Conjure and Hoodoo form a rich tapestry that is North American folk magic. It is a diverse and rich tradition primarily of the American South and Appalachia. It is one handed down in community and through family tradition. The works reviewed here set out personal experiences with the traditions and traditional practices. Taken together they form a strong Conjure library.
Backwoods Witchcraft: Conjure & Folk Magic from Appalachia
Jake Richards (Weiser Books, 2019)
Books on conjure practices are often deeply personal drawing as they do from family and close cultural traditions. This is certainly true of Richards Backwoods Witchcraft and the others discussed below. The author draws from traditions he learned from his great-grandmother, grandmother, and grandfather. His work is a wonderfully detailed compendium of folk ways of Appalachia that is deeply authentic. At the same time, Richards is adept at connecting the stories and practices handed down to him to cultural context from which they originate. He covers the history, lore, omens, and conjuring crafts
In addition to the lore, Richards provides many practical techniques. He covers the spirits of Appalachia, ancestor venerations, supplies and tools, folk healing, divination, and interpreting omens. Given its geographic focus, this is a special work and should be considered a required addition to a completist’s folk magic library.
Old Style Conjure: Hoodoo, Rootword & Folk Magic
Starr Casas (Weiser Books, 2017)
Weaving in many stories drawn from family, Casas provides a superb introduction to conjure practice. Like all three books discussed here, she builds on deeply rooted regional cultural traditions. She provides comprehendible and systematic instructions to building one’s own personal conjure work. She discusses uncrossing techniques, candle burning, and crafting conjure bags.She discusses various forms of divination such as bone reading (including building one’s own set) andreading with playing cards,
Casas gives guidance on building a conjure altar, making offerings, and working with lights. The book includes detailed descriptions of the spirits of conjure, places of power, as well as utilization of dirts, waters, herbs, and roots. She teaches magic using the traditional ingredients that were readily available to her Southern ancestors such as lysol, Ms. Stewart’s Bluing, and Murphy’s Oil Soap.
Importantly, and of particular note, Casas repeatedly reminds the reader of the African roots of Conjure practice. One should not proceed with this type of work without this understanding and sincere acknowledgement.
If you want to get your hands in to this type of work, don’t pass by this book!
Working Conjure: A Guide to Hoodoo Folk Magic
Hoodoo Sen Moise (Weiser Books, 2018)
Sen Moise brings his more than 35 years of experience as a practitioner to this highly informative work on the history, culture, and practices of Hoodoo and footwork. He’s crafted a good launching point for anyone interested in North American folk magic.
Working Conjure is a highly practical guide that draws from Sen Moise’s rich and deep background in the subject. He shares many techniques and lessons accompanied with informative background information.He includes many instructions for workings, baths, powders, etc. The richness of the material makes this a work that is informative and highly practical.
The author is co-owner of Conjure Conjure New Orleans with Starr Casas.
The Candle and the Crossroads: A Book Appalachian Conjure and Southern Root Work
Orion Foxwood (Weiser Books, 2012)
Preceding the above by several years, Foxwood set a high bar for discussions of conjure work. His writing style is highly evocative and often flows powerfully over to the realms of poetry. There is a power in Foxwood’s writing that is at once distinctive and deeply personal.
Yet our own spirit is the creating and meeting place of a great web of creation, and it our most important spirit ally. It is the gateway to the whole spirit world, including the creator itself, and fits us like a perfectly formed keyhole with our personality as the key.
Weaving in family stories and personal experience, and in bardic words, Foxwood provides a detailed practiced with a rich history. He includes much practical knowledge and methods throughout.
Meet Orion Foxwood at the crossroads of his history and words. Glean as much wisdom as you can at each meeting. Come back to the font of his writings often.