Hoodoo for Political Resistance: Protecting Ourselves with Ancestral Tools

In times of political and social uncertainty, Black people have always turned to spiritual practices and ancestral wisdom for protection, empowerment, and justice. Hoodoo, rooted in African and African-American culture, offers powerful tools and techniques to help protect our minds, bodies, and spirits and to shield our communities in times of conflict. Each item in Hoodoo’s arsenal has been passed down through generations, carrying the power of our ancestors who resisted oppression and fought for freedom.

Here’s how we can use these items for protection, resilience, and empowerment in our ongoing fight for justice.

1. Red Brick Dust: Blocking Out Harm

Red brick dust is one of the most powerful Hoodoo ingredients used to protect our homes and spaces from negative influences. By sprinkling it across doorways, windows, or any entry points, we create a boundary that repels harm, ill intentions, and negative energy. As a physical and spiritual barrier, red brick dust is particularly effective for activists and those facing hostility due to their beliefs. This protective measure acts as a boundary between ourselves and those who seek to diminish our power.

How to Use It: Sprinkle red brick dust across the threshold of your home or office to block enemies, racism, and oppressive energies from entering your space.

2. Black Salt: A Cloak of Protection

Black salt, a powerful mix of salt and ash or protective herbs, is used to repel curses, harmful spirits, and oppressive forces. In times of protest or conflict, black salt can shield us from negative energies directed toward us. For activists on the front lines or those deeply engaged in political work, carrying black salt is a way to keep spiritual and psychic harm at bay.

How to Use It: Carry a small pouch of black salt when attending protests, sprinkle it around your living space, or add it to a protection jar to ward off harmful people and situations.

3. Graveyard Dirt: Calling on Ancestral Justice

Graveyard dirt holds the spirits and strength of our ancestors, particularly those who fought for justice and equality. When we collect graveyard dirt from the graves of our ancestors or from individuals who were known for their strength in times of resistance, we call on their power to stand with us. Graveyard dirt is often used in battle spells, providing protection and justice in conflicts, especially when facing legal or political battles.

How to Use It: Add graveyard dirt to a mojo bag, sprinkle it around your home, or carry it with you when you need the protection of your ancestors. Always speak to the spirit you are calling upon and offer gratitude for their strength.

4. Iron Nails and Railroad Spikes: Building Resilience and Boundaries

Iron nails and railroad spikes create a powerful physical and spiritual boundary, holding down our power and keeping threats out. These items, often driven into the ground around one’s home or carried as charms, symbolize strength, resilience, and protection. For those facing harassment or threats due to their work, iron nails provide grounding and a firm barrier against hostile forces.

How to Use It: Drive iron nails into the ground at each corner of your home, or carry one in your pocket as a charm for protection and strength.

5. Sulfur Powder: Repelling Negative Forces

Sulfur powder is a powerful agent for warding off evil spirits and negative energies. It’s often used in Hoodoo to “hot-foot” someone, or to encourage harmful people to leave. When dealing with systemic or personal oppression, sulfur powder acts as a repellent for those who would do harm, allowing you to stand firm in your space.

How to Use It: Sprinkle sulfur powder around your home to keep harmful people and influences away. In situations where you feel targeted, place sulfur powder on a candle and let it burn while focusing on sending those energies away.

6. High John the Conqueror Root: Overcoming Challenges

black person using hjc root (located in bottom left corner of image)

High John the Conqueror Root is renowned in Hoodoo for its strength and courage. Named after the legendary spirit of resistance, High John helps us stand resilient in the face of adversity, turning obstacles into opportunities. Whether you’re fighting in the courtroom, at the ballot box, or on the streets, High John roots are powerful allies in any struggle for justice.

How to Use It: Carry High John the Conqueror Root in a mojo bag or add it to spells aimed at overcoming challenges, achieving success, or empowering yourself.

7. Cascara Sagrada: Seeking Justice

Cascara Sagrada, a bark known for its effectiveness in court cases, is a powerful ally when fighting for justice. This is an essential item for anyone working within the legal system or seeking fair treatment. The bark strengthens your position, bringing swift justice and clarity in times of conflict, and is especially useful in legal or political battles.

How to Use It: Place Cascara Sagrada bark in a charm bag or burn it on charcoal when preparing for legal or court-related situations. It can also be sprinkled around court documents or other relevant papers to ensure justice prevails.

8. Camphor Blocks: Cleansing the Space

Camphor blocks are excellent for purifying spaces and repelling harmful energies. When used in protection spells, camphor cleanses any negative or stagnant energy, creating a peaceful and guarded environment. In times of political tension, keeping a clean and spiritually fortified space is essential.

How to Use It: Place camphor blocks near entrances to purify energy entering your space or burn them to clear the air before engaging in strategic planning or community gatherings.

9. Bay Leaves: Victory and Triumph

Bay leaves have long been symbols of victory and are used in spells to promote success and protection. When burned, carried, or used in protection jars, bay leaves help us maintain clarity and focus, repel negativity, and invoke the strength we need to overcome opposition.

How to Use It: Write an intention or goal on a bay leaf and burn it for victory in your pursuits, or carry one in your pocket to stay focused and empowered throughout the day.

10. Black Pepper: Setting Boundaries

Black pepper is a classic Hoodoo item for protection and boundary-setting. It’s especially useful for creating spiritual borders against those who may try to harm or manipulate. If you feel under threat, black pepper can be used to repel negative energies and ensure your strength remains intact.

How to Use It: Sprinkle black pepper around your home or mix it with salt and carry it in a pouch to set a spiritual boundary against hostility and harm.

Honoring Our Heritage

Incorporating these Hoodoo practices into our lives is a way of honoring the wisdom and resilience of our ancestors. These items were their shield and sword, their protection in a world that was often hostile. As we continue to navigate struggles for justice, dignity, and safety, let us remember that our ancestors have left us tools for survival, protection, and resistance. They remain by our side, empowering us to stand strong in our truth and to create the world we deserve.

Hoodoo for Political Resistance: Protecting Ourselves with Ancestral Tools