Blog - Candle Witch Hoodoo

5 Books That Shaped My Spiritual Practice

March 8, 2025March 8, 2025 Ginger Johnson 6 Comments

Over the years, certain books have profoundly influenced my spiritual journey. These are not just resources; they are books that have personally impacted me, deepening my understanding of Hoodoo, candle magic, and folk traditions. Each one has played a role in shaping my practice, and I return to them often for guidance and inspiration.

1. Charms, Spells, and Formulas – Reverend Ray T. Malbrough

charms spells and foirmulas This was the first book that introduced me to the Hoodoo tradition, and I was amazed to realize that I was already practicing many of the methods described! It was through this book that I recognized my path.

Reverend Ray T. Malbrough, an ordained minister, founded the All Saints Chapel of Faith in 1993. His book provides valuable knowledge on:

The creation and use of incense, oils, dolls, and gris-gris bags
How to properly craft spiritual formulas
Practical Hoodoo techniques for everyday use

I still find myself referencing this book when working with traditional formulas and techniques.

2. The Magic Candle – Charmaine Dey

Candle magic has always been an important part of my practice, and The Magic Candle helped refine my approach. It’s filled with practical knowledge on ritual candle burning, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced spellwork.

Inside, you’ll find:

Detailed explanations of various candle types, including novelty candles
How to properly dress candles for spellwork
Insights on zodiac signs, color correspondences, and timing in magic

This book continues to be one of my favorite references when working with candle rituals.

3. Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic – catherine yronwode

Whenever I work with herbs and roots, this is the book I turn to. It’s an extensive guide to the spiritual uses of natural herbs, roots, minerals, and zoological curios in Hoodoo and folk magic.

Some highlights of this book include:

500+ descriptions of herbs, roots, and magical curios
750 traditional spells and recipes
50 illustrations to aid in identification
Practical guidance on creating gris-gris bags, incense, and powders

catherine yronwode, the proprietor of Lucky Mojo Curio Company, has compiled an incredible resource that I frequently revisit when crafting spiritual items.

4. The Voodoo-Hoodoo Spellbook – Denise Alvarado

This book is packed with spells, incantations, remedies, and historical insights that reflect the New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo traditions. The information is presented in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand, making it a book I’ve returned to many times.

Denise Alvarado was born and raised in New Orleans and has been studying and practicing mystical arts for over 40 years. What I love about this book:

It’s rich with authentic spells and practices
The format makes it easy to reference specific rituals
It offers insights into the history and cultural significance of these traditions

For anyone interested in New Orleans-style magic, this book offers a fascinating look into the traditions and techniques used in the region.

5. The Magical Power of the Saints – Reverend Ray T. Malbrough

Saint work has always been an important part of my candle magic practice, and this book provides insight into working with 7-day glass candles and petitioning saints for guidance and assistance.

Inside, you’ll find:

How to properly use 7-day candles for spiritual work
Descriptions of 74 saints and their areas of influence
The use of Psalms in spellwork (no need to be Christian to incorporate them)
Step-by-step instructions for creating petition papers and spiritual baths

This book has helped me develop a deeper understanding of devotional candle work and how to approach saint veneration with respect and purpose.

Final Thoughts

These books have all played a role in shaping my spiritual journey. Whether I’m working with candle magic, herbs, gris-gris, or saint petitions, these resources have guided and informed my practice in meaningful ways.

Have you read any of these books? Which books have influenced your own practice? Let me know in the comments!

How to Use a Manifestation Journal for Powerful Intentions

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025 Ginger Johnson 2 Comments

Manifestation journals are a powerful tool for turning your desires into reality. By combining focused intention, repetitive writing, and spiritual enhancements, you can align your energy with your goals and speed up the manifestation process.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to create and use your manifestation journal effectively, incorporating oils, powders, incense, and candle magick to enhance your results.

What You Need:

A small notebook (portable enough to carry with you)
A ballpoint pen (helps engrain your intentions into the pages)
Manifestation oil (aligned with your goal, such as prosperity oil for abundance or love oil for relationships)
Manifestation powder (corresponding to your intention)
Candles (small 4-inch chime candles to burn next to your journal)
Incense (to charge your journal with energy)
Decorations (stickers, sigils, or paint pens to personalize your journal)

Step-by-Step Manifestation Journal Ritual

Step 1: Write Your Intention as an Affirmation

Create a clear, specific sentence of intent that reflects your goal as if it has already been achieved.
Example: Instead of writing, “I want financial abundance,” say, “I am financially abundant and attract prosperity effortlessly.”

