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Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia Magica of African-American Conjure
This is the first book of its kind, presenting accurate botanical information about roots and herbs employed in conjure, with sample spells that will show you how to make and use your own mojo bags, spiritual baths, and incenses. 224 pages 500 herbs, roots, minerals, and rare zoological curios, 750 traditional spells, tricks, and magical recipes, 50 black and white illustrations
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2002
54 people are currently reading
2088 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Yronwode
63 books67 followers
Catherine "Cat" Yronwode
(b. 1947) is an American writer, editor, publisher, and teacher. A practitioner of herbalism and traditional magic, she is a founding member of the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers. She has had an extensive career in the comic book industry, and coauthored Women and the Comics (1985), the first book on women in comics. Born and raised in California, Yronwode attended Illinois' Shimer College in the 1960s, through the school's unique early entrance program.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
April 14, 2020
Difficulty Level: Beginner
You just need to know how to do a basic hoodoo ritual. However, if you're going to do a baneful working or a domination working, I'd say that reading this book isn't enough to prepare you and you'd need a comprehensive understanding of hoodoo. If it's urgent, buy a dressed candle, conjure oil, etc. from a metaphysical supply store (you'd be surprised how many hoodoo products they carry), botanica, or respected hoodoo website.
Pros:
- It's an occult/Pagan classic.
This is authentic and covers all herbs, spices, etc. used in hoodoo, and how they're used. Most hoodoo practitioners use this, and cross-reference it with the Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. There are some hoodoo practitioners who stick to firsthand accounts of hoodoo from the late 1800s-mid 1900s, but realistically most practitioners appreciate having an actual encyclopedia for quick reference.
- Botanical names are given to each plant so that you won't confuse them with plants that have the same common name. When we're talking about an area as specific as the American South, naturally a lot of plants have similar common names, especially when they look similar.
Cons:
- A maddening amount of grammatical errors.
Despite being a beloved and important text, there's only one edition and it hasn't been submitted to an editor, so you have to clench your fists through many a capitalization error and the like.
- Monstrously disorganized.
I almost deducted a star for the terrible organization alone. The magickal use of individual herbs, spices, animal parts, etc. in hoodoo are described encyclopedia style and sometimes followed by rituals involving that herb. The problem is that the rituals usually have more than one herb, yet the ritual will only be listed under one of the herbs. The entries have "see also" lists under relevant herbs, and you have to look up those "see also" entries in case they list a ritual involving the first herb that you looked up. It would've helped to have a separate ritual section. The reason that there isn't one is because the rituals are only briefly described, in a sentence or two. You have to know how to perform a hoodoo ritual in order to create a ritual based on the ritual summaries. There are some correspondence tables, but they often contain correspondences for herbs that aren't included in the herbs' encyclopedia entries, so you have to read the encyclopedia entries plus look them up in the correspondence tables.
- There's no ebook edition.
Since you can't type keywords into an ebook and search, it'll take you a while to find what you need. Your best bet is to practice a lot of hoodoo, so that you start to memorize the herbs, roots, etc. that you use most often. That way, you'll only have to look up the ones that you don't typically stock. That's what I do.
- There aren't botanical drawings of the plants.
You just need to know how to do a basic hoodoo ritual. However, if you're going to do a baneful working or a domination working, I'd say that reading this book isn't enough to prepare you and you'd need a comprehensive understanding of hoodoo. If it's urgent, buy a dressed candle, conjure oil, etc. from a metaphysical supply store (you'd be surprised how many hoodoo products they carry), botanica, or respected hoodoo website.
Pros:
- It's an occult/Pagan classic.
This is authentic and covers all herbs, spices, etc. used in hoodoo, and how they're used. Most hoodoo practitioners use this, and cross-reference it with the Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. There are some hoodoo practitioners who stick to firsthand accounts of hoodoo from the late 1800s-mid 1900s, but realistically most practitioners appreciate having an actual encyclopedia for quick reference.
- Botanical names are given to each plant so that you won't confuse them with plants that have the same common name. When we're talking about an area as specific as the American South, naturally a lot of plants have similar common names, especially when they look similar.
Cons:
- A maddening amount of grammatical errors.
Despite being a beloved and important text, there's only one edition and it hasn't been submitted to an editor, so you have to clench your fists through many a capitalization error and the like.
- Monstrously disorganized.
I almost deducted a star for the terrible organization alone. The magickal use of individual herbs, spices, animal parts, etc. in hoodoo are described encyclopedia style and sometimes followed by rituals involving that herb. The problem is that the rituals usually have more than one herb, yet the ritual will only be listed under one of the herbs. The entries have "see also" lists under relevant herbs, and you have to look up those "see also" entries in case they list a ritual involving the first herb that you looked up. It would've helped to have a separate ritual section. The reason that there isn't one is because the rituals are only briefly described, in a sentence or two. You have to know how to perform a hoodoo ritual in order to create a ritual based on the ritual summaries. There are some correspondence tables, but they often contain correspondences for herbs that aren't included in the herbs' encyclopedia entries, so you have to read the encyclopedia entries plus look them up in the correspondence tables.
- There's no ebook edition.
Since you can't type keywords into an ebook and search, it'll take you a while to find what you need. Your best bet is to practice a lot of hoodoo, so that you start to memorize the herbs, roots, etc. that you use most often. That way, you'll only have to look up the ones that you don't typically stock. That's what I do.
- There aren't botanical drawings of the plants.
November 10, 2012
I remember a while back buying some money drawing oil from the local occult shop and really liking the smell. The person who sold me the blend told me it was a Hoodoo blend. I also learned that many folks like to use Hoodoo or root work when doing money magic or other magic geared toward getting some physcial result. When I asked where the formula was from this book was shown to me. Now there were no recipies for the money drawing oil but there was everything else.
Catherine Yronwode, Jewish by background, had an intense interest in African American folklore and spellcraft. Her introduction at the beginning of the book is highly informative. She tells the reader the history of Hoodoo here in America. It all started with African slaves being bought over on ships and forcibly beeing resttled here in America. They bropught with them their religion, magic and root knowledge. These African religions mixed together and coagulated with European magick brought over by the slave owner and native American lore. Hoodoo has several advantages over Wicca and Ceremonial Magic. It does not have all the high ceremony and it is practical as it uses rocks, bones, herbs and graveyard dirt. There is no religious system per se in Hoodoo but there are at certain occasions calling for a prayer to Mary, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. Of course while there is no heavy duty ceremony there was an influence of grimoire magic back in the day. This influenced there crafft greatly. Now of course I must mention another advantage. Root worker use the herb it is as perfect as God above craeated it. There is no need to harvest at a particular time or plant at a particular time. Modern Paganism is really into lunar fazes and planetry hours. While some of that is in Hoodoo, because there are certain magical actions that call for doing it during a waxing moon and a waning moon. Some Pagans might take issue with the use of Jesus, Mary and the Holy Ghost.
Ceremonial Magic and Wicca have some corrolaries or limits to the use of there magic as sometimes there can be a negaitve result. Hoodoo does not have such limitation. There is nothing to protect yourself from. There is also no Wiccan rede or three fold law.. Quite liberating. Now there are several incense blends, recipes for Gris Gris bags and what have you.
So what exactly is your aim? Hoodoo has it. Is it money, revenge, love, psychic powers, curses, controlling someones behavior, keeeping a spouse faithful, dominating your lover etc. The list could go on there is spell craft for just about everything.
Now the question why didn't I give this book a five? My first qualm involved the fact that the ingredients called for certain powder and oils which were not given a recipe for in the book or at least I could not find it. The author has a website so you will have to order some of those products from her website or shop. Would be great if she put the recipes out front so we could even be more empowered and make the stuff. Although truth be told things like a bat heart, badger tooth or gator paw you most likely would order from her shop. Some Hoodoo calls for placing object on someone's property or quite literally on their doorstep. These days with security cameras and high tech surveillance equipment. Good luck.
As I type this review my wife has just read to me something about wearing bat blood around your neck for gambling luck. Where will I obtain bat blood. What about a recipe for goofers dust, or commanding oil?
This is the best book on Hoodoo you will find. Everyone raves about it and for good reason. There are plenty of practical magical actions that you can do with what you have on hand. This book is a must read.
Catherine Yronwode, Jewish by background, had an intense interest in African American folklore and spellcraft. Her introduction at the beginning of the book is highly informative. She tells the reader the history of Hoodoo here in America. It all started with African slaves being bought over on ships and forcibly beeing resttled here in America. They bropught with them their religion, magic and root knowledge. These African religions mixed together and coagulated with European magick brought over by the slave owner and native American lore. Hoodoo has several advantages over Wicca and Ceremonial Magic. It does not have all the high ceremony and it is practical as it uses rocks, bones, herbs and graveyard dirt. There is no religious system per se in Hoodoo but there are at certain occasions calling for a prayer to Mary, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. Of course while there is no heavy duty ceremony there was an influence of grimoire magic back in the day. This influenced there crafft greatly. Now of course I must mention another advantage. Root worker use the herb it is as perfect as God above craeated it. There is no need to harvest at a particular time or plant at a particular time. Modern Paganism is really into lunar fazes and planetry hours. While some of that is in Hoodoo, because there are certain magical actions that call for doing it during a waxing moon and a waning moon. Some Pagans might take issue with the use of Jesus, Mary and the Holy Ghost.
