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Old Style Conjure: Hoodoo, Rootwork, & Folk Magic
Conjure, hoodoo, rootwork--these are all names for southern American folk magic. Conjure first emerged in the days of slavery and plantations and is widely considered among the most potent forms of magic. Its popularity continues to increase, both in the United States and worldwide. This book is a guide to using conjure to achieve love, success, safety, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. Author Starr Casas, a hereditary master of the art, introduces readers to the history and philosophy of conjure and provides practical information for using it. Featuring Casas's own rituals, spells, and home recipes, the book provides useful information suitable for novices and seasoned practitioners alike.
In its pages, you'll learn about:
Bone reading
Candle burning
Conjure bags
Building your own conjure altar
In its pages, you'll learn about:
Bone reading
Candle burning
Conjure bags
Building your own conjure altar
220 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
135 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 27, 2017
If you’re interested in Southern American-style magic like hoodoo, New Orleans Voodoo, or other southern folk magic I need you to stop what you’re doing and get this book. This is the ABSOLUTE DIFINITIVE place for practitioners outside of the southern US to start their research. This book is easy to follow and a super comfortable read. Ms. Casas’s obvious southern hospitality and manners come through in her writing and I swear I smelled strong coffee and heard a soft whispering all the way through.
I want to start by mentioning how impressed I was with the level of respect and reverence Ms. Casas shows to the people of colour – referred to as The Ancestors throughout the book – that created these traditions based on their “”illegal”” african traditions. I’ve reviewed books written by authors from the south who were not nearly as respectful, upfront, and honest about this (Ugh, “plantation magic“.) so seeing mention of slavery on the first page of her introduction really set me at ease.
Starr admits she’s not a long-winded writer and prefers to get straight to the point, and this approach has made this one of the most accessible and easy to understand books on any spiritual practice I’ve found. The book even includes the basics of conjure in a Q&A format!
The book is Called Old-Style Conjure, and as such Ms. Casas often compares and contrasts some of the facts of her practice with modern witchcraft and paganism, or even with the more white-washed version of hoodoo you’re likely to encounter in the magical community. I found that super helpful! This book includes history right along with recipes and practices, lessons she learned growing up in the culture, and how she works this old style magick in her own life. This makes it an absolute essential foundation for a modern hoodoo practice. It’s important to understand the circumstances and feelings of slavery and of the culture of the south in order to understand everything from typical conjure ingredients, prayers, herbs, and spirits. Start at the beginning!
For a small and easy to read paperback, I feel like I’ve discovered an entire world full of knowledge. One thing that was particularly helpful for me was prayers, psalms, and songs from the bible and church services. Most conjure practitioners, like the majority of people in the south, practice their christian/catholic faith right along with their magickal practice. If you spent your youth going to church, reading the bible, and singing in the choir you may recognize lots of the verses, prayers, and songs in the book! I did not, however. I wasn’t raised christian, and early in the book she says that removing the bible from conjure means it’s no longer conjure but something else. She says this without judgement, and throughout the book lists gives recommendation for psalms and verses, full outlined so I can find them if I’m curious. I was incredibly grateful for this distinction, and the information.
I honestly can not recommend this book enough to all socially-conscious witches, or those looking to explore real southern hoodoo, conjure, and rootwork. Since Halloween/Samhain is on the way, I would also recommend it to anyone looking to learn about ancestral altars and ancestor worship, etiquette when visiting cemeteries, working with ancestors and spirits, and generally showing reverence to the dead in your magickal practice.
I want to start by mentioning how impressed I was with the level of respect and reverence Ms. Casas shows to the people of colour – referred to as The Ancestors throughout the book – that created these traditions based on their “”illegal”” african traditions. I’ve reviewed books written by authors from the south who were not nearly as respectful, upfront, and honest about this (Ugh, “plantation magic“.) so seeing mention of slavery on the first page of her introduction really set me at ease.
Starr admits she’s not a long-winded writer and prefers to get straight to the point, and this approach has made this one of the most accessible and easy to understand books on any spiritual practice I’ve found. The book even includes the basics of conjure in a Q&A format!
The book is Called Old-Style Conjure, and as such Ms. Casas often compares and contrasts some of the facts of her practice with modern witchcraft and paganism, or even with the more white-washed version of hoodoo you’re likely to encounter in the magical community. I found that super helpful! This book includes history right along with recipes and practices, lessons she learned growing up in the culture, and how she works this old style magick in her own life. This makes it an absolute essential foundation for a modern hoodoo practice. It’s important to understand the circumstances and feelings of slavery and of the culture of the south in order to understand everything from typical conjure ingredients, prayers, herbs, and spirits. Start at the beginning!
