What is Hoodoo and Rootwork?

Hoodoo is a form of folk magic and spirituality that’s widely practiced today by many Black Americans in the South. Hoodoo and Rootwork was evolved from Black AmericanTraditional Religious practices and Indigenous spiritual beliefs. It’s a set of spiritual practices, traditions, and beliefs created by indigenous and enslaved Black people of North America. The indigenous and enslaved Americans were forced to conceal from slaveholders any signs that they were practicing religion and especially the unfamiliar and often intricate and sometimes elaborate ceremonial practices from their homeland. This is how, and why there are Catholic Saints that some believe correspond, or are syncretized with certain traditional religious Gods, and Goddesses.

Hoodoo and Rootwork consists of some Indigenous American influences including botanical, and herbal medicinal knowledge. Hoodoo and Rootwork is not just burning candles, it also involves plant medicine and plant magic. In Hoodoo, its believed that each and every herb, root, plant, bone, stone and any other earth element that exists has a spirit and holds it’s own magical powers.

The Bible is often employed by many Hoodoos into their daily practice and work. Particularly the Book of Psalms which is often referred to as a "book of spells" by many practicing Hoodoos. Although the book in its entirety can be used by those who have clear and concise understanding of the book's content.

Hoodoo has been passed down through many generations of Black Americans and is a traditional practice here in the South. In Hoodoo, it is very important and essential that we recognize and celebrate our honorable and benevolent ancestors. This is called Ancestor Veneration. In Hoodoo, it is believed that our ancestors walk with us, and guide us daily. In Hoodoo, the practitioners strongly believe that their lives are watched over and protected by their ancestors. There are some that believe connecting with their ancestors is something demonic. It's not as these ancestors are your family members who have transitioned to the physical realm in to the spiritual realm. Those who pass on are now considered members of your spiritual team. The ancestors can be called upon for assistance in times of need. If one was wise and known for giving good advice while they were here in the spiritual realm then this ancestor can still be called upon when guidance is needed. It is important to remember that we are our ancestors. They are in our blood, flesh and bones. The ancestors live and breathe through us. We don't worship them; we honor them in Southern Hoodoo.