Step 2: Decorate and Personalize Your Journal

Get creative! Decorate your journal in a way that reflects your goal.
Use stickers, sigils, or symbols that resonate with your intention.
Leave blank spaces so you can add more as your journey progresses.

Step 3: Dress and Charge Your Journal

Before writing, prepare your journal with energy:

Anoint it with oil – Dab a small amount of manifestation oil on the corners and edges of your journal.
Infuse it with incense smoke – Light incense and pass your journal through the smoke, visualizing the energy being absorbed into the pages.
Set the mood – If possible, light a small candle near your journal to enhance the ritual.

Step 4: Begin Writing with Full Conviction

Write your sentence of intent repeatedly, focusing on your desire as if it is already real.
As you write, feel the emotions of your manifestation coming true.
Continue writing until you run out of time or your hand begins to hurt.
Repeat this process as often as you can throughout the day.

Step 5: Morning Manifestation Ritual

Each morning, reinforce your intention with a simple ritual:

Dab a little more manifestation oil on the corners and edges of your journal.
Pass it through incense smoke to recharge its energy.
Sprinkle a light amount of manifestation powder over the pages you wrote on.
Gently press down on the pages to help the powder settle into the indentation left by your pen.
Shake off any excess powder.

Step 6: Repeat Daily for Maximum Effect

Consistency is key! Repeat this process daily to keep your intention strong and reinforce the manifestation process.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Carry your journal with you – Keeping it close allows you to connect with your intention throughout the day.
✔ Believe in your manifestation – Trust that your desires are already aligning with reality.
✔ Enhance the ritual – Use corresponding crystals, music, or additional affirmations to boost your practice.

By committing to this manifestation journaling method, you anchor your desires into reality and take an active role in shaping your future. Start today and watch the magic unfold!

How I Use Everyday Magick to Attract What I Need

February 10, 2025February 11, 2025 Ginger Johnson 2 Comments

Magick isn’t always about casting elaborate spells or performing complex rituals. In fact, I’ve found that some of the most powerful everyday magick happens in the smallest, most intentional actions woven into my daily life. Whether I’m manifesting prosperity, protection, or personal growth, I’ve learned that little things add up—often faster than I expect.

How I Attract Money with Everyday Magick

When I need a financial boost, I don’t always reach for candles and spell books. Instead, I focus on simple, practical magick that aligns my energy with abundance. Here are some things I do:

I Wear Colors That Attract Wealth

I make sure to wear green or gold—whether it’s my nail polish, clothing, or accessories. These colors naturally carry the energy of abundance, and they help me stay in a prosperity mindset throughout the day.

I Use Scent Magick to Draw Money

At work, I burn money-drawing incense during my breaks (or when I’m home). Scents like cinnamon, patchouli, and basil work wonders for attracting wealth, and they also help me feel more focused and intentional.

I Anoint Myself with Money-Drawing Oils

Every morning, I dress myself with money-drawing oil, dabbing it on my wrists, behind my ears, and even on my wallet. Not only does this set my intention for the day, but it also makes me more mindful of how I handle my finances. I’ve noticed that when I do this, I naturally spend smarter and attract unexpected sources of income.

I Charge My Money with Intention

Before I spend cash, I take a moment to write my initials on the bills and lightly anoint them with money-drawing oil or prosperity powder. This turns every dollar I send out into an energetic magnet for more to return.

I Wear Symbolic Jewelry

Jewelry plays a big role in my everyday magick. I wear pieces in the shape of dollar signs, lucky horseshoes, or coins to keep my energy aligned with prosperity. I also keep a piece of citrine, pyrite, or jade in my wallet to attract abundance.

Other Simple Ways I Add Magick to My Day

Money magick isn’t the only thing I incorporate into my routine. I use everyday magick for all areas of my life:

Connecting with Nature – A simple walk outside becomes a ritual when I take time to acknowledge the elements around me. I ground myself by touching a tree, feeling the wind, or watching water flow.

Mindful Eating & Drinking – When I stir my coffee or tea, I do it clockwise while thinking about what I want to manifest. A simple phrase like “Abundance flows to me” can turn an everyday drink into a powerful spell.

Carrying Small Talismans – I keep lucky charms in my pocket or purse—sometimes a coin, a key, or a feather—as a reminder of what I’m working toward.

Writing & Sigil Magick – I create sigils in my notebooks, on receipts, or even as a background on my phone. They help me keep my intentions in focus throughout the day.

Small Acts, Big Results

I don’t always need an altar or fancy tools to practice magick—sometimes, the most effective spells are the ones I weave into my daily life. By focusing on small, consistent actions, I’ve noticed major shifts in my reality.

