Milagro Roots and Readings

Conjure Conditions--Part One: Crossed Conditions

This post is the first of a series that will go over the various conditions we encounter in traditional Conjure and Rootwork.  I speak to clients all day long who are often not sure where they should even begin and the answer is, start with the condition that needs to be treated.  Before we get into the first condition, crossing and jinxes, let's look at what the term means.

Condition: a condition is understood to be the situation that an individual finds themselves in and that they seek out a Conjurer's assistance to treat.  Conditions are not exclusive to Conjure and Rootwork--many magical systems have various conditions that they focus on and throughout the world there are a handful of conditions that are common to all.  Conditions may be treated through ritual, prayer, candle services, spiritual counseling as well as specific professional services as the case may demand.  Often individuals familiar with Conjure practice will have diagnosed their condition before they seek out a reader or rootworker, but sometimes it is not clear what the condition is, in which case a spiritual reading or consultation can help provide that information.

There are a number of various conditions that people suffer from and they can be combined in many different ways.  Today we will look at one of the most commonly feared conditions: crossing and jinxes.  I am using two words to describe the same thing, depending on where people grew up and what word usage they are comfortable with, one might resonate more than the other.  A cross or jinx is a curse of sorts.  It can be placed intentionally or unintentionally (see my post about the Evil Eye) by an individual.  The curse can be limited to a specific area of an individual's life--one may find that their money is crossed or their love lives are crossed, but it can also be comprehensive and effect every aspect of a person's life.  Crossed conditions can also be extended to entire families or specific lines in a family--for example, all the male heirs of the Smith family or every seventh son of a seventh son.  Curses can be placed on individuals by total strangers who experience a moment of jealousy, but in many cases we find that family members and blood relations are involved in wishing one another ill will.

Before deciding how to treat a condition we must first identify it.  In the case of crossed conditions identification is typically quite easy.  Most of the time a person will start to notice that they are having a run of "bad luck."  They may experience set back financially or in their careers, their romantic partnerships may take a nosedive, or they may discover that they are having significant health issues that seem to come out of nowhere.  Sometimes a client will feel like something is "off" or "not quite right."  These are phrases that can indicate that we are dealing with some level of crossed conditions.  One thing that is important to understand when experiencing or treating crossed conditions is that the cases can vary greatly.  Many crossed conditions are relatively light and easy to get rid of, however, some cases may call for extensive ritual treatment over a long period of time.  A spiritual reading can assist folks in getting an accurate understanding of what conditions they may be experiencing.

Methods of Treatment: If you are suffering from crossed conditions, or suspect that you are, I urge you to get a spiritual reading from a reputable reader--find a list of us here.  Once you know that you are dealing with crossed conditions the obvious question is what is the best way to go about getting rid of them?  The answer depends somewhat on the severity of your case, but here are some of the most common traditions believe to be effective in banishing crosses and jinxes.

Bathing/Cleansing:  The first response in most cases is the prescription of Spiritual Baths.  Bathing of the body and cleansing one's dwelling space with herbs, water, and in some cases smoke, is a time honored way to brighten, freshen, and release negative energy and thoughts.  Products like Lucky Mojo Curio Co's 13 Herb Uncrossing Bath can be used in conjunction with other Uncrossing supplies or by themselves to remove less severe crossed conditions and take of jinxes.

Blessing: Cleansing and bathing is typically recommended in every case of crossed conditions and often followed up with rituals designed for Blessing the individual.  Blessing rituals take on different forms and meanings depending on each person's own religious/spiritual view points and also on the conditions they have been experiencing.  So a person who has experienced crossed conditions when it comes to their health may benefit from a blessing ritual designed to increase strength and vitality, or a person who has been experiencing trouble with their home may want to perform a House Blessing.

Protection: Protection is an integral part of dealing with crossed conditions, especially if the crossed person believes that the source of the curse is still alive and wishing them continued ill will.  In some cases those suffering from crossed conditions will have to keep up protection for themselves and their homes for years in order to combat the curses and ill wishes aimed in their direction.

Reversal: Another step that can be taken in certain situations is to reverse the curse or ill wish back to the sender, this is known as Reversing.  It is not the same as cursing because the understanding here is that the individual wishes only to send BACK the crossed conditions that they are experiencing.  Reversing work should be done alongside cleansing and protective work.

New Additions

There are some yummy new additions to the Milagro Roots Store that I was finally able to add.  Check out the new offerings in the Candle Setting Services and Mojo Hand categories, as well as new products from Lucky Mojo like Road Opener Oil, Lucky Hand Root, Fast Luck, and Siva Shakti products. 

