Mojo means magick, and magic is surrounded by myth. Some of the most extreme legends surround the trappings of the mojo bone. Most often a mojo bone is a black cat bone. Black cats hold their own sacred significance in Pagan History and lore, and they are no doubt very magickal. Hoodoo, Voodoo and other Afro-Diasporan tradition picked up on this power, literally.

There is a lot of talk going around lately about animal sacrifice. The gods of New Orleans Voodoo, Haitian Vodou, and La Regla Lucumi are not like us, they can not survive and thrive without this type of offering. Animal sacrifice is performed for feasts, and for healing when it is prescribed. Individuals have to, in a way, be willing to give up their own life in order to perform this type of offering. Anyone who has studied in these traditions for any amount of time knows that leaders of the religion frequently pass away during ceremony, and while it’s a serious thing to witness, it is ultimately the highest blessing. If you are against the practice, don’t do it. I was a vegetarian for years for humane reasons, until medical professionals told me to return to a meat diet while I was pregnant. It was a difficult but necessary choice. I am a devout animal lover, most times I like them better than people. I must say, however that sacrifice is never performed lightly, and in my experience is always carried out with respect and reverence.

Hoodoo, while related to it’s distant cousins Vodou and the like, has it’s own way of doing things. Very often these ways are whispers heard from the swamp and handed down across the ages in a game of psychic telephone. The phone-lines have been buzzing for years about the power of the mojo bone. Some believe these were most effective when the animal was from a ritual sacrifice; some believe the bones should be a gift ; some think they should be found; some think they should be from a trusted companion animal who has passed. Clearly, there are a lot of ways to skin a cat (sorry I couldn’t pass that up.) Whichever means are used to obtain the bone, the consensus is that it is powerful magick. The bone is said to have summoning power, the power to protect, heal, and manifest a whole host of things.

How to Care for Your Mojo Bone

I am not suggesting you go out and commit animal cruelty, under no circumstances, but if you find yourself in the possession of one of these bones there are a few things you should do with it.

Fire and Water

This is a magickal tool, begin by cleansing it with sacred smoke ( Palo Santo, Sweetgrass or the like.) Next, bathe it in holy water. This could be from a Catholic Church, or a sacred formula for a Pagan practitioner. I recommend  Marie Laveau Water to honor the Queen of New Orleans Voodoo.

Wrap It Up

Your bone should be wrapped in a natural fiber cloth. If your mojo bone is new, I recommend wrapping it in white cloth, to symbolize the beginning of the process. If you are trying to create it for a specific purpose I recommend wrapping it in black cloth, and including items to strengthen it. These things could include myrrh for protection, cypress for healing, or patchouly for money.

Take Me With You

If you are trying to actively work with your mojo bone, you must carry it on you at all times. You can place the bone in you pocket or bag. One caution, once the bone has been blessed and put into use, do your best to make sure it doesn’t touch the floor. Don’t let strangers touch it, don’t take it out at parties. It is a sacred item, please treat it as such.

Do you have a mojo bone ? Would you? Mine was a gift from my dearly departed friend Cayne. I treasure it as I treasured her.

What do you treasure? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.