Ancient hoodoo recipes go online
Don’t be afraid of Witchery’s product line
Dragon’s Blood Ink and Bat’s Blood Bath Crystals may sound like spooky instruments reserved for Halloween shenanigans, but they’re more about smelling good and encouraging good vibes than casting wicked spells.
Katie Barry of Edmonton runs an online store called The Witchery, which sells a line of bath crystals, incenses, perfume oils and inks.
Each product is stored in beautiful little bottles featuring funky handmade labels. They’re filled to the brim with various mixtures of essential oils and infused herbs.
Although Barry says most of her wares are mostly purchased and used as novelty products, they follow age-old recipes passed down through the ancient hoodoo practice.
Hoodoo, Barry says, is a type of spirituality founded on beliefs from a swath of religions. It uses various fragrant herb mixtures to promote everything from luck to love.
“It’s mostly African folklore, but it’s also a mixture of American Indian botanical knowledge and European folklore,” Barry says.
“As long as someone is appreciating it, whether it be for product labelling or novelty or using it in ritual use, I’m fine with that. It’s neat to see that it’s still continuing on and not dying out.
“I can see how some people would be like, ‘Oh, it’s not for novelty use,’ but part of what drew me to this stuff was the product labels. I really like these old recipes.”
Barry acquires some items from a wholesaler, Lucky Mojo, while those listed as Witchery Exclusives are handmade in her kitchen. Open one of her pantry cupboards and you’ll find stores of nearly every herb from A to Z.
The 30-year-old started out by making various oils and perfumes at the request of friends. Last month, she decided to take her business online and sell to select countries around world.
Some incenses, like the Gainful Employment Incense, can be burned prior to a sweat-inducing job interviews.
Other products, like the Dragon’s Blood Ink can be used for good luck and protection.
She also makes Witch Bottle Custom Made Batteries — cute little bottles filled with herb concoctions — that promote everything from creativity to love. Barry says the most popular items, by far, are the ones that draw money or luck.
If you’re not into the spiritual side of her products, that’s fine, too. You can still use her products as a crafty decoration or enjoy the essential oils as perfume.
“Everything here is basically dual purpose. Everything smells nice. I don’t make anything bad, and I haven’t had any requests for anything custom that’s bad.”
Different herbs boast different properties. If you were to purchase a love battery, for example, you can be sure to receive a sweet mixture of lavender and roses.
Catnip would be used for beauty, attraction and allure. And there would be magnetic sand on the top and bottom to draw in your intention.
Barry says her products aren’t “spooky and bad.” They’re fun. But if you are interested in giving your love life or career a boost, then there’s only one piece of advice you need to follow.
“If you are serious about it, you have to put your intention into it.” Read Amanda Ash and Marta Gold’s blog , The New Black, at edmontonjournal. com/ blogs.