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Customer Q's and A's

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Ordering & Shipping Info

Q: What is your minimum order amount?
A: Our minimum order amount is $10.00, not including shipping or applicable taxes.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We only accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (all via PayPal). You do not have to have a PayPal account to use PayPal during the checkout. We do not take personal checks, cash, or money orders.

Q: Where do you ship and what carriers do you use?
A: We only ship within the Continental United States, Hawaii, and Alaska (no International shipments), and we only ship via USPS (the United States Postal Service).

Q: Will I be able to track the progress of my order?
A: Yes, you can log into your account on our website and see its progress. You will also receive a USPS tracking number to track the progress of your order once it has been shipped.

Q: I sent you a text, but I haven't gotten a response. When can I expect a reply?
A: We do not accept texts. Texts are ignored. Try giving us a call and leaving us a messgae. You will not get a call unless you leave a messgae. Email is also an option. Thanks!

Q: How long will it take to get my order?
A: That depends on a number of things; however, we try to get your order processed and shipped within a week of your order being placed. After your order has shipped, it usually takes two to five business days for it to reach you.

Q: What kinds of things affect how long it will take to get my order?
A: Some of the things that affect the processing of your order are: the fact that nearly everything we sell is handmade, the size of your order, the availability of ingredients or other materials, the number of other orders ahead of yours, and matters of timing of both a mundane and metaphysical nature. Some of the things that affect the shipping of your order are holidays, weather, natural disasters, power outtages, and tech issues.

Q: My shipment has not yet arrived. What is the status of my order?
A: Please do not hesitate to Contact Us in regards to the status of your order. However, you might check our Facebook page first, to make sure we aren't experiencing any issues that would impact the processing or shipping of your order. If your order has already shipped, then checking the USPS Tracking page is your best bet.

Q: I would like to pickup my order in person, can I?
A: No, we do not have a retail location; however, if you give us a call, we may be able to make other arrangements.

Q: Can I pay extra for overnight shipping?
A: No, we do not provide overnight or other expedited shipping.

Q: Can my order be shipped discretely, e.g. in a plain brown box?
A: We typically ship orders in standard USPS Priority Flat Rate boxes. A return address is required, but our name is abbreviated and our P.O. box is used. We can also ship it in a plain brown box, just designate your wishes in the "Order Comments" box at the time of checkout.

Q: What if my package arrives looking obviously damaged on the outside?
A: Best answer, take the UNOPENED package to the post office and tell them that, due to damage, you are refusing the package. If you choose to open the damaged package, be sure to take a ton of detailed pictures of the unboxing process and the damaged contents so you can thoroughly document the damage. Video would be best, assuming you can both open the package and video it well enough to show everything that needs to be documented. Then reach out to us for further assistance in opening a claim. Alternately, just reach out to us, first.

Q: What if my package looks okay on the outside, but the items inside arrived damaged?
A: Do not throw away the packaging and contact us immediately for further instructions.

Q: My order was damaged, how do we process a claim?
A: It used to be rather easy to recover damages from USPS. You could file online, provide adequate pictures, and the seller would be refunded. The seller (Us) could then turn around and provide a replacement to the customer (You). That is no longer the case.

These days, the post office may require that you show up at your local postal fascility—with the damaged item and accompanying packcaging—before they will consider refunding for the damage. So, while we will certainly initiate a claim for the damage, and provide that claim number to you, whether or not we recover for that damage depends largely on you—whether or not you take detailed pictures, whether or not you hang onto the packaging, and whether or not you show up at your local postage fascilty with the evidence of damage, if required.

Obviously, we will do our part to avoid that situation by packing your order securely. However, once USPS has it, we can't control the outcome. And as much as we would like to recover damages on any given misshap, we can't control that outcome, either. However, what we can control is whether or not your damaged items are replaced or refunded. Here's the thing, if you aren't willing to do your part in that recovery process, then the claim may not be approved. If the claim is not approved, we won't be refunded for damages, and in turn, your items may not be replaced or refunded. Refunds and replacements are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What if my package is lost or stolen?
A: Contact us immediately AND ALSO reach out to your local post office to help locate the package. If you can, speak directly to your local postal carrier. In addition, we may pull the GPS coordinates of where it was delived, from our end. Sometimes packages are scanned early and delivered the next day or so. Sometimes they are delivered to your neighbor and then they bring it over. Sometimes the package is hidden behind a big planter and you miss it. Sometimes your roomate picks it up and forgets to mention it. All kinds of things can happen. So it may take some time to sort that out. However, since you are closest to the destination, you are the one best able to impact what happens next. Again, this is a situation in which you will need to meet us halfway if we are to remedy the situation.

