Hoodoo Bibliography and Book Suggestions for African American Folk Magic

Unread post by **Lynne Sydelle Russo-Gordon** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:09 am

Lynne S. Gordon, #1425, A

Available as a free PDF file at:

http://books.google.com/

Charles Waddell Chesnutt Association

Charles Waddell Chesnutt (1858-1932), born in Cleveland, Ohio, was
the son of free African Americans, Andrew Jackson Chesnutt and Ann
Maria Sampson Chesnutt. The Chesnutts migrated to Cleveland from
Fayetteville, North Carolina, in the 1850s but returned to
Fayetteville after the Civil War. Although Charles Chesnutt spent
his youth in Fayetteville, he returned to the city of his birth in
1883. Chesnutt, like his parents before him, left the South to find
better opportunities for himself and his family, his wife, Susan
Perry Chesnutt, and his children, Ethel, Helen, Dorothy, and Edward.

In Cleveland, Chesnutt became a lawyer, a noted businessman, and an
author. An activist, Chesnutt was involved in the initial Niagra
Movement, and later was one of the founders of the NAACP. He received
the coveted Springarn Award in 1928. Chesnutt's literary works
include two collections of short stories, The Conjure Woman (1899)
and The Wife of his Youth and Other Stories (1899); three novels
published during his lifetime, The House behind the Cedars (1900),
The Marrow of Tradition (1901), and The Colonel's Dream (1905); a
biography, Frederick Douglass (1902); and three recently edited and
published novels, The Quarry (1997). Paul Marchand, F. M. C. (1999),
and Mandy Oxendine (1999).

http://www.charleswaddellchesnutt.com/pages/1/index.htm

Maggie Songdog · Unread post by **Maggie Songdog** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 8:13 pm

I just got the Anna Riva book on Magical oils and she lists one called
"Comfort" that I feel would be particularly good for my daughter. I can't
find it in the Lucky Mojo Catalogue and I wonder if there is a Lucky Mojo
equivalent, or if you know another source for it. Or if it wasn't a good
blend in the first place and thats why you don't make it...

Thanks!
Maggie MoesMiller # 1272

(I don't make a version of Comfort oil because no one has ever asked for it. --cat)

Unread post by **Mike Rock** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 11:26 am

On Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 7:43 AM, Lynne Sydelle Russo-Gordon
<Lynne82748@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > Lynne S. Gordon, #1425, A
>
> Available as a free PDF file at:
>
> http://books.google.com/
>

Just an excerpt there but here is the whole thing:

http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/chesnu ... njure.html

mike rock 360

--
http://www.mike-rock.com

Unread post by **Lynne Sydelle Russo-Gordon** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:04 am

Mike,

That is odd. I downloaded the PDF from Google Books and all chapters
were there including title page, end papers etc.

The other website has just an html version which is not quite as simple
to download, it requires copy paste and edit, LOL.

Lynne 1425,A

The conjure woman
by Charles Waddell Chesnutt - African Americans - 1899 - 229 pages

Full view - About this book - Add to my library - More editions

http://books.google.com/books?
id=HHYsAvSilTsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+conjure+woman&ei=Rt-
oSIWvPIbujgGJqLzlAg

Unread post by **sonrise1979** » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:37 pm

I have read three books written by Mr. Marlborough in an effort to see
what some other contemporary authors have to say about hoodoo and my
impression was that his hoodoo and voodoo backgrounds are so
intermingled that it's often hard to tell where the hoodoo stops and
the voodoo begins. Are his books a very good source of information for
hoodoo, especially for students of this course and do they contain an
accurate portrayal of hoodoo the way Miss Cat's books do?

Thanks,
Carlo DiCelico
#1220

(Do a search of this Yahoo group's archives on the word Marlborough to see what others have said. As far as i know, Mr. Marlbrough is not well versed in Voodoo or hoodoo; he is an initiate of Seax Wicca. He has a general background in magic and he has learned some good things from shop owners, but the older he has gotten, the less grounded in traditional rootwork his writings have been, in my opinion. "Hoodoo Mysteries" is the one book of his i have actually called "bad," and i note that it is out of print from the publisher, and i hope it remains so, as it is very misleading to the new practitioner, in my opinion. --cat)

Unread post by **sonrise1979** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 11:06 pm

--- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "Carlo DiCelico" <carlo.dicelico@...>
wrote:
> >
> I have read three books written by Mr. Marlborough in an effort to see
> what some other contemporary authors have to say about hoodoo and my
> impression was that his hoodoo and voodoo backgrounds are so
> intermingled that it's often hard to tell where the hoodoo stops and
> the voodoo begins. Are his books a very good source of information for
> hoodoo, especially for students of this course and do they contain an
> accurate portrayal of hoodoo the way Miss Cat's books do?
>
> Thanks,
> Carlo DiCelico
> #1220
>
> (Do a search of this Yahoo group's archives on the word Marlborough
to see what others have said. As far as i know, Mr. Marlbrough is not
well versed in Voodoo or hoodoo; he is an initiate of Seax Wicca. He
has a general background in magic and he has learned some good things
from shop owners, but the older he has gotten, the less grounded in
traditional rootwork his writings have been, in my opinion. "Hoodoo
Mysteries" is the one book of his i have actually called "bad," and i
note that it is out of print from the publisher, and i hope it remains
so, as it is very misleading to the new practitioner, in my opinion.
--cat)
> >

I have that one and two others and I'm glad that my initial appraisal
of the books wasn't too far off. I kept reading his book and then
referring to yours, back and forth, and was just blown away by the
complete dissimilarity between the "hoodoo" described in his work.j

Thanks!
Carlo DiCelico #1220

Unread post by **sonrise1979** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:03 pm

Have you read Dr. Snake's Voodoo Spellbook by Doktor Snake and/or
The Fortune Teller's Deck: Predict Your Future With Playing Cards by
Jane Lyle?

