Like so many, I have worried and mourned my husband being deemed "essential" (disposable) and being forced to work without meaningful protective measures in place. He has a co-worker who insists on working in close proximity while eschewing the company-issued mask.
As I contemplated my husband's forced return, I exhausted legal avenues (mostly because there aren't any--we live in one of the most backward states). I begged my husband to quit or call in sick, to no avail. (He fears losing health insurance--but we'll lose it, and his income, anyway if he dies.)
Having done everything I could do on this plane, having deeply prayed and meditated, I began an amulet. He wears it under his uniform.
First, I settled on an ancestor--my husband's gun-toting, rough-around-the-edges grandfather--to petition. Fortunately, we live near his old home site (a story in itself) and drove there. The home no longer exists, but I breathed in the feeling of him. At Grandfather's time, racist attitudes were devastating the area where he lived because of white flight. He stood up against both the racism and any sense of being a potential victim. The racist fear-mongering was nonsensical, but, at the same time, people will slit your throat anywhere. Grandfather brought the toughness essential to survive both realities. It would be great to get some plants or objects from there, but it was not possible to do so this time.
Next, I went to the grave of our deeply loyal dog. No one got on us in life under his watch; now, he is a brave protective spirit. I once was attacked in a legal proceeding and painted a circle around my waist with his dirt and some water. I walked into court to find the judge telling the other side off in no uncertain terms. Nothing was required of me--I didn't speak the entire time--to win! You may choose an ancestor, spirit with whom you've had a connection, or even some dust or dirt from a place that is "safe" for you. (Collect a little extra of your dirt for the amulet and keep it in a jar to dress yourself.) I also gathered plants from his grave and the grave of a cat who particularly loved my husband.
Coming home, I gathered three dry lemongrass leaves (protection) from my plants outside my door. I likewise got a little rue (fighting off hexes and crossed conditions) from my yard.
After lighting candles and giving Father Blackhawk some tobacco, I divided my supplies into threes. I then cut my hair (cuttting from the underside--and I still have a couple of visible bald spots!). I tied my hair together into a long strand. I braided the plants and hair together. When they were done, I let our current very-protective dog lick the amulet. He was happy to do so--I wouldn't force (or even coerce) an animal's participation. I also kissed the amulet several times.
My husband tried the amulet. It was too short and would show at his collar. I fixed it with a cutting from some of my old pants and a bit of ribbon from my bridal bouquet.
Finally, I spoke my intentions and prayers into the amulet.
Of course, you should substitute your own supplies, judgment, etc. if you make such an amulet. You might want to attach showy charms, witch balls, or bat nut. You could substitute any of the materials. This work is about using what you have and your traditions!
I gotta get back and see what the ancestors want to do about that murderer and his kin!
Stay safe!
