Psalms and Verses in Hoodoo
As stated elsewhere, hoodoo is not a religion. It is a system of spiritual practices and magic. Hoodoo grew up in the USA in the shadow of the larger culture of Christianity in white society. This American created form of magic adjusts and adapts itself to the larger culture around it–absorbing what its practioners can and want to use. Hence, in areas where Christian Catholicism was dominant, practitioners often used Catholic prayers. In areas where sundry forms of Christian Protestantism was strong, bible verses, usually from the King James Version, were employed.
Bible verses were embroidered on samplers and pillows as words to inspire Godly behavior and draw blessings from the Almighty. White Southern Christians would have been largely unconcerned with African-American servants, etc. reciting Psalms or verses from the King James Version.
The effectiveness of prayer was widely believed in the USA South. To illustrate how some Psalms and other verses in the King James Version were and are still used by some practitioners, I have assembled a collection of examples. Certainly there were more, and probably which Psalms and verses were used where, varied from practitioner to practitioner. Doubless these words were faithfully recited over candles and huricane oil lamps, remedies and mojos, as well as other charms. Certainly, some were used in connection with roots, herbs, and other medicinal and special items. It is said that many cures are brought about by trees, roots, and herbs, but powerful cures are brought about by Word of God. Sometimes more than one of the Psalms or verses would be used with others.
Healing Severe Headache or Backache
Psalm 3 was recited to treat a severe headache or a backache. It would be recited over rubbing oil, and then massaged into the head and/or back while praying. The key phrase in ths psalm is “But thou, O LORD, art…the lifter of my head…” This Psalm was traditionally used in banishing and troublesome and oppressive spirits, who might be responsible for the physical discomfort. The holy name is called Jehovah-Kabodhi which signifies, O LORD, my glory. The name of God, the physician and helper, is found in the words of verse 3. The Lord (Adon) will be a shield around the one who needs healing.
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. (Psalm 3)
A prayer such as the following may be added:
Lord of the world, may it please thee to be my physician and helper. Heal me and relieve me from my severe headache and backache, because I can find help only with thee and only with thee is counsel and action to be found. Amen. Selah.
Likewise Psalm 3 could have been also recited to bless the cup of feverfew tea or the bit of willow bark to be chewed as these were both Southern headache cures used by African-Americans. [In the early 20th century, it might have been recited over the “miracle drug” aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). I suppose one could update this cure by reciting the verses over a couple of acetaminophen tablets.]
To break a hex, frequently Psalm 7:1-10 was recited over a pot of well water, which was poured out in the direction of wherever the hex supposedly originated.
O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. O LORD my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:) Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah. Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:1-10)
When a child is ill, with a chronic disease, write Psalm 9, with the holy and mystic name, “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh,” upon clean paper, with a new pen. Place this amulet in a clean bag, and hang it about the neck of the child.
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever. O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. (Psalm 9)
Afterward repeat this prayer with reverence with the child, and think at the same time of the holy name of “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh.” This is the mystical name when Moses asked for the LORD’s name, which God said unto Moses, “I Am That I Am.” The mystical aspect of this name is that it may also be translated as: “I am He Who is,” “I am he that will be,” “I am who I am,” or “I AM.”
Protection from Corrupt Fools
Psalm 14 can also be recited daily to cast from one’s life any corrupt fool who would lead one astray from a path of truth and virtue, especially if accompanied by this prayer:
Jehovah El Emeth, I worship thee by living out thy truth and by walking in thy truth. Please strengthen me by thine Holy Spirit, so that thy holy name be glorified. Amen.
The angels, likewise, will recognize anyone who daily prays this psalm as a righteous person.
Freedom from Danger and Suffering for a Period of Twenty-Four Hours
To be free from all danger and suffering for one day, a person may also mix in a bottle rose-oil, water, and salt as described above while seven times reciting Psalm 20 and along with a suitable prayer, with reverence in a low voice. This mixture, if rubbed on the hands and face, and sprinkled on one’s clothing, will keep one smelling sweet. He will remain free from all danger and suffering that day.
The divine title,“the God of Jacob,” indicates that the LORD will choose one and will pass by another.