Why are lemons used in black magic?

By: Ishita Sharma
Apr 26, 2016, 17:18 IST
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What is black magic?

Black magic – the very name evokes fear of having something bad "being done" to you. However, contrary to what people believe, black magic is used for healing purposes as well.

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Lemons and black magic

One of the most common objects used to conduct (or negate) black magic is the humble lemon. Ever wondered why? Lets start by finding more on the history of black magic.

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The history

Today, black magic is very common - though it is still (largely) takes place behind closed doors. However, a couple of decades back, black magic used to be looked down upon with much disdain.

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Deprived existences

People who used to conduct black magic were called evil and bad. Black magic was only looked as something practised to kill or physically harm a person.

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Fear and panic

Not only this, those who practised black magic were even executed, leading to widespread fear about the practice, a part of which was the art of necromancy.

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What is necromancy?

Necromancy was the art of communicating with the dead, either by summoning their body or interacting with their spirit.

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Healing power of black magic.

Moving on to black magic, it is now recognized as a solution to everything - illness, relationship issues and career and there is in fact a cure for every problem you face.

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The significance of lemon

One of the most common things used in black magic is lemon. One of the most common sight of lemon is in the form of "nazar battu" - one lemon tied loosely with a few chillies hanging in front of any new buy - a shop, car or house.

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Main door

At home, it is hanged at the main entrance and changed weekly or fortnightly.

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After use

Once used, it is thrown at a place where people might not step over it, since it is supposed to invite bad energy on anyone who does.

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Mythological reason

The mythological reason behind using lemon and chilly like this is apparently to keep Goddess Alakshmi, or Jyestha at bay.

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Who is Alakshmi?

Alakshmi is the sister of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of well-being and fortune. Alakshmi is the opposite of her sister - she invites bad fortune and misery.

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Why is it used?

Legend has it Alakshmi likes sour and pungent things. So when some lemons and chillies are hanged at any entrance, it attracts the goddess.

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Appeasing her

However, as soon as she reaches the spot, she consumes the lemon and chillies and turns back from the door (having satisfied her hunger) and does not come inside the establishment to cast an even eye.

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Black magic

On the other hand, lemon is used to attract “Alakshmi” in negative black magic - when lemon is used, the Goddess comes and curses the bearer with poverty and misfortune.

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Bringing misfortune

It is said that Alakshmi "puts" her curse in the lemon and when the bearer eats or step over that particular lemon, all the misfortune passes on to him.

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Scientific front

On the scientific front, lemons are used since they can "heal" the place of bad smells and have medical properties.

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The benefits of chilly

On the other hand, chillies kill germs and keeps diseases at bay, hence both lemon and chillies are used in combination.

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Pitta shamak

It is also said that lemon is pitta-shamak according to Ayurveda - it reduces heat, anger and irritation.

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Using it in black magic

On the other hand, these benefits of lemon makes it useful in black magic as well, since it can be used to "trap" dangerous spells and curses.