What is Rootwork
Rootwork, 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, roots and herbs, and disposal of ritual content such as visiting a crossroads, divination, poppet dolls, using personal concerns, and more. Hoodoo is also called Folk magick, which was practiced among African Americans and some White Americans dating back to early 19th century. In traditional hooodoo, its practice encompasses folklore and beliefs of African culture, American Indian culture, and European culture. Family recipes and folklore are key ingredients to success in Hoodoo. Hoodoo is not a religion. It’s a system of magick practiced by religious people, magickal or people in with interest in Occult mysteries. Most practitioners believe in God, believe it or not! Traditional rootworkers work with prayers, catholic saints, and the psalms in the bible. Many workers were your pharmacists, doctors, preachers, and Mom’s and Pop’s. Today, you may find your local root doctor may be college professors, business owners, healers, community volunteers, priests, 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. Not to say that you aren’t going to find a few decent spells in a book, but finding an authentic writer is best researched if you are wanting to learn this old tradition. References should be researched, analyzed, and validated such as reseacher, Harry Middleton Hyatt. Hyatt didn’t write spell work, he traveled and interviewed and recorded folk magick beliefs of mostly the African American believers of conjure in early 20th century.
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 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.
