Hoodoo is a unique magical practice deeply rooted in African American culture, blending elements of African, Indigenous, and European traditions. It is distinct from other forms of witchcraft and magic due to its heavy focus on practicality, emphasizing spells, charms, and remedies for everyday life challenges. Hoodoo, also known as conjure or rootwork, is a folk religion that blends African, European, and Native American traditions in the United States.
The history, meanings, and sources of Hoodoo are explored, along with the foundational elements, universal tenants, and regional influences of Hoodoo. Hoodoo is a spirituality tradition that encompasses many different religions with different beliefs and practices, though in general they are polytheistic and earth-centered. Witchcraft, on the other hand, is magick and not religious. Witches, however, are differentiated from conjurers in that conjurers were often themselves Witch hunters, providing victims with protection from evil spirits.
Witchcraft has a history that precedes Hoodoo, and it was often used in reference to spiritual practices and ideas that were deemed illicit and unsuitable for mainstream culture. There are several key differences between Voodoo and Hoodoo, and those interested in magic, witchcraft, or faith healing may find these two traditions interesting.
In conclusion, Hoodoo is a unique blend of African, Indigenous, and European traditions, with a strong emphasis on practicality and divination. The history, meanings, and sources of Hoodoo are explored, along with the various aspects of Hoodoo, including roots, roots, oils, and spiritual practices.
📹 Uncovering the Power of Hoodoo: An Ancestral Journey
Tank Ball explores the origins of Hoodoo, a unique and powerful form of spiritual practice deeply rooted in African American …
📹 A Black Women’s History of Hoodoo, Conjure, & Witchcraft
(Conjuring, hoodoo, hoodoo history month, voodoo, halloween history, black history, Chloe Russell, Marie Levau, Haiti, The Craft, …
Love this.from New Orleans.grew up in a Hoodoo household..as a youngin..i remember ppl came from all over u.s. to see my grandma..I use to sit outside with them as they wait and participated which led me to the Orishas because my Gra’mare’ had Shango statue..that led me ona journey of discovery of learning the roots of it all..love this..also my 7th Greatgrands came from Ewe/Dahomey to Louisiana as slaves..we were lucky they documented to descendants today
I really have struggles with the fact that because of slavery and the decimation of the Geeat Libraries in Africa we have to constantly piece together our history and find ourselves defending our African culture, traditions and heritage. Religion was used to dehumanize and control us and for many it still is. Blindly obedient and afraid to question
Please make subtitles in Portuguese! Speaking from Brazil here, and I always find surprising how much we have in common. In the ancestral worship here we would call the conjurer a Yalaxé, a person, usually a woman, who has the gift of imbuing food with vital force – axé or asé. We are one diasporic culture, that’s for sure!
Us Taiwanese folk also have ancestral worship, deep veneration. I did my DNA test and my haplo group started migrating out of East Africa 150-200000 years ago! I wouldn’t be surprised this practice in Taiwanese spirituality originates (or at least shared) from Hoodoo elements! I feel so connected with our ancestors and always knew modern day humans originate from Mother Africa (thats where all oldest human and prehuman bones have been found as well, so it all connects finally!)
This is my first time seeing this. Wow, the host is a powerhouse; she asked great questions and asked for clarification. This is superb journalism. And the guest were precise and concise. The woman in blue made be feel so connected to everything. She’s doing amazing works. This is inspiring. Thanks! Sending love and light to all
Thank you to the ancestors for their perseverance. Thank you to modernity and those alive and recently passed for the Internet and our ability to more easily and permanently document and thus preserve information. Thank you finally to posterity who will regard us as ancestors and their descendants who will have hopefully preserved, revived, and built upon our traditions, through Grace and by Power. <3
it’s interesting how non-white ppl all over the world has a ritual in paying respects to ancestors. due to christianity and probs colonisation, many ppl in my country who converted to christianity abandoned the practice of paying respects to their ancestors. it’s really cool to see black churches merge or at least do this underground to continue the ritual
I think reverence is the word I use in describing the connectedness throughout our experience as now seen in science thruough epigenetic evidence. Transgeneration trauma can also be addressed in this way in appreciation of the resilience and strengthen that is within. I applaud the healer Dayia in expressing the service to community.
Ancestor veneration (not worship!) remains among many Africans, sometimes practiced alongside the later adopted religions of Christianity (as in Nigeria among the Igbo people), and Islam (among the different Mandé peoples and the Bamum and the Bakossi people) in much of the continent. Ancestors can offer advice and bestow good fortune and honor to their living dependents.
I am hispanic and myself and my family, we too honor and worship our ancestors. The beauty of ancestor worship is that anyone or race can practice ancestor worship too and feel that beautiful connection we had with them before they passed on. This is the way I can communicate with beloved grandmother. It’s truly beautiful.
Daaiyahs explanation of ancestor worship and healing was so beautiful it made me cry. I live in Arizona and keep an ‘offrenda’ to honor my ancestors in my home. The shelves around my fireplace (the hearth of my home) are decorated with pictures and momentos of loved ones and ancestors. Seeing it is my daily reminder of my connection to my past and path to the future. I am also the genealogist for my generation of my family. I often wish more gen x and millennials & xennials would get as excited as I do about ancestor work as I do. But then I think, maybe they’re not quite old enough to appreciate it yet. There is so much to learn and understand when we connect with our roots! Ms. Tank Ball is brilliant in this program! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve always wondered about the term Hoodoo. What you’ve described I grew up knowing as “Roots” . The elders in my family often spoke of “working roots” on someone or something. We kids understood they were talking about just what you described here! Thank you for this valuable info! I love being a descendent of Africans!