For a small and easy to read paperback, I feel like I’ve discovered an entire world full of knowledge. One thing that was particularly helpful for me was prayers, psalms, and songs from the bible and church services. Most conjure practitioners, like the majority of people in the south, practice their christian/catholic faith right along with their magickal practice. If you spent your youth going to church, reading the bible, and singing in the choir you may recognize lots of the verses, prayers, and songs in the book! I did not, however. I wasn’t raised christian, and early in the book she says that removing the bible from conjure means it’s no longer conjure but something else. She says this without judgement, and throughout the book lists gives recommendation for psalms and verses, full outlined so I can find them if I’m curious. I was incredibly grateful for this distinction, and the information.
I honestly can not recommend this book enough to all socially-conscious witches, or those looking to explore real southern hoodoo, conjure, and rootwork. Since Halloween/Samhain is on the way, I would also recommend it to anyone looking to learn about ancestral altars and ancestor worship, etiquette when visiting cemeteries, working with ancestors and spirits, and generally showing reverence to the dead in your magickal practice.
March 2, 2019
this book was so good! i would consider it a great introduction to conjure. Starr Casas is a southern lady and she explains things to you like a southern lady would. for me it was like sitting on the porch, having someone explain conjure to me. Everything was easy to understand and follow. I don't know what some of the herbs are but that's no biggie and easy to fix. I would most definitely read more but this author!
June 24, 2021
I like her reverence for the ancestors of Hoodoo and how she believes that whites should honor them after everything horrible the whites put them through. I do believe that is a humble outlook. I like how detailed her book was on some of the works, roots, dirts, etc. I like that she is clear that the workings she does is simply her way and how its been passed down. Stars writing style seems to be the way she speaks in real life, which I like and find authentic.
The only thing that I am not fond of is that the book puts a heavier emphasis on Christianity than some of the other conjure books I've read. Unfortunately, Christianity is infused with Hoodoo.. Some believe in God and how the Bible allows man dominion over all roots of the world and how there is magic, rituals, etc throughout the Bible. Some treat the Bible as if its just another spell book and how the ancestors had to hide their works in the Bible and use psalms as petitions to avoid getting caught by the masters. So I do understand why its infused, but the hard part is determining how I feel about it. So im keeping an open mind for now even though Christianity had always left a bad taste in my mouth. Im keeping an open mind on how conjure workers view the Bible and Christianity. So I do recommend this book but do want to say that the book is simply based on her experiences and that not all conjure workers have the same views on everything.
The only thing that I am not fond of is that the book puts a heavier emphasis on Christianity than some of the other conjure books I've read. Unfortunately, Christianity is infused with Hoodoo.. Some believe in God and how the Bible allows man dominion over all roots of the world and how there is magic, rituals, etc throughout the Bible. Some treat the Bible as if its just another spell book and how the ancestors had to hide their works in the Bible and use psalms as petitions to avoid getting caught by the masters. So I do understand why its infused, but the hard part is determining how I feel about it. So im keeping an open mind for now even though Christianity had always left a bad taste in my mouth. Im keeping an open mind on how conjure workers view the Bible and Christianity. So I do recommend this book but do want to say that the book is simply based on her experiences and that not all conjure workers have the same views on everything.
June 25, 2020
Conjure is one of the only styles of magic I haven't researched or experienced directly yet. That said, I don't think it's one for me, if this book is any indication. Starr Casas made it very clear that the Bible is key to the core practices of Conjure, and any changes to the works that remove Christianity turn them into something else.
Also, I found it disappointing that so many people labeled this a good volume for a first look into Conjure, as the book doesn't give many explanations or details. A few works were listed with explanations for each piece and step, but otherwise you were just given statements of A+B=C without context. As a witch, I can see commonalities in the goals of each work and the items used, but if I approached this book without a background in any magic system, I'd be lost.
This book might be an inspiration or guide to someone already working within the Christian mythos or someone raised within the church. However, as someone raised by agnostics, the symbolism and prayers all fall short for me. All in all, I was disappointed.
Also, I found it disappointing that so many people labeled this a good volume for a first look into Conjure, as the book doesn't give many explanations or details. A few works were listed with explanations for each piece and step, but otherwise you were just given statements of A+B=C without context. As a witch, I can see commonalities in the goals of each work and the items used, but if I approached this book without a background in any magic system, I'd be lost.
This book might be an inspiration or guide to someone already working within the Christian mythos or someone raised within the church. However, as someone raised by agnostics, the symbolism and prayers all fall short for me. All in all, I was disappointed.
October 14, 2020
Fascinating. It touched on a lot of the things I vaguely recall my grandmother and older aunts saying (not teaching) and doing. I see no disparity between this practice and any other folk practices in other cultures that have been absorbed by Christianity and left their mark on it. I do find it fascinating that folks consider this fact "pushing" Christianity on people. You don't say that about how magic systems in other traditions work, so why is this different? It is what it is. If you don't want to be a Christian, don't be one. That's not what this book is about. I plan to do more reading on this subject.
