Hello Southern Conjure!

I’m back again with another Hoodoo 101 wiki/post!

Today I wanted to cover a natural curio that is well known in Hoodoo as well as some other southern and cultural practices. That curio is

Trapa Bicornis

Photo is my own

Aka Devil pods, bat nut, ling xiao, ling nut and more.

Devil pods are neither herb nor root. What they actually are, is a type of “anchor” or “caltrop” for an aquatic plant. The plants/nuts are a type of water chestnut, and Devil pods are actually edible if cooked thoroughly. If not they pose quite the health risk(just an fyi to adventurous foodies)

Devil pods are again a type of water chestnut, an Asian plant that has made its way to American Folk magic, and has a few different uses.

Before I get into that-I did want to advise that there are many eBay, etsy, and sellers in general that try to Trapa Natans as Devil pods. While it is true that they are related, and they’re both a type of water caltrop, Trapa Natans are *not* quite the same. There’s definitely not a strong and long standing belief behind the natans caltrops, and while still very useful they’re not as powerful as the trapa bicornis variety; so buyer beware and informed!

Image source for Trapa Natans photo

Uses for Devil Pods within Hoodoo and folk magic:

•Protection/Warding(will post charm below and explain)

•Good Luck(stems from the original Asian beliefs-will also explain below)

•Offerings to “darker” spirits and entities, or those closely associated with the night and the dead.

In Asia, before they were called Devil pods in the US, Trapa Bicornis is refereed to as ling xiao, ling nuts or bat nut/pods. Due to their bat like appearance, and bat symbolism in Asian countries, they are associated with good luck and are carried or employed for that purpose.

Just like any other folk-charm in hoodoo it is customary to “feed” the charm. In this case you’d want to use an oil or water that represents luck/money/jobs etc.

Photo is my own

For protection, a very powerful apotropaic charm is made when a bundle of 9 devil’s shoestrings are fixed to the bottom of a Devil pod and placed above a door/entryway or window. The charm is anointed with oils for warding or protection and is also fed periodically. More oils or waters can be used to keep the charm working. In this case think of the charm as a vicious guard dog on the astral or spiritual plane. It can keep demons and even the strongest and most stubborn of evil spirits from entering wherever they are placed.

Other pieces may be added to the charms as well. For example alligator teeth for even more aggressive protection, or coyote bones to ward off law officials(especially these days).

Well everyone hope you enjoyed this little Hoodoo Curio 101! Til next time-and keep yourself and spaces cleansed and protected! :purple_heart:

Photos are my own unless credited within the body. Gif by Giphy and background photo is mine