I was just wondering if they're worth buying or not, in the context of
studying hoodoo.

Thanks,
Carlo DiCelico (#1220)

(The former book includes rip-offs of my web pages. The author is a British advertising copy writer named John Shrieve, a.k.a. Jimmy Lee Shreeve. Need i say more? If so, i will, but it will not be very flattering to Mr. Shreive. The latter book, on the other hand is quite lovely, with an aesthetic tip of the hat to many older playing card books. cat)

Unread post by **sonrise1979** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:56 pm

--- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "Carlo DiCelico" <carlo.dicelico@...>
wrote:
> >
> Have you read Dr. Snake's Voodoo Spellbook by Doktor Snake and/or
> The Fortune Teller's Deck: Predict Your Future With Playing Cards by
> Jane Lyle?
>
> I was just wondering if they're worth buying or not, in the context of
> studying hoodoo.
>
> Thanks,
> Carlo DiCelico (#1220)
>
> (The former book includes rip-offs of my web pages. The author is a
British advertising copy writer named John Shrieve, a.k.a. Jimmy Lee
Shreeve. Need i say more? If so, i will, but it will not be very
flattering to Mr. Shreive. The latter book, on the other hand is quite
lovely, with an aesthetic tip of the hat to many older playing card
books. cat)
> >

Great, thanks for the tips, Miss Cat!

Carlo DiCelico (#1220)

Unread post by **ocsana13** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:30 pm

-----Original Message-----
From: "Carlo DiCelico" <carlo.dicelico@gmail.com>

Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:01:56
To: <hrcourse@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [hrc] Supp: Questions on some books

Have you read Dr. Snake's Voodoo Spellbook by Doktor Snake and/or
The Fortune Teller's Deck: Predict Your Future With Playing Cards by
Jane Lyle?

I was just wondering if they're worth buying or not, in the context of
studying hoodoo.

Thanks,
Carlo DiCelico (#1220)

(The former book includes rip-offs of my web pages. The author is a British advertising copy writer named John Shrieve, a.k.a. Jimmy Lee Shreeve. Need i say more? If so, i will, but it will not be very flattering to Mr. Shreive. The latter book, on the other hand is quite lovely, with an aesthetic tip of the hat to many older playing card books. cat)

I have the spellbook and it is o.k. The stories are nice but compared to other hoodoo books I would put it in a category of a children's book. I gave as a gift to my daughter as a young teen when she show an interest in hoodoo and she passed down to her younger sister who now is showing an inerest as well. It seem to hold their attention but for adults it may be a little too elementary.

Lillian Shipp
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Unread post by **Dr_E_** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:54 am

Hello my fellow hoodooistas!

I'm writing a book on a spiritual path for men-who-love-men that I've
been developing for the last 4+ years. I've been podcasting on the
path for the last two years and I'm currently teaching classes to some
of my brothers. The time has come for me to write a book and I even
have a friend who is willing to publish it.

But the task seems to daunting. I'm a good writer, but organizing all
of my thoughts and keeping the motivation for this cardinal sign
going, are the big challenges.

I was thinking of creating a perpetual light spell. I'm not comfortale
with an oil lamp, but I'm ok with a jar candle that I keep relighting
over and over off of previous ones. Here was what I was planning. I'd
love your feedback.

A yellow jar candle upon which I'd paste images of a bound and
published book with my title on it, and images of stacks of money.
I'd dress the candle with a Crown of Success blend I make, along with
a Solomon's Wisdom oil, and crumble and sprinkle a bit of deerstongue
into the top of the candle too.

I figured I would start it on a Wednesday (for the mercurial,
communication aspect of the work) when both hands of the clock are
rising, during a waxing moon.

And I thought I would - in conjunction with this - petition St.
Expedite at the beginning of it to assist me in overcoming the
procrastination factor, with a small red candle burned next to a glass
of water and an image of the saint. Once I was making good progress,
I'd thank him with a piece of pound cake and some flowers. And then
the book is done, I'd honor him with the same offering again.

-OR-

Should I just do the Saint Expedite candle spell and forget the other
part? Is it overkill?

What do you guys think?
Blessings,
Eddy Gutierrez
#1266G

Unread post by **Auntie Sindy Todo** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:33 am

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, "E G" <revhyperion@...> wrote:
>
> Hello my fellow hoodooistas!

over and over off of previous ones. Here was what I was planning. I'd
> love your feedback.
>
> A yellow jar candle upon which I'd paste images of a bound and
> published book with my title on it, and images of stacks of money.
> I'd dress the candle with a Crown of Success blend I make, along

with
> a Solomon's Wisdom oil, and crumble and sprinkle a bit of

deerstongue
> into the top of the candle too.
>
> I figured I would start it on a Wednesday (for the mercurial,
> communication aspect of the work) when both hands of the clock are
> rising, during a waxing moon.

Blessings,
> Eddy Gutierrez
> #1266G
>

****You know Eddy, I'm sitting here gazing in my crystal ball waiting
to do a session and so I just quickly did a little read on this for
you.

Here's my hit: Do your yellow candle, but I'd also use images of St.
Frances (de Sales), St. Peter (the rock) and St. John. Three guys!
Look them up and get connected with all of them. I think they will
powerfully help you with all aspects of writing; even the
procrastination. As patrons of writers, you have support and I love
using the symbolic 3 and MEN...

