Working Conjure: A Guide to Hoodoo Folk Magic

by Hoodoo Sen Moise

"Working Conjure is a blessing. With the increasing commodification of African American and African Diasporic traditions, books about our practices that are simple, direct, and useful seem few and far between. Hoodoo Sen Moise manages to balance a solid delivery on the practice of Conjure with just enough theory to create a foundation to do this spiritual work—which is not, as he also reminds us, spiritual easy—and to continue the work given to us by our ancestors to heal each other and the world we share."—Mambo Chita Tann, author of Haitian Vodou
 
Conjure, also known as Hoodoo or Rootwork, is an old and powerful system of North American folk magic. Its roots derive primarily from West and Central African spiritual traditions but it developed during the slave trade and its purpose at that time was to help ease the terrible oppression experienced by the slaves. Working Conjure explores the history, culture, principles, fundamentals, and ethics of Conjure, while simultaneously serving as a practical how-to guide for actually doing the work.

Author Hoodoo Sen Moise has been a practitioner for nearly forty years. In Working Conjure, his first book, he shares the techniques and lessons that will bring Hoodoo alive to those who are new to the practice as well as useful and enlightening information for the adept. In the book he:


Explores the primary materials used in Conjure
Features spells, rituals, and workings for various purposes
Guides readers to learn how to bring this profound school of magic to life
“Conjure,” writes Hoodoo Sen Moise, “is not a religion or spiritual path, per se, but rather magic/spiritual work that is done to bring about change in a situation. Whether that situation is a relationship, money, a job, revenge, healing, or cleansing, the fundamental tenet of Conjure is to do work that changes the circumstance.”

Genres: Witchcraft, Occult, Nonfiction, Magic, Spirituality, Audiobook, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2018

About the author

Conjure, also known as Hoodoo or Rootwork, is an old, powerful, and increasingly popular system of North American folk magic. Conjure's roots derive primarily from West and Central African spiritual traditions, but it has also been influenced by Christianity, Jewish mysticism, and Native American practices.

Hoodoo Sen Moise has been studying this tradition and working with Conjure for over 35 years. Here in Working Conjure, he explores Conjure's history, principles, fundamentals, and ethics, while simultaneously providing a practical how-to guide to actually "working" Conjure and making Conjure work for you.

Reviews

[Mychole-Anthonie Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this "introduction" to the craft of Hoodoo. However I was highly disappointed due to lack of history and context. To put it bluntly, it felt made for those just wanting to learn "magic" without knowing where to get the power. There are other books with more depth but this is fine for most new age witches.

[Tepintzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sen Moises's book is a solid introduction to the theory and practices of Hoodoo or Conjure. To put it briefly, it's a system of magic from the American South, born out of life-or-death needs. Most of the ingredients and rituals are easy to acquire and perform, the expense being in the time commitment and dedication to doing them correctly. Preparing a bath with four ingredients is simple enough, but there is the equity of preparing the bath and taking it for fourteen days going into the spell. The serious practitioner is likewise going to spend months building relationships with the spirits of the local graveyard or cemetery, and then maintaining them. This is not a system for dabblers, and the results are a direct result of the hard work put into the spells. As Sen Moise likes to say, that's why it's called "The Work" and not "The Easy".

The only thing that I would want to see in a follow up is information on where to get some of the plants involved. I happen to know that asafoetida can be purchased at Indian grocery stores, and that would have been nice to include for people who don't know that. Hyssop is a common ingredient, and I don't know where a person would find that.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening, cause know I know where the hex bag came from

[Zwahk Muchoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Working Conjure" by Hoodoo Sen Moise deals heavily with the spiritual aspects of hoodoo. This book goes into how to contact the spirits within plants in order to gain their help in casting spells, what kind of spirits to seek out at a graveyard for certain workings, how to get in touch with ancestors and a great deal more.

My favorite part of the book deals with the use of dirt in hoodoo. An area over time attracts certain energy and spirits and this has an effect on the ground underneath. Burying magical items in the earth of these areas can thus be used to cast different kinds of spells. As an example a road-opener spell could incorporate dirt from a train yard since the energy in this area would be one of traveling to new places (and possibly finding new opportunities as a result).

There's a lot of focus on couple separation work throughout the book, in wicca this would be considered forbidden dark magick but the author points out that magick in hoodoo is not about good or evil, it's about bringing balance.  Toxic relationships tend to be extremely unbalanced by their very nature. 

I wish the author had included their personal recipe for van van oil, van van oil recipes are like cinnamon roll recipes, yes, you come up with a similar result every time but it's the unique little differences that make them so much fun. There's a lot of really useful information in this book for anyone going down a magical path, whether you are a ceremonial magician or wiccan or whatever I would definitely suggest reading this one.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read and chock filled with information. I particularly liked getting the “why” things are done as that helps with intent. Conjure is not something to dabble in, and this book makes it clear that it’s an every day practice filled with working with your ancestors, the herbs, and crafting relationships. Highly recommended!

