Root witchcraft, also known as folk magic or traditional witchcraft, is a practice that is deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and traditions. It is a form of witchcraft that is often passed down through generations within a family or community. The main idea behind root witchcraft is the belief that everything in nature has a spiritual essence and is interconnected. Practitioners of root witchcraft harness the energy of the earth, plants, and animals to manifest their desires and bring about change. They work primarily with natural materials such as herbs, crystals, and candles. One of the main focuses of root witchcraft is herbalism.
What Lex Greensill was able to accomplish, while gross, was also astonishing. As further reported in The Financial Times article,
The rootwork system combines a belief in the magical causation of illness with cures by sorcery and an empiric tradition stressing the natural causation of illness with cures by herbs and medicines. Somehow, the new model for an old and boring business excites fund gatherers like investment firms who make their money in the form of fees paid by investors to put them in the exciting new business.
One of the main focuses of root witchcraft is herbalism. Practitioners use the medicinal properties of plants to create potions, brews, and other concoctions for various purposes such as healing, protection, and manifestation. They also incorporate the use of charms and talismans, which are believed to have protective and magical properties.
Halloween Hoodoo
The above quote opens the five volume set of books entitled Hoodoo–conjuration–witchcraft–rootwork : beliefs accepted by many Negroes and white persons, these being orally recorded among Blacks and whites by Harry M. Hyatt that can be found in Special Collections. Published in 1970, these books represent the culmination of years of interviews conducted by the author over a large portion of the Southern United States.
Not to be confused (as it commonly is), with voodoo or vodou, which are both religions derived from West African religions with a dash of Christianity thrown in, hoodoo is often classified as folk magic and is practiced mainly in the Southern United States. The difference between hoodoo and voodoo and vodou is similar to the distinction between Wicca and witchcraft. Also similar to Wicca and witchcraft is the fact that people often use all these terms interchangeably, though they have different meanings. Thus, one can belong to the voodoo religion and practice hoodoo, but they don't have to, and vice versa.
In hoodoo, a practitioner draws upon the spiritual power residing within them to perform a ritual to bring about power or success. Today's mainstream culture often portrays hoodoo as a negative thing because of the common misconception that all who practice it are greedy or corrupt.
Hoodoo–conjuration–witchcraft–rootwork is a record of people's interactions with hoodoo, containing many accounts about how the interviewee was affected by a conjure or how someone they knew was affected. One woman relates the experience she had when her neighbor put a conjure on her by burying a bottle containing sulfur, hair, a bluestone, and roots of some sort. According to her, this was the reason she was unable to stay up past ten o'clock each night. She proceeds to relate how she destroyed the bottle and its contents and was able to stay up much later the following night while the next day the woman next door had to go to the hospital due to a major problem with her leg. Another interviewee tells the author about a common practice of putting sulfur and ashes from the fireplace in a bag and keeping it in your pocket to ward off those that would do you harm.
Whether or not you believe that hoodoo works, these books make for interesting reading and are a comprehensive relation of a common practice here in the United States that most of us are largely unfamiliar with. So if you get a chance between your Halloween celebrations, come see us at Special Collections where you can find the books mentioned here along with many others!
"Difference Between Hoodoo and Voodoo | Difference Between | Hoodoo vs Voodoo." Difference Between Hoodoo and Voodoo | Difference Between | Hoodoo vs Voodoo. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. .
The traditional medicine of black Americans, often labeled "rootwork," has its origins in slave culture of the antebellum South. Its continued influence on the health behavior of black Americans is reported for rural areas of the South and for poor urban areas throughout the United States. The rootwork system combines a belief in the magical causation of illness with cures by sorcery and an empiric tradition stressing the natural causation of illness with cures by herbs and medicines. Adherents of rootwork are medically pluralistic and seek help from a variety of practitioners when faced with illness. Adherents enter the clinical setting for the treatment of natural illnesses and present symptoms in accordance with traditional beliefs about the blood and "folk" categories of disease. Adherents may also consult magical practitioners, known as root doctors, for treatment of a variety of psychosocial problems.
Another important aspect of root witchcraft is divination. Practitioners use various tools such as tarot cards, pendulums, and runes to gain insight and guidance into future events or to seek answers to specific questions. Divination is seen as a way to tap into the spiritual realm and gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them. Protection and warding are also key elements of root witchcraft. Practitioners use rituals, spells, and symbols to create protective barriers and keep unwanted energies or entities at bay. They believe in the power of intention and use these practices to establish boundaries and ensure their safety. The main goal of root witchcraft is to live in harmony with nature and the spiritual forces that govern the world. It is a practice that emphasizes personal empowerment and self-discovery. Practitioners often work alone or in small groups, relying on their knowledge and intuition to guide their practice. In conclusion, root witchcraft is a spiritual practice that taps into the ancient traditions and beliefs of our ancestors. It is a way of connecting with nature, harnessing its energy, and manifesting change. Root witches work with natural materials, practice divination, and focus on protection and empowerment. It is a deeply personal and intuitive practice that allows individuals to explore their spiritual path and find balance in their lives..
Reviews for "The Role of Ancestors in Root Witchcraft"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really excited to delve into the world of root witchcraft, but "What is root witchcraft" didn't live up to my expectations at all. The book lacked depth and substance, and it felt like the author was just touching the surface of the subject without delving into it fully. The information provided was very basic and didn't offer anything new or unique. Overall, I found it disappointing and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide on root witchcraft.
2. Michael - 1 star
As someone who has been practicing witchcraft for several years now, I found "What is root witchcraft" to be incredibly lacking in substance. The book felt more like a brief overview rather than a detailed exploration of the topic. The author didn't provide any practical advice or guidance, and the content felt disjointed and poorly organized. I was hoping for a more in-depth understanding of root witchcraft, but this book failed to deliver. I would not suggest wasting your time on it.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was really hoping to learn more about the practice of root witchcraft, but "What is root witchcraft" was a major letdown. The book read more like a series of blog posts rather than a cohesive guide. The information provided was basic and could easily be found with a quick internet search. I was hoping for more practical advice and examples, but the book fell short in that regard. Overall, I was dissatisfied with the lack of depth and would recommend looking for other resources on the subject.