Guard Against Malign Spirits

Hence, the American magical system of hoodoo contains several forms of spells to protect one against malign influence of spirits, haints, magical beings, and mean-spirited humans.

Turtle bones, rabbits feet, mojo bags, bits of scripture in pockets, etc., were carried as good luck and protective charms. An old horseshoe might be hung over the door to protect the home. Yet, sometimes something more was needed.

For truly serious cases, a professional (hoodoo doctor/conjure man/root worker) could be hired to perform an elaborate proceedure on behalf of a paying client.

Nevertheless, there were some fairly simple workings that any one might be able to employ as a guard against malign spirits. This one is an example. (Doubtless, it could be used to protect against a jinx, too.)

The person doing the working would purchase a black candle and some protective incense--such as angelica, dragon's blood, black pepper, patchouli, cypress, lilac, lime, frankincense, etc. (S/he might purchase an incense mixture, named "Protection," "Cleansing Incense," "Drive Away Evil," or "Go Away Spirit.")

S/he lights the candle and incense and recites in the following order Psalm 59:14-17, all of Psalm 29, and finishes up with the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-19. Sometimes, the smoldering incense would be carried in a suitable container with a handle, around the room to be fanned into each corner. Perhaps the windows would be opened to encourage the malevolence to leave.

This candle would be burned nightly, while these same bible verses were repeated, until it was completely burned down to an approximately 1/4 inch stub. The old candle stub would then be wrapped in a paper bag and later thrown away discreetly in public trashcan.

Psalm 59:14-17
And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

Psalm 29
Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever. The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Working the Spell
Common Incense Recipes
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