Whew 😥 when I tell u every episode just draws me in deeper & im so happy & proud of your work Ms.Tank.Your narration is so soothing & enjoyable that I almost get mad that we don’t have hour long content but I will take what I get & support u thru this because it’s so needed for our people to delve into our history…Thanks you so much 💯🙏🏾❤️
In African spirituality, we dont worship anything. We honour and respect. God is not a he… God or UMvelingqangi is genderless because God is everything. Ubuntu is our guide. You know when youre doing something wrong. Ancestors are our way of communicating with the ultimate creator ( again, not a he). Love from South Africa
what a wonderful article Mz TH. I LOVED IT!!! so many wonderful powerful women you spoke to. I can feel the ease of knowing. thank you. I have always had an ancestor altar as taught to me by my mothers’ great aunts. I was taught mnemonics to creating tinctures and healing teas. they were all from Wales. I was also taught to name my ancestors to make them live again in our life and heart at times of joy and troubles. Blessed Be.
She said they’re perusal over us, protecting us n enter veining for us. I think it was God’s grace that did that so that we may come to know him throughout the times. It’s great to recognize your family even the ancestors but to depend on something or someone other than “The Almighty” is idol worship.
To those looking for truth, Are you aware that the God of heaven and earth, the maker of all things. He who created us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26) longs to be in a relationship with us? WORSHIP GOD And to those who want to worship ancestors, do you know that the Bible says the first man, Adam was the son of God. That makes God our Chief ancestor. WORSHIP GOD. God less you🙏🏾❤️
As believers in Christ Jesus we have total access to God himself and do not need to conjure up anything. There is only one Mediator between us and God and that is Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 2:5-6. The Word of God forbids witchcraft, talking to the dead, sorcery, and such like things in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. So because God has granted us access to Him through His Son Jesus Christ we have no need of placing a dead person before the living God. The question is are you a believer? Even if you’re not, the truth still remains…That Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and a dead person will never be able to take His place and all that He has done, can do, and will do because He is God Himself. The Bible is clear to let your requests be made known to God, not dead ancestors. Philippians 4:6-8.
I was meditating on three multiple occasions and an Ancestor came out of the mirror and just was perusal me. I can tell he wanted to say something me but I was scared. I said to him what are you doing here I did not give you permission to come here go away and never return. I felt like he wanted to attach himself to me but I wasn’t sure. I never use to belive the ancestral stories but now I do because I had it happen to me.
Wisdom of Solomon 16, I advise you to read whole chapter ❤ but as I was perusal this this is what the lord said ! I see many in bondage ….. Wisdom of Solomon 16:12 wasn’t any herb or ointment that healed them but your word alone, Lord, which heals everything. 5. We may not bring sacrifices to anyone except God (Exodus 20:3; Acts 15:28-29; 1 Corinthians 8:46). All other sacrifices are sacrifices to demons (1 Corinthians 10:20; Luke 4:8). 5. We may not bring sacrifices to anyone except God (Exodus 20:3; Acts 15:28-29; 1 Corinthians 8:46). All other sacrifices are sacrifices to demons (1 Corinthians 10:20; Luke 4:8). 9. The ancestral spirits cannot intercede for us with God. We have only one Mediator, Jesus Christ. Only he has the power to intercede for us (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25). 7. We now belong to the family of Christ because we seek to do God’s will (Matthew 12:46-50). Our old family may not keep us back from obedience to God (Acts 7:3; Luke 14:26-27; Matthew 10:37). If we have to give up our family ties because of Christ, he promises to gives us a hundred times more in return (Mark 10:29-30). If I refuse to obey God, I remain part of the family of Satan (John 8:44).
I love that your hairstyle looks like the infinity symbol. It’s truly art. Thank you for sharing this essential information and opening people’s minds and histories 2:33 that many wouldn’t ever get any other way.. especially in school. Looking back, I’m very disappointed about what we were taught and subsequently not informed of in school. I am a mix of many races and regions, and I have always felt a deep connection to people of all races and religions. My skin is white, but my heart and blood is as colorful as a rainbow. Thank you for bringing the light to my currently rainy heart so that my soul can experience the full glory of creation in its entirety. 🙏 🌈 your voices are so strong and calming it brings me peace. Much love and heartfelt appreciation to you for bringing some sunshine and education to me in such a lovely way.
My YouTube timeline brought me here and what I can tell you is this: Being from the Mississippi Delta, It’s rooted deeply in my bloodline from my great-grandma side of the family. I took a interested in it after my awakening and to be honest, It’s a beautiful blessing. I have a cousin who is 71 yrs old n grows herbs and use it for medical purposes.🙏🏿🧘🏿♀️
I believe in One God and my ancestors are not doing anything on my behalf neither are they divine or worthy or worship and they have no power or might to help you do anything, that is reserved for the Almighty. Your true ancestors worshipped One Master and The Accursed Satan lead them away from the truth and guidance and they began worshipping Spirits, jinn, demons thinking they were in communication with passed relatives.
