Magical Guide: Red Brick Dust

What is Red Brick Dust?

Red Brick Dust is exactly as described: it’s dust from crushed red bricks.

In the world of magic, red brick dust falls under the heading of ingredients known for their pragmatic or practical use. It is commonly used as a repellent by American practitioners of hoodoo, rootwork, conjure, and/or modern voodoo origins. However, the use of red brick dust is not exclusive to these traditions and can be used by anyone.

What Makes RBC a Potent Ingredient?

Red brick dust is a powerful ingredient because

Red ocher, the original red brick dust, has been used for decorative and practical purposes in Africa since Neanderthal and early modern times (Roebroeks et al 2012). Iron oxide clay red ocher has been an effective color pigment, sunscreen, glue and insect repellent as found at various archaeological sites from the Mesolithic and beyond (Tammy Hodgkiss 2015). It is believed that red ocher was the first substitute for blood, and particularly menstrual blood – the most powerful thing a woman has in her natural magical toolbox.

Why is RBD used in Spellcraft?

To understand why red brick dust is used in magical works, we must first think about what bricks do and how they are made.

Bricks are made by firing iron oxide clay, mixed with other natural additives, at extremely high temperatures – between 900°C and 1,000°C! The high firing temperature ensures the cohesion and strength of the brick. The color of the brick is determined by its contents. Bricks that are rich in iron and left in cooler temperatures are red. And this is how bricks are made!

Bricks are used to build walls and foundations. Foundations serve as the base on which we build everything else. Without a strong and stable foundation (one without negative energy) we cannot build anything else, whether mundane or magical. Walls serve as barriers to protect people inside and keep people out and out. Brick is strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Brick is also a great building insulator, keeping heat and cold within a structure.

Now that we know how bricks are made and what they are used for, we can talk about magical uses. RBD is like building a virtual wall. It is used by practitioners as a protective measure to protect those on the inside from those on the outside who knowingly or unknowingly bring negative energies onto the property. It is effective for deflecting/reversing hexes/curses, protecting homes from negative energy and intent, and protecting businesses from thieves. It is also an effective tool for prosperity as it pragmatically utilizes the island and foundation use of brick.