I'd make a little "writing" altar, get holy cards of these 3, place
images of how you want your book to look finished, put some money,
pens, paper, and your own image and a strong petition as well, etc.
and keep it very close to your desk or within your line of vision. If
you want to step up the gay aspect then by all means adorn the altar!
I'd really connect to that energy as well. Hope this is handy. Sindy

Unread post by **Oseaana** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 11:49 am

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, "E G" <revhyperion@...> wrote:
>
> Hello my fellow hoodooistas!
>
> I'm writing a book on a spiritual path for men-who-love-men that I've
> been developing for the last 4+ years. I've been podcasting on the
> path for the last two years and I'm currently teaching classes to some
> of my brothers. The time has come for me to write a book and I even
> have a friend who is willing to publish it.
>
> But the task seems to daunting. I'm a good writer, but organizing all
> of my thoughts and keeping the motivation for this cardinal sign
> going, are the big challenges.
>
> I was thinking of creating a perpetual light spell. I'm not comfortale
> with an oil lamp, but I'm ok with a jar candle that I keep relighting
> over and over off of previous ones. Here was what I was planning. I'd
> love your feedback.
>
> A yellow jar candle upon which I'd paste images of a bound and
> published book with my title on it, and images of stacks of money.
> I'd dress the candle with a Crown of Success blend I make, along with
> a Solomon's Wisdom oil, and crumble and sprinkle a bit of deerstongue
> into the top of the candle too.
>
> I figured I would start it on a Wednesday (for the mercurial,
> communication aspect of the work) when both hands of the clock are
> rising, during a waxing moon.
>
> And I thought I would - in conjunction with this - petition St.
> Expedite at the beginning of it to assist me in overcoming the
> procrastination factor, with a small red candle burned next to a glass
> of water and an image of the saint. Once I was making good progress,
> I'd thank him with a piece of pound cake and some flowers. And then
> the book is done, I'd honor him with the same offering again.
>
> -OR-
>
> Should I just do the Saint Expedite candle spell and forget the other
> part? Is it overkill?
>
> What do you guys think?
> Blessings,
> Eddy Gutierrez
> #1266G
>

Many lucky blessings to you!

I have done a candle like this to reach other types of goals. I always
paste a picture of myself on the candle. It worked for me!

Lisa Parker
#464

Karma Zain · Unread post by **Karma Zain** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 3:14 pm

E G wrote:

> Hello my fellow hoodooistas!
>
> I'm writing a book <snip>
>
> But the task seems to daunting. I'm a good writer, but organizing all
> of my thoughts and keeping the motivation for this cardinal sign
> going, are the big challenges.
>

Hey Eddie,

I have a writing altar, have had since I guess 2003 when the stakes on
my writing suddenly got higher. I just use one of those little wall
shelves you mount, mounted over my shoulder near my writing area, and
the stuff on it changes depending on what my current project/s is/are.
I started out thinking of it as a kind of ancestor altar, in a way, only
in this case they were "writing ancestors," writers whose work, vision,
imagery, whatever I admired and who I would like to remember and be able
to "chat with." At various times it has contained a laminated poem by
Dylan Thomas ("in my craft or sullen art"), a seven day Spirit of
Writing candle (I get them in New Orleans), a paket kongo-style jar
charm my daughter made me for Xmas (children have awesome creativity
mojo!), a photo of Gloria Anzaldua, milagros of hands, head, and heart,
a holy card of St. Catherine of Siena, a statue of Shakespeare (to be
replaced by the Venerable Bede if I can ever find one), an empty bottle
of absinthe, an Oscar Wilde postcard, a statue of Shakespeare, a Crown
of Success amulet made from a sea bean, a Zora Nealed Hurston pic, etc.
I often shift the focus depending on whether I'm in "brainstorming" mode
for bursts of energy, or in "long painful first draft" mode for patience
and steady focus. I light the candle whenever I sit down to write (I
use a concentration/mental focus oil blend I make), turn off all
background noise, and make it "work space" and it has helped me a lot
over the years.

So this is all a long way of saying I love your perpetual light spell
idea and I don't think it's overkill at all. A book is big project and
there's nothing there in the crucial moments but you and the piece of
paper, which is oddly intimidating for two entities you should be so
familiar with :-)

Best of luck wtih your book project, and I look forward to purchasing a
copy and reading it when it comes out!

Cheers,

Karma #961

Unread post by **Literarylioness** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:58 pm

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, "E G" <revhyperion@...> wrote:
>
> Hello my fellow hoodooistas!
>
> I'm writing a book on a spiritual path for men-who-love-men that

I've
> been developing for the last 4+ years. I've been podcasting on the
> path for the last two years and I'm currently teaching classes to

some
> of my brothers. The time has come for me to write a book and I even
> have a friend who is willing to publish it.
>
> But the task seems to daunting. I'm a good writer, but organizing

all
> of my thoughts and keeping the motivation for this cardinal sign
> going, are the big challenges.
>
> I was thinking of creating a perpetual light spell. I'm not

comfortale
> with an oil lamp, but I'm ok with a jar candle that I keep

relighting
> over and over off of previous ones. Here was what I was planning.

I'd
> love your feedback.
>
> A yellow jar candle upon which I'd paste images of a bound and
> published book with my title on it, and images of stacks of money.
> I'd dress the candle with a Crown of Success blend I make, along

with
> a Solomon's Wisdom oil, and crumble and sprinkle a bit of

deerstongue
> into the top of the candle too.
>
> I figured I would start it on a Wednesday (for the mercurial,
> communication aspect of the work) when both hands of the clock are
> rising, during a waxing moon.
>
> And I thought I would - in conjunction with this - petition St.
> Expedite at the beginning of it to assist me in overcoming the
> procrastination factor, with a small red candle burned next to a

glass
> of water and an image of the saint. Once I was making good progress,
> I'd thank him with a piece of pound cake and some flowers. And then
> the book is done, I'd honor him with the same offering again.
>
> -OR-
>
> Should I just do the Saint Expedite candle spell and forget the

other
> part? Is it overkill?
>
> What do you guys think?
> Blessings,
> Eddy Gutierrez
> #1266G
>

Hi Eddie!

