Powerful attraction in one small bag

Cultures worldwide have long incorporated small bags containing herbs, stones, and other sacred items as part of their belief systems, whether to ward off evil, protect them while traveling or to attract positive elements into their lives. Egyptians carried amulets for protection, Native Americans wore medicine bags filled with healing herbs, and African Americans collected "sticks, stones, roots and bones" inside flannel bags and called them "mojo" or "gris gris."

Gris gris and sachet bags are, in essence, a prayer or magical spell you can carry with you.

Magic's in the Bag explores this history, plus offers 75 simple spells to create your own gris gris bag, including bags for prosperity, safe travel, contacting spirits, protection and more. You'll get tips on which plants to use, what stones are appropriate, what spells work best for phases of the moon — even how to grow a gris gris garden!

Jude Bradley is a writer, editor, producer, and teacher. She also works as a spiritual consultant, using card readings, mediumship, and energy guidance in her practice. Jude lives in the Boston area.

A native of New Orleans, Cheré Dastugue Coen is a freelance journalist, teacher, and author of both nonfiction books and a paranormal mystery series under the pen name of Cherie Claire.