December 19, 2019
I thought it was very clear to understand for people who are looking to practice or are studying this work. I was skeptical when I learned the author was white explicating on a subject with African American origin. But I was comforted by the homage and the emphasis she put on respecting those who began this work. Overall a quick, easy, and informative read.
April 27, 2020
An awesome read and added insight for the things that I had to study. Its great knowledge and is straight forward. Star really paid homage to historical figures and some I hadn't even considered such as Harriet Tubman and other of which I had no idea actually were workers. School history never taught this part of African Americna history so I really appreciated the touch on it.
I do understand the knowledge presented in here is in some aspect religious and that probably was the only thing that kinda turned me off initially. I understand why the ancestors referenced religion but still I have my reservations on it. After all, it was forced upon them, so, I dont follow that part although it is respected and acknowledged.
I've definitely taken notice on how I could potentially approach my course work in this range. This book will definitely be on my referencing list.
I do understand the knowledge presented in here is in some aspect religious and that probably was the only thing that kinda turned me off initially. I understand why the ancestors referenced religion but still I have my reservations on it. After all, it was forced upon them, so, I dont follow that part although it is respected and acknowledged.
I've definitely taken notice on how I could potentially approach my course work in this range. This book will definitely be on my referencing list.
January 14, 2020
This book is an absolute delight. I read it for research purposes for a novel I am writing to shore up the root of some of the folk magic traditions I was raised up with—like burying potatoes under the light of the moon to remove illness. Starr Casas does a charming job of explaining rootwork and old style Southern Conjure to the person who is new to these concepts, and she does it with much respect and deference to the ancestors—the African slaves who first brought Conjure to the United States and whose power, influence, and pride of culture are the basis for this kind of magic.
Any student of Southern culture or folk traditions would be served well by reading this wonderful book.
Any student of Southern culture or folk traditions would be served well by reading this wonderful book.
August 10, 2019
4.5
My first time reading anything about Conjure and I sure learned a lot! Also learned that it's probably not for me. I just don't like the idea of mixing Christianity with witchcraft. No offense to anyone who likes this kind of stuff, do you. As someone who grew up with strict parents and reading the bible all the time. God doesn't like witchcraft... so it makes me uncomfortable. If you like that kind of thing, then this book will help you a lot! So go for it!
My first time reading anything about Conjure and I sure learned a lot! Also learned that it's probably not for me. I just don't like the idea of mixing Christianity with witchcraft. No offense to anyone who likes this kind of stuff, do you. As someone who grew up with strict parents and reading the bible all the time. God doesn't like witchcraft... so it makes me uncomfortable. If you like that kind of thing, then this book will help you a lot! So go for it!
March 31, 2025
This is an interesting and quick read about a practice that is part folk tradition, part Christian practice and part intention working. The history of the practices are discussed.
November 10, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I'm so glad I did. This was a very well written and fascinating book. The author talks about the history of Hoodoo and rootwork. She gives clear instructions on how to do some works. She gives thorough explanations on every thing she talks about. If you have any interest in Hoodoo or root work this book is a must for your library. Hoodoo and root work are not my spiritual path but I believe the works she talks about in this book would actually be effective.
December 6, 2021
Starr Casas clearly knows her material, I will give her that. However she delves into too many non-sequiturs that pepper the book with a folksy, from-the-street feel and this kept throwing me out of the material. I get it: many occult authors tend to incorporate myth and have to in order to get to the root of the work, but Casas kept repeating herself over and over. I would have preferred a more objective approach to the material step by step drawings or images to her work. In short, to me, this is a good book to get your feet in the water. Some of it I agree with; others, not so much.
October 7, 2017
****GOODREADS FIRST READS WINNER ****
What a very informative read. It was very easy to read and follow. It’s my first time reading something like this and I have a very curious mind. I loved it and if this is your thing then you definitely must have this book. I learned a lot and I’m definitely gonna treasure this book for years to come. Great for beginners.
What a very informative read. It was very easy to read and follow. It’s my first time reading something like this and I have a very curious mind. I loved it and if this is your thing then you definitely must have this book. I learned a lot and I’m definitely gonna treasure this book for years to come. Great for beginners.
February 22, 2019
Just delightful. I think that Casas does a good job of trying to get at the importance of recognizing that white people teaching and practicing conjure can be problematic. Her consistent reminders to learn about and honor the ancestors of conjure seem really sincere. I’m really looking forward to reading more from her!
October 4, 2020
One of the best books on Folk Magic I've read. Absolutely fascinating, and includes a great deal of history that we're not normally taught. Even if you don't practice conjure, I recommend reading this book just for education.