And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. — Jeremiah 29:13 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. – John 3:16 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. — Acts 3:19 🙂
It’s all very beautiful until you see chickens having their throats slit for a ritual/ceremony. I saw roosters caged in a Hialeah Botanica who were sold as sacrifice. When two of these birds/animals were parted, I saw one of the chickens screaming in agony for the other and they knew that they would be slaughtered as animals are highly intelligent. I participated in observing as a writer, or trying to study this religion and participating in that way, and in the aftermath, I find it horrific when I know that these animals suffer. We can honor our ancestors and pray for what we want without blood-shedding, especially cute little animals. I don’t care about tradition and it’s time to also honor animals and stop killing for some mythological practice of “ancestors”. I also eat meat but I must because I am physically ill and no doubt I must do it, but when something is killed in this manner, slowly, in the center of a group of hostile huge monsters killing it (humans perusal over) it’s just cruelty and barbaric. I also don’t like the Jesus dying on the Cross as it’s human sacrifide people are worshipping as well.
What was done to the ancestors was horrific it’s an understatement 💯‼️🤷🏼♀️🤯😳🤪 imagine being held against your will your life is never jealousy of a demonic class of mentality and society come and burn it down and then in modern times 2023 will say that that’s considered critical race theory because you show the absolute beloved truth. I say it’s time for the ancestors Voodum system. To correct the error that has been done and to bring appropriate correction for the ill-will that is continuously being done.
Same thing WS did in Africa with missionaries before militaries came and colonized us. They stripped our spiritual prowess and replaced it with turn the other cheek and forgive and forget! Fun fact: Moses said an eye for an eye and freed the 12 tribes of Judah, wyte Jesus said forgive 70×7 times and we get enslaved😮
The more you speak to your Ancestors, the more they will speak to you. My ancestors mess with my TV, lights and phone when they want to communicate with me. I began a Spiritual Ascension Journey last year after being activated by my Divine Masculine. I am the other half of a TwinFlame couple. We are not together but we are on this planet with a Higher Purpose that is greater than just romantic love. This has led me down the path of performing rituals, praying, meditating. My family practices voodoo on my maternal Grandmother’s lineage. Thank you for this article. It definitely reaonated.❤❤❤❤
sorcerers, witches’ warlocks will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. exodus 22:18 thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Leviticus 20: 27 you shall not use enchantment nor observe times. that’s no bull. she promoting evil doing the devils work either knowingly or unknowingly, God the creator of heaven and earth takes care of us alone he needs no help.
If you are equating possession by the Holy Spirit of God (Jesus Christ of the Bible) with ancestral possession, then you are admitting to giving over your body to a spirit that is not God. So you are indwelled by something that does not have the mind of God. The Bible says not to have any other gods before me. So how is not only worshipping but giving your body over to another spirit in line with biblical scripture? The Bible also says that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. God was specific about the Spirit that was meant to be a counselor to you. Finally, Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you but I will not leave you alone. I will send the Holy Spirit.” So how is it that #1 you are seeking other spirits instead of waiting on the One that is SENT, and #2 your ancestral spirits don’t point you back to the only wise God, the only way to heaven Jesus Christ. So there is NOTHING in common with the Black Church. In fact, it is a complete rejection of God’s legitimate way that He clearly outlined. I pray this blessed someone with the truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No man come to the Father except by Him. Ancestors can be honored but NOT worshipped. Even the angels would quickly instruct people not to worship them. The only Angel who doesn’t is the fallen angel Satan.
Deuteronomy 18:10-13 urges: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God.” Praying to the dead is a form of consulting the dead, which is mentioned in this list of forbidden practices.
So no one is going to talk about the negative aspects from worshiping ancestors? Shows like this seem to glorify the spirit realm without showing how most of them are enslaved to these practices and have covenants with these spirits that they can’t break or else they die. Let’s show the whole picture and not what’s cute about ancestor worship
The things you are talking about sound familiar to me. Here I am a white woman of Scots and Norwegian heritage with maybe some Native American rumors thrown in and all these things you’re talking about, making that chicken soup with what is on hand and pouring that love and the love of the ancestors into it and expressing gratitude to our ancestors… this is universal ancient magic. The Natives say that the 4 brothers of humanity once knew the whole of holy wisdom and each race took a piece of that wisdom and went to the 4 directions. It is said that when the 4 brothers return to the council fire with the wisdom they have kept and protected all these millennia, that is when peace will come to all of our people. I was looking into the Gullah culture this evening to begin to relieve my ignorance of black culture and happened upon this article. I feel the hands of my ancestors led me here. Thank you!!
No shade or disrespect, but as a Nigerian born woman, I never understood the fascination my distant cousins have with this (Voodoo, hoodoo etc). Of all things to learn about the ancestors, the continent at large, or specific countries; the way we live, what we respect, who we are as a people… Why does this jump out most to y’all, to pursue or connect with? Experiencing and seeing all sorts of things (evil/darkness/rituals/blood sacrifices etc) back home. This is not something I suggest freely or frivolously tamper with abeg. Please be careful while exploring, spirits/entities are really REAL. I have witnessed! Don’t t welcome motion you’re not prepared for, or fully understand.
