Before I begin to give you a glimpse into the magical practice of ancient Hoodoo, I would first like to emphasize that "Hoodoo" is not to be confused with "Voodoo". Although both were introduced into America by groups of oppressed Africans and Haitians during the 1700s, these are two completely different belief systems. Voodoo is an actual religion with it's own rituals, leaders, and services; whereas Hoodoo is not a religion, but more so a set of spiritual practices and traditions. Nonetheless, neither Hoodoo or Voodoo are forms of evil or demonic worship, regardless of the misconceptions and false representation in the media.
Now, let's talk Hoodoo...
The spiritual practices of Hoodoo are performed by Hoodoo practitioners (also referred to as rootworkers) who utilize things such as roots, herbs, oils and crystals. Some practitioners also recite text from the biblical Book of Psalms during spellwork, and call on spirit guides, angels/archangels, ancestors, or animal totems. It is also important to set powerful intention and affirmation into each spell, desire, or wish. Clear and concise intention is vital for creating magick, and for life in general.
Two important topics I would like to touch base on is working in harmony with Earth, and the power of free will. These aren't necessarily a "rule" in Hoodoo, but more so my own viewpoints. My personal belief is that we were all created to coexist with nature and to live in harmony with all forms of life. Of course, with the current unbalanced state of the world, it is apparent that greed and discord have overshadowed the true meaning of life.
You may wonder, how does this tie into Hoodoo?
As mentioned earlier, the basis of Hoodoo utilizes roots and herbs, which are from the Earth. In return, it is important to give gratitude to anything you are "taking" from the Earth, and to do it in the most ethical way possible. This also pertains to herbs or roots you may have purchased directly from a botanica or store; if you are utilizing those items for spellwork, it is still important to thank each and every herb in the process. It may sound silly to the average person, but I believe it creates a more powerful, intention-driven outcome.
Now, let's discuss the power of free will.
As most of you know, free will is the ability to voluntarily act at one's own discretion. In "spellcasting", some individuals may go against someone's free will or perform spells on a person who is unaware or unwilling. This may not work in the long term and could have karmic repercussions. "Chasing" or "forcing" a desire is signaling your subconscious that there is doubt that you will not receive what you are asking for. Forcing anything or acting out of desperation causes conflict in manifesting, and will only prolong you reaching your desires. Instead, release all fears and let everything flow to you naturally, while still moving forward towards your goal.
Although this approach may still yield a successful outcome, I prefer to use Hoodoo for good magick; such as gaining abundance, protecting health and well-being, and other universal concerns.
Remember, every good thing you have done will pay you back, and every bad thing you have done you will need to pay in the future...
I hope this post sparked your interest and opened your eyes to the wonderful world of Hoodoo. With just a few household herbs, a candle, and strong faith/intention; you can be one step closer to manifesting your biggest goals and living the life you truly deserve.