Mojo bags are from Black American hoodoo culture and can be used for a wide variety of intentions including but not limited to protection, love, and good luck. Contrary to popular belief, Hoodoo is a sacred practice that blends many ancient African religions and is, in short, what many enslaved Africans in the Americas and the Caribbean practiced after they were stolen from their land. This tradition runs deep in my Ancestry and I’m happy to share with you how to create your own mojo bag for this month’s theme of protection. These bags won’t have the same potency as paying for one from an experienced or anointed root worker, but they should do the trick. Since this magic comes from a sacred tradition, I suggest checking in with your Honorable Ancestors or higher self to make sure you are compatible with the practice. This doesn’t mean you have to be African to make your own mojo bag, and it doesn’t mean that just because you are African or of African decent that you get an automatic pass. Be smart and ask before you practice ANY tradition that doesn’t belong to you.
Time/planetary hours: I like to make my mojo bags in conjunction with the moon. I find that the new moon, first and last quarter moons, and full moon are the most powerful times to do this type of work.
What you’ll need:
4in x 4in piece of RED felt cloth. It’s very important that it’s red!
A pinch of white sage leaf, peppermint leaf, bay leaf, rosemary, and basil.
Fill the center of the cloth with a pinch of each herb you intend to use. Mojo bags are meant to be small and worn close to the body so keep that in mind.
As you place each herb inside the bag, talk to the plants and ask them to work for you — to lend you their powerful medicine. Pray over and speak to your bag as you make it.
When filled, gather the herbs and optional crystal in the center of the cloth, breathe on it three times to infuse it with your energy and intention, and then close it up with twine.
Once tied, “feed” your mojo bag by placing 5 drops of the anointing oil on the cloth. One drop in each of the 4 sacred directions and one in the middle.
At this time you can read aloud your petition or intention for your protection mojo bag.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP: do not let anyone touch or see your mojo bag! The energy contained in it is for you and you alone. After it’s made I suggest keeping it close to your body (some say it should touch the skin, but having it in your pocket works), and also sleeping with it under your pillow. I suggest keeping it on you at all times and sleeping with it for 5-7 consecutive days.
Once a week your mojo bag should be fed by anointing it with oil, or holding it over incense/sacred smoke. You can also re-read your petition at the time of feeding.
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Camille Langston is a Reiki Master teacher in Usui Shiki Ryoho technique, psychic medium, tarot reader, musician, and actor living in Los Angeles, California. Read her bio here.
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