Mojo Workin': The Old African American Hoodoo System

I first heard about this book on a podcast. Bought the book and read it and learned so much that I did not know. Lots of the things my grandmother said in my childhood became clear to me. She walked around the house once and spread white powder around the foundation of the house. It must have been some kind of protection. She always said a person with bad intentions wouldn't be able to cross the threshold. This book brought so many things to light for me especially the origin of some of the common sayings and habits that I have heard in the past.

It’s a nice easy read about the history of hoodoo and how it’s practices became intertwined with pop culture and other religions. It’s not too detailed for those that want an overview, but aren’t trying to learn about hoodoo in depth.

This book is a gem that everyone should read, especially those of African diaspora. First, she went in on not only the history but how different cultures manipulated it for their own gain, and whew, did she let Lucky Mojo, starr and others have it! (Rightfully so) Now for me, my background is both Congolese and Ashkenazi and I was lucky, I learned from both so I have a soft spot for some of it. But to finally see someone not tread nicely around the edges and go straight into honest history, this book is priceless and sends the message correct. Learn your history, the roots of the traditions you were taught. And if you are new to it, take the time to learn and understand why things were done as they are before casting a "mojo". Now don't get me wrong, I cherish my beeswax candles and the blended teachings I received from both sets of strong grandparents, but people need to stop, learn, respect and know the history of all things tradition before claiming any of it as their own and deconstruct the how and why of it. Love this book, highly recommend to everyone.

I see a lot of non-African Americans discrediting this books and giving it low stars, by saying it's anti European. Europeans have their OWN set of folk practices. BUT, they are the very ones this book talks about. They are the ones who adulterated and distort REAL African American Hoodoo(Conjure) and it's orgins. Yet, if their claims were true, why purchase THIS book? OR, seek to learn this particular form of conjure? As I am a 4th generation rootworker and two headed woman, she hit the nail on the head with this book. I recommend this book to ANYBODY wanting to understand and RESPECT it's origins and practices. How can you practice something you have zero respect for? There's a reason why it's FIERCELY protected against outsiders.

I found the book very repetitive. And I mean things were repeated 4 or 5 times in different parts of the book. The book could have been a third shorter and no information would have been lost. Also, she was very dismissive of online sellers of occult products. She should realize, as an academic, that anyone who was interested in the real thing would go elsewhere. She was making it a black vs white thing.Maybe she should help an old-time root worker start a website, instead of criticizing. The one thing I learned from the book was the origin of High John the Conquer root. I had seen the oil in different botanical shops but didn't know why it was so popular. Or why the root itself is so sought after. This book explained the significance of it and the story behind it. I felt that was the best part of the book. The other stuff, I basically knew about. I was surprised that the author felt the need to write numerous long, angry comments regarding people who reviewed her book. She sounds like she has a lot of anger. Also surprised that she was able to review her own book and give it a 5. I didn't think Amazon allowed that to occur. I read this book because I have had a great interest and knowledge of the occult, although my interest is more rooted in Wicca and Santeria I already was familiar with what was in this book. Lastly, I think all religion should be loving and all welcoming.

Outstanding book. Every black hoodoo practitioner should have this in their collection.

Good read lots of good information

I really wish I found this book a lot sooner because of the money I spent on books that touched the subjects but didn't put it all together the way this author did. I felt the years of research that went into the book as I listened to the audible voice read to me. Let me tell you the audible made me anticipation the books arrival with glee. I couldn't wait to open the book and highlight parts that stood out for me after completing the audible the day I purchased it. I wish it was a hard back but the information was worth every penny that I paid for this great work. It was a pleasure to feel completed after reading the book. If I could I would personally thank the author with a deep tearful hug. THE BOOK IS GREAT!!!

Academic reading. You still must read because it’s our information. Even if you take years to finish. Read, make notes, understand and share with someone.

I highly recommend this book. Very interest.