Ceremonial Magic and Wicca have some corrolaries or limits to the use of there magic as sometimes there can be a negaitve result. Hoodoo does not have such limitation. There is nothing to protect yourself from. There is also no Wiccan rede or three fold law.. Quite liberating. Now there are several incense blends, recipes for Gris Gris bags and what have you.
So what exactly is your aim? Hoodoo has it. Is it money, revenge, love, psychic powers, curses, controlling someones behavior, keeeping a spouse faithful, dominating your lover etc. The list could go on there is spell craft for just about everything.
Now the question why didn't I give this book a five? My first qualm involved the fact that the ingredients called for certain powder and oils which were not given a recipe for in the book or at least I could not find it. The author has a website so you will have to order some of those products from her website or shop. Would be great if she put the recipes out front so we could even be more empowered and make the stuff. Although truth be told things like a bat heart, badger tooth or gator paw you most likely would order from her shop. Some Hoodoo calls for placing object on someone's property or quite literally on their doorstep. These days with security cameras and high tech surveillance equipment. Good luck.
As I type this review my wife has just read to me something about wearing bat blood around your neck for gambling luck. Where will I obtain bat blood. What about a recipe for goofers dust, or commanding oil?
This is the best book on Hoodoo you will find. Everyone raves about it and for good reason. There are plenty of practical magical actions that you can do with what you have on hand. This book is a must read.
April 6, 2010
cat yronwode is a personal friend of mine but she gets 5+ stars and a great interview because she wrote a fine source book, the first of its kind. Hoodoo, Conjure, and traditional Southern American and African American folk magic has existed for several hundred years, but miss cat's Hoodoo, Herb, and Root Magic is the first volume available to the general public that lists thousands of plants commonly worked with in this tradition. I talk to clients everyday who are ready and willing to do some work for themselves and this book is the place to start. Not only does it provide a list of plants, there are hundreds of recipes for everything Conjure--how to make your own mojo hand, little tricks to lay around your house and on your person, recipes for washes and baths and so much more. For the pro and amateur alike, HHRM is the go-to source book for Hoodoo spell work as well as a testament to the tradition and a means of preservation.
June 9, 2011
Following in the footsteps of Harry M. Hyatt, an Anglican minister who collected folklore all over the United States in the later half of the 20th century and compiled his research into five coveted volumes, Catherine Yronwode has done the world of magic a great service by compiling and publishing this grimoire of African American Hoodoo.
Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic contains a plethora of information pertaining to not only herbs and roots, but also other items used in the practice of Hoodoo, or conjure, such as silver dimes, ammonia, raccoon penis bones, and lodestones. The entries for each item includes the scientific name as well as several folk names so that there can be no confusion between elements. In addition, the author goes to great lengths to describe in detail how each item is used in the practice of authentic Hoodoo. Where appropriate, certain entries contain insightful notes as to the toxic level of an item, or in the case of biological curios, if the animal in question is among an endangered species.
This is a well thought out, thorough work written by a woman who has studied for more than three decades with several experienced root workers and had the presence of mind to record their wisdom for us all. In addition she has taken what she has learned and raised the practice of Hoodoo to new heights by sharing her own successes and failures through her website. When you read the various entries, you can clearly see the author's obvious experience and dedication to the subject of Hoodoo. More than a scholarly work, Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic is a practical, hands-on manual of authentic African-American conjure. It contains spells and rites for virtually any conceivable need or desire. Unlike other authors, Yronwode does not shy away from the subject of curses. This is real Hoodoo, nothing is held back or edited for readers who ascribe to the 'harm none' Rede associated with modern Wicca and Paganism.
If you are interested in, or practice any form, of folk magic--especially one that utilizes herbs, roots, or biological curios-- then this book will most surely become an invaluable reference to you and provide you with a great deal of assistance in your efforts. As a magickal practitioner myself I can say that this book has become like an old friend that I return to again and again for support and assistance and it never disappoints.
Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic contains a plethora of information pertaining to not only herbs and roots, but also other items used in the practice of Hoodoo, or conjure, such as silver dimes, ammonia, raccoon penis bones, and lodestones. The entries for each item includes the scientific name as well as several folk names so that there can be no confusion between elements. In addition, the author goes to great lengths to describe in detail how each item is used in the practice of authentic Hoodoo. Where appropriate, certain entries contain insightful notes as to the toxic level of an item, or in the case of biological curios, if the animal in question is among an endangered species.
This is a well thought out, thorough work written by a woman who has studied for more than three decades with several experienced root workers and had the presence of mind to record their wisdom for us all. In addition she has taken what she has learned and raised the practice of Hoodoo to new heights by sharing her own successes and failures through her website. When you read the various entries, you can clearly see the author's obvious experience and dedication to the subject of Hoodoo. More than a scholarly work, Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic is a practical, hands-on manual of authentic African-American conjure. It contains spells and rites for virtually any conceivable need or desire. Unlike other authors, Yronwode does not shy away from the subject of curses. This is real Hoodoo, nothing is held back or edited for readers who ascribe to the 'harm none' Rede associated with modern Wicca and Paganism.
If you are interested in, or practice any form, of folk magic--especially one that utilizes herbs, roots, or biological curios-- then this book will most surely become an invaluable reference to you and provide you with a great deal of assistance in your efforts. As a magickal practitioner myself I can say that this book has become like an old friend that I return to again and again for support and assistance and it never disappoints.
October 19, 2007
It lists and explains the specific spiritual uses of various herbs, roots, minerals, and "zoological" curios. I plan on using the things I've learned in this book to make me a mojo hand, rid myself of bothersome neighbors, and get me some love -- all with stuff from my yard. Well, maybe not from my yard, but you understand. It also explains alot of the folklore behind African-American/Native American Conjure which makes for fascinating reading.
July 30, 2018
This book for the recipe i want bible book for begginer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
To those not familiar with "materia magica," this book is a list of components and their uses within the Hoodoo/root working tradition. It does not have spells or detailed descriptions of specific practices, though in the cases of some herbs it does outline general uses.
While it does have a brief introduction outlining some history and the author's personal background, one should go in expecting this to be primarily a reference book and supplement to other grimoires.
That being said, It may be the only reference book of its kind in print, and I would highly recommend it to any magic practitioner or herbalist as a solid addition to their collection of reference material.
While it does have a brief introduction outlining some history and the author's personal background, one should go in expecting this to be primarily a reference book and supplement to other grimoires.
That being said, It may be the only reference book of its kind in print, and I would highly recommend it to any magic practitioner or herbalist as a solid addition to their collection of reference material.
April 13, 2011
An excellent resource for any Conjurewoman/Conjureman. Pretty much every curio that can be found in the natural world has its spot in Yronwode's reference guide. There isn't another book on the market like this, and it is an indispensable help for those who are looking to incorporate Hoodoo into their magical practice.
February 2, 2013
Overall a decent book that Yronwode obviously spent a lot of time researching. Unfortunately there are quite a few references in the book that are from the bastardized version of hoodoo and conjure that is sold and practiced by many today, which deviates greatly from the original traditions of hoodoo and conjure.
August 23, 2007
This is a fantastic book on this topic. Very well organized. Includes items beyond just herbs.
March 14, 2019
An excellent reference book with a wide range of items (herbs, stones, personal effects such as hair) to look up and see both general usage as well as a spell of two should one be needed. I would love to see a larger version her book that builds on this one as with most books such as this one, it doesn't have everything. I love that I can cross reference these uses I Hoodoo/rootwork in general with traditional European uses and see the parallels and differences. A useful book for any witch, rootworker, conjurer.
March 13, 2023
Not happy
I was excited to have this book however, it is not a book. It is a Xerox copy of the book! I can not read it at all. I'm not sure why its even being sold. Its false advertisement. Had I known this in would have just orders a paper back. Not happy about it at all. I can't even read the pages. Amazon should be ashamed for even selling this! I deserve a refund!
I was excited to have this book however, it is not a book. It is a Xerox copy of the book! I can not read it at all. I'm not sure why its even being sold. Its false advertisement. Had I known this in would have just orders a paper back. Not happy about it at all. I can't even read the pages. Amazon should be ashamed for even selling this! I deserve a refund!
March 17, 2025
My go to companion for so many historical tricks and workings, use this in conjunction with other resources to really improve your craft. It's well researched and definitely mirrors a lot of information found in Cunninghams encyclopedia of magical herbs.
This is one of the only books I will keep with me my entire life.
