1. Is Hoodoo a religion?

Yes and No. For some Hoodoo is a religion. For other's, Hoodoo is a practice that is an accompaniment to Ifa, Christianity, Taoism, Buddhism, etc. There are people who are atheist or agnostic that practice Hoodoo. There are people who believe in their ancestors but don't believe specifically in God. They may believe in the power and structure of the universe. Hoodoo is deeply personal and can be applied to a person's faith in the way that their ancestors guide them. How and where Hoodoo emerges in your life will be an intuitive feeling. Your ancestors will guide you in how to apply it. Hoodoo is a system of practical magic and healing. Many practitioners are also members of a church while others practice Hoodoo as a standalone ancestral tradition/religion. It is less about who you worship and more about how you interact with the spirit of the natural world.

2. What is the difference between Hoodoo and Voodoo?

Though the names sound similar and they share African roots, they are distinct. Voodoo is a West African religion with a formal hierarchy and a pantheon of spirits called Lwa. Hoodoo is a personal practice of "Rootwork" or "Conjure" with African/Black American roots. You can think of Voodoo as a communal temple and Hoodoo as the private medicine cabinet and prayer closet of your home. Hoodoo is based on your specific bloodline. We venerate our direct ancestors. Hoodoo is based on our lineage not Gods/Goddess outside of our family. 

3. Does practicing Hoodoo go against the Bible?

Yes and No. Christians do not believe in ancestors. They believe the dead are sleeping. We believe the dead are very much alive and ancestral spirits guiding and protecting us as they work beside God. Very much like personal angels and guides. We do not believe our ancestors are demonic. We do not believe African Spirituality is demonic. We understand that it is our God given right to worship in our own image. We reclaim our ancestral spiritual rights that were beaten out of us during slavery. Many practitioners see Jesus Christ as an African ancestor. Black Jesus. We see the Holy Bible as a powerful and beautiful tool that has been manipulated, edited, and doctored, but still holds powerful spells for protection, healing, love, tolerance, brother and sisterhood. We use Psalms in our ritual work. One can practice Hoodoo and not be a Christian; and still use the Holy Bible for root work and protection. As Hoodoo spread throughout the United States variances were applied regionally. This is why it is very much an intuitive practice with guidance from our elders and practitioners. 

4. Is Hoodoo "Black Magic"?

Hoodoo is a tool for survival and balance. Like a hammer, it can be used to build or to defend. While it includes "justice work" to hold people accountable, its primary focus is on protection, healing, love, and prosperity. It is a practice of empowerment for those who have historically been disempowered. "Black Magic" is a colonized term used to demonize our traditions and practices. 

5. Do I have to be of African descent to practice Hoodoo?

Yes. Hoodoo is a closed practice. Anyone practicing Hoodoo must come from a West African/Black American bloodline. Hoodoo is African American cultural heritage. We do accept donations from those seeking to further this work or gift to their Black American friends and family. As a practitioner, I create meditation and affirmations that can be used by anyone and I will notate those videos, etc, when I post them. Deep ancestral veneration and rituals are closed and will only be posted within the community. 

6. What is a "Mojo Bag"?

A Mojo Bag (also called a nation sack or a gris-gris) is a "prayer in a pocket." It is a small flannel bag filled with specific roots, herbs, minerals, and personal items that have been "breathed into" and awakened for a specific purpose. 

7. What does it mean to "work the roots"?

"Working the roots" refers to the belief that every plant has a specific spirit and a physical power. A Rootworker knows which plants can draw money (like cinnamon or alfalfa) and which can drive away negativity (like rue or salt). It is the literal work of using the Earth’s anatomy to change your life’s circumstances.

8. Why is Ancestral Veneration so important?

In Hoodoo, your ancestors are your closest advocates in the spirit world. Because they share your blood and your history, they are the most invested in your success. We honor them by keeping their names alive, tending to their spirits, and asking for their guidance in our daily work.

9. Can Hoodoo help with my modern problems?

Absolutely! While the tradition is old, the spirits are timeless. Hoodoo is used today to help people find jobs, navigate legal systems, protect their homes from modern stresses, and find clarity in a chaotic world. Hoodoo is a living, breathing, and highly adaptive practice.

10. How do I get started?

I recommend watching my video Hoodoo Origins. It's a 2.5 hour long video were I go over the origins of Hoodoo, the purpose of ancestral veneration, divination, ancestral rights, and the relationship between our enslaved African ancestors and their spiritual practices. I highly recommend that before beginning any ancestor veneration, one must do core release and protection work. I've created a 14 day shadow work immersive experience, that can be found in the Hoodoo and Honey Sanctuary skool for those who are ready to walk this path with guidance. 

11. Do I have to work with the Hoodoo and Honey Sanctuary or can I work with someone else?

Certainly. You do not have to be a member of our Skool to receive our newsletter.