Lightning Struck Wood

Lightning struck wood is a powerful curio within Hoodoo and Native American traditions. It is typically hard to come by, but I am fortunate in that we live in the High Desert. When the monsoons come, the lightening is abundant and you can see it strike the trees at the top of the mountains. We have ready access to the trees that are lightning struck and go and harvest some of the wood and offer it for sale at Creole Moon. 

Lightning struck wood is a magickal amplifier in that it can be added to any magick work to increase its power. It is particularly good for commanding spells, sex spells, and spells of destruction, which draw on its fire energy to destroy. Fire also has a dual nature to transform; hence, its ability to be used in positive works as well.

In Southern Hoodoo, wood from a tree that had been struck by lightning can be used in uncrossings. Find a white oak that has been struck by lightning and get 9 splinters. Follow the person suspected of laying the trick and put one splinter in each of nine of their tracks. Wish, or pray, that if this person does indeed mean to do harm the trick will turn back on them.

Lightning struck wood can be added to mojo bags and gris gris, and it can also provide a serious boost to candle magick. There are two ways it can be used with candles. One way is to take splinters of it and stick it into the candle wax, each splinter representing a specific magickal point in the candle burning. The second way is to grind some of it down to a powder to dress the candles by sprinkling the tops of glass encased candles or rolling altar and offertory candles in the powder.

Lightning struck wood can also be used to enhance sexual nature, particularly with men when combined with 2 High John the Conqueror roots and a pair of lodestones in a mojo bag.

Here are some aspects associated with lightning-struck wood in folk traditions:

Energetic and Mystical Significance. Lightning-struck wood is perceived as holding intense energy and spiritual significance due to the powerful force of lightning. It's often considered as imbued with heightened spiritual energy or transformative power, viewed as a conduit between the earthly realm and the celestial forces.

Protection and Sacredness. Similar to other materials associated with lightning, such as fulgurite, lightning-struck wood is believed to possess protective qualities. It's revered as a natural amulet or talisman that can ward off negative energies, evil spirits, or misfortune. Some traditions view it as sacred due to its association with celestial energy.

Magical and Ritual Uses. Practitioners of folk magic may incorporate lightning-struck wood into their rituals and practices. It could be used in spells aimed at protection, strength, or invoking elemental energies. It's sometimes utilized in healing ceremonies or spiritual workings due to its perceived connection to the forces of nature.

Rare and Revered. Lightning-struck wood is relatively rare, and as a result, it holds a special status within certain communities or spiritual traditions. Its scarcity and unique origins elevate its perceived value and importance in magical or spiritual contexts.

Symbolism and Transformation. Lightning-struck wood carries symbolic significance related to transformation and the elemental forces of nature. It represents the powerful and unpredictable nature of lightning and is sometimes seen as a symbol of change, resilience, or divine intervention.