St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of writers, so I would light
a candle to him and ask for his help.

I am a fiction writer, so my I have an altar dedicated to literary
writers and I collect their graveyard dirt. You can do an altar for
your writing too. Who is your favorite writer? Keep something of
him or her on your altar. Since I am a Vodousant, so my altar is
dedicated to Papa Legba, the LWA of communication. My computer,
printer, fax, and materials share the altar with him.

Good luck!

Mary
#721

Unread post by **Priestess Najah** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:01 pm

--- On Fri, 1/16/09, E G <revhyperion@gmail.com> wrote:

From: E G <revhyperion@gmail.com>
Subject: [hrc-grads] Spell for Writing a Book
To: hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, January 16, 2009, 11:53 AM
Hello my fellow hoodooistas!
I'm writing a book on a spiritual path for men-who-love- men that I've
been developing for the last 4+ years.
<snip>
What do you guys think?
Blessings,
Eddy Gutierrez
#1266G

>>> Hi Eddy!

Congratulations on reaching your goal of writing a book. That's wonderful! I like to surround myself with the images of others who have been successful, in the same types of work, when I am trying to be successful in a particular field. When I read your post, it came to mind to also make images of writers that inspire you, or whose successes you too may like to emulate. Kinda like the protectors in the Fiery Wall of Protection spell. Know what I mean? You could use their images, or even write petitions to them as well, and include them around your yellow candle.

Hope this helps,
Najah #1262G

Unread post by **JayDee** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:29 pm

Hello All,

I was wondering if any one could suggest some books for me. I have been interested in magic most my life and read up on a lot. Hoodoo really interests me it mixes everything I always was drawn to, but never found in the other types of magic most commonly heard/read about.

I own Catherine's book, which I feel is amazing, and have read it several times. I also have read the web site over and over (and i still find something new i didn't see each time I do). I would some day like to take the course but I feel I don't know enough about hoodoo.

I'd like to learn about the history of Hoodoo, how to cast the spell, make the mojo, properly pray, utilize the oils, incense, etc. I feel I need to expand my knowledge base. I looked in book stores and online but am not sure which books would be best to help me grow as a willing practitioner. Thank you!

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:47 pm

Hello, j82,

Thanks for the kind words about my book "Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic" and about the web site, "Hoodoo in Theory and Practice." The reason you find new things each time you return to HITAP is that i am still adding to it at about the rate of one page per week -- 52 new web pages per year.

The questions you ask about are those that are covered in my course, but if you want a list of other books that do not involve studying with me, i can gladly supply such a list. It is online at our sister-site, Southern Spirits. It is called the Hoodoo Bibliography and it is located here:

1) For a bibliography of books about hoodoo -- some in stock, some out of print, and all very good -- see:

AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF HOODOO SOURCE MATERIAL
by Catherine Yronwode
http://www.southernspirits.org/hoodoo-bibliography.html

2) For a complete list of printed books on hoodoo and other forms of folk magic and spirituality that are in stock and in print from Lucky Mojo, see:

LUCKY MOJO BOOK PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION
http://luckymojo.com.publishinghtml

While you are at that page, be sure to check out the section of retail discount packages -- special collections of books by subject or author that are sold at reduced prices as package deals

3) For a FREE ONLINE BOOK ON HOODOO, containing hundred of web pages on all aspects of the topic, with free spells, hoodoo history, and much more, see

"HOODOO IN THEORY AND PRACTICE"
by Catherine Yronwode
http://luckymojo/hoodoo.html

That link will get you to the table of contents, and you can read the entire book, one web page at a time.

And, for a good, all-around introduction to the subject, this book is our best seller:

BOO-GRI-HHSC
Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic, Paperback by catherine yronwode
$18.00
Published by Lucky Mojo, 2002.

You can order right here in the Forum by clicking on the blue Add To Cart button.

Good luck in your studies and your practice of conjure!

Unread post by **JayDee** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:52 pm

thank you, I didnt realize the course covered that I look foward to taking it soon. And thanks for the references for books to study.

YouTube · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:55 pm

Hi all,

You may all know this already, but I am re-reading the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and just came across some hoodoo.

The situation happens in Chapter 10 of the Narrative. Frederick Douglass is a slave to a very cruel master Mr. Covey and he has run away after suffering heat stroke and being visciously beaten to make an official complaint to his former master who "lent" him out. The complaint comes to no avail (of course) and Frederick Douglass is told he must return home (to Covey). On his way back to the house he encounters an older slave who is married to a free woman. The slave, whose name is Sandy, hears Douglass' story and tell him that he does indeed need to return home to Covey, but before he does so he takes Douglass into the woods where he procures a root for him (the name is not given.) Sandy tells Douglass to wear this root on his right side and swears that it will protect him from ever being whipped again. What follows is a long account of Douglass' first retaliation against Covey and his statement that from that point on he was ever whipped again by Covey. I wonder what the root was...

