In Me (Moth), Moth's grandfather casts spells and performs rituals associated with Hoodoo. Also known as conjure or rootwork, Hoodoo is a traditional African American folk magic and spiritual practice that encompasses a blend of African, Native American, and European folk magic traditions.
Deeply connected to Black American history and culture, Hoodoo originated in African American communities in the southeastern United States, particularly in states where there was a significant population of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Enslaved Africans brought diverse cultural and spiritual practices with them to the Americas, including folk magic traditions from various African regions. These practices evolved and merged with Native American and European folk beliefs to form what is now known as Hoodoo.
Among the core practices and beliefs of Hoodoo is herbalism—the use of herbs, roots, minerals, and other natural materials for healing, protection, and spiritual work. Burning candles of different shapes and colors for specific intentions is also a common practice. Additionally, Hoodoo practitioners often perform rituals for spiritual cleansing and protection against negative influences, such as uncrossing rituals to remove curses or jinxes, or using spiritual baths and floor washes made from herbs and other ingredients. Hoodoo also incorporates a wide range of spells and rituals for various purposes, including love spells, money spells, and protection spells. These rituals often involve reciting prayers, burning candles or incense, and using other ritual tools like statues, photographs, and religious icons. Many Hoodoo practitioners make an effort to honor their ancestors and seek their guidance and protection in their spiritual work, as ancestor veneration is an important aspect of connecting with one's roots and heritage within the practice.
Hoodoo is often passed down through generations within families or learned from community elders. Though it originated in the South, Hoodoo spread across the US with millions of African Americans moving to other areas of the country during the Great Migration. The practice has evolved over time, incorporating influences from different cultural and spiritual traditions, such as Caribbean folk magic, Latin American folk Catholicism, and New Age spirituality. Today, Hoodoo continues to be practiced by people seeking spiritual empowerment, healing, and guidance.