Magick doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about intention—and when I stay mindful of that, everything I do becomes a little bit magickal.

Try adding a few of these simple practices to your daily routine and see what happens. You might be surprised at how quickly things start to shift!

Powerful Oil Blends for Morning Rituals in 4 Steps:

November 12, 2024February 11, 2025 Ginger Johnson

The Ritual of Oil Blends For “Getting Dressed” Before I Start My Day

One of my favorite and most essential morning rituals is something I call “Getting Dressed.” This ritual involves applying specific oil blends in a particular order, with each oil chosen for its magickal properties and its ability to help me align with the energies I want to harness for the day. It’s not just about physically preparing myself—this ritual is about mentally, emotionally, and energetically preparing myself for whatever the day may bring.

Step 1: Cleopatra Oil – Channeling Power, Intelligence, and Confidence

The first oil I apply in this ritual is Cleopatra oil, and I start at my feet, slowly working upwards towards my head. This isn’t about the seductive and alluring side of Cleopatra that we often hear about. Instead, I focus on channeling her intelligence, power, and political acumen.

Cleopatra wasn’t just a beautiful woman; she was a masterful strategist who ruled Egypt for nearly three decades, in a time when the political world was dominated by men. She was highly intelligent, multilingual, and had a deep understanding of diplomacy. By applying Cleopatra oil, I’m invoking her qualities of strength, wit, and leadership, helping me to tackle the day with grace and confidence.

This oil sets the tone for my day, reminding me that I have the strength to manage anything that comes my way, whether it’s a work challenge or a personal hurdle. I imagine myself walking with the same poise and confidence that Cleopatra must have had as she navigated complex political landscapes.
Step 2: St. Dymphna Oil – Invoking Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability

The next oil I apply is St. Dymphna oil, which I place on my head. St. Dymphna is known as the patron saint of mental illness and those who suffer from emotional distress. Her story is both tragic and inspiring. After the death of her mother, her father’s mental state deteriorated, and in his instability, he eventually took her life. Despite her young age, St. Dymphna is remembered for her courage and compassion.

When I apply this oil, I focus on inviting mental clarity and emotional stability into my day. I ask for St. Dymphna’s help in protecting my mind from stress, anxiety, and any mental clutter that may try to invade my thoughts throughout the day. This oil is particularly important for me because it serves as a gentle reminder to take care of my mental health and to stay grounded, no matter what challenges I might face.
Step 3: Money Drawing Oil – Attracting Prosperity and Financial Opportunities

After grounding my mind and emotions, I turn my attention to financial abundance. The third oil I use is Money Drawing oil. As I apply it, I visualize myself as a magnet for financial prosperity. This step isn’t just about wishing for money; it’s about actively signaling to my subconscious mind that I am open to receiving abundance.

I imagine the Money Drawing oil creating a magnetic field around me, attracting wealth, opportunities, and financial growth. I also remind myself to be mindful of the resources I already have and to make wise decisions about spending and saving. This oil helps me stay conscious of opportunities to increase my income and be resourceful with what I already have.

In addition to attracting new wealth, this oil also helps me set the intention to protect and grow the money I have. I feel empowered to make smart financial choices throughout the day, keeping an eye out for unexpected opportunities to grow my resources.
Step 4: Protection Oil – Creating a Shield of Safety

The final oil I apply in my ritual is Protection oil. This oil is the last layer of my morning “armor,” and I imagine it creating a shield of fiery energy around me. This isn’t just any kind of protection—it’s an intense, impenetrable force that keeps me safe from negativity, harm, or anything that could disrupt my peace.

As I apply this oil, I visualize a powerful wall of flames surrounding me, burning away any negative energy that tries to approach. Whether it’s toxic people, harmful situations, or even my own self-doubt, this oil helps me feel safe and empowered to face the day with confidence.

By the time I finish applying Protection oil, I feel fully prepared—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally—to step out into the world and face whatever comes my way.

Conclusion: A Ritual for Balance and Empowerment

Incorporating these oil blends into my daily routine has become a vital part of my life. This ritual allows me to intentionally focus on the energies I want to harness each day—whether it’s Cleopatra’s power and intelligence, St. Dymphna’s mental clarity, the abundance of financial prosperity, or the protective shield from Fiery Wall of Protection. Each oil serves a purpose, helping me set intentions for the day ahead.

Ask yourself: “How do I get ready for my day?” Whether you choose to incorporate oil blends or create your own unique ritual, consider starting your mornings with intention, aligning yourself with the energies you want to attract. It makes all the difference in how you experience the world.