Root Work
Root work also known as Conjure or Hoodoo has unique characteristics different from many forms of pagan or Wiccan magick. You will see some similarities, however, root work has it’s special flavoring with using christian psalms, unique curios (animal parts and plant parts, etc), roots and herbs, poppet dolls, using personal concerns, and disposal of ritual content such as visiting a crossroads, rivers, graveyards, and more. Hoodoo is also called Folk magick, which was a practice among African Americans and some White Americans in earlier times. In traditional hoodoo, its practice encompasses folklore and beliefs of African culture, American Indian culture, and later European culture as a mix and not a separate. For example mojo bags are similar to the known medicine bags of American Indian culture, poppets are liken to the prayer or corn dolls also in American Indian culture, bottle spells are similar to the witch bottles and the obvious bible is of European Witch practices, sigils used in Hoodoo can be seen in both African and Indian cultures, medicines made from roots and herbs are again familiar practices in African and Indian cultures. Family recipes and folklore are key ingredients to success in Hoodoo. Hoodoo is not a religion. It’s a system of magick that is practiced by some of who may be religious, magickal, and/or people with an interest in Occult mysteries. Many Hoodoo practitioners believe in God, believe it or not. Traditional root workers work with bible prayers and psalms, petition catholic saints, and other spirits, deities, and angels of many different kinds. We may use graveyard spirits, African deities, the Ancestors, Catholic Saints, Indian spirits, plant spirits, animal spirits, or we may call on the Christian God or Jesus to aid us in our work. Many workers lead normal lives as your pharmacists, doctors, ministers, lawyers, nurses, college professors, business owners, healers, community volunteers, and a variety of other professions. Traditional practices, beliefs, and recipes are spoken teachings much different from the way of how new age and neo pagan traditions are passed on as through books. You might check out local spiritual candle shops and botanicas. I have seen that many shop owners I have visited, that have held onto their family teachings in spiritual work and folk traditions without putting it out there in books or websites. Your work and patience will greatly pay wonderful results once you have gathered the right materials to put into practice.
With this said, take a look below of a clip-pet of some typical items you will find in hoodoo. These particular oils, powders, curios, etc. are what distinguishes root work, conjure, or hoodoo from other forms of magickal techniques. Hover your mouse over the image for a small description of each item in the image.