I highly recommend Frederick Douglass' Narrative for a number of reasons, now you can add a historical mention of rootwork to the list.

take care,
Bri

Unread post by **Mama Vescha** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:15 am

Lol. I did a paper last semester on the book, and noticed that too.
I am doing a public speaking project this sunday using an excerpt
from his speech "hypocritical america".
Lacreya

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, Miss Bri <bri.milagro@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> You may all know this already, but I am re-reading the Narrative of
the Life
> of Frederick Douglass and just came across some hoodoo.
>
> The situation happens in Chapter 10 of the Narrative. Frederick
Douglass is
> a slave to a very cruel master Mr. Covey and he has run away after
suffering
> heat stroke and being visciously beaten to make an official
complaint to his
> former master who "lent" him out. The complaint comes to no avail
(of
> course) and Frederick Douglass is told he must return home (to
Covey). On
> his way back to the house he encounters an older slave who is
married to a
> free woman. The slave, whose name is Sandy, hears Douglass' story
and tell
> him that he does indeed need to return home to Covey, but before he
does so
> he takes Douglass into the woods where he procures a root for him
(the name
> is not given.) Sandy tells Douglass to wear this root on his right
side and
> swears that it will protect him from ever being whipped again.
What follows
> is a long account of Douglass' first retaliation against Covey and
his
> statement that from that point on he was ever whipped again by
Covey. I
> wonder what the root was...
>
> I highly recommend Frederick Douglass' Narrative for a number of
reasons,
> now you can add a historical mention of rootwork to the list.
>
> take care,
> Bri
>

tisha · Unread post by **tisha** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:21 pm

that is a thorough list! how much of it is still in print?

charles w chestnutt was amazing, wasn't he?

namaste.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:24 pm

Many of the books listed in that bibliography are still in print. You can find those that Lucky Mojo carries by going to our book store at

http://luckymojo.com/mojocatbooks.html

Others can be purchased as reprints or read online via google books -- and some of the older pieces in the public domain are slated to be reprinted at southern-spirits.com in the near future.

tisha · Unread post by **tisha** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 11:52 pm

thank you for your reply.
now i need to vend some more so i can increase my library!

Angelina2 · Unread post by **Angelina2** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:49 am

Hello all,
I wasn't sure where to post this question- I hope on here is okay.
Just wanted to know if anyone knows a good basic book on magick. Something not too much in depth, but simply about setting up a ritual, casting a spell, cleansing, annointing and dressing and candleworkings. Basic things which are simply written- but good, reliable info. Has anyone come across a book like this?
Thanks.

EcleckticMama · Unread post by **EcleckticMama** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:26 am

Essentially it would be this:

http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodoo.html

Seriously, there are so many different systems of magic, that I don't think there is such a thing as a "basic book on magick." Not every system requires an altar or "setting up a ritual" so really miss cat's online book is the best basic book I have come across that is sensibly and simply written and in my opinion not full of what I call fluffy bunny extras.

Now, if you mention a specific system of magic, you may have more success finding a beginning text.

Angelina2 · Unread post by **Angelina2** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:32 am

Thank you for that link, yes I have seen that and it's very informative. Lots of information and I had printes out a few pages. I had wanted something in actual print in a book- Is her other book almost the same as this on-line book?
Thanks

EcleckticMama · Unread post by **EcleckticMama** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:44 am

No, the print book is completely different. It is an "encyclopedic" listing of the herbs and curios used in hoodoo. You would need to read the online book with it. It has some spells and folklore in it, but they work best together, I think.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:23 am

Ecleckticmama is correct. My online book "Hoodoo in Theory and Practice" is not the same as my printed book "Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic" and neither of those are the same as my printed course book "Hoodooo Rootwork Correspondence Course." They each have different titles, for starters.

Sharona22 · Unread post by **Sharona22** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:17 pm

If you are talking about wicca you can start with wicca for the sole practioner but you had a few different kinds of magick in your question. I used to really do wicca but i really think I love the ideas and theory and things in Hoodoo alot more. Bothis nice

Unread post by **Lee Canipe** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 8:45 am

In a message dated 3/22/2009 4:11:27 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com writes:
>>BTW...does anyone know how to pronounce Braucherei? Is it brow-sherrie?<<

It's pronounced Brow-her-rye. The "her" being pronounced like your clearing you're throat.

Hexerei is pronounced Hex-AH-rye.

Lee Canipe #398(G)

Unread post by **Mike Rock** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:39 am

Glad something finally got your attention and woke you up bro!

mike rock 360g

Unread post by **Oseaana** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:47 am

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, Leecanipe@... wrote:
>
> It's pronounced Brow-her-rye. The "her" being pronounced like your clearing
> you're throat. And Hexerei is pronounced Hex-AH-rye.
>
> Lee Canipe #398(G)

Thanks so much Lee. I knew we were pronouncing it wrong.

My partner is really excited to find out more about where the herbal remedies and folklore her Grandmother had.

Lisa 464G

K_54_2 · Unread post by **K_54_2** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:17 am

I too have tried other systems of Magick ie Wicca and High Ceremonial, and found they just didn't "fit" me. I find a good fit in Hoodoo myself (because of the Christian element...could never identify with the "god/goddess thing in Wicca) and intend to stick with it.

Magnolia · Unread post by **Magnolia** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 7:49 am

Good day everyone,
I'm new to the forum, but not the Lucky Mojo Co. thought it was time to introduce myself. I'm just a southern gal who rather hang out on the farm with my plants and animals than pretty much anything else. Been interested in plants since I was a kid and after going to college and living in the Caribbean for a couple of years discovered that the folklore and religions that go along with the plants are pretty fascinating. I've always been interested in the culture of the Southern U.S. and that is what has led me to Hoodoo. So here I am. Would love any book recommendations that y'all might have, especially on the religious aspects of hoodoo.

Unread post by **Leah Rivera** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:28 pm

I believe this is the link your lookingfor?
http://www.threesisterscenter.com/braucherei.html

I’m actually interested as well, butthe price is a little steep.
Lara

From:
hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com [mailto:hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Oseaana
Sent:
Sunday, March 22, 2009 2:40PM
To:
hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com
Subject:
{Fraud?} {Disarmed}[hrc-grads] Re: Braucherei course

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogrou ps.com,Leecanipe@.. . wrote:
>
> It's pronounced Brow-her-rye. The "her" being pronounced like
your clearing
> you're throat. And Hexerei is pronounced Hex-AH-rye.
>
> Lee Canipe #398(G)

Thanks so much Lee. I knew we were pronouncing it wrong.

