# At a Botanica, New Year Means Renewal, And Jinx Removal January 03, 2010 Author: Kirk Semple Source: The New York Times 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.” This is the busiest time of the year for Original Products and the many other botanicas around the city and country — purveyors of herbs, amulets and other items used in Afro-Caribbean religions and occult practices including Santería, voodoo and Wicca. See also:- [ Business/Workplace ](/news-stories/businessworkplace) - [ Experience/Lifecycle Events/Expressions ](/news-stories/experiencelifecycle-eventsexpressions) - [ Afro-Caribbean ](/religions/afro-caribbean) - [ Paganism ](/religions/paganism) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)