Graveyard Work

Graveyard Work

Folks who have come into Conjure or Hoodoo as most folks on the internet call it are under the misconception that graveyard work is all about digging up some graveyard dirt to cross someone up. I call these folks internet Hoodoo's; they don't know any better and are just doing what they have read. There's a lot more to graveyard work than paying for some dirt. This business I see all over the internet about gather dirt from unknown folk’s grave is very dangerous. This topic is for another blog.

I was raised in a family who respect thier dead. I was taught from a very young age to clean the graves of my ancestors or those who have passed on, to decorate them on holidays and special occasions; I was also taught how to gather the dirt for help from my ancestors. It is very disrespectful to wake the dead to put them to work for you when you have done nothing for them. Eventually it will catch up with you and you may bite off more than you can chew.

The two photo's you see are of my ancestor altar and of my Nephew/Godsons grave. Yesterday June 20th was his birthday. I brought him ballons, a cake, candles, flowers and some smoke. I shared a piece of cake with him then lit his candles. I stayed and talked to him for a long time, just chatter. I walked away feeling his spirit all around me. He was born at 9 pm on the 20th, so last night the rest of my family went to visit him. I went alone because I wanted to spend the time with just me and him.

Just because someone has passed doesn't mean they are gone. Their spirit is very much alive. They walk with us in our daily lives. I'm not saying you shouldn't do graveyard work, I'm saying you need to first KNOW what you are doing. You also need to honor the dead you call on for help. Show them the respect they deserve. Orion Foxwood will be giving a workshop in November on the 13th at the Folk Magic Festival in N.O.L.A. on working in the graveyard. If you can make it come and join us.

If you want to work in the graveyard then please learn the right way to approach the dead. It is a lot more to it than paying at the gate and buying some dirt. Find someone to guide you through the work; remember to always be respectful of spirit. Peace Starr

Cleansing And Protection Brooms

I have used the broom for cleansings and protection for many years.  The broom is one of my favorite tools to work with for a quick cleansing.  The use of the broom in conjure work is being lost due to the fact that these so called teachers that are out there don’t know how you work with the broom. They can’t explain how to use it in cleansings so they just mention it but not how to work with it. The broom is used for sweeping so therefore it can literally sweep a crossed condition off of you. The broom can not only be used for uncrossing but it can also be used for protection.  I’m going to give you a few different works that can be used by working with the broom. This is old work that is being lost and needs to be remembered.

         Now days you can find many different sizes of brooms; for this type of work you need a medium to a small broom. When you use a broom in cleansing work it is called either sweeping or brushing. I have a few different brooms that I use in my cleansings. I think my favorite is the old timey whisk broom I use. It’s the kind folks use to use to sweep their cars out with before we had vacuum cleaners. I’m telling my age now. You can still find them at some of the old auto parts houses. I like this type of broom because it is small and they are put together well. You can use whatever you have; but the broom should only be used for this type of work.

              Once you find the broom you will work with you need to cleanse it before you use it. I have a wash I use to spray my brooms down with, don’t soak it just mist it lightly with a spray. Let the broom air dry; once it is dry sprinkle a little kosher salt on it. Let the salt sit on the broom until you are ready to use your broom. To use the broom for cleansing you start at the crown of your head and sweep downward while praying that whatever is there is swept away. You sweep the bottom of your feet also from heel to toe. Make sure you sweep your whole body and you really need to focus on your head. When someone crosses you up that is main part of the body they hit. When you are finished brushing yourself down then lightly spray the broom down with a cleansing wash and let it dry. The next time you want to use it, the broom will be dry.

Cock-a-doo-let's do mojos!

Hey Ya'll,
Some of my favorite work is making mojo hands. I love collecting all the herbs, roots and talisman to put in the bag. I always start by sewing on my charms and using a $2.00 bill, a silver dime and in many cases a gold mojo bean from my St. Joseph altars that are blessed. Here's photo of one. I also keep a book that contains every mojo hand I ever did! How about you? - Auntie Sin