Written by Madison Keni

October 24, 2023

Over the course of four centuries, between the early 1500s and 1860s, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade transported millions of African people across the Atlantic Ocean to The Americas, enslaving them to plantations. The displacement of our ancestors during this barbaric and inhumane event caused trauma, violence and death. Many fought for their lives, for their families, and an estimated 15% died making this one of the most horrific eras in world history. 

It was forbidden, and considered a crime, for enslaved African Americans to practice traditions of Africa, so out of necessity, survival, and resistance– Hoodoo was born. Inspired by Central and West African indigenous religious and spiritual practices, Hoodoo Folk Magick provided a sense of empowerment by way of ancestral reverence, herbal healing, and protection from the traumas of enslavement.     

Hoodoo was just one of several (ATRs) African Traditional Religions that migrated to The Americas intertwining the religion of Christianity. Zora Neale Hurston wrote about the history and practices of Hoodoo, describing it in her writings, Origins of Hoodoo… “Nobody knows for sure how many thousands in America are warmed by the fire of hoodoo, because the worship is bound in secrecy. It is not the accepted theology of the Nation and so believers conceal their faith. Brother from sister, husband from wife. Nobody can say where it begins or ends. Mouths don’t empty themselves unless the ears are sympathetic and knowing.” –Zora Neale Hurston, Origins of Hoodoo 

Hoodoo is not evil. Hoodoo is not a religion. Hoodoo is not Voodoo, Voudou, Voudon– which is an actual religion that originated in Haiti with specific practices, deities, and worship.

Because of its oral tradition and African diaspora culture, one must know that Hoodoo is what has bound generations together. The sacred spirit of Hoodoo tradition gives us authority to speak to our ancestors and take our power back. Hoodoo Folk Magick flows within our blood and should be used to call in healing, blessings, abundance, and peace within our bloodline. As Black people, we have not always been enslaved, in fact we were kings and queens before the Trans-Atlantic Trade. Due to its sacred history, Hoodoo should only be practiced by descendants of enslaved African Americans. 

While Hoodoo involves the use of herbs, roots, and the elements focusing primarily on the natural environment for spiritual purposes, like healing and protection– it can also be practiced alongside Rootwork and Conjure. Rootwork is directly related to the idea of animism, a belief both African Americans and Native Americans share. Animism is, by definition, the belief that all living creatures, places, and objects have supernatural power and/or consciousness. Rootwork uses roots, bones, stones, and other tangible objects with specific techniques to communicate with the spirits and manipulate the roots. Rootwork rituals can be used to attain love, prosperity, overcome obstacles, open roads, healing baths, or even trip up your enemies.  

Conjure focuses on magick and the law of correspondence, creating something from nothing. Conjure in its simplest form, is spellcasting, and can be used with good or bad intentions. It involves using the herbs, roots, curios, candles, the elements, enchantments, and by choice of the spiritual practitioner–even summoning spirits & supernatural entities to manipulate the physical world. Kitchen Conjure is one of my favorite ways to conjure along with doing work at The Crossroads.        

Hoodoo, Rootwork, and Conjure all involve ancestral veneration and aspects of the Christian faith. You do not have to have religion to practice these ancestral works. How you engage with your ancestral lineage and incorporate these spiritual practices into your daily life is really up to you. Hoodoo and Conjure teach about using what you already have in your workings, so don’t overthink it. Be diligent and respectful when calling upon your ancestors, the rest will come to you naturally.