At a Botanica, New Year Means Renewal, and Jinx Removal

[icymist]

Cecilia Oliver was having a problem with her lover and needed some help. “He’s being resistant,” she explained. “I want where he’s submissive to me at all times.”

She had come to the Original Products Company, a Bronx emporium where she had heard she could buy the ingredients for a magic charm to put under the insole of her shoe.

Mario Allai, a store employee and Santería priest, knew just what she was looking for. “You want to keep him miserable,” he said matter-of-factly.

“No, not miserable,” Ms. Oliver, 41, replied, smiling archly. “Just underfoot.”

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