[Tamika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is perfect for people researching well as people who want to begin a practice. This book is completely instructional which is amazing but I'd still recommend reaching out to someone who knows what they are doing but this is a wonderful start.

I was curious

[Robert Furlong · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's some good tidbits in here, but overall nothing you wouldn't get from any other basic hoodoo/conjure book. The entire thing has the feel of someone being pressed to fill a page limit using the same tricks a high schooler would do on an essay, like padding out the language or copy and pasting verses from the bible while altering the spacing and font so that they take up multiple pages. It would have been three stars for the good bits of advice found within, but in the beginning the author gives advice that can actually poison the reader and at the end they claim to be able to cure cancer, so that knocked it down a good bit.

[Stephanie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Insight!

I've read sifted through many readings on this topic, but this book truly blessed me! This is a safe place to start your Conjure journey. There isn't an overabundance of information, everything is necessary, precise, and to the point. You really feel connected to the author as if you are sitting down being personally mentored. I downloaded the digital version of this but plan on buying the book itself so i can add it to my collection and return to it often. I highly recommend!

[Sabrina Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not involved in ATR practices, nor do I intend to pursue action in them as its not my culture, this was incredible to read for perspectives and ideas to adapt (not appropriate). I found a lot of valuable information on there, and I really enjoyed a lot of the perspectives of the author--it made me really think about my own practice and how I could benefit from a similar approach.

It's easy to read, there's a wonderful glossary in the back, and the question "why" is answered in almost all instances, which is fantastic.

[Mo'In · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Book

Working Conjure: A Guide to Hoodoo Folk Magic is amazing book. Why is it amazing?
Because the author immediately strikes one as authentic, sharing practical teachings meant for practical purposes. This books does not at all have the tone of flowery, new-agey literature and all manner of theorizing.
Instead, he shares how this work is for real people, dealing with real personal and social pressures.
I’m ready for more writing from this author!

[gabriel buckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Hoodoo Education

This book is a refreshing change from collections of spells without rules of engagement. Hoodoo Sen Moise not only provides brick and mortar workings, he weaves a cultural background that enriches the feel, the tapestry of traditions that root workers operate in.
I'd encourage anyone interested in folk magic tradition to get this book.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and organised book on Hoodoo, an American folk magic tradition. This is definitely one of the better books on this subject, and if you are new to the tradition it's a good book to begin your learning.

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend picked this up for me in New Orleans, so I could begin my research into the differences between Hoodoo, Voudon and Santeria. I found this book highly interesting and very informative, and yet easy to read, even for someone who wasn't raised knowing much about it.

[Jauntee McGriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

The author gives you a clear understanding of Conjure. By telling stories, giving examples, repetition and reference, as well as facts. He also tells you what he believes, others, but most of all what’s been proven. I’m glad I purchased this book.

[Melany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I was so excited to read this book and I wasn't disappointed. The wisdom and experience that Hoodoo Sen Moise has is incredible and I'm so glad he shared it with us through this book.

[Brenda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with wisdom, knowledge and powerful guidance.

I love a teacher who can teach. I have learned so much. I purchased this book on kindle and in print. I'm extremely thankful!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was awesome reading a book about Conjure for the first time. I have almost no experience with this subject but found the book very enjoyable and gives good explanations on how to do different rituals. Would read again.

[Julie Kusma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is loaded with actual Conjure root work! Along with explanations, ingredients, and instructions. This is an invaluable resource for anyone writing about Hoodoo and Conjure work. Or actually doing it!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; Moise’s voice is straightforward and practical. He stresses daily work, balance, and forging a relationship with the ancestors, roots, dirts, and places before and during the work at hand.

[S. Roit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad.

It is a practical guide that I enjoyed. If you need much more background, say history and more in depth, this isn’t the book.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read this year! Sen Moise speaks from a place of educating the reader on the roots of conjure and spares no punches!

[Susan Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative guide into and through hoodoo. This book is a superb addition to my return to again and again selection.

[Brandy Searor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information and advice! Definitely could have been longer. There's a lot more he could have covered. Hopefully next time!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Have several conjure books but this is the best and most ethical one I have read so far. Very interesting and knowledgeable writer

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but it's not so much a "guide" as it is a "here's this one guy's method of doing these few workings" kind of read. Still, I enjoyed it and would buy/read it again.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic intro.

[Stephanie Nava · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great foundation of understanding and working conjure.

[Malum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to traditional Hoodoo without any new age influences shoved in.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little more dry than Old Style Conjure. Enjoyable and interesting.

[Jaronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved thus book

I really enjoyed thus book looking forward to reading more books by hoodoo sen moise thanks for your inspiration in my journey