I’m not worshiping my ancestors. I’m not worshiping anything. How do you truly know that spirit is your ancestor? I honestly only trust my inner being/spirit. Whatever spirits/angels/ancestors are perusal over me I appreciate them, but I will not communicate with them. Only if they want to communicate with me in a dream other than that I’m good
They worship idols instead of Jesus Christ.people r forgetting about GOD.u r not supposed to do what your ancestors did witchcraft an not supposed to worship man or woman.the Devil will deceive many . We must turn to God before it’s to late .an turn away from sin an the world . Acts2:38 holy ghost is by God because I have it an God wants u holy, righteous, Godly an live soberly .our people must follow God in order to make it to Heaven . everyone will not make make it .that’s why most is leaving the church ..there r false churchesnout there an there r truth Churches who preaches on being holy an follow the commandments an preaches on sin .Acts 2:38
PAGAN! WE worship the living GOD, The MOST HIGH YAH! Let the dead bury the dead. That is a LIE straight from the devil that our ancestors are with GOD intervening on our behalf. ALL THROUGH SCRIPTURE it states “RESTING WITH THEIR FATHERS”, awaiting the MESSIAH return. ALSO….. Many are called but FEW are chosen. IF YOU THINK EVERYONE GOES TO HEAVEN and your ancestors won’t face JUDGEMENT for their sins… YOU’VE GOT A VERY RUDE AWAKENING IN YOUR FUTRE! Do not be DECEIVED. Read your Bible and do your RESEARCH. PEACE!
Goodness, kidnapping people from their own family is WICKED. This is of the devil, but GOD is greater! Mom went through a similar experience, when she was raped on a date. (She was so terrified and humiliated, she married him. She had three girls, but was forced to divorce him when we hits our teens. He was EXTREMELY violent.) Both sets of parents were business competitors, but his family was cruel, vulgar, violent and jealous.
There were and are different people living in Africa with different cultures and Spiritual beliefs. Not everyone practiced Voodoo, Hoodoo, necromancy nor Black magic. Witches, Witchcraft, and necromancy was forbidden by the God of certain people. To certain people these practices meant death to all who practiced them.
No one should be honoring dead ancestors with blood or body fluid rituals. Especially, when infants are crushed to death to obtain power… Jesus paid the only sacrifice necessary to atone for transgressions. No others needed. Inhale fallen angels so that they get to act out their depravity is a fools game. Those fallen were not able to overcome Jesus. Nor, will they be able to stop the final judgment upon the wickedness they enact. Isaiah 24:21-23So it will happen in that day, That the Lord will punish the host of heaven on high, And the kings of the earth on earth.They will be gathered together Like prisoners in the dungeon, And will be confined in prison; And after many days they will be punished.Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, For the Lord of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, And His glory will be before His elders.
I understand people don’t want hoodoo rituals out there but these conversations on hoodoo leave much to be desired. There is no mention of High John, spiritual baths, flowers in placed in water glasses to dream about lost loved ones. The congo cosmogram, ring shout, we know about burning hair to prevent roots being put on us.
My poeple where Root workers my people where the first prisoners of war the First to be enslaved American Indian we had our system of honoring our Ancestors and Elders we looked like the Enslaved Africans better look at the 1968 Civil right act it written nicknamed Indian Act what our Ancestors fought Honor your Ancestors do your genealogy this story is not for everyone of color u might find out you are American Indian it is written yes honor your Ancesters find out what is your story not someone tell you a story that is not yours those day are over !
I’m from Africa I live in New York one day rain my ancestors come talk to me did give me a gift God doublet da gift. De man ou my destiny they choose 1 from my ancestors demand for my destiny he don’t know I’m Student Life more than 35 years in Africa somebody and the family take the life of my child my son I was in a relationship I was depressed I was tired I almost give up on my life my my ancestors talk to me they say the men of my destiny nobody in the world would love me the way he love
Hmmm. The first interviewee called hoodoo “a system of healing and harming” and I was disappointed that they didnt really go into that. It was more about ancestral worship or what I’ll describe as “reverence”. That’s cool. Perhaps I’m just feeling that something was left out. I guess Hollywood got to me.
October is Hoodoo Heritage Month. Hoodoo Heritage Month is a celebration of the Hoodoo tradition. It involves the veneration of ancestors and honoring spirituals traditions and ancestors. Hoodoo is a spiritual system/religion with roots in Africa. It was practiced by enslaved Africans and their descendants. The practice includes working with roots, herbs, and spirits as well as set of beliefs and rituals. Hoodoo is practiced primarily in the Southern United States.
And just to share: ” fetal cells can be harbored in a mother’s tissues where they become incorporated, lasting decades after the birth. This likely means that every mother’s body contains both her own cells and genetics and tiny, but measurable amounts of her children’s cells and genomes.” The connection between family is deep and its empirical study has only just begun. Our ancestors were very wise and studious of Nature, and it shouldn’t be downplayed.
