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Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction 1
A Word About Nature 8
Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones 9

1 Fixin' to Work Roots 15
Time and Space 15
Equipment and Tools 16
Gathering and Drying Herbs 21
Storage 24
Extraction Techniques 24
A Note About Animism 25

2 It's in the Bag 27
African Concepts 28
Nation Sacks 39

3 The Broom in Hoodoo 43
Brooms and Africans 43
Brooms and African Americans 49
Chinese Wash 58
Sacudimento 59
A Spontaneous Broom Ritual 59

4 Cleaning Rituals and Spirit Washes 63
Spiritually Cleansing the Home 66
Spiritually Cleansing the Body 72
Soap 76
Body Oil 79
Body Powders 80
Sweet Waters 82
Fragrant Waters 83

5 Harvesting the Gifts of Fire 85
Autumn Holidays, American Style 85
Harvesting the Gifts of Fire 88
Candle Colors 89
Anointin' and Dressin' Candles 91
The Conjuring Altar 93
Disposal of Candle Wax 94
Kinnikinnik 94
Fire 96
Water 97
Earth 98
Family 99

6 The Elements of War 101
Power of the Universe 104
Ogun, Orisha of the Warriors 105
Oya, Orisha of the Wind 107
Shango the Alchemist 108
Foot Track Magick 108
Protection Rings 112
War Water Bottles 113
Graveyard Dirt 114
Elegba 115
The Crossroads 116

7 Keepin' the Peace 119
Waters of Peace 120
Dirt and Minerals 126

8 Prosperity 129
Growin' Green 130
Amulets from Ancient Egypt 134
Charming Gifts of the Sea 135
Irish Moss 136
Use the Element of Fire 139
Horseshoes and Nails 140
Lucky Hand Washes 141
Money Jars 143

9 Gettin' Some Love & Keepin' It Close 145
Making and Maintaining a Love Mojo 145
History and Traditions of Hoodoo Love Magick 148
Aromatherapy for Hoodoo Love Draw 151
Pomanders 153
Sunkissed Love Draw Tips 156
The Rose 157

10 Fertility 165
Goddesses of Fertility 168
Makela, Queen of Sheba 169
Mawu 171
Nefertiti 172

11 Sacred Rites of Commitment 175
The Language of Flowers 176
More Floral Ideas 178
Hoodoo in Shower Gifts, Wedding Accents, and Home Decor 184
The Book of Days 186
After the Ceremony 187
Reception 187
The Honey Moon 188

12 Hoodoo Child 189
Pregnancy 190
Childbirth 198
The Blessed Event 201
A Room of One's Own 205
Menarche and Manhood 206

13 The Conjurer's Dream 209
Protective Amulets 214
Divination and Prophetic Dreams 215
The Spirits Who Ride 221
Mythic Goddesses Who Inform Our Dreams 222
Kyphi 225
The Dreamer's Charms 226

14 Passin' On 229
Traditional Burial Customs 237
Hoodoo for the Terminally Ill 241
Rituals and Ceremonies 244

Appendix A: At-Risk and Endangered Materials 247
Appendix B: Resources 253
Appendix C: Organizations 257
Glossary 259
Bibliography and Recommended Reading 267
Index 271