A beginner’s guide to an inclusive Hoodoo practice—history, spellwork, folklore, and herbs

Hoodoo is a folklore tradition that was created by and for enslaved African Americans in the southern United States. And before there were honey jars, red brick dust, and everything else you may associate with Hoodoo, there was the need to be free.

This is not the #kitchenwitch Hoodoo you’ve seen on social: it’s magic for those who seek liberation and healing, for those who have been hurt, misunderstood, or cast aside. This is Hoodoo, updated: history, foundations, spellwork, and spiritual guidance made accessible to everyone, inclusive of all backgrounds and genders.

Written with three guiding Hoodoo tenets—Intention, Faith, and Direction—in mind, Hoodoo for Everyone offers everything you need to know about the practice: rituals, conjure, rootwork, divination, herbs, plants, and ancestor work.

Shone’s modern Hoodoo also goes in-depth into discussions of gender, religion, and cultural appropriation. She answers the questions:

• Is Hoodoo the same as Voodoo, Lucumi, or Santeria?

• How do I connect to an ancestor if I don’t know my family’s history?

• Is Hoodoo accessible to queer folks?

• Can I practice Hoodoo even if I’m agnostic or Christian?

• How can I practice Hoodoo respectfully and with sensitivity?

With spells and verses organized by topic and a list of spices, herbs, and spellwork objects, Hoodoo for Everyone is for all listeners called to Hoodoo, new and experienced alike. For anyone seeking a natural spiritual practice, a connection to their history, or a deeper connection to non-judgmental life energy, Shone offers a comprehensive guide to manifesting deliverance through Hoodoo magic.