Hoodoo is not the same as Santeria of Cuba or Candomble in Brasil. Both of the later are based in Yoruba Nigerian religion Ifa. This is not as much about spirit communication as much it is about divination from a system that is mathematical. Hoodoo is an off shoot of Voodoo of Benin. And it is ancestral. Ifa is a specific system that is not about feeling as much as it is a system with specific signs that have hundreds of thousands of proverbs and stanzas for each sign
Worship is for GOD!!!! There is 1 GOD and 1 mediator between GOD and men JESUS. Everyone didn’t worship ancestors. Honoring the memory of someone. We can’t call those asleep long ago to live but we can share their practices. Worship means just that worship. Conjuring is just that these are not substitute words they are what they say they are. This is why witchcraft goes outside of GOD and necromancy. Honor not worship. Alter only into GOD
Speaking and/or praying to the ancestor’s is calling forth familiar spirits which is opening the door to satan and his demons in their lives. Africa is, to this day, oppressed by foreigners because of this. They’re second class citizens in their own land. There is one God and His name is Elohim and the one everyone should be praying to for the safety of both them and their families and the securing of their souls after they die. Leviticus 19:31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
When I was little, like 13, My younger siblings and I would be in the backyard of Our Grandparents house looking out into the stars and pointing out Our Uncle and Grandma and Grandpa amongst the stars.. Saying that they were up there looking down on Us.. perusal out for Us.. The Only thing or experience I can think of that would have Birthed this concept in Our Minds was when We would visit places like the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Detroit and hear the Elders tell Stories of Our Ancestors.. So later, reading things like Neil Gaiman’s American Gods novel, particularly the stories about Anansi the spider were very exciting for Me!! I’m in Atlanta.. Where there has been a surge of individuals reconnecting with Our Peoples Ancient ways of Innerstanding the Universe and Our place in it.. Thank You..
As someone who comes from at least two centuries of actual practitioners of conjure/hoodoo or “work” as it’s really called, I’m glad to see that scholars are continuing the important historical and anthropological work of Zora Neale Hurston. I think some things from the article have be underscored 1) It is NOT a religion but a set of actions, hence the term “work”. Some of the most strongest “work” actually revolves around the Psalms from the Judeo Christian Bible. Some of the biggest “healers” and “workers” were the little old church women down at the Baptist/AME/COGIC church 2) As such, to liken or place conjure/hoodoo/”work” into the same category as some of the actual systems of spiritual belief such as Candomble, Vodoun, and Santeria is a false narrative. At one point, mention was made of the phrase, “a system of power” and that is honestly the best way to describe it. 3) Conjure/Hoodoo/”work” is an amalgamation of African and Indigenous folk magic added to knowledge of the local land and healing medicine. It is rooted in multiple spiritual frameworks as a result. 4) It has to be stated again, but no one is worshipping their ancestor in the traditional sense of the word, “worship”. Honoring? Yes, absolutely. This idea of honoring one’s ancestors is rooted in the everyday speak of many black Americans with roots in the South, the asking of “where your people from” as a way of establishing what a person in the right now is all about. That knowledge of one’s roots being viewed as so essential to one’s everyday existence.
I appreciate sharing ya’ll sharing the history of these practices, but nope, speaking in tongues and ancestral posession are two different things. If you are speaking in tongues through the holy spirit, that’s speaking through/ or being “posessed by” the triune god (God of Abraham, Isaac, etc), not our relatives that have past away, or through african gods and goddesses, who are fallen angels. This is idol worship, and the one true God belongs to Africans as much as anyone else, a significant part of Jesus’ ministry was in North Africa, it’s not “the white man’s religion” and don’t get so caught up in trying to connect with your African side that you are chasing demons! In all your seeking, please seek out Africans who have parted ways from hoodoo/voodun practices and ask them WHY they left it. Ask Africans who are Christians why they are Christians and why they left these practices.
Our culture is so much more than our past, Hoodoo will not lead the black community to true spirituality. While many of us may think that these things don’t matter, they do, I mean we’re talking about demons here. It’s not about serving the white man’s god, the white man’s god was greed, not Christ. The power is not in hoodoo but in community, the power and perseverance of the living not the dead. I love my ancestors and appreciate them, but only God deserves my worship. Blessings & Peace.
Beautiful discussions, but I was not able to follow all of them because the subtitles got set wrong (and are even missing many sentences), starting around 4 minutes in. I’m sure you know there are many viewers who rely on subtitles in order to understand what’s spoken in the article. I hope this can be fixed. All the same, thank you for this series!
All y’all so beautiful I love ya! I speak to our ancestors too! They have been guiding me to uncover the mysteries of our roots. I found through their guidance much to uplift the meek. I don’t yet know how to approach this knowledge shared with me, as in I don’t wanna write a book cuz some stuff very personal and no one’s biz but the folk involved etc.. But I believe I was gifted a gift of understanding unparalleled yet to my eyes and ears. I believe I’m holding a piece that could set the Good free and let all fly in best understandings of ourselves to date. Anyone want to help me figure out a best way to share this with the world? Don’t you let my current skin tone freak ya, 5 generations back I was as copper as they come. And further back in Egypt my great granddaddy was Piye. I receive trance state messages from the deepest of heroes. I am here to hand over the keys to this world to the meek.
Another thing I’ve noticed, is that in the black community, we tend to always say that black folks who have gotten rich and famous, without a sob story of how they had to sell crack to take care of their families, are apart of some evil secret society, have done some kind of humiliation ritual, or have sacrificed a loved one, But we’ll listen to our favorite rappers talk about killing other black people all the time and think nothing of it. It’s weird. We kind of pick and choose. PS: you are the GOAT
My girl I’m from a family of conjure women and all you said was true. But you didn’t mention many women like mine were real doctors that used roots, herbs and poisons from plants and animals to treat illness and deliver babies along with a natural form of birth control. I still did really enjoy this article especially you showing that these practices covered many areas of America and not just my beloved Louisiana
As someone who grew up in Brazil, where afro-brazilian candomble magic was considered a common thing, I always found funny how SINISTER american movies made vodoo look. Like, we always had the radical christians trying to get rid of it here, but in terms of media, you´d be more likely to find a macumba being used a plot point for a comedy than a horror.
