The Book of Juju: Africana Spirituality for Healing, Liberation, and Self-Discovery

by Juju Bae

To make the right decisions for your future, you must maintain a connection to your past. In her debut book, podcaster, priestess, and all-around badass witch Juju Bae teaches you how to connect with your ancestors, as well as how to create a spiritual practice that respectfully incorporates their wisdom while remaining uniquely yours. It’s also the story of the necessity and vitality of Black spirituality, from the Yoruba pantheon of Ifa to the freedom-fighting origins of Black American Hoodoo. You will History: An overview of Africana Spirituality in the United States and beyond, including information on ATRs (African Traditional Religions) and ADRs (African Diasporan/Derived Religions) such as Ifa and Hoodoo. Altar-building: How to create and incorporate a place to venerate and commune with your ancestors, including a guide to offerings and prayers. Ritual: Practices you can use to cleanse yourself and your space and attract prosperity and protection, while safely opening the channels of communication with your ancestral spirits. Dos and Don’ts: Tips from a spiritual practitioner on how to speak to spirits, craft the right questions for personal divination, and recognize and interpret Spirit’s advice and wisdom. By reading this book, you will be taking the next steps to self-discovery, and you will gain the tools to access the wisdom of your past in order to make the best decisions for your present and future self.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Occult, History

240 pages, Hardcover

Published June 18, 2024

Reviews

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has everything you need to begin a journey that will strengthen your connection to the ancestors and the overall spiritual realm. Written in a down to earth every person prose, the stories, the suggestions, the works, prayers are all highly accessible and easily explained. This of course makes one confident to move forward without fear of judgment. It makes you wonder what our community and society would look like today without the Maafa. There was so much of our ways that were lost or suppressed by our embrace of Christianity and Islam. Some of the ancient ways were syncretized into these religions but most of the ways and lore under those banners is often unrecognizable. So this book does a great job in exposing the way our Ancestors moved in the world, how ritual worked in their lives and relying on nature healed people and situations. I found much that i can put to use as I’m always attempting to deepen my bond with ancestors known and unknown, so for me this is a 5☀️ book in my humble opinion.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious when I saw this book on Netgalley. That alone, was not enough for me to request to read it, what drew me in was that somehow a voice in my head kept telling me that I should read it, and I am glad I did.
The author offers an elaborate history on Africana Spirituality in the US, and also looks into African Traditional Religion which I had an insight on sometime in 2019 when I was reading about the history of my tribe, the Luo, in Kenya and got to learn that they had Seers who could help read the signs and seasons and tides on the Lake Victoria.
The reason I am glad I read this book, is because there is so much that is not told about African Traditional Religion, about aspects on health, on communing with the ancestors, giving honor to ancestors, altars for ancestors and also spiritual guides and what got me riled up and had me having the hairs at the back of my neck stand up was just how much it's easier to call upon saints, but not legends who are closer to me like my great grandmother....yet around sixty years ago, this was quite normal and revered.
I love the approach the author used in exploring how much of our perception and history is influenced by other factors that would hinder anyone from truly grasping what's shared herein.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC.

[Greyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ THIS BOOK! This was an excellent and thought-provoking book club read. It was so easily-digestible. I truly enjoyed engaging with my community with this book as a topic of conversation. I loved that the book welcomed readers to absorb what they needed and leave the rest to others. Even stuff I didn’t connect with, I still found fascinating and enjoyed reading about. This was such an excellent pick for Hoodoo Heritage Month. Those last few chapters especially really SPOKE to me. The surrender chapter!!!! Pheww! I will always recommend this book to my brothers and sisters who are more spiritually inclined. Love it.

[Jo-An Trini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to have more information on spirituality & I actually got what I was looking for.. very multifunctional! 💓 You’ll learn the theory, as well practical information. Also very nicely written. 👌🏾

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down. I thought I would listen to the audiobook while working on other projects but ended up flipping page after page, tagging and highlighting and mmm-ing and writing notes/thoughts and… well I ate this up in less than 24 hours. Mind you, I had been putting off reading this book since August because of work and other distractions. But that nudge kept nudging me through others until I gave in and I’m so glad I did. I literally cried at the end of this book because it was affirming, clarifying, grounding, and the medicine I needed at this time. Lots of reminders and nuggets of wisdom that have kept our people alive and thriving even in the most difficult conditions. Ancestral veneration was and is a big part of how I came back to traditions and has been a huge part of my healing journey. Juju is that girl— through her podcast and now this book she has supported so many people in their healing and spiritual journeys. Her voice is clear as if she’s talking with you one on one in a conversation (my favorite books do this well) and her vulnerability in sharing about her own practice makes the content even more relatable and inviting. This book is easy to follow and gives an excellent introduction and grounding to anyone who’s beginning to find their way back. Highly highly recommend, 10/10 +++.

