Mojo Bag, Conjure Hand, Toby, Gree-Gree Questions & Answers

[tlvb25]

If your mojo bags want to hang out at your bedside...better listen to what they have to say! Just make sure they will not be seen/touched by anyone other than yourself. I sometimes place my mojos inside my pillowcase to have them close to me, but in a secure, secret location. With a new mojo, you should keep it on your person as often as possible to establish a good working relationship. Once the bag is working strongly for you, you can carry it in a coat or purse or keep it in a special, secure location on your altar. Don't forget to feed your bags on a regular basis and pay attention to their needs and wants -- as you've already found, they will cue you in to what they want! The wise conjurer will pay attention and do as they ask and the spirits of the mojo will reciprocate.

Good luck,

Michelle

Hello Copperfox,

So is it normal (common) not to fell very much connect with your mojo bag when it is first created? Doesnt it take time for a bonding to take place? Also isnt it normal for a person who is new to mojo bags to have condition their understanding/awareness that bag is not just bag but it is a spirit that lives within it? Or is it that you should feel an immediate connection with the bag and that the person should feel the liveliness of the bag from the beginning.

[sassymslady]

Hi, I have a question about tingling in the fingers. Every since I started doing candle burning and spiritual work, my fingers constantly tingle. I thought I was developng carpal tunnel symdrome or something. But, noticed when I start working on a project, the tingling gets even stronger. Does anyone know what this means? Thanks for all responses.

[ko558]

So is it normal (common) not to fell very much connect with your mojo bag when it is first created? Doesnt it take time for a bonding to take place? Also isnt it normal for a person who is new to mojo bags to have condition their understanding/awareness that bag is not just bag but it is a spirit that lives within it? Or is it that you should feel an immediate connection with the bag and that the person should feel the liveliness of the bag from the beginning.

I am wondering this myself. Someone please answer.

[Devi Spring]

I normally have a little "getting to know you" period with my mojos. I will wear it 24-7 (except when showering of course) against my skin for a week or two, until I feel firmly in tune with it.

[ConjureMan Ali]

I think its really dependent on the person. Some people develop a strong rapport with a mojo hand that they've taken the time to assemble and that they've put their heart into. However, it is not uncommon to take time to build that relationship. Like any other relationship, take the time to work your mojo hand, feed it, speak to it, keep it close and you'll start to notice that you truly do develop a wonderful relationship with it.

[KhonsuMes]

This tingling when doing mojo work has happened to me too, but is not continuous. When doing the customization for a mojo, it was quite distinct and wonderful.
That said, I think if you have any continuous tingling in extremeties, you should ask your doctor about it, there could be medical reasons.

[ko558]

I don't know if it is the mojo telling me something, but I get a feeling to keep it in my bra when I sleep rather than under my pillow. I get a slight tingling in my hands while I hold it, but not sure if it the mojo or just the way my hand is positioned. When I put it in my pocket, on a couple of occasions I get very strong vibrations on my leg under or near that pocket.

[Devi Spring]

Trust your feelings. Try it out and see how things go.

[tnish]

Wow you people are awesome! Thanks to everyone again.

Now when its said to not let anyone see your mojo bag, its meant to not let anyone see it itself or is it like dont let anyone see the "idea" of it? Meaning like if someone sees the little tie strings sticking out or even the imprint of it under my clothes....will and intent instantly undone and the mojo bag isnt good anymore? Because I simply have no idea how Im going to wear the little bags at home without my family wondering or asking what is that. I know at night that I can implore good hiding methods though so no worries there.

[ko558]

I keep mine in my bra, as many women do.
I think the rule is that no one sees the actual mojo. Not sure about the strings, but if someone sees imprint i think it's ok. Could always put it in you pocket and say you have a bunch of Kleenexes.

[tnish]

I keep mine in my bra, as many women do.
I think the rule is that no one sees the actual mojo. Not sure about the strings, but if someone sees imprint i think it's ok. Could always put it in you pocket and say you have a bunch of Kleenexes.

Thank you and appreciate the reply.

[Negi Springfield]

I understand I need to hide the Mojo Hand when I get it, I was wondering if I could hide the hand inside of another bag. Literally but the bad inside a bag to hide it. That way even if someone gets at the hand they might not see the hand itself and wouldn't directly touch it.

Is this an idea that would work?

[kmew1315]

I'll defer to someone with more experience than me as far as whether that would work or is appropriate, but I will say that that's a very clever idea.