As a Haitian-American, I appreciate the effort put in to make this. I’m Christians Protestant but revere and respect Vodun. There is a big rift in the Haitian community. It is so sad that our culture is being deemed “demonic.” I understand the science behind some of the “magic” used in some Vodun practices. I keep telling folx to unlearn what European countries attempt to pass as African-based spiritual practices. Nordic and Asian spirituality is not demonized life ours. The antiblackness is real. I recognize my ancestors’ use of Vodun for healing and creating community. I’ll never say that is “demonic.” Many of my Christians experiences have been through the lens of my culture. It impacts my spirituality, faith, and practices in Christianity.
It is quite unfortunate that black people have a strong recurring history of lack of trust among ourselves, I think this is and will continue to be our biggest dividing factor and until we unite genuinely we will continue to be fodder to those who know how make use of this confusion within our communities. As a Nigerian woman who has lived and spent her entire life in Africa, I know that this is our reality. We do not trust each other and are always looking at our neighbors as the source of our problems.. If it’s not tribe, it’s politics, if it’s not politics it’s religions, if it’s not religion it’s jealously… something always divided us against ourselves… I really wonder why this is especially being that it has been happening long before colonial invasion… I wonder why.. I think it will be a good topic to look into, the history of black distrust and if it’s possible to trace or solve it Anyway, This is such a great article and I commend you for your dedication because this is a lot ALOT of work! Very educative and informative ! Well done
I live in South Africa and at least in my province (state), it’s very common to hear that someone had received a ‘calling from their ancestors’. With this calling, you become a sangoma (traditional healer) that can either go on to use their newfound powers to aid those who come to them for help or curse someone if their client chooses to do so. You spend a couple of months training with skilled sangomas and then have a graduation ceremony when you are done (or in someone close to me’s case) One thing I’m not so sure of but hear a lot is that you can’t deny your calling. If one chooses to do so hardship with follow you in many forms. A very famous traditional healer in my country refused the calling and her ancestors decided to curse her son by making him ill. She eventually caved and became one. I’m only summarising what I know but you could probably find out more if you google sangomas or check YouTube.
Bonnie in Vampire Diaries. I loved me some Bonnie. She was a witch and related to a Black witch in Salem if I remember correctly. Eves Bayou was and still is my all time favorite movie. Since I was a child, I’ve always been interested and obsessed even with voodoo, witches, root work, and the like always wanted to know more about the connection with African/Black tribes/people. This article is everything. Taught me so much as a writer and student of conjuring and Black magick. Thank you. Happy Hoodoo Heritage Month & Halloween.
I just left New Orleans last week & got the chance to visit the Whitney Plantation in Edgard LA for the 2nd time & they have a specific memorial dedicated to the enslaved african men that lead one of the most deadlist slave rebellions throughout the coast of Louisiana, visitors and people that practice African spirituality to this day place offerings such as food, money, jewelry, & pour out libations at the feet of the memorial to give thanks to the sacrifices of the ancestors. Its a very heavy & powerful setting. You can feel the energy walking through the plantation while on the tour & perusal this article brought back those same feelings I experienced there with the many parallels talked about. Very Well Done Lex!!!! You just keep topping your work every single time 🤌🏽🙌🏾👏🏾
Low country, South Carolina checkin in. Another great vid🎯. Some would be surprised at how certain beliefs are still quite prevalent throughout the Geechee regions. Appreciate your emphasis on how much of this is ROOTED in social injustice vs proven practices. Plenty folks still won’t eat “her” spaghetti. Found a doll made outta my hair some years back.
I’m in love with this article. I was raised Christian/catholic but at the age 14 I’ve started not only exploring my sexuality (I’m lesbian) but also my religion. I am now 19 and I’m still learning about spirituality and also hoodoo and other witchcraft practices (that I’m allowed to practice) recently my mom found my tarot card while I was getting ready to move into my college dorm. My mom tells me how I’m gonna get possessed and that I’m playing with the devil. Also I’ve made my Christmas list and my grandmother tells me “zodiac is not of God.” because I wanted a zodiac book. In the black community we look at tarot, zodiac, witchcraft and other spiritual things as evil when half of these practices are literally our roots!!
YES! I’m so excited as I start perusal this article. Muchas gracias for giving us another WONDERFULLY informative and FUN article. Loving all the natural and great diversity you help showcase. I’m far more ALIVE, HEALED, and CONSCIOUS from perusal your articles. Good riddance to white supremacy and here’s to decolonization. I also greatly appreciate all the time and effort you put into your articles, Happy Hoodoo Halloween!
This article reminded me of the time my soon-to-be ex-husband accused me of putting a voodoo curse on him 3yrs ago when we broke up all because I said karma was gonna get his ssa for abus¡ng me. Over the last 3yrs karma or in his words “voodoo” got him tenfold to the point I was Smokey/Craig daaaaaaaaamn-ing at the latest bout of karma that got my ex. The last time I saw him when he begged me to help him he begged me to lift the voodoo on him to which I said again if I was to evoke my ancestors voodoo powers(that’s if they were practising) I’d have a voodoo effigy of him to do much more than bad luck. I’m starting to think my ex might be right I may have unwittingly cursed him.
