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Spiritual Baths

Spiritual baths have been used in many cultures to cleanse the soul, clear the mind, and ultimately heal the spirit. Spiritual baths are not only just used for cleansing but can be used to draw things closer or repel them. In many indigenous spiritual practices that predate colonial interactions, there has long been a reverence for water and cleansing. These rituals and concepts have been preserved and transported to the Americas and beyond as a byproduct of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade. They can be found in everything from African Traditional/Diasporic Religions, such as Ifa, Haitian Vodou, Palo Mayombe and African American Hoodoo, to the cultural syncretism embedded in Black expressions of Abrahamic religions.

 Condition Oils

 In early religious and spiritual traditions, oil was used to anoint the body for baptism, heal from illnesses, and used for initiations into a tradition or religion. In the Hoodoo tradition today, we continue to use oils for the same purposes. Crafting Conjure oil takes time and commitment, planning and choosing the correct ingredients to fit the condition. In the traditions of Hoodoo, conjure oils are also known as “anointing oils,” “condition oils,” and “Hoodoo oils.” The oils consist of a blend of various medicines, herbs, roots, minerals, and carrier oils to create a powerful, goal-oriented infused formula. Amulets, charms, talismans, and personal concerns are sometimes added depending on the purpose of the oil.

 Mojo

A prayer, or a song that can be carried with or on the host's body made in a tangible form. Other names for the Mojo include Gris-Gris, Hand, Mojo Hand, Conjure Hand, lucky, Conjure Bag, Trick Bag, Root Bag, Toby, and Jomo. Cultural retention was illustrated by preserving traditional African beliefs in spiritual power through tangible objects. As enslaved Africans adapted to their new environment in America, they incorporated local materials and customs into their practices, leading to the creation of unique artifacts like Mojo Hands. This blending showcases how they maintained their identity while responding to new challenges and influences. The creation of Mojo is an esoteric system that involves sometimes housing a spirit or spirits inside of a vessel for either protection, healing, harm, and to consult with the spirits.