My partner is really excited to find out more about where the herbal remediesand folklore her Grandmother had.

Lisa 464G

Unread post by **Leah Rivera** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:42 pm

Sorry to double post, and my apologies tocat for talking about something non-Hoodoo.
However the influences of this practice onHoodoo seem like it would be an excellent continuing education.
But I spoke with Jesse Tobin who runs thecourse and she seems very sincere, I was impressed with the conversation.
If anyone is interested in pursing thiswith me, please contact me off list at:
info@blackcat-rootshack.com andwe’ll see about arranging a group.
Regards,
Lara

From:
hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com [mailto:hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Oseaana
Sent:
Sunday, March 22, 2009 2:40PM
To:
hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com
Subject:
{Fraud?} {Disarmed}[hrc-grads] Re: Braucherei course

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogrou ps.com,Leecanipe@.. . wrote:
>
> It's pronounced Brow-her-rye. The "her" being pronounced like
your clearing
> you're throat. And Hexerei is pronounced Hex-AH-rye.
>
> Lee Canipe #398(G)

Thanks so much Lee. I knew we were pronouncing it wrong.

My partner is really excited to find out more about where the herbal remediesand folklore her Grandmother had.

Lisa 464G

Unread post by **Deborah Voith** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:38 am

Hello,

I was really excited to check out the Braucherei course mentioned in the group- but the price is too steep for me at this time. If anyone in the group takes this course, can you please post some feedback on your experience?

Deb Voith

lee · Unread post by **lee** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:43 am

I'm a bit skeptical about these courses. I know very little about the braucherei traditions, but what I do know is that they-- much like hoodoo-- are firmly grounded within Christianity. Many of the braucherei courses I've seen advertised seem to include a great deal of neo-pagan beliefs, or claim braucherei is a retention of ancient Germanic paganism.

My paternal grandfather grew up in a German-speaking community in western NC. My surname was originally spelt Kneip, and my ancestors came from Hesse and Württemberg to PA and then rode the Great Wagon Trail down into NC. I was born in Kinston, NC (in the east) and grew up with my mother's family. I've never been to the area of NC where my father is from, nor have I ever met any of my grandfather's people... that's why I never talk about it. However, I know enough to understand that they were Protestant and their folk magic was not based on pre-Christian religion.

Here in eastern NC (hoodoo country for sure!) there was a Swiss settlement called New Bern in 1709. Some of my ancestors were these Swiss settlers. After the Tuscarora Indians attacked the settlement, the Swiss quickly intermarried & adopted the prevalent English culture. I would find it very difficult to believe that any braucherei traditions survived in this area. Some of the hoodoo practices-- espescially the burn healing traditions of Lenoir and Pitt Counties-- resemble braucherei; but I am convinced this is due to the use of the book "Pow Wow: Long Lost Friend" among local African American root workers.

Lee

Unread post by **Etudiant Ancetres** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 12:29 pm

I think the price is too steep honestly. A lot of work can be done with $700 and I honestly feel that as rootworkers we might as well ask our spirits to teach us braucherei especially if you work with native american or germanic spirits. Marc

--- On Wed, 4/1/09, Lara Rivera <Lara@sanctuaryshard.com> wrote:
From: Lara Rivera <Lara@sanctuaryshard.com>
Subject: RE: {Fraud?} {Disarmed} [hrc-grads] Re: Braucherei course
To: hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 3:27 PM

I believe this is the link your looking for?

http://www.threesis terscenter. com/braucherei. html

I’m actually interested as well, but the price is a little steep.

Lara

From:
hrc-grads@yahoogrou ps.com [mailto:hrc- grads@yahoogroup s.com] On Behalf Of
Oseaana
Sent:
Sunday, March 22, 2009 2:40 PM
To:
hrc-grads@yahoogrou ps.com
Subject:
{Fraud?} {Disarmed} [hrc-grads] Re: Braucherei course

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogrou ps.com, Leecanipe@.. . wrote:
>
> It's pronounced Brow-her-rye. The "her" being pronounced like your clearing
> you're throat. And Hexerei is pronounced Hex-AH-rye.
>
> Lee Canipe #398(G)

Thanks so much Lee. I knew we were pronouncing it wrong.

My partner is really excited to find out more about where the herbal remedies and folklore her Grandmother had.

Lisa 464G

Unread post by **Literarylioness** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:46 pm

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, Etudiant Ancetres <enfantdesancetres@...> wrote:
>
> I think the price is too steep honestly.Â A lot of work can be done with $700 and I honestly feel that as rootworkers we might as well ask our spirits to teach us braucherei especially if you work with native american or germanic spirits.Â Marc
>

Funny you should write this Marc, because I have German and Native American ancestors, but have absolutely no interest in this Braucherie course!

I agree that one who comes from this ancestral line should ask their ancestors for help with this though. Either ask for help with getting the money, or help with learning the magic in other ways.

Mary
#721

Unread post by **nagasiva** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:32 pm

Marc:
> > I think the price is too steep honestly. A lot of work
> > can be done with $700 and I honestly feel that as
> > rootworkers we might as well ask our spirits to teach
> > us braucherei especially if you work with native
> > american or germanic spirits. Marc

one might suggest this also of those whose ancestors are African Americans from the US south. I suppose that its being lost may be attributable to a lack of connection to ancestors or living culture-bearers.

Mary:
> Funny you should write this Marc, because I have German and
> Native American ancestors, but have absolutely no interest
> in this Braucherie course!

its intersection with Hohman and the Long Lost Friend's importance
to hoodoo should not be understated.

> I agree that one who comes from this ancestral line should
> ask their ancestors for help with this though. Either ask
> for help with getting the money, or help with learning the
> magic in other ways.

