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Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success
A reader-friendly, fun, and practical guide to improving one's love life, career, health, and overall happiness with African American folk magick.
In this groundbreaking book that places Rootwork in its rightful spot among other magickal traditions, Tayannah Lee McQuillar offers a fun and practical guide to improving your life with the help of African American folk magick. Rootwork begins with the basics, from explanations about the magickal powers of the four elements (air, earth, fire, and water) to instructions on creating talismans, charms, and mojo bags. Also included are spells to help you:
-Find your soul mate
-Spice up your sex life
-Get a new job
-Improve your health
-Discover your inner muse
Accessible and easy to use, Rootwork offers the insights of a time-honored tradition as a means of self-empowerment and spiritual growth.
In this groundbreaking book that places Rootwork in its rightful spot among other magickal traditions, Tayannah Lee McQuillar offers a fun and practical guide to improving your life with the help of African American folk magick. Rootwork begins with the basics, from explanations about the magickal powers of the four elements (air, earth, fire, and water) to instructions on creating talismans, charms, and mojo bags. Also included are spells to help you:
-Find your soul mate
-Spice up your sex life
-Get a new job
-Improve your health
-Discover your inner muse
Accessible and easy to use, Rootwork offers the insights of a time-honored tradition as a means of self-empowerment and spiritual growth.
First published January 7, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 25, 2017
I am all for STRAIGHT TO THE POINT reads. I can't stand when there is pointless words thrown in a chapter to make the book thick or seem interesting, this book doesn't do that and that's why I love it. Short and handy, makes you want to know more spells and hexes.
April 30, 2012
A refreshing alternative to the plethora of wicca-like books on spellwork. This book gives a taste of another cultural way of doing magic. We need more books on different magical perspectives rather than the constant repetition of the same tired ways. Even new ideas get old.
A very quick read.
A very quick read.
December 27, 2013
Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money, and Success is a very short and concise book. The author clearly wanted to provide a short and easy to read introduction to the practice of Hoodoo. The author wanted to provide a book where the individuals reading could come away feeling at least on a surface level familiar with the topic of Hoodoo and what Hoodoo was.
The short book covers history, the practice, and provides some simple spells and recipes that a novice could use to start their practice. The book is divided up into three parts. Each of the sections of the book provided insightful information but could have been more in depth.
The first part of the book covers the basics which includes the history and some of the basic cultural influences that have made Hoodoo what it is today. This section also defines what Hoodoo is and how it is different from the religion and spirituality of Voodoo. The section also does a basic introduction into the beliefs behind Hoodoo or Rootwork into why this system works. With any folk magic tradition it is essential to understand the culture and the history of the culture the magic system comes from. Without these understandings the practical aspects of the system become useless and one will never really understand what the system has to provide.
The first chapter in the book covers what Hoodoo is as a practice. This is probably one of the most essential chapters in this book. Here the author illustrates why Hoodoo is actually a different system than voodoo. It is also here that we begin to understand the role that Hoodoo played within the slave communities during the years that the slave trade existed. The author also barely covers how the practice managed to survive and adapt. This is also where we see how important herbs played in the roles of the lives of the African Americans historically.
The second chapter covers the history of Hoodoo. Here we see why the practice basically disappeared thanks to regulations in the US regarding slaves and congregations. This chapter also explains why there are various regional differences in southern and central America as well as within the Caribbean Islands that you will not find in the United States tradition of Hoodoo. This is due to the culture of those regions and how easily the slaves were able to adapt their native practices to that of the practices of the slave owners. The author's main point in these illustrations is that Hoodoo arose out of the slave trade and it is important that we never forget that Hoodoo was and is the connection African Americans have to their native ancestral tribal practices.
Here the author explains that Hollywood has bee one of the biggest contributors to the misunderstanding of hoodoo as a magical practice rather than a religious practice. It is thanks to Hollywood that Hoodoo is seen as an evil practice rather than a rich system of healing spells and life work. While it is true they had spells and practices to harm others and defend the family, Hoodoo originated as a healing system as the slaves could not afford traditional medical care.
The author also illustrates within the chapter the reasons that a person may practice Hoodoo. Given the origins of the tradition and the terrible history of slavery it is a solid question. The authors answers are simple. The author provides 5 simple reasons that any one of African descent may want to practice or learn Hoodoo. The two reasons I found most inspiring are to connect to your ancestors log dead and for spiritual and personal growth and empowerment.