May 11, 2018
Places hoodoo squarely in its cultural context. Honors the ancestors and their sufferings.Scripture-fueled ritual to get through a tough life. Fascinating Americana.
October 23, 2021
“Who better to honor them, (enslaved Africans) than the white people who once enslaved them?” 👎🏾 *You don’t find that suspicious??!*
February 13, 2021
I like the writing style. It’s easy, enjoyable read. I was surprised that the author said white people can practice Hoodoo. I hear a lot of people saying they can’t.
I imagine some people coming from Christianity to witchcraft might be interested in Hoodoo. Christianity is so against witchcraft, and here is a form of magic that includes Christianity. It probably feels familiar and safe.
From what I gather though, it isn’t necessarily Christianity. In some cases it’s truly working with other spirits hidden in Christian clothing. Thats perfectly fine. Everyone’s practice is their own, but I think you should know what your practice actually is and why. What is the history, and what does that mean?
I imagine some people coming from Christianity to witchcraft might be interested in Hoodoo. Christianity is so against witchcraft, and here is a form of magic that includes Christianity. It probably feels familiar and safe.
From what I gather though, it isn’t necessarily Christianity. In some cases it’s truly working with other spirits hidden in Christian clothing. Thats perfectly fine. Everyone’s practice is their own, but I think you should know what your practice actually is and why. What is the history, and what does that mean?
March 4, 2018
An exceptional book on Conjure. Filled with not just the dos and don'ts, but the why's as well, this book was thoughtfully and lovingly put together. It's easily digestible, and features some of the history of Conjure. It was a very pleasant and informative read for me. If you are looking for somewhere to begin learning about Conjure, I highly recommend you begin with Old Style Conjure by Starr Casas.
March 26, 2018
This book was an interesting collection of crafts, spellworks, and the history of Conjure. Mama Starr dispels the myths of Hollywood Hoodoo and lays the facts out straight. Although I'm not from the Conjure tradition, as a student of magic this book sheds new light on how magic can weave itself through different cultures and ages. As a Southerner, this book delivers that old familiar charm of the magic we felt in the dirt roads, the rusty nails, and the old folks' ways--our hidden history.
May 3, 2024
*English is not my first language. I apologize for possible spelling mistakes.*
This was an interesting read. This was my first book about conjure. I liked the writing style and the book is very informative even to those who do not practice conjure.
There is one little thing that bothered me enough to take one star away and that is littering.
I do not like the idea of putting jars in flowing water and taking food offerings to parks if there is no indication that the food is safe for wildlife to eat.
This was an interesting read. This was my first book about conjure. I liked the writing style and the book is very informative even to those who do not practice conjure.
There is one little thing that bothered me enough to take one star away and that is littering.
I do not like the idea of putting jars in flowing water and taking food offerings to parks if there is no indication that the food is safe for wildlife to eat.
February 10, 2021
Mama Casas’ Old Style Conjure is down to earth no nonsense rootwork. Informative without the light, love and anything goes that permeates much of occult writings.
I was put off by some reviews accusing her of trying to convert readers to Christianity. I didn’t get that impression at all.
Her main argument is Traditional Southern Rootwork involves the Bible. Period; that’s the way it was and that’s the way she feels it should be kept in order for this branch of conjure to remain true. Considering how water downed and nonsensical much of the occult branches have become who could blame her.
I was put off by some reviews accusing her of trying to convert readers to Christianity. I didn’t get that impression at all.
Her main argument is Traditional Southern Rootwork involves the Bible. Period; that’s the way it was and that’s the way she feels it should be kept in order for this branch of conjure to remain true. Considering how water downed and nonsensical much of the occult branches have become who could blame her.
September 5, 2023
This book was respectfully written. She have gave complete respect and honor to our ancestors who have started this work. The book itself was very well written and to the point. I will continue to read her books. I was a little hesitant about reading a book written about hoodoo from a person that is not of color but after reading this I respect her craft 100%
December 20, 2019
Love this book! I found it to be interesting, informative and fun! Nice section on historical figures such as Harriet Tubman. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn and grown in the area of conjure.
August 7, 2024
I loved this book! It was direct, engaging, and oozing with respectful wisdom. Reading it felt like sitting down with the author herself, weaving spells of knowledge just for you—just in time for fall and all things spooky.
November 8, 2017
Really great.
It absolutely read like my Tennessee-bred granny had written a book about the old ways. Really, really informative and wise, wonderful read.
It absolutely read like my Tennessee-bred granny had written a book about the old ways. Really, really informative and wise, wonderful read.
July 19, 2018
Excellent book!
March 23, 2021
Checked out from the library and I already Amazon primed a copy to keep. Absolutely fascinating.
September 27, 2022
Interesting, informative and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews