Aliciel Alone

Picture from the Photographer Kalynn Youngblood, in her series Staged Portraiture and Documenting daily Black Life.

War Water (also called Iron Water) is a powerful tool in witchcraft used for protection, hexing, banishing, and warding off enemies. It originates from Hoodoo, Appalachian folk magic, and other mystical traditions.

Uses of War Water:

• Protection – Sprinkle around your home to create a spiritual barrier.

• Banishing – Throw it where unwanted people have walked to remove their influence.

• Cursing – Toss onto an enemy’s property to bring discord and bad luck.

• Warding Off Negativity – Add to floor washes or sprinkle near entrances.

• In Spellwork - Use in rituals for breaking curses, creating wards, or calling upon warrior spirits.

Needed:

• Rusty nails (or iron shavings or railroad spikes)

• Water (preferably storm or river water for extra potency)

• Salt (black salt for cursing, sea salt for protection)

• Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (for aggression and strength)

• Vinegar – Used to sour relationships in cursing spells.

• Mugwort or Rue – For added spiritual power.

Instructions:

Place the rusty nails or iron in a jar. If your nails aren’t rusty, leave them in water for a few weeks to oxidize. Fill the jar with water. Use stormwater for aggressive energy, river water for powerful flow, or tap water if necessary. Add salt and herbs and let it sit for at least a week. The longer it sits, the stronger it becomes. Some witches let it develop for months. Shake or stir when using, the rust, herbs, and salt should be well mixed before application.