I would caution against restricting oneself to ancestor data, however, in the learning of Pow Wow or PA Dutch folk medicine or folk magic. it seems to me that this method has already been taken by some of the writers at Llewellyn as regards a great number of topics. sounding it out with something in the physical plane can be very important. your suggestion that the ancestor be appealed to for assistance in meeting the expense seems to me a very good one.

also, those who approach individuals such as Jessie Tobin, or Dennis Boyer, or the rest who are part of Three Sisters Center for the Healing Arts, are likely to find less expensive means of partaking in their knowledge and activities. this is the case, i find, with any reservoir of knowledge and active community. they're almost always hurting for extra hands and labour. the outward expense is often as much a boundary to be sure the prospective student knows that they want the instruction as it is to keep the random "somewhat interested" folks from inquiring too often and wasting the time of those who are the primary instructors.

after looking over that website, it seems to me that Dennis Boyer has done, in a minor (and probably more professional?) way what Harry Middleton Hyatt did for hoodoo: he collected data from those whom he identified as elders in Pow Wow, and now the lot of them appear to be attempting to 'revive' interest in and practice of it. did it need reviving? they give the impression it did, as if there are not extant family traditions continuing their practices in the Americas at least if not in Germany or wherever it originated. it might be an interesting study to compare how PA Dutch folk magic differs from or is similar to current German folk magic.

btw, does anyone reading this happen to know what the difference really is between Braucherei and Hexerei? do you know to what 'Hex Trials' they may be referring to in the course outline ("The decline of Braucherei- Industrialization, Hex Trials, WW1 & 2")? thanks.

Unread post by **Literarylioness** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:38 pm

--- In hrc-grads@yahoogroups.com, "nagasiva yronwode" <nagasiva@...> wrote:
>
>Mary:
> > Funny you should write this Marc, because I have German and
> > Native American ancestors, but have absolutely no interest
> > in this Braucherie course!
>
> its intersection with Hohman and the Long Lost Friend's importance
> to hoodoo should not be understated.
>
> > I agree that one who comes from this ancestral line should
> > ask their ancestors for help with this though. Either ask
> > for help with getting the money, or help with learning the
> > magic in other ways.
>
> I would caution against restricting oneself to ancestor data, however, in the learning of Pow Wow or PA Dutch folk medicine or folk magic. it seems to me that this method has already been taken by some of the writers at Llewellyn as regards a great number of topics. sounding it out with something in the physical plane can be very important. your suggestion that the ancestor be appealed to for assistance in meeting the expense seems to me a very good one.
>

Well, there are a lot of magical systems that I just have no great desire to study. I do believe that if one feels a desire to study anything, one should pursue that desire. I just found it funny that Marc made mention of those of us who do have these bloodlines getting help from our Ancestors to pursue it.

I always ask my Ancestors for money to pursue my interests. They have always been very generous and helpful. If I did not get the money for a particular pursuit, it was always in my best interest in the long run.

I don't know anything about these people or what they are teaching. I am just speaking from my own feelings and from what I have been reading on the message board.

Mary
#721

Unread post by **Sister Jacqueline** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:56 am

The subject of oral history and the "Foxfire" books of the sixties came up during the third grade language arts lesson last week so my quesiton is, doethe 'Foxfire' books have hoodoo in them?

Jacqueline Mathers G 496

Unread post by **Maryam** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:16 am

I think that I have read three Foxfire books, and as far as I know there are ten and there is an anniversary edition. There are some great remedies in one of the Foxfire books, but everything I've encountered is closer to Pow-Wow than anything. There are some great interviews with folks who can stop blood and blow out burns. I haven't encountered any hoodoo, but the Foxfire books are really an awesome read and I recommend them to anyone.

xo
Maryam Rasoulian 780 G

Unread post by **nagasiva** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 3:12 pm

Mary:
> > > Funny you should write this Marc, because I have German and
> > > Native American ancestors, but have absolutely no interest
> > > in this Braucherie course!
> >
> > its intersection with Hohman and the Long Lost Friend's importance
> > to hoodoo should not be understated.

I received the following email (hc!) from John Hansen which i am
transcribing below for him because he was having technical problems
with his email (sorry to hear that! thanks for this information!!).

nagasiva
-------------------------------------------------------

Braucherei is herbal healing, with a few prayers over the herbs tossed in.
It is also _The illegal practice of medicine_, which has landed a couple of
people in jail over the last couple of decades.

Pow wow is healing by magic, usually by words, and does not usually
involve touching the person. When there is any touching done it is always
by a same sexed person. My first wife was healed of a bad case of poison
ivy on her hands by a Hex healer, who prayed over them while holding her
hands under running water, poured by her son from a bucket. When we
came to the Hex healer's house, he got his wife to do the healing, as he
told me he could not touch a woman.

A Braucher taught me how to make a mixture to cure my youngest daughter's
allergies to plant and flower pollen. She took it two summers and has never
had any allergy problem again. She is now 40 years old, and has been allergy
free for about 34 years. The Braucher could neither make, give, nor sell the
material to me, as it would have been practicing medicine.

You can get most of the material on herbs from the books of John Lust and
others. The Braucherie use those books as well.

Hex and spell work by Herr has a lot of material in it as does Strange
Experience, by Gandee.

Best Wishes,

John M. Hansen

fausto · Unread post by **fausto** » Tue May 12, 2009 9:27 pm

This is mainly a question for Cat, but if anyone else can help, please do.

I was reading the pages for "Secrets of the Psalms" and "Pow-wows or the Long Lost Friend" and they were referred to as "magical receipt books". Also, when I saw "The Skeleton Key" (and I do understand that its a Hollywood movie and takes liberties with its source materials) the spellbook in the attic was titled "Receipt book of Papa Justify and Blessed Teachings".