The third chapter and final portion of part one is about how Hoodoo works. Before going into the basic techniques and practices of Hoodoo one should have a basic understanding of the beliefs associated with this tradition. The six commonly held beliefs of Hoodoo Rootworkers forms the basis of how the tradition works. A perfect way to end the first part of the book.
The second part of the book provides some insight as to what the practice of Hoodoo may entail. This section of the book is aptly titled "Elements of Rootwork". This section of the book is not meant to be a practicum or how to. This is a section that talks about the practices you will find in the how to section. A few of the techniques and practices have some exercises on how to perform that particular practice or use that skill. Overall the segment of the book was designed to introduce you to the basic skills and practices you may find a Hoodoo or a Rootworker engaging in.
The fourth chapter in this book starts off the elements section. For those who are familiar with European systems of magic you may be surprised to find a chapter on the elements and how the elemental forces of earth, air, fire, and water, are used in Hoodoo. This chapter covers how each element has a specific type of magical act that may be used as well as the properties of that element. The concepts here are new and useful to those coming from a European background looking for other ways they can work with the elemental forces of magic.
The fifth chapter in the book covers talismans and charms. Out of all the practices associated with Hoodoo the practices of talismans and charms is probably the most thought of and common one. Here the author goes into some of the traditional Hoodoo charms and talismans that many people are not familiar with covering the use of herbs as talismans by themselves as well as covering the use of human and animal parts. There is also a section on how to most effectively place the talisman or charm for its effect called "laying a trick".
The sixth chapter in this book covers spirits of the dead. The chapter begins by discussing the types of spirits of the dead that one can experience and meet. The book then goes on to how to honor them and provides a few different examples on how one can communicate with them.
The last chapter in this section covers the various forms of divination that a Hoodoo practitioner may engage in. There are many different methods of divination. The author here explains why divination is engaged in prior to spell and ritual work. The majority of this chapter covers how to perform divination using simple day to day playing cards.
The final section of the book is the one that I was most eagerly interested as a reader which was the selection of spells and recipes to try. The final section of this book is what brings the book from an informative book about the history, practices, and tradition into a practical handbook.
The eighth chapter of this book focuses on what one needs to know before one can actually practice or use the spells and rituals outlined in the following chapters. This very short chapter is essential as it provides a few guidelines to using the spells effectively.
The remaining three chapters are made up of spells and rituals that are written in a step by step manner making them easy to use. Each of the spells contains a list of materials that are required followed by a list of actions and steps to take. Some of the spells have ingredients or actions mentioned earlier in the elemental magic section, but when combined the spells provide useful tools for creating a basic practice.
To end the author provides a selection of providers for spell and ritual supplies. Combined with the spells earlier and the techniques outlined throughout the book this final touch creates a useful handbook for any one to use. Together with the spells the providers and the authors make Hoodoo accessible in the 21st century to a wider selection of people than ever before.
The short book covers history, the practice, and provides some simple spells and recipes that a novice could use to start their practice. The book is divided up into three parts. Each of the sections of the book provided insightful information but could have been more in depth.
The first part of the book covers the basics which includes the history and some of the basic cultural influences that have made Hoodoo what it is today. This section also defines what Hoodoo is and how it is different from the religion and spirituality of Voodoo. The section also does a basic introduction into the beliefs behind Hoodoo or Rootwork into why this system works. With any folk magic tradition it is essential to understand the culture and the history of the culture the magic system comes from. Without these understandings the practical aspects of the system become useless and one will never really understand what the system has to provide.
The first chapter in the book covers what Hoodoo is as a practice. This is probably one of the most essential chapters in this book. Here the author illustrates why Hoodoo is actually a different system than voodoo. It is also here that we begin to understand the role that Hoodoo played within the slave communities during the years that the slave trade existed. The author also barely covers how the practice managed to survive and adapt. This is also where we see how important herbs played in the roles of the lives of the African Americans historically.
The second chapter covers the history of Hoodoo. Here we see why the practice basically disappeared thanks to regulations in the US regarding slaves and congregations. This chapter also explains why there are various regional differences in southern and central America as well as within the Caribbean Islands that you will not find in the United States tradition of Hoodoo. This is due to the culture of those regions and how easily the slaves were able to adapt their native practices to that of the practices of the slave owners. The author's main point in these illustrations is that Hoodoo arose out of the slave trade and it is important that we never forget that Hoodoo was and is the connection African Americans have to their native ancestral tribal practices.