As a Salem seasonal guide: Thank you for specifying Tituba’s actual race. To add a correction — It wasn’t Arthur Miller. Titutba became black over a century earlier because of Longfellow in his play “Giles Corey of Salem Farms.” While he puts in the character cast Tituba is an Indian woman, it is he who specifically stated she had an African father who practiced voodoo magic (TITUBA: What see you now? MARY: A man all black and fierce. TITUBA: That is my father. He was an Obi man, and taught me magic. Taught me the use of herbs and images), and the entire play is basically set up to pin the Salem witch trials as Tituba’s fault + has her openly identifies as a witch (TITUBA. I am a woman, but I am not good, I am a Witch!). Longfellow is rather notorious for his historical inaccuracies — but he was so immensely popular, we’re still having to purge them from public image still to this day. Everyone before him understood Tituba as an “Indian.” Everyone after him began to regard her as black/African. Miller was a playwright himself, so no doubt, he would have been familiar with Longfellow’s works.
Thank you for posting this. It will hopefully help people understand how the fear and disdain for African beliefs is rooted in white supremacy. Many are convinced that anything that isn’t Christianity is evil. Unfortunately, most of my family is in that category. I’ve been slowly trying to educate them, but I think some people just don’t want to know better. It’s good that you made this article for those who do want to learn.
Hazel Levesque from the Heroes of Olympus series is magical. Her mother was a psychic and fortune teller in 1920s New Orleans, and her father was the Roman god Pluto. Like the other demigods in the series, Hazel interacts with magical items and beings, and has powers related to her godly parent. She can make riches emerge from the earth, but they are cursed. Anyone who picks them up will suffer a horrible fate. Later in the series, she meets the goddess Hecate, who teaches her how to do more advanced magic.
THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS article ESSAY! I’ve been searchinggg for a article that explored the history of Black people and magic beyond just hoodoo & hollywood and you did this very well! Growing up in the South I regularly heard relatives speak of rootwork and doing practices that did not seem very Christian although they saw themselves as Christian. Its so powerful how practices&knowledge from our Ancestors traveled through generations discreetly despite adversity through generations of slavery. ive found myself drawn to magical practices all throughout my life & sometimes wonder if its just in my blood. Anywho I deeply appreciate your research in EVERY article you do! Its so enlightening and refreshing!As my older relatives would say “youre doing the good work!” 👏🏾👏🏾💗
0:28 Looooook… let me tell how tired I am of this set up in the media!🤢 6:56 I had never heard of the term Horses before, thank you! It brings to mind some southern or carribean stories I heard about shapeshifters that turned into centaur-like beings. 7:37 Never heard of Boo Hags until Blaque Witch Yaya put out a article literally 2 days ago about it. What beautiful serendipity 💗 22:22 A group that studied and recorded 19th century Black folklore? Yes please!🤤 38:15 I hope you receive all your goals. You seem to be on your way, especially with this website. Very grateful for your consistent, studious work. Cheers to you!💗✨
My grandmother said I was born with a veil over my face. Meaning I’m gonna be rich, or be psychic I gueess it turned out to be both. I married well and a few of my dreams have come true. My teeth fell out in my dream with my mom freaking out about it. Told her I was ok, and everything will be ok. I woke up saying I’m getting a call today. Brother called me later that day, and I knew already it was my mom. She had a heart attack and passed the next day. I had been seeing her death in dreams for a while. I have great control over my dreams, and it helps me in real life, and sometimes shows me the future.
In the Netflix chilling adventures of Sabrina series Jaz Sinclair, Sabrina’s friend eventually gained her witch abilities called the cunning which messed with her eyesight but gave her a foresight power, see ghosts, and see someone’s true self. Her grandmother told her of it when she started freaking out about losing her vision that the women in their family have this ability. Cool to see how this connects a little with the info in this article !
The movie Spell and Serpent and the Rainbow, and Bree Newsome short film Wake. Its another with Kenya Moore and Vivica A. Fox. The Skeleton Key is another good one. Beloved and Vampire in Brooklyn had some scenes. Its probably a lot more that I can’t think of at the momement but I try to watch every movie or show I can find about hoodoo, Voodoo, Vodun, Voudou etc. Its some martial arts movies too like Marked for Death. Another is called Voodoo Dawn. I left out Angel Heart.
The Bureau of Magical Things, Raising Dion, Shadow and Bone, Fast Colors and American Gods have some good depictions of black witches, spirituality and deities depicted even if some of them weren’t main characters. I’m spiritual but I was brought up Christian and I noticed a lot of times when there’s something to elevate the mind, it’s considered “evil and demonic” and I get so annoyed with that. We are spiritual people that got our culture and practice stripped from us and got the regurgitated version of it. But I’m glad a lot of us are finding ourselves in spirituality. ✨
I am american who joined an African religion where I and my kids received medicine marks! You would think I had painted myself pink!! I am proud of them and they still show after a very long time. I don’t practice the religion anymore (my priestess passed away) I am so happy to know and love this article! And I grew up in Beaufort South Carolina so I can tell you it’s a beautiful part of our life, our heritage, as old as anything else in our bones. It’s AMAZING! Thank you young lady!!
I feel conflicted because of how, even in shows where nearly every character has some kind of supernatural ability, the TVD/Originals-verse still somehow managed to have nearly all their Black characters filling that damned Magical Negro trope, but I thought that the premise that the Ancestor-based workings practiced by American witches of all backgrounds was based on spells and methodology “learned” (stolen) from an African witch by her White “friend” was interesting.