What makes something a "receipt book", rather than just a book or pamphlet on hoodoo? Forgive my ignorance, I'm still new to this.

Unread post by **Turnsteel** » Wed May 13, 2009 6:35 am

Old cookbooks with recipes were sometimes called "receipt books," but a receipt is not necessarily a recipe, in the way that word is used now.

Unread post by **Lukianos** » Wed May 13, 2009 7:32 pm

Hi fausto,

A "receipt book" need not contain formulas for oils, powders, or other preparations-- "Secrets of the Psalms" contains neither. Both "Secrets" and "Pow-Wows" do, however, contain prayers and spoken and/or written charms, with instructions on how to apply these to desired goals and purposes.

fausto · Unread post by **fausto** » Wed May 13, 2009 9:05 pm

What confuses me is the term receipt, which usually refers to the slips of paper documenting a sale of some kind.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed May 13, 2009 9:40 pm

The history of this word, "receipt" is not what you think it is. A Receipt Book is a book that lists things received. What is received can be a formula or recipe, documents concerning the purchase of goods, a list of livestock and their offspring, payments of rent, wages earned, or any other form of information or instruction that is received.

See the OED.

fausto · Unread post by **fausto** » Fri May 15, 2009 1:50 pm

I see. Thanks, guys.

Unread post by **BrotherChristopher** » Mon May 25, 2009 9:59 am

I was at a used bookstore in Santa Monica yesterday, and I cam across this

From My People: 400 years of African American Folklore

edited by Daryl Cumber Dance

It looked interesting, and from the jacket notes, indicates some things asbout Hoodoo, but I also wanted to get some further knowledge of African American Folklore and culture as well.

I am now going to be keeping my eyes peeled for This book as well.
Thanks Lance

Peace
Christopher #1271(G)

Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.

-Mary Baker Eddy

Unread post by **christinewicker** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 5:06 am

Hi hoodooers,

A new book, "Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our
Nation," looks like it has some good history in it. I can't wait to read
Chapter 6 "Go Tell Pharaoh: The Rise of Magic in Afro-America." It's written
by the editor in chief of Tarcher/Penguin. So he's about as mainstream/legit
as anyone could be. Good news for magic lovers, I think.

I haven't read it yet. I've skimmed through a bit and been impressed. It's
only in hardback but I'd imagine they'll have a paperback at some point.

Miss Cat can tell us if the author gets anything wrong.

Christine Wicker

(He's also a student of this course, but never turned in his homework or graduated. --cat)

Unread post by **MissMichaele** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:15 am

--- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "Christine Wicker" <christinewicker@...> wrote:
> >
> Hi hoodooers,
>
> A new book, "Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our
> Nation," looks like it has some good history in it.

Thanks for mentioning this, Christine. I stumbled across this book while websurfing a couple weeks ago, and didn't get around to telling anyone. It's on my library list, and I'm champing at the bit to read it. I'll let everybody know if I find any gems in it (or howlers).

Michaele Maurer
#361 (G)

Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:15 am

Sounds interesting. I ordered the book and will make sure to read the chapter you mentioned as soon as I get it.

--- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "Christine Wicker" <christinewicker@...> wrote:
>
> Hi hoodooers,
>
> A new book, "Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our
> Nation," looks like it has some good history in it. I can't wait to read
> Chapter 6 "Go Tell Pharaoh: The Rise of Magic in Afro-America." It's written
> by the editor in chief of Tarcher/Penguin. So he's about as mainstream/legit
> as anyone could be. Good news for magic lovers, I think.
>
> I haven't read it yet. I've skimmed through a bit and been impressed. It's
> only in hardback but I'd imagine they'll have a paperback at some point.
>
> Miss Cat can tell us if the author gets anything wrong.
>
> Christine Wicker
>
> (He's also a student of this course, but never turned in his homework or graduated. --cat)
>

Unread post by **MissMichaele** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 7:16 am

Replying to my own post again

--- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "Miss Michaele" <heartofgold@...> wrote:
>
> --- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "Christine Wicker" <christinewicker@> wrote:
> > A new book, "Occult America: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our
> > Nation," looks like it has some good history in it.
>
>I'll let everybody know if I find any gems in it (or
>howlers).

I just started it a few days ago. It starts with a capsule summary of how Europeans brought their occult traditions to America -- beginning with the "Monks of the Wickahisson," who wrote the Secrets of the Psalms (which I've really been getting into lately).

Michaele Maurer
#361 (G)

John Michael Greer · Unread post by **John Michael Greer** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:37 am

Michaele and all,
> > I just started it a few days ago. It starts with a capsule summary of how Europeans brought their occult traditions to America -- beginning with the "Monks of the Wickahisson," who wrote the Secrets of the Psalms (which I've really been getting into lately).
>
>
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to check it out.

John Michael Greer #900G

Pristenella · Unread post by **Pristenella** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:08 pm

Dear Cat Yronwood,
I have looked through the list of books available to buy through the your website and I was wondering if you or members of your staff review them for accuracy.

I have the Book of Spells, Charms & Formulas, but have not used it.
Please can you tell me what you think of its accuracy.
Blessings
Pristenella

Unread post by **Chagrinedgirl** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:43 pm

While I'm certainly not miss cat or her staff, I have both of Marlbrough's books. You just have to consider his influences, he's from Louisiana, and he practices Seax-Wicca. Thus his ritual words rhyme, and some of the candle descriptions are those found in espiritismo. Otherwise I wouldn't say he's totally inaccurate. I WOULD use his books in conjunction with miss cat's HHRM, and use it when choosing herbs.

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:09 pm

Just research individual authors to find out the general consensus of their work before purchasing them if you have doubts.