Mojo workin'
Book Description
Katrina Hazzard-Donald presents a groundbreaking exploration of Hoodoo, the African American folk healing tradition that has quietly flourished for centuries beneath the surface of mainstream awareness. This comprehensive study traces the remarkable journey of herbal wisdom and spiritual practices from their African origins through their transformation in the Americas.
Rather than viewing Hoodoo as a monolithic system, Hazzard-Donald reveals how this tradition first emerged in three distinct regional clusters before evolving into a national phenomenon after the nineteenth century. Her research uncovers the "African Religion Complex," eight cultural characteristics that served as the foundation for preserving and transmitting these sacred practices across diverse African ethnic communities in America.
The author delves into the rich material culture of Hoodoo, examining powerful spiritual tools like the "High John the Conquer" root and exploring divination practices such as the "walking boy" ritual. She also investigates the "Ring Shout," a sacred dance that continues to influence American Baptist worship today.
What sets this work apart is its focus on authentic "Old tradition Black Belt Hoodoo" as practiced within African American communities, carefully distinguishing it from commercialized versions that have been altered by outside influences. Complete with a comprehensive glossary, this interdisciplinary study offers readers genuine insight into a hidden spiritual system that has sustained and empowered practitioners for generations.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 234 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Voodooism
- ✓ Explore History, 19th Century
- ✓ Explore African Traditional Medicine
- ✓ Explore Ethnology
- ✓ Explore African americans, folklore
- ✓ Explore Magic
- ✓ Explore Vodou
- ✓ Explore History