AT 4:49 THAT IS NOT Thomas Putnam it is a likeness of George Fox, the founder of Quakerism. It was misattributed via Wikipedia to a different puritan from a private citizen uploading it when i image searched it. but i recognize it immediately from much of our literature. the original has his name on it. It’s titled: Lithograph of George Fox by Lehman & Duval, 1835 found in Library of Congress.
This was, as usual, excellent. Please think about doing something on African-American secret societies (Prince Hall, Jack and Jill, etc.) which could touch on the influence of multi-cultural beliefs throughout occultism and the west. (Say, Egyptian religion, the Qabalah, Neo-paganism, etc.) 93* 93/93 T.’.
The problem with the dismissal of our indigenous beliefs is that a lot of them including in Hoodoo were taught to us to teach us the African cultures and where we came from because we were not openly allowed to practice those cultures or to even acknowledge where we came from. For example, the sweeping of someone feet being a curse. Well if you know about the Yoruba religion of Ifa there is a an Orishas by the name of Babalueye He is considered the Orisha of health and disease. He is depicted as someone who wears what we would consider broom straws and he dances around and cleans up dirt and things that can cause illness. He also is considered the Orisha of disease and so you can also go to him and request that all the dirt and disease that he has gathered be placed upon someone or some community for wrong that they have done. A lot of these superstitions as we call them were actually to teach African spiritual practices in Africans gods and goddesses without actually calling on their names which could get our people killed at that time.
I would be so interested in your review of Legendborn. It’s set in North Carolina and is one of my first encounters with root magic and how it differs from European magic traditions (mainly what’s encountered in Arthurian legend). I looked back and didn’t see it, but if you’ve talked about it before, my bad.
Thank you for this article! I’ve always believed that the practices of our ancestors was tainted by whites as “Black Magic” and given scary, negative connotations is because it is associated with us. A few years ago, I researched what our ancestors practiced before the colonizers got to them and it lead me to Hoodoo and related practices. My Gra’mama always had spell candles and I remember her taking me to an occult shop when I was a child. My mother would always tell us to flush it down the toilet when we were done grooming ourselves (amongst other “superstitions”). She’d just say it was passed down from the ancestors but would never credit Hoodoo. There’s a great documentary by Djimon Hounsou called In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven, and a very informative book, Thy Name is Vodun: Conversations with Mamiwata Priestess. If anyone would like to recommend other sources, please do. Thanks in advance! To anyone interested in this topic, I would love to know your thoughts on the movie, The Skeleton Key, starring Kate Hudson. Personally, I love it.
I wasn’t brought up under any religion, but growing up in the South, telling people I never went to church and don’t go to church, had folks looking at me like I had eyes in the back of my head. My father always said that he wanted myself and my younger brother to have the choice of what we want to practice and how we wanted to live our lives. I thank him for giving us the option, because it has allowed for me to get into the spiritual world and explore the spirituality that has been demonized for us for so long. Thank you for this article ❤
This is beautifully done👌🏽and i might say anything about our ancestral practice should’ve never been seen as demonic and this is the thing that get me mad about all critics because it was never met to hurt but to protect,heal and advise while blk people should really return to their sources i can understand why some refuse i mean when u so out of touch with yourself everything u dont know u scared of….
My family is part native American, and though many were taken at a young age from reservations (thanks for converting us /s), we are very superstitious in ways. I recently started going to a religious private school and realized just how much even the slightest superstitious belife that isn’t strictly European (or in the Bible) can be seen as demonic. My grandma always tells stories about ghosts and spirits and the like but after going to school i realized that it’s a very exclusive belief that my family has.
I know im late but this was great for Hoodoo month! Im from SC my mom and Dad tell stories of hoodoo all of time! From shapeshifting from snakes to positive stories of having babies from eomen who couldn’t. I love God and I respect my ancestors. My moms chirch has a pastor who can (hear) and I love it. I feel great when visiting!
The representation in P Valley was so good. Making it natural part of life I adore. I’m Romani & Native so ALOT of similarities in my mixed cultural background. Regardless of what religion someone follows in my family, our traditional spirituality is ALWAYS incorporated. So you could be Christian and still doing divination. It’s not an either/or in my upbringing. So I really loved P Valley incorporating it naturally like that. Our Indigenous ways always get incorporated regardless.
Thank you so much for making this!!!!! SO informative and just UGH! Amazing!!!! You’re a gift 🥺🥰🥰🥰 Also, I’ll never get over the fact that during Sabrina they had Tati’s character leave and go like…learn different African based magics and then talk about it a little bit and then just drop it 😭😭😭😭 I would have LOVED a whole spinoff of her learning and letting go of the European witchcraft 😭 But yes!!! Amazing work 🥰🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Im an afro-latino born and raised in midwest US. It has always made me very sad that people on all sides of my ancestry are christian. Either Catholic or Baptist but never more in tune with their pre-colonizer beliefs and customs. I’m so much more in tune with “harmful magics” than I am with some fairy tale book(s) that divide entire nations. My practices bring understanding and healing, never damnation or strife like so many of my people cling to. That world was never meant for us, why do you seek it so badly… Im happy these ideas are loosening a bit, especially with the younger generations thoughts coming in to play. Ill stay strong and try to support in the best ways i can.