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What is Mojo?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,924
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Mojo is a term that derives from several of the 450 Bantu languages of Africa. It carried quickly to the language of African American slaves and was often applied to charms, magical spells, or small bags carried for personal protection as part of the hoodoo belief system that evolved during slavery.

Different regions might refer to the mojo by different names. Those in Louisiana often called it a gris-gris, derived from the Bantu word gree-gree. Island nations like Haiti refer to a wanga or oanga. A mojo might also be called a nation sack, jomo, mojo hand, or toby. Numerous other names were also commonly used.

In its most precise definition, people might carry or wear a mojo, a small fabric bag. It could contain numerous things, such as herbs, small, carved symbols or fetishes, or papers on which prayers or petitions were written. Usually, the bag is not displayed and is hidden under clothing.

A mojo could be type specific. For example, a person might carry one that would help him or her find love. It might protect against evil curses from others, or simply bring good luck.

The migration of the term mojo into today’s language is mainly due to its use in 20th century rhythm and blues songs. However though the word still refers to a source of power, it doesn’t necessarily refer to a mojo bag. Instead, it may simply mean magic or spells.

Frequently, mojo is connected to the sexual potency of males, with females able to strip the mojo from males. Bad mojo may simply mean bad luck or it can relate to supplies of cocaine that are not pure. The term is also jokingly used in song and film references. The second Austin Powers film involves Powers’ search for his stolen mojo. Since Powers is rather sex-crazed, it clearly relates to his source of male potency and dubious attraction.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments
By anon58916 — On Jan 05, 2010

how do i make my own mojo bag for protection?

By WGwriter — On May 27, 2008

To anon13370,

Mojo can be used to obtain things, like finding true love, as well as as a protection device that casts out evil spirits.

By anon13370 — On May 26, 2008

can mojo be used for good luck or is it only for casting bad karma on someone? thanks tooley

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
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