[Brandi - RomanceStanAccount · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was called to this book and was so happy to get the ARC from NetGalley and Union Square & Co. I have been following JujuBae for awhile on social media and was so happy to see this book available. In this book she explains her background and how her spiritual journey is mixed into a few different practices. As an ADOS I was most interested in the Hoodoo aspects of the book but I think that anyone in the Diaspora should take a look at it. Like she says in the book if you are drawn to this book you are already one step closer to listening to your ancestor’s calling. It is also filled with definitions, history and instructional guides. The guides also include questions to ask yourself that are very helpful for anyone starting out on this journey. She includes her resources list and references if you are looking for a better understanding. I also enjoyed how detailed her section on ancestor veneration was. My favorite part of this book was her depiction of meeting her ancestors for the first time.

[Jai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m grateful that I learned about this book social media-it can do some good in this world. I’m also scolding myself for taking so long to finish the book but I also wanted to savor the words. Jujubae gave me a sense of relief when she discussed ancestor veneration, especially when I was always sad I didn’t know my father’s side of the family well and it was hard to connect with them since his passing. The book has helped me stay on my spiritual journey as well as made me more curious. I would recommend this to those who are just starting out their journey as well as folks that have been on the journey for awhile.

[Moriah-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Jujubae was like hitting on your aunt's porch when you're finally old enough for a “real drink”. Comforting and wise strong and astringent without trying to lead you one way or the other. It is a book that belongs in the house of the mystic, the academic, and those who dance between the two. With clearly written prose and well-researched information, I am excited to buy copies for members of my family and recommend it to all of my hoodoo besties! Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC.

[Adrian Mortis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book from Juju Bae's Twitter page, and I felt so drawn to picking it up. So, I did! This book answered many questions I had about different African/American beliefs that my family/ancestors practice(d). It made me reconsider some beliefs about different concepts, such as death/finality for example, that I had. I love that at the end of the book Juju Bae emphasizes that this should be read in a manner that is supplementary/adds to your journey, and not cited as cold hard MUSTS. This is definitely a 5-star read for me!

[Hilary Nihlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Juju on the TV show Living for the Dead. This book is a great introduction to African spiritual practices. As a white woman of European decent, I cannot practice most of these rituals, however, I appreciated learning about these systems. Reading this has made me interested in connecting more with my ancestors.

[Syn Challenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a pleasant introduction to anyone who is interested in ATR. The story of Juju's personal journey in to strengthening her relationship with her spirituality allowed one to feel a connection with her. It was an easy, informative read. It gave you just enough to build your interest and to give comfort by answering the curiosity of one's spiritual calling.

[Maddie Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for African Americans and members of the diaspora. Having followed Juju's podcast for years, I found her book to be highly satisfactory. It serves as a valuable guide to those interested in ancestor veneration or ATR, presented in an accessible and straightforward manner. 💖

[syd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen: this book is FANTASTIC. I originally began listening to the audiobook version but also bought a physical copy to highlight and take notes on after listening to the audiobook. The Book of JuJu is one of those books that you can go back to time and time again and learn something new with each read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. Thank you, Juju for all that you do for the community. I look forward to getting able to listen to the audiobook and I will definitely be returning to this text again and again.

[veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being a longtime listener and admirer of Juju Bae, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this. God, did I need to hear the things she wrote in this book. It's helped me immensely in both my spiritual journey and practice. A beautiful book.

[Miles Dillahunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty fire I did expect a little more general info a lot of the book focused on ancestral worship which wasn’t a huge issue for me because i wanted to learn about that, but I do wish there was more in depth on other ATR rituals and stuff like that

[Jae Cinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!! If you're Black/ AfroIndigenous this is a great resource in how to connect with ancestors and reclaim and nurture our Africana Indigenous spiritual power.

[Monchichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! 🤗

[Morgan Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every person who identifies themselves with the African diaspora and wants to better understand african-centred spirituality outside of traditional religions.

[Lee Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from the Juju Bae Podcast, this is a great compilation of learning to honor and venerate your Ancestors and stepping into your Blackness

[Hammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praise and Homage to Juju for being the story teller, record keeper, and juju lady this generation needs! Modupe!!

[Graciella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Made me want to learn more about African Spirituality

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Juju, by Juju Bae is a very insightful book about Hoodoo +++. I learned a lot from this book and gained a newer understanding of Hoodoo practice. I also really liked the author's personal story.

[Esperanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I needed. I love how Juju blends psychology, self-care, and spirituality in a way that feels real and accessible. It’s a great beginner’s guide for anyone just starting their spiritual or ancestral practice, nothing feels gatekept or overcomplicated.

I learned so much from this book and felt genuinely seen while reading it. It reminded me that spirituality doesn’t have to be intimidating or dogmatic, it can be healing, practical, and deeply personal. I’m so grateful I picked this one up.