[jwmcclin]

As long as someone does not touch the actually bag...

[catherineyronwode]

Many women carry their mojo bags in their purses, and many musicians carry them in the little section of their instrument cases where extra strings and picks are kept.

[annie2]

This has been a fascinating discussion! Thanks to everyone; I'm thoroughly enjoying the forums

[Dr Johannes]

You do not need to be able to feel, hear or "resonate" with a toby or its spirit for it to work.
Spiritual perceptions can sometimes be used good for enhancing beliefs, but can just as easily lead into a world of illusions. "I hear it speak, therefor it is powerful, thus it will bring me result" = not at all.
The result, or lack of result speaks for itself.

[cabriellenil]

Ah, now I feel comfortable chiming in.

I've had a few mojos and there're times when I feel certain urges - to rub the mojo between my palms, sniff it for a long while after I feed it, etc. One was from LM (killed it by accident) and two are from Dr Johannes (Hello!). But I'm not one of those people who can 'feel' the mojos pulsating or anything like that. When I speak to them I tell them they're my 'faithful companions' and they'd watch over me, help me and do what I ask.

And I leave things to them - I don't hear them responding, they're living entities I carry with me that are somewhat 'unknown' to me. I cherish them, but also respect that they 'exist on a different spiritual plane' (don't know if this description makes sense - I hope you see what I'm trying to say) than I do. In my mind, they have their own spaces. It's natural that we can't 'talk' or I can't resonate with them directly.

Just writing this so that if anyone else has the same feelings as I do, I suppose this is normal too!

[Devi Spring]

Exactly - everyone is different. There's no One Right True Way for these things to work or be perceived.

[tnish]

I wouldnt say I feel the need to cleanse although I dont have any spiritual water just eucalyptus and uncrossing sachet powder could/should I cleanse myself with that before starting my mojo hand?

Thanks In Advance.

[jwmcclin]

I have used Eucalyptus (in a three ingredient bath) Read about Eucalyptus here http://www.herb-magic.com/eucalyptus.html
I have also used uncrossing bath crystals for cleansing.

[Turnsteel]

I wouldnt say I feel the need to cleanse although I dont have any spiritual water just eucalyptus and uncrossing sachet powder could/should I cleanse myself with that before starting my mojo hand?

Thanks In Advance.

Definitely cleans yourself. Of course, sachet powder can't be used in a bath, but you can powder yourself with it after you air dry from the bath. Eucalyptus would work very well for a cleansing bath so go with that.

[Kulotito]

Hey, I wanted to know what I could do to help my mother's stress and well being through a mojo bag. She works with VERY VERY VERY difficult, rude, mean as hell & childish people at a hospital, she is the supervisor of her department, but no one really gives her respect, I'm guessing her being the average height of an Asian woman and her age don't impress that notion of respect on other. so how can, by use of conjure, make her co-workers respect (maybe fear) her. I'm not talking about complete domination but some would be very nice. what herbs or curios would I need to help her out & how would I carry out the spell?

p.s. I would also like to ask what deities I could ask in her favor, I'm guessing a strong female spirit?
thanks, kulotito

[Devi Spring]

Make a mojo that includes protective roots/herbs/curios (angelica, and rue), as well as some that help you keep a calm and clear head (sage, solomon seal) with something that eases communication (deers tongue), with some mastery herbs (high john, or master root), and a dash of controlling power (liqorice or calamus). Maybe throw in some five finger grass to help make others want to help her out.

The angelica can work for protection, female empowerment, and female control with men, as well as healing for her. The rue will help deflect negativity that others send at her. Sage is spiritually cleansing with a protective edge, and also helps one make wise decisions. Solomon seal has an element of protection, while promoting good decision making. Deer tongue helps communication issues so she can get what she wants and needs through to people. If you feel high john might be too masculine for personal power, you can use Master root to help her master all the situations that come her way. Liqorice or calamus will also help to give her the upper hand and make others more willing to do what she needs them to.

You might want to look at St. Martha the dominator for saints to work with for her.

[Kulotito]

Wow! alrighty, I will put those to use soon. Also, could you suggest a way she carry it through her day? Does putting it her pocket suffice?

[Devi Spring]

I like to wear mine in my bra. But a secure and discreet pocket would certainly work.

[Kulotito]

Thanks Devi, you always give great help!

