Galangal

Also called Chewing John, Little John to Chew

Plant1 tradition

overview

In Hoodoo, the African American folk magic of the South, galangal root is Chewing John, or Little John to Chew. It is chewed and the juice spat on the floor of a courtroom before a hearing to win the case. In the kitchen it is a ginger relative from Southeast Asia, essential to Thai cooking.

Uses

Winning in court
Luck
Protection
Passion and drive

ritual

Working with it

In Hoodoo practice, a piece of the root is chewed before court or a hard meeting. In general practice, galangal is added to luck and protection sachets, or brewed as a warming tea.

ingredient_profile

Tradition: Hoodoo, the African American folk magic of the South (rootwork, conjure)
Botanical name: Alpinia galanga
Planet: ♂︎ Mars
Element: Fire
Works for: Justice Victory Luck Protection Passion Vitality
Forms: rootpowdertea
How to use: Carry in a pocket or pouchSachet or charm bagBrew (drinkable tea)Sprinkle or scatter

Projective

found_in

Where the traditions place it

Mars — Common practice