In the Hoodoo tradition, one is typically advised to write one's petition on brown paper torn, usually from a grocery type sack, on all four sides by hand. This is thought to make the paper pure. However, there are instances where the practitioner is allowed to cut the paper with a pair of scissors. The use of scissors is seen as symbolic of using weapons such as swords, knives, and daggers against one's enemies. Some situations in which you would cut your petition paper with scissors can include when driving two people apart, or working enemy tricks.

In my personal practices, I prefer the paper to form a perfect square. However, I've never seen any reference where this was a traditional rule sacred to the practice of Hoodoo. Ideally I like to use brown paper bags and lead pencils or regular ink pens whose colors match my goal (red for love, green for money, etc…) and usually paired with black for contrast. For example, a prosperity petition would have my name nine times in black ink and crossed nine time with 'prosperity' in green ink. I usually incorporate symbols such as dollar signs, hearts, astrological symbols, and even sometimes Runes into the petition.

If I am writing a petition that will have an effect on two people, such as bringing them together or driving them apart; I will cross one name with the other and write what I want to happen in a circle around the names. For example, in the photo above you can see an example of a petition I wrote when I wanted a local car dealer to finance me when I went to buy a new car. I wrote his name in red, so that he would be filled with positive thoughts of me so he would be inclined to finance me; my own name was written in black to surround me with an aura of prosperity and show me as someone who will make my payments on time. The paper itself was torn from a sack of sugar.

If I am writing a petition that is meant to command or compel another person, I will write their name in all lower case letters and cross and cover their name with my command in all caps (usually with a sharpie). Again, my specific command will be written around the names in a circle.

In addition, I have also used different types of papers for different situations.

• If I am doing any kind of love or sweetener type of spell, I write my petition on the paper torn from a sack of sugar. These papers are also good for any type of working to draw things towards yourself.
• If I am writing a petition for any type of prosperity or financial increase, I use a portion of the envelope in which my monthly bank statement is mailed. I've also used the financial section of the newspaper and write my petition on the paper in black permanent marker. Black being a color associated with profits in accounting.
• If I am writing a petition for any type of protection, especially while traveling, I write my petition on a piece of paper torn from the envelope my car insurance bill arrives in the mail.
• I often save the cards, letters, and envelopes that friends send to me. I clip their signature from the card as well as the part that they licked to seal the envelope and save these as personal concerns. I also save parts of the envelope with no writing on it (usually the inside),which I can use to write a petition that is intended to have an effect on that person. I also save handwritten notes that people leave me at work for the same purpose.

I keep all my papers in separate ziplock bags labeled by type of use. The papers associated with specific people are placed in smaller ziplock bags along with any other personal concerns I have belonging to said person.

Crossing and Covering is the standard method by which root workers write their petitions. Depending on how you are doing the work, a name (usually the person the petition is to affect) is written down 9 times. The paper is then turned 90 degrees and your wish or your name is written over the other name an equal number of times, thus crossing and covering it as you go. Petitions are placed under overturned saucers, on top of which candles are burned, placed in mojo bags, etched on the reverse of talismans, etc…

A good rule of thumb to consider when writing your petitions is that the dominate factor always covers the wish. For example, Jane Doe is putting a love spell on John Brown then Jane's name will Cross and Cover John'. For example. 

Alternately, if Jane Doe wanted John Brown to come under her command, then she could Cross and Cover his name with her wish. For example

Once you have written your petition and are satisfied with the results, it can then be dressed by placing one drop of an oil (whose purpose matches your goal) in the four corners and center of the petition. 

If the petition is to have an effect on a specific person and you have  some of their personal concerns in your possession such as hair, or nail clippings; you can place a bit of these in the center of the paper before folding the petition. In other instances a bit of dried herb, or powder may be placed in the center of the petition before folding.

If it is your wish to draw something towards yourself, you will then fold the paper towards yourself three times, rotating the paper 1/4 turn between each fold. If it is your wish to move something away from you, you will fold the paper away from yourself three times, rotating the paper 1/4 turn counter-clockwise between each fold.