[Kulotito]

Sorry a few quick questions, what color should I use the bag in, white? And what about an oil to anoint it with? Sorry I have so many questions

[ConjureMan Ali]

Those are great herbs to work for. For general respect you may consider purchasing or making a Commanding conjure hand. I find that when it comes to dealing with people that give you a hard time Commanding work goes a long way to keeping them mangable and also helps make them respect you.

[Devi Spring]

Red flannel is the all-purpose color in conjure. However, if you're going to use other color symbolism, then I would use a purple bag for commanding/mastery/power.
Commanding oil would probably be good in this situation.

[Azna21]

I do a lot of clinical community work in Oakland w/the youth/young adult population. Recently I began working at 2 new sites and am beginning to wonder if protective mojos have a particular vibration that attract the youths?

I first noticed this a few weeks ago at a rec center, wherein I sat my bag in a chair and within 5 minutes a group of teen girls sat in the chairs surrounding my bag. Later when I moved my bag to the other side of the room, 3 of the same girls moved to that area – 2 sitting next to the chair where my bag w/the mojo was and one sitting up against my bag in the same chair … and when I moved my bag to a different chair again, the same girl switched chairs and cuddled up in the same chair against my bag again. This particular mojo, which was made from info out of Cat’s HHRM book, was a strong protector mojo for a friend who lives in an area of Oakland where high levels of violence occur. I’m wondering what was it about this mojo that attracted these teens??

Then last Thursday I was at another youth rec center. It was a chaotic day and incidents of violence occurred before I arrived. About 30 minutes after showing up, a group of 3 boys leaned up and sat on my car. They were not mean or disrespectful at all – in fact they were very sweet and had a happy demeanor. Inside of my car on my review mirror I keep a safe travel mojo (made from info out of Cat’s HHRM book), which I dress with Van Van oil and St. Christopher oil. I also have a cross hanging with St. Michael oil, and an evil eye/guardian angel emblem that I dress with guardian angel oil.

After these experiences, I now wonder how much the vibrations of mojos can effect not just the wearer/owner, but also others in our environments (even when they’re wrapped up inside bags or inside locked cars)?? Has anyone else had similar experiences with youths being attracted to particular mojos?

Thanks all!!

Love & Light,
Azna21

[Turnsteel]

Its not so much the mojo, as the kind of energy it has and the situation these kids are in. People in the kind of state those kids are probably in need calm,protective and stable energy and many of them will seek it out, if only subconsciously. You could carry an astrological talisman for the same purposes and the same would likely happen.

It doesn't harm the mojo or charms in any case.

[Azna21]

Thanks so much HailDiscordia for the swift reply & helping me to make sense out of the wonderful gifts rootwork brings to all areas of life. I was just so surprised of how quickly others would respond to the energy of the mojos, especially when the intention [while creating the mojo for my firend] was specifically directed to protect him ... truly amazing! =)

[catherineyronwode]

I respectfully disagree with HailDiscordia, who says, "ts not so much the mojo, as the kind of energy it has"

As i see it, it IS the mojo that is working (obviously) and "the energy it has" is not separate from it, but intrinsic to it.

(In my opinion, trying to separately discuss a mojo and its "energy" is like saying, "it's not so much that you are strong but that you have a strong kind of energy" -- Wha?)

HailDiscordia suggests that "You could carry an astrological talisman for the same purposes and the same would likely happen."

I see no reason to believe that.

I believe that if in fact that were true -- if every form of folk-magic charm could be reduced to a corresponding astrological talisman -- then i'd sure have no reason to be teaching hoodoo, making oils, or preparing mojos, would i?

In my experience, the mojo has not only survived, but has expanded beyond the small cultural tradition in which it developed because it is VERY POWERFUL in a way that few other charms are.

The major difference between a talisman and a mojo is that it is almost universally claimed and believed by practitioners of conjure that the mojo is alive, is inhabited by a spirit, and/or contains a fragment of the spirit of the owner. Few, if any, European magicians say that sort of thing about their astrological talismans. Yes, astrological talismans are embued with, or reflective of, the energy of a planet or a fixed star, or a moment of transient vibration between two or more such planets or stars -- but they are not alive, kept fed, and cossetted the way a mojo is -- and for good reason.

A secondary difference between mojos and astrological talismans is that mojo hands are customarily fed with scented liquids that are themselves derived from various magical herbal ingredients -- herbal conjure oils, magical herbal-floral colognes, and even liquors such as whiskey ("water of life") in which herbs have been soaked. This is nature magic, the use of this earth's spiritual interweb of magically active beings, in which persons, animals, plants, and minerals are bound together in social patterns on an invisible plane.

So ... yes, the first mojo is for protection -- and those kids felt its protective energy. They need protection too. They want to sit near it. The second mojo is for safe travel, and the boys who might otherwise be rowdy come within its realm of power and are calmed and gentled, so that you may pass in peace.

Keep the mojos on the job -- make more of them and give them to those in need. You have a lot of power, you are getting great results, and you now have evidence of the efficacy of your conjure-craft. Congratulations.

[Azna21]

Thanks [Professor] Cat for the breakdown ... I feel so truly blessed to have studied, and continue to study your teachings [via the correspondence course], so that I can effectively incorporate rootwork into my community work, keep myself safe and help keep others safe - this is truly an amazing, life changing journey.

[catherineyronwode]

You're welcome, Azna -- and i would like to add that when i read your story, and just re-read it again preparatory to this response, i got a very strong feeling about the kids who sat near the protection mojo. It felt almost urgent to me, as if i should tell you that you should be doing something on that realm of spirit. Pardon me if i seem to speak too freely, but i really felt, and feel, a strong "conviction of the spirit" in this regard. "Somebody's life can be saved" are the words i was told to tell you. I believe it is a young woman.

[Azna21]

Thanks for letting me know Cat - the youths referenced are the population segment that I was able to [out of my own will and determination, along w/your crown of success and road opener products] set up an alliance w/the City of Oakland to begin providing therapy for this population out of our area rec centers [there are a lot of programs but little therapeutic services for this population segment and it is greatly needed]. I did intuit something similar re this youth's intense need to be protected, and also needed confirmation that the spiritual world will help guide me [in addition to various other ways] through working w/mojos. I feel that paying attention to which youths/young adults are drawn to certain spiritual supplies will say a lot about what they are currently experiencing and need help with.

[BePos]

Hi all,

I am going to make my own mojo (bought all the materials from lucky mojo before I found out they sell mojo bags). So I have a couple questions before I get started.

1. Can I put more than 13 items in odd number? It said on the lucky mojo site that I should put 3, 5, 7, 9 or 13.

2. Does each personal concern consider to be one item or I can tie all together to make them one item?

3. I read from the forum that some ppl who bought the mojo from lucky mojo got a more detailed instruction. I've tried to search it on the site, but found nothing. Is there anywhere on the site I can find more detailed instruction in making my own mojo bag other than this: http://www.luckymojo.com/mojo.html

If anyone with experience in making mojo bag and don't mind share some important information with me, I would appreciate anything you share with me.


Btw, I would like to thank St. Expedite for his help!!!

[Devi Spring]

The number of items is up to you. See

http://luckymojo.com/mojo.html

You can count the personal concerns as 1 item.

The instructions that come with the mojos are specific to the type of mojo provided in the kit - so they wouldn't help you much. They tell you the ingredients, what those ingredients are doing, ask you to add concerns (in some cases), and what prayers/psalms to say over it, and provides an oil to feed it with. It is specific to that mojo.

Tips: Use divination to determine the best ingredients for your case. Breathe your prayers into to bag to give it life. Smoke it with an appropriate incense.

[jwmcclin]

When in doubt purchasing the mojo from LM saves a lot of guess work as Devi mentioned, each comes with instruction. Also, you should consider purchasing cat's book' Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodooherbmagic.html

[J Simulcik]

There is much history, tradition, and culture that goes into the creation of not just mojo bags, but all hoodoo products. The fact that you can't narrow your ingredients to less than 13 is probably an indicator that you might be in over your head. I would chalk what you have so far up as a learning opportunity, and order a mojo from LM that meets your need(s). Since the kit explains what is going in and why, it is a good introduction into the formulation of hands and rootwork in general. I also second jwmcclin's suggestion that you get a copy of HHRM. There are suggested mojos in it that would serve well as a next step to purchasing one- you would just have to follow the 'recipe', but still would be crafting it yourself. If you are interested enough to make your own products, there is always the correspondence course. Crafting a hand from scratch is one of the requirements for graduating, and the 52 lessons cover many more aspects of hoodoo. Hoodoo in Theory and Practice (where you read the information you have so far) is an online book with even more lessons.