Featured Product: Protective Bracelets

Sometimes folks ask me what they can do to increase Protection and Safety for themselves and their loved ones.  Many of the oldest Conjure tricks for protection are low-cost or even free, and there are several great formulas out there which can be used in protection rituals in a variety of ways.  Nevertheless every now and then there is a feeling that you might need something a little extra.  I have always been a fan of the wards against the evil eye.  I started gathering these talismans around me as a child and now I have quite a collection.  When I was in college I was given a beautiful glass bead bracelet of evil eye charms that a friend bought in Crete.  The woman who gave it to me told me to wear it for protection and that if I was ever in danger the bracelet would "take the hit" for me, much like Conjure doctors of old worked with Mercury Dimes.  Well, I wore my bracelet and then one day it suddenly snapped!  A few hours later I was in the ER with a severe medical issue that could have been fatal had it not been caught in the nick of time.  Needless to say, I am a big proponent of evil eye charms generally and I have a special fondness for the bracelets.  So I was thrilled when I got a small shipment of the classic blue and silver as well as multi-colored glass bracelets in stock for the store.  Supplies are very limited so if you feel like you need extra protection and safety, order yours today.  Once the bracelet is ordered I will ritually consecrate it and pray over it for YOUR specific personal use.

 

    Now, a little bit more about the Evil Eye.  There are many different types of Crossed Conditions.  One such is the infamous Evil Eye.  Growing up around my Southern relatives I was taught about the Evil Eye early on, by my grandmother and my mother.  They would shoot us kids the Evil Eye as a way to make us straighten up and behave.  The legend handed down to me was that throwing the Evil Eye was a special talent, first brought to light by Gypsies.  Women were especially talented at casting it, and it should only be used when necessary.  Protections against the Evil Eye included anything made of blue glass, glass generally, and water.  Later I learned that this version of the story I had grown up with was a pretty mismatched tale indeed.  The Evil Eye is a type of crossed condition prevalent to the Mediterranean, Middle-East, India, parts of Africa, and Mexico.  It is unique from other crossed conditions because typically the caster of the Evil Eye does not mean to send it--it is unintentional often spurred by feelings of covetousness, jealousy, and dislike.  Different cultures have different ways of dealing with the Evil Eye--as my mother and grandmother taught me, it does seem to be associated primarily with women.  Two common areas that are ripe for Evil Eye action are weddings and births--because of this there are certain taboos concerning announcements and invitations surrounding both of these events.  In some cultures it is a bad idea to let your unwed cousin/sister/girlfriend know that you are getting married too early, it might be even worse to tell her mother.  Same goes for pregnancy and new born babies.  Rituals for protection and blessing have grown up around these life events in no doubt partly because of belief in the Evil Eye. 

    So what happens?  Those who have been struck by the Evil Eye most often experience a "drying up" of their lives.  A once-healthy marriage may begin to feel stale, a child may experience difficulties, marked loss of appetite in family members may occur, one's finances or luck   This is why talismans against the Evil Eye are often blue and made of glass or another smooth material, the symbolism invokes the element of Water which moistens and revivifies the life force.  The most popular form of Protection against the Evil Eye are the amulets and talismans with eye shaped beads or stamped images, often in blue and silver, red, or multiple colors.  Another popular way of protecting against this type of condition is to hand wards against the Evil Eye in your windows and doorways.  Protection mojo hands may assist is shielding you from the adverse effects of the Evil Eye and of course, Spiritual Bathing is a time honored way of removing multiple crossed conditions, including those brought on by the Evil Eye.

Back!

I have returned from the Lucky Mojo apprenticeship and workshops where a fabulous time was had by all!  The apprenticeship is a truly wonderful program for graduates of the Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course and also a great opportunity for workers to meet and greet one another, talk shop, and have a great time working for Lucky Mojo.  Among the rootworkers that I got to spend time with was the incredible Deacon Millet, Miss Lara, and Professor Porterfield and my mother.  Of course, Miss Cat, shared her knowledge, know-how, and generosity with all of us from start to finish on top of teaching two wonderful workshops, one of which I sadly missed.  My own class on Love Work was a ton of fun for me and hopefully for the attendees as well.  Everyone went away with a dressed and blessed vigil candle and I was able to answer a lot of questions about love work and candle work in general. Sister Robin, the same Robin who may help you out whenever you call the LMC shop facilitated an absolutely stellar class on Conjure-style cooking and those who entered in recipes received a cookbook free of charge!  Most importantly though, we got to taste all of the different entries that various folks brought--what a great class! When I returned home I had lots of readings to attend to and candles to light.  Candle reports will go out early next week for those who are patiently waiting--thank you!  And, if you were not able to make it out this year, remember, there is always next year.