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Hoodoo How We Do: Devil’s Shoestring Root

Hoodoo How We Do: Devil’s Shoestring Root

Last updated on: November 19, 2022 at 9:26 am by Lilith Dorsey

Hoodoo How We Do: Devil’s Shoestring Root 2022-11-19T09:26:46-05:00 Lilith Dorsey

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Devil’s shoestring root is probably one of the most common ingredients in the Hoodoo arsenal. Named because it was said to trip up the devil so he couldn’t chase after you, it is botanically referred to as Nolina lindheimeriana and is part of the lily family. Lilies in general have been a prominent feature in Greek mythology and even in Christian lore. It is important to note that this herb is toxic and should not be ingested or even burned. But wait, the devil seems to have another pair or shoelaces, many Hoodoo texts consider Viburnum ( specifically Viburnum prunifolium aka Blackhaw, or Viburnum alnifolium,) to be the primary plants referred to as devil’s shoestring. Fortunately the magickal properties of all of these plants are very similar, so it is easy to substitute any of them in your spellwork. It is important to remember there are many variations in plants as common names and availability differ from place to place.

Viburnum prunifolium in flower photo by Fritzflohrreynolds. Licensed under CC 3.0

Spiritual Uses of Devil’s Shoestring Root

Protection
Money
Luck
Employment
Power

If we are referring to the plant Nolina lindheimeriana, it is native to Texas prairies, meadows, and fields. It will grow in sun or partial shade, and is resistant to both heat and cold. The website wildflower.org tells us that ” This highly ornamental species forms a graceful rosette of narrow, rich green leaves. In late spring, it throws up several large spikes of yellow green flowers that transform into rows of attractive, papery seed capsules. This plant is extremely drought tolerant.” Those who are so inclined may consider growing it on your property to help create an atmosphere of protection and blessing.

Devil’s Gris Gris Bag

The following is a formula for crafting a gris-gris, or mojo bag for protection. It can be placed in your pocket, or under your bed (making sure pets or children can’t get to it) to keep you safe and protected from negative influences, and to trip up any trouble.

1 Tbs. Myrrh

1 Tbs. Sandalwood

1 Tbs. Devil’s Shoestring Root

1 Mercury dime (dated 1916-45)

1 small black or red natural cloth bag

Gather all ingredients together on the eve of the full moon. Place the myrrh, sandalwood, devil’s shoestring root, and the dime into the natural cloth bag. Rub the bag gently between your hands to consecrate it and charge it with your personal energy(be sure to wash your hands afterward.) Next you will charge it with the energy of the moon by leaving it outside overnight, or on a windowsill where the full moon’s rays will touch and bless it. When the sun rises in the morning your bag will be ready for use.

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About Lilith Dorsey

Lilith Dorsey M.A., hails from many magickal traditions, including Afro-Caribbean, Celtic, and Indigenous American spirituality. Their traditional education focused on Plant Science, Anthropology, and Film at the University of R.I, New York University, and the University of London, and their magickal training includes numerous initiations in Santeria also known as Lucumi, Haitian Vodoun, and New Orleans Voodoo. Lilith Dorsey is also a Voodoo Priestess and in that capacity has been doing successful magick since 1991 for patrons, is editor/publisher of Oshun-African Magickal Quarterly, filmmaker of the experimental documentary Bodies of Water :Voodoo Identity and Tranceformation,’ and choreographer/performer for jazz legend Dr. John’s “Night Tripper” Voodoo Show. They have long been committed to providing accurate and respectful information about the African Traditional Religions and are proud to be a published Black author of such titles as Voodoo and African Traditional Religion, 55 Ways to Connect to Goddess, The African-American Ritual Cookbook, Love Magic, the bestselling Orishas, Goddesses and Voodoo Queens and the award winning Water Magic. You can read more about the author here.

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