Here the author explains that Hollywood has bee one of the biggest contributors to the misunderstanding of hoodoo as a magical practice rather than a religious practice. It is thanks to Hollywood that Hoodoo is seen as an evil practice rather than a rich system of healing spells and life work. While it is true they had spells and practices to harm others and defend the family, Hoodoo originated as a healing system as the slaves could not afford traditional medical care.
The author also illustrates within the chapter the reasons that a person may practice Hoodoo. Given the origins of the tradition and the terrible history of slavery it is a solid question. The authors answers are simple. The author provides 5 simple reasons that any one of African descent may want to practice or learn Hoodoo. The two reasons I found most inspiring are to connect to your ancestors log dead and for spiritual and personal growth and empowerment.
The third chapter and final portion of part one is about how Hoodoo works. Before going into the basic techniques and practices of Hoodoo one should have a basic understanding of the beliefs associated with this tradition. The six commonly held beliefs of Hoodoo Rootworkers forms the basis of how the tradition works. A perfect way to end the first part of the book.
The second part of the book provides some insight as to what the practice of Hoodoo may entail. This section of the book is aptly titled "Elements of Rootwork". This section of the book is not meant to be a practicum or how to. This is a section that talks about the practices you will find in the how to section. A few of the techniques and practices have some exercises on how to perform that particular practice or use that skill. Overall the segment of the book was designed to introduce you to the basic skills and practices you may find a Hoodoo or a Rootworker engaging in.
The fourth chapter in this book starts off the elements section. For those who are familiar with European systems of magic you may be surprised to find a chapter on the elements and how the elemental forces of earth, air, fire, and water, are used in Hoodoo. This chapter covers how each element has a specific type of magical act that may be used as well as the properties of that element. The concepts here are new and useful to those coming from a European background looking for other ways they can work with the elemental forces of magic.
The fifth chapter in the book covers talismans and charms. Out of all the practices associated with Hoodoo the practices of talismans and charms is probably the most thought of and common one. Here the author goes into some of the traditional Hoodoo charms and talismans that many people are not familiar with covering the use of herbs as talismans by themselves as well as covering the use of human and animal parts. There is also a section on how to most effectively place the talisman or charm for its effect called "laying a trick".
The sixth chapter in this book covers spirits of the dead. The chapter begins by discussing the types of spirits of the dead that one can experience and meet. The book then goes on to how to honor them and provides a few different examples on how one can communicate with them.
The last chapter in this section covers the various forms of divination that a Hoodoo practitioner may engage in. There are many different methods of divination. The author here explains why divination is engaged in prior to spell and ritual work. The majority of this chapter covers how to perform divination using simple day to day playing cards.
The final section of the book is the one that I was most eagerly interested as a reader which was the selection of spells and recipes to try. The final section of this book is what brings the book from an informative book about the history, practices, and tradition into a practical handbook.
The eighth chapter of this book focuses on what one needs to know before one can actually practice or use the spells and rituals outlined in the following chapters. This very short chapter is essential as it provides a few guidelines to using the spells effectively.
The remaining three chapters are made up of spells and rituals that are written in a step by step manner making them easy to use. Each of the spells contains a list of materials that are required followed by a list of actions and steps to take. Some of the spells have ingredients or actions mentioned earlier in the elemental magic section, but when combined the spells provide useful tools for creating a basic practice.
To end the author provides a selection of providers for spell and ritual supplies. Combined with the spells earlier and the techniques outlined throughout the book this final touch creates a useful handbook for any one to use. Together with the spells the providers and the authors make Hoodoo accessible in the 21st century to a wider selection of people than ever before.
September 24, 2023
A great and easy read on the history of rootwork with different spells. This was easy to understand. I don't see myself doing many of the spells but I'm interested in making a few of the mojo bags.
December 18, 2020
extremely helpful and one of my absolute fav rootwork books thus far.
above all it is written BY US FOR US versus white folk trying to market our own history and spirituality to us.
above all it is written BY US FOR US versus white folk trying to market our own history and spirituality to us.