Good luck!

[catherineyronwode]

1) You need to go back and RE-READ the "Hoodoo in Theory and practice" page on mojo bags. There is nowhere on that page that says you must use "3, 5, 7, 9 or 13" items. This is simply NOT TRUE.

2) Personal concerns are items, but since your belief that there is some sort of rigid rule requiring you to count the items is ill-founded, your question about counting personal concerns is equally ill-founded.

3) All Lucky Mojo brand mojo bags come with instructions. Order one and see.

I would respectfully suggest, as J. Simulcik did, that you are in over your head. Re-read the HITAP pag on mojo hands, and then, as both J. Simucik and jwmcclin said, buy and read "Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic," which contains many dozens of mojo hand combinations. If you feel drawn to really learning this work, take my Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course.

My advice, buy a couple of mojo hands from Lucky Mojo, work with them, take them apart, study them. Make a mojo based on a traditional recipe, as described on the HITAP mojo page, in HHRM, or in the HRCC. Work with it, larn from it. Then branch out into your own styles.

Good luck!

[BePos]

Thanks for all your helps and special thanks to Devi.
One more question, how often should I smoke the mojo with incense, or once is enough? Thanks!

The reason why I might have over 13 items is because I bought LM's love herb mixture thinking that's easier for me to get all the love herbs, but which makes it harder for me to sort out only 13 items because the herb mixture already has 9 different herbs in it. And it's even harder for me to add some other love herbs because I have to be careful with the number of herbs to add. Not to mention I still not sure how I am gonna sniff the candle in the mojo bag because I don't wanna start a fire.

[jwmcclin]

Mojos are traditionally fed once a week to keep them working...some people dress them with appropriate oils, some smoke them or both, it is a personal preference. Personally I have done both...your Mojo will tell you what it wants and when it needs to be fed especially if you are connected to it... BTW do a forum search as this has been discussed just last week. Again you should consider purchasing LMs mojo as they are complete except for a personal concern of which you add with instructions to boot. Follow the advice you will be glad and feel a certain level of accomplishment. Personally I never make my own...I order LMs.

[BePos]

Thanks Cat too. I do think I would need hoodoo herb and root magic.

[BePos]

Thanks jw! honestly if I saw the mojo bag catalogs at the LM shop, I wouldn't be buying the ingredients and trying to figure out how to make the mojo bag and not sure if I will do it right.

[catherineyronwode]

BePos wrote: "I have to be careful with the number of herbs to add."

No, you do not.

Please, please, go back and RE-READ the HITAP page on mojo hands. You are twisting yourself into counting fits over NOTHING.

http://luckymojo.com/mojo.html

Listen to me, please -- for some reason i cannot understand, because i have NEVER taught this -- a bunch of my students, all of them Caucasian or Asian, and none, as far as i know, African American -- have gotten this idea that i somehow told then that a mojo bag "must" have a certain number of ingredients.

I have never written this on the web, i have never written it in a book, and i do not teach it in my course.

I actually went to the HITAP mojo page and added more information tonight, trying to STOP this well-meaning but twisted rule-making in my name.

I never made those rules. I never was taught those rules. I never taught others those rules. I just tried to give a map of the territory.

THE MAP OF THE TERRITORY LOOKS LIKE THIS:

-----
Some toby makers count out ingredients, and there are some numbers more frequently found among the "counters" than others. Of those who count, more tend to prefer odd numbers than even numbers. Of those who prefer odd numbers, the most common numbers they have told me that they favour are the numbers 3, 7, or 9.

Some toby makers don't count out ingredients. Nothing bad will happen to you or to your mojo if you don't count the ingredients, because all that not counting means is that you will be one among many root doctors who never count the ingredients and they are JUST AS TRADITIONAL as those who do.
-----

To understand why certain people who are new to hoodoo and come to it from other cultures, especially those of European or European American background, insist on imposing make-or-break rules regarding magic on a system that has very few such make-or-break rules, you will have to rad the introduction to "Hoodoo herb and Root Magic." People who insist that a horseshoe "must" point in a certain direction or that a spell "must" rhyme or that magic "must" be performed at a certain phase of the moon are coming to hoodoo and trying to force it to comply to their own culture's rigourous beliefs in make-or-break rules. These people do not understand what they are doing -- it seems so natural to them, after all, to beset their magical work with make-or-break rules -- but those of us who have worked in conjure for a long time look at them and shake our heads. WHY? Why? Why don't they join US instead of forcing us to adopt their rules?

And then, after getting maybe half of them to relax their rigid rule-making, well, guess what? They decide that what we said was "There are no rules in hoodoo."

NO. That is not what we said either.

Christ Almighty, save me from my well-meaning but rule-obsessed students, customers, and friends!!! And while you are at it, Lord, please save me from those well-meaning students, customers, and friends who claim i've said "There are no rules in hoodoo." AMEN.

[Mama Micki]

AMEN!

[Fiona]

Hi,

I am a newcomer here so I admit that I have a lot to learn regarding Hoodoo. I have been reading Catherine's online book and some online articles to help me learn, but I have a question about Mojo Bags.

Basically I plan to order two or three from Catherine soon, but until I can do that (probably after next pay day!), I want to attempt to create my own. I don't know if this is wise for a new learner, but I want to try.

Anyway to get to my point: I have read that Mojo's usually stick to recipies. For example, a Mojo for gaining money/wealth will have certain items that need to be put inside the bag. But how strict is this?

Sometimes one article might suggest a list of ingredients, and then another hints at using other things...So how would I know what is right? Can a Mojo be wrong if good ingredients are used with the correct intention?

And can we deviate from recepies, and just use the recipie as a guideline? An example: If I wanted to make a Mojo to gain money, I have read that Fools Gold (Pyrite) is a good stone for attracting money, so couldn't I put a piece of that in?

I suppose the real question is, when making a Mojo bag, can one be creative (as long as there is a reason for certain ingredients) or is it important to stick to the definite suggestions made in books/articles?

I actually want to make a Mojo for all-round general good luck, similar to the one I will be buying soon - the Lucky 13 one...I wanted to know how to make it from scratch and what I could put inside it.

I would appreciate any help! Thanks.

[J Simulcik]

I think you have the general idea of things. Look at the descriptions of the herbal, mineral, and animal curios at the LM site and read what has been written here on the forum in addition to the info in HITAP and HHRM if you have a copy. If you don't, I highly recommend getting it soon.

The biggest piece it sounds like you are missing is the activation of a hand. Pay particular attention to the paragraph here named Fixing and Feeding the Mojo Hand:

http://www.luckymojo.com/mojo.html

Read closely, Miss cat has the laudable skill of stuffing even a few sentences with sooo much information. An activated mojo bag is ALIVE.

Finally, even if you are successful, do not abandon your plan of ordering a few; you will learn even more, and it might show you that you have an interest in taking the course.

[Devi Spring]

Use divination to confirm/deny your initial choices for inclusion. A pendulum can give simple yes/no answers as to whether an item is appropriate or not.

[Turnsteel]

Hello Fiona

I have read that Mojo's usually stick to recipies. For example, a Mojo for gaining money/wealth will have certain items that need to be put inside the bag. But how strict is this?

Sometimes one article might suggest a list of ingredients, and then another hints at using other things...So how would I know what is right? Can a Mojo be wrong if good ingredients are used with the correct intention?

And can we deviate from recepies, and just use the recipie as a guideline? An example: If I wanted to make a Mojo to gain money, I have read that Fools Gold (Pyrite) is a good stone for attracting money, so couldn't I put a piece of that in?

Basically, its up to the person making the mojo, so long as they have a good working knowledge of what they are putting into the bag.

Its not as tho every root doctor has The Big Book of Mojo Bags and we're just not telling you. Mojo hands for similar purposes tend to have similar things. But there are differences.

When I make a money mojo for example, I would want a lodestone, a gator paw and pyrite, another might use irish moss, cinnamon and blue flag. So as long as each ingredient is strong for the mojo bag's purpose, and you make and fix the bag, and feed it and work it regularly, you'll be fine.

If you just throw a few things in a bag, tie it shut and call it a day, you're going to be disappointed,and rightly so.

Finally in your next order get Miss Cat's wonderful book "Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic." I can not stress this enough. It lists tons of herbs root and curios and what they are traditionally used for, it also includes many mojo combinations for you to try out.

Hope that helps.

[catherineyronwode]

Fiona, i get the impression from reading your post that you are not yet ready to make a mojo because you are unclear on the concept. Yes, there are extremely popular and taditional combinations -- but they are just that -- "combinations," not "recipes."

In order to work within conjure tradition, you need to learn our terminology, ways of perception, styles of handling tools and ingredients, and techniques of assemblage, prayer, and working with magical goods.

Anyone can place some items in a bag -- but if it is not made the way a mojo bag is made, it is not a mojo bag.

And, to answer your question, yes, a mojo bag can be made "wrong" by including random or messed up ingredients that don't harmonize with one another or don't have any symbolic value for the work at hand, by not including necessary links to targeted individuals, by not being fixed and prepared, by not being tied, by not being fed, etc.

I suggest, as others have, that you read and re-read the "Hoodoo in Theory and Practice" pages on jomos, mojos, and nation sacks:

http://luckymojo.com/mojo.html
http://luckymojo.com/jomo.html
http://luckymojo.com/nationsack.html

and that you get a copy of Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic" and read the hudred or more hands described in there.

Then take some time to come to some of our workshops, or enroll in my correspondence course.

Making a mojo is the final homework in that year-long course -- and about 1 out of every 10 get returned to be remade because they were made wrong.

It's not just something anyone can do; it's like riding a horse or cooking Thanksgiving dinner or sewing a dress -- you need some instructions, you need some talent, you need some practice, and you need some examples to look at, so you know what you are aiming for.

[Fiona]

Thanks for the help here, everybody.

I will try to take everything on board.

I have read through the online book once, but as it was a lot of information to take in- and remember- I shall be reading it again.

I want to order Catherine's book, and I will, I just can't right now due to financial issues. But it's definitely on my "Want List."

I did know that just throwing a few items together in a bag wouldn't make it a genuine Mojo, that's why I really needed some input.

I wanted to get a small string bag, and add a personal touch, such as the Pyrite, Lodestone and some herbs etc...

I also wanted to use my traditional prayers over each item as I placed them in the bag, and use my Dragons Blood Oil, Lucky Mojo Oil or even bodily fluids to feed the Mojo weekly...

Am I on the right path here? I hope so but I'm open to any input as I desperate don't want a bag with random items, I want to work them together and actually get something genuine going.

I did understand that following examples on articles about the combinations to use would be more sensible as I am a learner but I just really wanted to understand how much one can deviate and put their own touch to it.

Once I do gather herbs and add my items, will praying and feeding oil breathe life into it?

[Turnsteel]

Dragons Blood Oil, Lucky Oil or even bodily fluids to feed the Mojo weekly...Am I on the right path here?

I wouldn't feed the mojo with your body fluids. It will eventually start to stink. Its one thing to include a drop of your sexual fluids in a love drawing mojo, and quite another to dress the bag with them every week. just FYI.

[Fiona]

Thank you, I thought just as much!

I have a small selection of oils which I purchased but I just need to find which will suit the Mojo better

[Fiona]

I got together the items for a money-luck Mojo...Really I just didn't expect to get it right as I wasn't sure I had everything perfect...Anyway, after adding herbs, St John the Conquorers Root, Pyrite and some oil etc, I said my personal prayers by a candle etc and followed some hints I found online.

I'm still learning a lot, as I'm new but I thought I'd give it a go.
That was only a couple of days ago, but since then, I've managed to get much-needed over-time at work (as there usually isn't much work going and I struggled without earning much money) and I also had a family member call unexpectedly to offer to help me pay off my debt! That's all within two days. So I feel as if it is working.

I just wanted to ask- can things be added to a Mojo or once it is closed, should it remain closed? Or, can items in a Mojo be used again for other bags in the future?

Other than adding oil once a week, am I to leave it alone?

[Devi Spring]

Other than some specialzed mojos (such as the nation sack) which are intended to be added to over time, most mojos are considered complete once they are fixed and tied. The tying is actually very key here in fixing it - so untying it after the fact is not recommended. That being said, there's really no 100% dogmatic rules, but generally speaking once a mojo is fixed, it's left as-is to work.

Some practitioners feel alright with reusing things like roots and curios and minerals from one work to the next - but you should be at least trying to keep them working for the same type of work. I would't take a lodestone from a money mojo and re-use it in a love mojo, for instance. Other practitioners will not re-use items, but will bury them or otherwise ritually dispose of them after a particular work or mojo is finished.

Other than feeding it once a week, you pretty much carry it with you and let it do its job. There's no need to muck with it.

[Fiona]

Thank you for your help, Devi.

[NotDorianGray]

Hey, if it's working, why add to it? If it ain't broke, don't fix it!