Description
Devil’s Shoestring is a powerful root known for its historical use in protection, financial luck, and keeping away harmful energies. The name refers to several species of Viburnum roots, often bundled together and used in Southern rootwork traditions. In Hoodoo and Conjure, Devil’s Shoestring is widely believed to “trip up the devil,” block hexes, and protect against trickery or manipulation. It has been used for generations to create spiritual boundaries, ward off malevolent spirits, and empower charm bags, ritual oils, and floor washes.
This root is especially known within spiritual communities for its association with employment stability and money drawing. Carried in the shoe, it’s believed to help someone hold onto a job or secure new opportunities—especially useful for those facing workplace politics or job insecurity. When tied with red thread and placed in a wallet or till it is thought to attract a steady flow of income.
Many practitioners incorporate Devil’s Shoestring in workings for court cases or legal matters. Combined with High John root or used alongside a petition paper, it can be added to a mojo bag to support fair outcomes and spiritual protection during disputes. Some also place it above doorways or windows to block envy, slander, or spiritual attacks before they enter the home or business.
Associated primarily with rootwork, Devil’s Shoestring is respected as a versatile plant ally, especially in traditions rooted in African American folk spirituality. It is not traditionally burned but is most often carried, soaked, or ground into oils and powders.
For best results, treat the root with intention—speak to it, cleanse it if led, and feed it with whiskey, rum, or your own breath to activate its energy. Keep away from pets and children. Not suitable for consumption.
Additionally, Devil’s Shoestring can be hung in a bundle above a doorway or fireplace to safeguard the home. Historically, some people wore it as an anklet to prevent being “poisoned through the feet”.
Protection Mojo Bag
Ingredients:
- A black piece of fabric or pouch
- Devil’s Shoestring
- Sage
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Black Tourmaline and/or Black Obsidian
- Bitch Be Gone Spell Oil
- A piece of paper and a pen
- Optional: personal items like a small piece of jewellery or a photograph
Instructions:
To remove any negative energy, begin by cleansing your workspace and tools with Sage, Palo Santo or Florida Water.
Take your fabric pouch and hold it in your hands. Visualise white light surrounding the pouch, infusing it with protective energy.
Write your intention for protection on the piece of paper. This could be a specific affirmation or statement of protection.
Place the Devil’s Shoestring root inside the pouch. As you do so, state your intention aloud or silently.
Add the other herbs, crystals and a few drops of your spell oil to the pouch, focusing on each ingredient’s protective qualities.
If using personal items, place them inside the pouch to strengthen the connection to your intention.
Fold the paper with your intention written on it and add it to the pouch.
Close the pouch and tie it securely with a piece of string or ribbon, again focusing on your intention for protection.
Hold the pouch in your hands and visualise a shield of white light surrounding it, sealing in the protective energy.
Carry or place your protection mojo bag in a sacred space near your front door, under your pillow, or in your handbag.
Remember to regularly recharge and cleanse your protection mojo bag to maintain its effectiveness. You can do this by exposing it to moonlight, sage, or sprinkling it with Florida Water.
Use your mojo bag as a talisman of protection and empowerment in times of need.
