jujus
West African talismans
Jujus are objects believed to have magical or supernatural power, particularly in West African spiritual traditions.
The term can refer to the charm itself, the power it supposedly contains, or the belief system surrounding such objects.
In extended use, juju describes any kind of luck, magic, or superstitious practice: That's some bad juju right there.
The word often appears in casual contexts to suggest mysterious forces at work, whether seriously or playfully.
Worn protective token
- talismanMagical protective charm
- fetishIrrational devotion to something
- mojoMystical personal power
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
charm · lucky charm · rabbit foot · evil eye · hamsa · medicine bag · dreamcatcher · scarab
Arrange letters correctly
- hexMalevolent incantation
- curseInvoked harm through words
- enchantmentMagical influence over someone
- bewitchmentMagical influence over someone
conjuration · incantation · voodoo · hoodoo · witchcraft · sorcery · black magic · white magic
Those from whom one descends
- spiritsLiquor or apparitions
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
- shamanismMediation between worlds
- animismSpirits inhabit all things
spiritualism · sacred objects · tribal beliefs · life force · chi · mana · spiritual protection · blessing
Formal event marking occasions
- ritesFormal ceremonial acts
- sacrificeGiving up something precious
- altarSacred ritual table
- priestOne who performs sacraments
shaman · medicine man · witch doctor · diviner · tribal · ancestors · offerings · invocation
amulet
Worn protective token
totem · charm · lucky charm · rabbit foot · evil eye · hamsa · medicine bag · dreamcatcher · scarab · ankh
spell
Arrange letters correctly
- hexMalevolent incantation
- curseInvoked harm through words
- enchantmentMagical influence over someone
bewitchment · conjuration · incantation · voodoo · hoodoo · witchcraft · sorcery · black magic · white magic · folk magic
ancestors
Those from whom one descends
- spiritsLiquor or apparitions
- supernaturalBeyond natural explanation
- shamanismMediation between worlds
animism · spiritualism · sacred objects · tribal beliefs · life force · chi · mana · spiritual protection · blessing · consecration
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
priest · shaman · medicine man · witch doctor · diviner · tribal · ancestors · offerings · invocation · sacred
omen
Prophetic indicator
curse · blessing · fortune · misfortune · bad luck · good luck · jinx · evil spirits · warding · protection
jujusornaments
Decorative embellishments for display
baubles · knickknacks · science · reason · rationality