Q: What if my package is lost becuase I provided the wrong address?
A: Often, you can contact the post office and have it intercepted and redirected to your new address. However, we will not cover a replacement due to an incorrect address you provided.

Q: What if my package is lost becuase you did not use the address I provided or shipped my package to the wrong customer?
A: Anytime the mistake is ours, we will fix it ASAP, and we'll find some means of making up for that inconvenience on your part.

Q: Will I have to sign for my shipment?
A: No, not typically. If we have had past issues with your orders getting lost, stolen, or damaged, we may require a signature on future orders.

Q: How are returns, exchanges, and refunds handled?
A: Products are not refunded, exchanged, or returned once they have been made or shipped; this is due to their spiritual nature. Services are refundable if they have not yet been rendered, or work has not yet begun. We do not refund shipping charges.

Q: What if I am shipped the wrong item?
A: We will send you the correct item as soon as possible. We reserve the right to combine the shipping of the correction item with any other orders you may have already placed with us.

Q: What if what I ordered is not in stock?
A: We will suggest a substitute within the same family of items or conditions (if there is one). Alternately, an entirely different item of the same price may be substituted. If there is no acceptable substitute, and we do not anticipate getting the item in the near future, then you will be refunded the item's cost. (We really try to avoid backorders.)

General Product Info

Q: Do I have to believe in hoodoo for your products to be effective for me?
A: No, but doubt will work against whatever it is you would want to accomplish by using our products. It is like saying one thing, but doing the opposite. Spirit will, more often than not, deliver on what you ask. If you are unsure or unclear, then the results may be equally as muddled.

Q: I have allergies. Which of your products do you recommend?
A: None. Those with allergies should not use our products.

Q: I made some brownies with your Fire of Desire powder in them. Is that OK?
A: Absolutely NOT! None of our products are meant for consumption.

Q: How strong are the scents of your products?
A: It depends on the ingredients in the products and their intended uses. For example, Fiery Wall of Protection products are intense. Oils and powders such as Crossing, D.U.M.E, Hot Foot, or Destruction, are very negative in nature and do not smell very pleasant, nor should you ever use such cursing-type powders or oils on your body. Products should always be patch tested, which is as much for physical sensitivities as well as sensitivities to smell.

Q: I do not like the smell of the product I purchased. Can I get a refund or exchange it?
A: No, we will not refund or exchange your purchase. We formulate our products so that they work metaphysically and, when it makes sense, we create them so they smell good as well. It should also be noted that smelling good to us does not guarantee you will like it. If you have issues with various smells, then perhaps we could do a custom blend for you. Unfortunately, purchasing spiritual products involves some risk.

Q: I really like the smell of your Crown of Success Oil. What is in it?
A: As flattering as your interest is, we do not disclose such information.

Q: Your oils have stuff floating around in them. What is that?
A: Those bits are condition-specific herbs, roots, and other materials that add power to the oil. Traditional conjure oils are made by allowing various plant and other materials to steep in oil to allow the power and properties of the incredients to infuse it.

Q: What carrier do you use in your condition oils?
A: Our oils use fractionated coconut oil or mineral oil for their base.

Q: Do you use talc in your powders?
A: No, we do not. The powder bases are matched to the intent of the powder.

Q: Can all of your oils and powders be used on the skin?
A: No, it depends on the ingredients in the products and their intended uses. Only anointing oils and some powders can be used on the skin; however, even most of them should not be used on the genitals. Patch testing is always recommended in regards to all applicable products. Cursing-type products, e.g. D.U.M.E., Destruction, Crossing, Jinxing, etc., should never be used on the skin. If you choose to use our products, then you do so at your own risk.

Q: Do you kill animals to make your products?
A: No, we do not. Hoodoo, in its raw and very old form, does include some workings that involve cruelty to animals and insects (see the writings of Harry M. Hyatt for examples of this). We do not condone such practices, and all of the animal and insect products we use are a byproduct of some other industry.

Q: Do you observe correct timing with regard to the manufacturing of your products?
A: Yes, we work with the phases of the moon, the hours of the day, and the days of the week. If there is something going on that is of particular interest, either astrologically or meteorologically, we will work with those influences as well.

Q: Do you pray over your products?
A: Yes, at various points in the process. Your products are consecrated to work in accordance with the intention of the product's purpose. You are welcome to add to that by personally clarifying that inetntion for your purposes when you recieve them.

Q: Do all of your candles come dressed and fixed?
A: No, typically only our glass-encased vigil candles come dressed and fixed. However, we would be happy to do that on other candles we sell, for a small additional per-candle charge.

Q: Do your sell wholesale?
A: No.

Website Usage Help

Q: I am trying to create an account, but am unable to submit the required information. I am not receiving an error.
A: Please ensure that you have cookies enabled on your device/browser. Failing that, please give us a call at 623.853.9060 or contact the webmaster at webmaster@blackcatcurios.com.

Q: I would like to get some additional information before completing my order. Will the items that are currently in my shopping cart still be there the next time I login?
A: Yes.

Q: Whom do I contact in regards to issues with the website?
A: Please contact the webmaster at webmaster@blackcatcurios.com.

About Hoodoo/Rootwork

Q: What is hoodoo/rootwork/conjure?
A: Hoodoo (also known as "rootwork" or "conjure," among other things) is a form of spiritual practice, originating in the American South; it is a cultural mélange of West African slave magico-religious beliefs, Native American herbal wisdom, European folklore, and Jewish mysticism.

Q: Is hoodoo the same thing as Voodoo/Vodou?
A: For the most part and for most practitioners, no, it is not. For them, hoodoo is a magical tradition that is typically practiced along side a religion, most commonly, Christianity. Whereas Voodoo/Vodou are proper religions, unto themselves, and entirely separate, both stylistically and geographically. In addition, hoodoo, as a practice, may be learned and utilized without any official training or initiation. Conversely, Voodoo/Vodou, the religion, requires extensive training and initation to truly know and properly practice. The only place where the two really overlap is Louisiana, where many of the practices attributed to hoodoo are also practiced as a part Voodoo, which leads to some confusion. In addition, many practioners in Texas and other areas of the Southwest have also begun adopting into practice parts of Palo, Espiritismo, Santerìa, and Curanderismo, due to the strong Hispanic influences of those areas. So, now it is almost easier to say what hoodoo is not than what it is. However, at its core, it will always be what the American slaves created to maintain that connection to the spirits of their old world while trying to sustain and protect themselves in the new one.

Q: If hoodoo is not a religion, then what do hoodoo practitioners believe in?
A: Most people who practice hoodoo are Christians, with the majority of them being Protestant. The remaining practice other forms of Christianity (Catholicism or Spiritualism, for example). In addition, people who practice hoodoo believe that everything in the natural world has its own spirit, so some crossover from those who practice some form of paganism is not unusual (e.g. Native American religions and Wicca).

Q: Is hoodoo evil, sinful, or witchcraft?
A: It depends on how a practitioner chooses to practice it, what they themselves believe about it, and how they refer to it. Some people feel that anything considered a "magical system" is against God. We do not.

Q: Does hoodoo subscribe to the Wiccan Three-Fold Law?
A: The Three-Fold Law is a Wiccan concept and does not exist in hoodoo. Working on someone without their knowledge or consent is very common and a core component of hoodoo practice. Oppressed peoples originated hoodoo; they had to work in concealed ways to achieve their goals. If they followed something like the Three-Fold Law, they would have gotten nothing done, or worse, they could have been tortured or killed.

Q: What are considered "personal concerns"?
A: Personal concerns are, as the name suggests, items of a personal nature. They can be anything from the body itself (e.g. hair, nails, spit, snot, feces, puke, saliva, sweat, sexual fluids, blood) to photographs of the person, foot track impressions, voice recordings, handwriting samples, creative works (things made by the hand), business cards (things touched by the hand), and possessions. Once collected, such items are utilized to create a connection to the person being worked on/conjured.

This page was last updated May 17th, 2022.