This is one of the only books I will keep with me my entire life.
Read
August 11, 2019Great introduction for me. Definitely recommend it, great read.
September 24, 2019
Very good encyclopedia of materials and their uses in rootwork.
June 29, 2021
The Rootworker’s version of Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs.
Informative and well done
Informative and well done
June 8, 2022
Very good herbal reference book
September 25, 2022
Great for a read-through and reference. Lots of solid information.
January 15, 2023
It's a good starting point.
July 27, 2023
Great book but readsike a glossary of hoodoo. Good as a reference book.
March 3, 2017
this book is an incredible resource and has started me on a path I've been searching for for years
September 5, 2022
Meh-meh-meh-mediocre. It's too bad that the author has so many followers because it's easy to see their uninspired information get out into the community as a result of her writings, coursework and sub-par products, which have unfortunately altered hoodoo. The book's illustrations are fairly helpful. She s not gifted with herbs, and that really stands out. She is gifted with marketing - to people who don’t know any better. Speaking of better - there are better ways to learn than from reading this book.
Not nearly as accurate as neo-pagan wannabe conjurers think it is. This book is much more of a product catalog than anything else.
(Other neo-pagan authors such as Dorothy Morrison have unfortunately greedily contributed to this trend, Seeing them all suddenly get interested in what Catholic saints can do for them has been ludicrous to observe.)
There's no way this author learned the uses of all the products offered - most of it is from author Hyatt’s work as well as some others.
(At the point of this writing, a number of Yronwode’s collaborators have been outed as frauds, for their willingness to do death work or for poor business and teaching practices. Yronwode herself showed bad judgement when publicly hexing a teenager with what looked like a death threat. Then of course there's her husband’s history with an online suicide community.)
Not nearly as accurate as neo-pagan wannabe conjurers think it is. This book is much more of a product catalog than anything else.
(Other neo-pagan authors such as Dorothy Morrison have unfortunately greedily contributed to this trend, Seeing them all suddenly get interested in what Catholic saints can do for them has been ludicrous to observe.)
There's no way this author learned the uses of all the products offered - most of it is from author Hyatt’s work as well as some others.
(At the point of this writing, a number of Yronwode’s collaborators have been outed as frauds, for their willingness to do death work or for poor business and teaching practices. Yronwode herself showed bad judgement when publicly hexing a teenager with what looked like a death threat. Then of course there's her husband’s history with an online suicide community.)
Read
November 10, 2015So, this book is one I've had around for a long time. It's not something I've sat down and read much of, because it's more of a reference material.
This book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in, well, hoodoo herb and root magic. Even if hoodoo is not the kind of magical system that you're interested in, the spells and identifications of specific herbs and roots filters into other forms of magic as well.
Parts of it are very poorly organized, which is similar to how the author's free online resource (that she refers to as a book) is written. But of course, you can't really complain about free stuff.
This is a great beginner's book, and one I highly recommend to anyone seeking answers or cool facts about conjure.
This book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in, well, hoodoo herb and root magic. Even if hoodoo is not the kind of magical system that you're interested in, the spells and identifications of specific herbs and roots filters into other forms of magic as well.
Parts of it are very poorly organized, which is similar to how the author's free online resource (that she refers to as a book) is written. But of course, you can't really complain about free stuff.
This is a great beginner's book, and one I highly recommend to anyone seeking answers or cool facts about conjure.
October 24, 2014
This book is fantastic for writers of the paranormal. Of course, especially for anyone interested in voodoo or hoodoo. The book is full of hoodoo spells and just reading this wild recipes and chants and etc...can't help but give a writer creative ideas for a storyline. Fascinating and weird. A great tool.
June 16, 2016
This is a great book, but can be a pain to find what you're looking for easily. You'd better be prepared to flip to each magic herb or ingredient with that property and hope it's under one of them. I believe it would be better if the index was sorted by Herbs and Roots; Minerals; and Zoological Curios. I use it mainly as a secondary research book.
September 21, 2012
So far I am fascinated !! I also have Cherokee roots and like how the Native American herbal/root magic is combined in with the Afrikan American. The subject, the people, and the magic is quite considerable and calling.
May 31, 2013
This is a good book for the beginning and experienced root worker. While the herbs and roots listed in this book are not exhaustive by any means it is still a great reference book nonetheless. The spells listed in this book appear to be scant and few And seem as though added as an afterthought.
December 17, 2008
This book is extremely useful to the rootworker. I'm really happy to have it as a resource in my practice.
January 19, 2010
Excellent and very useful reference book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews