The Meaning of "Mojo"

A Brief Etymology
of MOjO


There are several explanations for the origin of the word "mojo."  Some say it comes from the West African "mojuba,"  meaning "I salute you."

Others say that it originated with the Fula word, "moc'o," meaning medicine man.

Still others believe that it has common roots with English word "magic."


From its origins in Africa, mojo is a word which multitasks.   It can refer to:
  • a shaman or medicine man

  • the work of the shaman

  • the amulets and charms of the shaman

  • the mojo bag that contains these amulets and charms
  • all the magic which the amulets and rituals confer.




We do know that the word mojo took a trip from Africa to the American Southwest, where, in the hoodoo or voodoo tradition - if your mojo's working -  it means that you are lucky ... you have power ...  you lead a charmed life ... and someone else can't zap you with their negative vibes.


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The word mojo spread into general usage through jazz and blues and pop music and movies:

  • There's a Muddy Waters song "Got My Mojo Working."
  • Jim Morrison called himself "Mr Mojo Risin," which is an anagram of his own name.

  • The Beatles used the term in "Come Together" from Abbey Road
    ("He got muddy water
    he one mojo filter").
  • The Austin Powers movies used the term as an expression of sexual power.

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Nowadays, your mojo refers to your energy and enchantment; your magic and magnetism; your power and pizzazz; your vim and your vigor.  Your mojo is your oomphiness ... but it's more than that.  It's your oomphiness spiced with spirit and soul.

And when your oomphiness is not only spiced with spirit and soul, but is also connected to your best qualities - qualities like creativity, connectivity, expressivity, productivity and spirituality ... then you're in a state of grace called Mojotivity®.



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