What is the ruling on slaughtering a hedgehog and placing its blood on the nose with the aim of conceiving a male child, and is this act considered polytheism (shirk)?

Using hedgehog blood on the nose for a woman to give birth to a male child is a reprehensible act and polytheism (shirk), because it attributes an effect to something that is not a cause, whether it is believed to have an intrinsic effect (major shirk) or to be a cause (minor shirk). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, incantations, amulets, and love charms are polytheism." Furthermore, hedgehog blood is impure, and its use on the body is forbidden. One must beware of this polytheism, rely upon Allah Almighty, and pursue lawful means.