Sometimes, life can feel as though it is unraveling—perhaps a series of setbacks, persistent illness, or ongoing conflicts seem to arise without clear cause. In these moments, it is natural to wonder what might be happening beneath the surface.
One explanation found in certain traditions is the concept of being “crossed.”
Being “crossed” refers to a state where obstacles and misfortune seem to block progress at every turn.
The term originated in Hoodoo, particularly from foot track magic, where soil from a person’s footprints could be used in magical workings, or substances like Hot Foot Powder might be placed in someone’s path to create a crossed condition.
Over time, “being crossed” has come to describe a general sense of being blocked or stuck, whether through a streak of bad luck or persistent negative emotions.
In some cases, this state is believed to result from magical actions—such as a jinx or hex—performed by another person. Before assuming this is the cause, it may be helpful to consider whether anyone in your life might have both the knowledge and motivation to use such practices.
More commonly, a crossed condition can arise from one’s own choices or environment. Spending time with negative influences, visiting places that feel draining, or dwelling on self-defeating thoughts may contribute to this experience.
It is also possible to feel crossed without any clear external or internal cause, as periods of misfortune can occur naturally in life.
Addressing a Jinx or Hex
If there is concern that a jinx or hex may be present, it can be useful to look for any physical evidence of magical workings nearby.
For example, unusual powders near entryways, or on personal items such as shoes or clothing, may be intended to create discomfort or misfortune.
It may also be worthwhile to check for unfamiliar objects in the home or yard, such as jars or mojo bags, which are sometimes used to attract negative energy. If nothing is found, remote magical influence is still considered possible in some traditions, and there are steps that may help to address it.
Approaches to Uncrossing
Whether the crossed condition is believed to be caused by external magic or other factors, the following steps are commonly recommended: begin with a spiritual cleansing bath, continue with a cleansing of the home, and then use protective measures such as uncrossing powders, oils, or candle work.
Spiritual Cleansing Bath
A spiritual bath is often the first step in clearing a crossed condition.
For this bath, the following ingredients are traditionally used:
- 1 tablespoon dried Rue, for cleansing and protection
- Several whole Bay leaves, for protection and mental clarity
- 2 white candles, to dispel negative energy
- If the situation involves difficult relationships, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon fennel seeds may be added for cutting ties and protection
- These ingredients are typically added to a warm bath at sunrise, symbolizing new beginnings. The candles are lit, and the water is used to wash from head downward, with the intention of removing negativity.
To encourage good fortune, a few drops of Van Van oil may be included in the bath. This oil is known for its cleansing and luck-bringing properties and can be used as a substitute for other ingredients if needed.
Cleansing Floor Wash
After personal cleansing, attention can be turned to the home or workspace. A floor wash is a traditional method for removing lingering negativity.
A basic recipe includes:
- 5 drops Pine needle essential oil, for spiritual cleansing
- 5 drops Hyssop essential oil, for purification
- ½ cup Florida Water, to repel bad luck
For additional cleaning, Pine-Sol may be added to the mixture.
When using the floor wash, it is customary to clean from the back of the space toward the front door, symbolically moving negativity out. Some may choose to recite the 51st Psalm during this process, which references cleansing with hyssop:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Once finished, the used water is often disposed of at a crossroads, representing the removal of negativity from the home.
Uncrossing Powder
After cleansing, protective measures can help prevent negativity from returning. Uncrossing powder is one such method, and may be sprinkled under beds, across doorways, or around the home.
To prepare uncrossing powder, equal parts of the following are used:
- Poke root powder, for protection
- Lemongrass, for removing obstacles
- Cumin, to deflect bad luck
- Salt, for protection
- Powdered peppermint, to ward off jinxes
The mixed powder can be placed wherever protection is desired.
Uncrossing Oil and Mojo Bags
Uncrossing oil is another protective tool, often used with candles or to anoint a mojo bag. To make the oil, combine uncrossing powder with almond or olive oil and allow it to steep for at least two weeks.
A mojo bag, or gris gris, can be carried for ongoing protection. For this, the following ingredients are commonly included:
- Angelica root, as a guardian
- Salt, for protection
- Sulfur, to reverse jinxes
Although sulfur is sometimes associated with harmful magic, in this combination it is believed to act as a shield, especially when paired with salt and angelica root.
The ingredients are wrapped in red flannel and tied shut. The mojo bag is traditionally “fed” with nine drops of uncrossing oil each week to maintain its effectiveness.
Candle Magic for Uncrossing and Reversing
For those who prefer not to carry a mojo bag, candle magic offers another form of ongoing protection.
Using a White Candle
A white candle dressed with uncrossing oil may be burned for about an hour each day until the situation feels resolved.
Reversing Candles
Reversing candles, which are half black and half another color, are used to remove negativity and invite positive change. The color chosen depends on the area of life affected: red for love, white for peace of mind, and green for financial matters.
For relationship concerns, a pair of reversing figure candles—one for each person—may be used.
Any candle used for this purpose is typically dressed with a few drops of uncrossing oil before lighting.
Summary
Addressing a crossed condition is often approached in stages: beginning with a spiritual bath, followed by cleansing the home, and then maintaining protection through powders, oils, mojo bags, or candle work.
It is considered wise to maintain protective practices, especially when engaging in magical work or if surrounded by others who do so. Consistent protection is viewed as an important part of spiritual well-being.