May 23, 2022
I've read quite a few rootwork (and adjacent) books, yet there were some new "nuggets" in this one that I hadn't seen before. I love that! This book is very short with a lot of white space on each page, but for the intermediate practitioner, there are plenty of pearls of wisdom to collect here. Tayannah writes in a simple, accessible way though I don't recommend this book on its own if you're brand new to rootwork, as she doesn't go into how various things are prepared or performed. A wonderful little book filled with inspiration!
December 1, 2023
The author does a good job with definitions such as the origins of goofer dust and the spells and references are good. Otherwise, I wish magick books weren’t so full of tables and correspondences. It would be easier to know the relationships of how to work things without having to read lists in some respects.
July 27, 2025
Good book for beginners wanting to learn the basic straightforward definitions and a plethora of "tricks and remedies". I love that it lists a variety of herbs and roots and also steps into working with water as an element. The book could go more in depth about history and the protection needed while throwing certain workings that the book mentions. Overall an easy read. Not all workings are for right hand path practitioners, there are left hand workings as well listed in this book. It leaves the reader and practitioners to deceiver if they agree with the work or not. Doesn't shame those who do. Just gives it to you raw.
November 20, 2020
This book gave great information in such a clear and easy to read manor.
I really enjoyed how conversational this book felt it made it much easier to understand and more enjoyable! This is definitely going to a reference book for me and I'm happy to add it to my collection!
I really enjoyed how conversational this book felt it made it much easier to understand and more enjoyable! This is definitely going to a reference book for me and I'm happy to add it to my collection!
March 11, 2021
Told me what I wanted to know
I wanted to read a book about modern voodoo or hoodoo. This book was on sale, and it delivered a practical overview. I appreciate it's clarity and brevity.
I wanted to read a book about modern voodoo or hoodoo. This book was on sale, and it delivered a practical overview. I appreciate it's clarity and brevity.
September 19, 2021
I didn’t expect it to be so straight forward but it was refreshing. I am going to leave it close by the spells are quick and easy. The language reminds me of a simpler time when people used the craft as part of an everyday routine.
February 9, 2025
It is always so interesting to see the ways that rootwork bleeds into my everyday lives and practices and this book made a lot of straightforward connections for me. I also enjoy seeing the overlap with Black American rootwork other indigenous practices and spiritualities all over the world.
June 30, 2020
Straight forward and definitely necessary. I learned a lot!
January 4, 2021
Very easy and quick read. Great book for someone new to exploring Rootwork.
Read
May 23, 2021I am not a practitioner but was interested in what rootwork is. The author provides a concise introduction.
August 18, 2021
Great starting point approached consciously and lovingly, I only wished for a bit more depth on the subject!
August 29, 2021
A quick read, a good overview of hoodoo. The author packed a lot of resources in a fairly small space. I learned a lot. Some of the language needs to be updated to be gender inclusive.
October 13, 2021
Great historical information on the craft, very educational and simple to understand along with a few simple spells to get one started.
February 25, 2022
An amazing book covers the history and origins of rootwork, misconceptions, and tackles taboo subjects in magic that are often demonized and feared.
March 25, 2022
a great reference book, super insightful
February 11, 2023
Really powerful, useful tool for conjurers and root workers.
April 29, 2025
great read!
Perfect for anyone who need the basics of beginning their hoodoo or root working journey! Very easy to follow with great practical tips
Perfect for anyone who need the basics of beginning their hoodoo or root working journey! Very easy to follow with great practical tips
June 19, 2025
Lately I’ve found myself developing an interest in different types of folk magic, particularly in Black culture. This book was very interesting and straightforward. It was a super engaging read.
February 8, 2020
Excellent
Highly recommend for everyone from the curious to Practitioners. Excellent refresher course as well. I'm so glad this book is in my collection!
Highly recommend for everyone from the curious to Practitioners. Excellent refresher course as well. I'm so glad this book is in my collection!
August 20, 2023
I managed to finish the book in under 4 hours. The book is small but potential for someone with little to no knowledge in Hoodoo. I’m highly appreciative of the knowledge in this book and will put this on my special shelf. This is definitely a book I’ll be visiting constantly.
March 25, 2013
Read Your Bananas
August 24, 2025
A very good introduction to Rootwork as well as an easy read. Although this isn’t all there is to know about Rootwork I definitely reference this book quite often for simple craft
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews