activate a poppet. It's also a good choice for rituals that initiate any sort of hex.
Ginger
Nutmeg
Black pepper
According to Lady Dame, all you have to do is sprinkle a bit of this powder in the path of someone you detest, and “the bitch will be gone!”
Rattlesnake bones, crushed (powdered snake shed may be substituted)
High John the Conqueror root
Dedicated to Chango, this oil is used by men to draw romantic partners of the female persuasion. When wearing this oil, just a dab will do it, guys!
2 apple seeds
Cinnamon
Coconut
Frankincense
Musk
Excellent for use in assuring that court cases swing your way. For extra oomph, add a bit of High John the Conqueror to the mix.
Allspice
Cinnamon
Clove
Patchouli
Sandalwood
(Sometimes known as Black Arts)
Often used to dress candles used in hexes, as well as to anoint poppets and gris gris bags.
Cinnamon
Graveyard dirt (pinch)
Myrrh
Patchouli
Vetivert
Sage
It's said that this oil is so powerful that you should never mix or apply it unless you truly mean business and that it should only be used in curses involving the nastiest of the nasty.
Bayberry
Cinnamon
Myrrh
Used to break strong curses and hexes, this powder is usually sprinkled on the target as well as around the room and over the altar. Some folks say that “interesting” things happen when this formula is burned as an incense, but I've never found that to be true.
Bay leaf
High John the Conqueror
Hyssop
Lavender
Salt
Vervain
This is indispensable when it comes to removing nasty spirits from the home. To seal the home against their return, add a tablespoon to your cleaning water, and use it to scrub floors and baseboards. (Do NOT use as incense!!)
Asafoetida
Gun powder
This is an excellent formula for clearing negative energy from the home. It's important to note, though, that since this incense is largely made of resins, it produces large amounts of smoke.
Dragon's Blood
Frankincense
Myrrh
Salt
While this mixture has many purposes including some that involve good luck, it's often added to other items related to hexes and is said to keep enemies far from your door.
Adam and Eve root
Black pepper
High John the Conqueror
Vetivert
Bottle of apple cider vinegar
A good all-purpose hexing powder, always include at least a spoonful when disposing of a poppet.
Graveyard dirt (see Chapter 2)
Patchouli leaves or root
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Graveyard dirt
Wasp's nest or snakeskin, crushed and crumbled
Although generally used for positive purposes such as bringing good luck and health, and attracting money, this recipe is also used to control one's enemies; thus, its place in this section.
High John the Conqueror
Orange peel
Okay . . . so Hot Foot Powder doesn't really burn the feet. But once someone steps in it, they will make tracks and leave in a hurry. For that reason, it's used to make nasty neighbors move away. (Just sprinkle a little in their yard or close to their front door.) It can also be rubbed on the feet of a poppet to force the target to leave you alone.
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Cumin
Salt
Sulfur (2 parts)
While this will work on anyone who's so tight they squeak, it's especially effective on the boss who refuses to give you that well-deserved raise. Just rub some on your hands, touch the greedy bastard, and watch the money flow.
Lavender
Sage
Thyme
When dealing with folks who can't seem to mind their own business, use this powder to get them out of your life and banish them for good. I'm told that it's also an excellent tool for keeping others from breaking through psychic boundaries.
Crossroads dirt
Mistletoe
Orris
Sage
Sulfur (the heads from three matches work nicely)
Use this oil when absolute fury is necessary for an effort, and hurt feelings are all you can muster.
Chango oil (if you are male)
High John the Conqueror oil
Oshun oil (if you are female)
Patchouli oil
Rose geranium oil
Called Swamp Water because the main ingredient in aspirin comes from the willow tree, this substance is most used in poppet disposal as it literally eats away at the doll, thus eating away at the problems caused by the target.
1 large bottle of aspirin
1 quart of water
Dedicated to the Goddess of the same name, this oil is used by women not only to draw love and money but also as a protection from enemies as well. To stay on the good side of Oshun, always taste the honey before adding it, so She knows it isn't poisoned.
Anise
Cinnamon
Honey (a drop or two will do it)
Jasmine
Orange peel
Rose
Widely used for uncrossing and generally sprinkled on carpets, this powder literally lifts nasties from their hiding places where they can simply be vacuumed up and disposed of.
Lavender
Lemon peel, dried
Rose petals
Thyme
(Also known as Devil's Master)
When it's imperative that others do your bidding—this includes spirits as well as the living—there's little else that does the trick as well.
Chili powder
Cinnamon
Red sandalwood (substitute white sandalwood if necessary)
Use when your need involves splitting up any sort of relationship, association, or alliance. (Lovers, business partners, and friendships come to mind here.) It can also be used as an incense for poppet-smudging.
Black pepper
Chili powder
Cinnamon
Galangal
Iron filings (rust scrapings may be substituted)
Vetivert
To force someone to tell the truth, rub a bit on your hands and touch the offending party.
Mint
Nutmeg
Rose petals
Used to smudge the poppet of a target who's betrayed your confidence, this can straighten out the mess he or she has caused and turn your luck around.
Bayberry
Cigarette or pipe tobacco
Goldenseal
Use in rituals performed for the express purpose of reversing a hex or a curse, or to remove one from yourself.
Bay leaf
Lavender
Rose petals
Sandalwood
Verbena
Typically used to bring good fortune into the home, this mixture is also occasionally applied after uncrossing rituals.
Juice of 1 lemon (for other forms, use 1 tablespoon lemon peel)
Rose petals
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for other forms, use 1 tonka bean)
Usually tossed in the target's front yard or on his or her property, this substance is also used to sprinkle poppets and gris gris bags.
Add all ingredients to vodka and steep for one week. Then strain and add mixture to one gallon of water.
Pint of Vodka
Black pepper
Iron filings or rusty nails
Lavender
Peel of 1 lemon
Peel of 1 orange
Red pepper
Whole cloves
This does just what the name implies: It wears away the confidence of the target and replaces it with stress, anxiety, and needless worry.
Black pepper
Castor bean
Thyme
If you've followed the instructions and fully visualized your target while concocting and applying the recipes above, you should feel fine. But remember that psychic residue we talked about in Chapter 1? Well, once in a while, some of that will cling to you during the mixing or application stages anyway. And while symptoms vary from person to person, it's usually the blahs that hit first. Sometimes there's nothing more than that, but occasionally other aggravations will come to call. Common side effects include minor bouts of depression, a sudden inability to concentrate, or a state of complete and utter nonproductiveness. And if you begin to experience any of those, the only solution is to get that junk off of you immediately. If you don't, I can nearly guarantee time spent in bed nursing a cold, the flu, or worse.
Fortunately, the remedy is painless, tasteless, pleasurable, and inexpensive. It involves nothing more than taking a bath. And since you probably already take a shower or bath at least once every day, nothing could be easier.
Granted, this isn't exactly your normal sort of bath, as you'll need to be clean before you jump in. It's also going to be necessary to completely immerse yourself in the water several times, hair and all. And because your skin and hair must be allowed to dry naturally, you won't be able to towel off. When compared to the possibility of having to ingest some foul-tasting medicinal concoction, though, that's a pretty small price to pay—especially considering how much better you're going to feel.
There are several different types of baths that will handle the problem quickly and efficiently, and the instructions for all follow below. Each works equally well, so just choose the one that most appeals to you and call it good. You'll be glad you did.
Once the bath is ready, sit in the tub, and completely immerse yourself seven times, allowing the mixture to flow into all body openings. (Swish it around in your mouth as well, but do not swallow it.) Stay in the tub for seven minutes, then get out, allowing the moisture on your body and hair to dry naturally.
This is a great little psychic cleanser with added perks: it relieves mild depression and is actually good for your skin and hair.
1 12-ounce can of beer
1 tablespoon salt
Add the beer and salt to a warm tub of water. Using your index finger, stir the water clockwise until thoroughly mixed.
Long known for its healing and curative properties, vinegar also has the capacity to slice through psychic grime, making it perfect for this bath.
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
Add the ingredients to a warm tub of water, then stir clockwise with your index finger until well mixed.
If you've got more to worry about than a mild case of the blahs, this is an excellent bath to utilize as it also tends to increase focus and personal productivity.
1 tablespoon lavender flowers, dried
1 tablespoon rose petals, dried
1 tablespoon salt
1 bay leaf
Juice of 1 lemon
Place the dry ingredients in the filter cup of an automatic drip coffeemaker, add a full pot of water, and allow to brew. Mix in the lemon juice, and add the contents to a tub of warm water.
One of the perks of relaying psychic cleansing instructions in written form is that I don't have to listen to folks debate the pros and cons of the shower versus the bath—at least, not up close and personal. But the downside is that, whether I can actually hear you or not, I know that some of you aren't comfortable with soaking in the tub at all. I know that some of you are already whining and working yourselves up to full-blown bellyaching. But more to the point, I know that some of you are sitting there, book in hand, racking your brains for an alternative solution.
Are you one of those people? If so, you're wasting your time.
Regardless of how you feel about using the bathtub, it truly is the most effective tool when it comes to psychic cleansing. In this case, it provides a means for complete saturation, a thorough cleansing of the body openings, and does so in a time-efficient manner. There is simply no better way to handle the process. But just to be sure that we don't have one of those silly misunderstandings, I'll make this perfectly clear: if you have a bathtub at your disposal, use it!
With that out of the way, there are solutions for those of you who live in homes equipped with nothing but a shower. And while those solutions are certainly workable, they're going to take a lot more doing. This means that you're going to have to restructure the recipes, gather a few more tools, and increase your time in the shower to at least thirty minutes. What's more, you're going to have to pay strict attention to detail. Suffice it to say that this won't be the most relaxing shower you've ever taken. But it can still be the most therapeutic if you follow the steps below carefully.
Gather supplies. In addition to the bath ingredients, you'll also need a one-gallon container marked with seven equal portions, a five-gallon bucket, and an empty spray bottle.
Select a bath from the list above and alter the recipe. As you'll have less water for dilution purposes, use only half of the recipe. Just divide the amount of each ingredient by two. In the case of one tablespoon, use a measurement of one and a half teaspoons. (If you opt for the beer bath, it's okay to use the whole can of beer.)
Prepare the recipe. Pour the mixture into the one-gallon container, and fill with warm water. Fill the spray bottle from the container. Pour any remaining solution from the first measurement into the bucket. Then take all the containers to the bathroom and get into the shower.
Spritz. Use the solution in the spray bottle to completely cleanse all body openings. (Instead of squirting the solution into your eyes, apply it with your fingers.) Add any solution left in the bottle to the bucket.
Bathe. Now fill the bucket to the brim with warm water, and pour the contents over your head. Add the next solution measurement from the one-gallon container to the bucket, fill it with warm water, and repeat. Continue the process until all the solution is gone and you've poured seven full buckets of the mixture over your head. Allow your hair and skin to dry naturally.