Hoodoo for Everyone: Modern Approaches to Magic, Conjure, Rootwork, and Liberation

by Sherry Shone

A beginner’s guide to an inclusive Hoodoo practice--history, spellwork, folklore, and herbs

Hoodoo is a folklore tradition that was created by and for enslaved African Americans in the southern United States. And before there were honey jars, red brick dust, and everything else you may associate with Hoodoo, there was the need to be free.

This is not the #kitchenwitch Hoodoo you’ve seen on social: it’s magic for those who seek liberation and healing, for those who have been hurt, misunderstood, or cast aside. This is Hoodoo, updated: history, foundations, spellwork, and spiritual guidance made accessible to everyone, inclusive of all backgrounds and genders.

Written with three guiding Hoodoo tenets--Intention, Faith, and Direction--in mind, Hoodoo for Everyone offers everything you need to know about the practice: rituals, conjure, rootwork, divination, herbs, plants, and ancestor work.

Shone’s modern Hoodoo also goes in-depth into discussions of gender, religion, and cultural appropriation. She answers the questions:
• Is Hoodoo the same as Voodoo, Lucumi, or Santeria?
• How do I connect to an ancestor if I don’t know my family’s history?
• Is Hoodoo accessible to queer folks?
• Can I practice Hoodoo even if I’m agnostic or Christian?
• How can I practice Hoodoo respectfully and with sensitivity?


With spells and verses organized by topic and a list of spices, herbs, and spellwork objects, Hoodoo for Everyone is for all readers called to Hoodoo, new and experienced alike. For anyone seeking a natural spiritual practice, a connection to their history, or a deeper connection to non-judgmental life energy, Shone offers a comprehensive guide to manifesting deliverance through Hoodoo magic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Self Help, Spirituality, Crafts, Ebooks, Magic

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Alexa Esperanza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a basic guide to Hoodoo, the African American folkloric spiritual system. I liked how the author stressed the importance of personalizing your practice and developing your own code of ethics. I appreciated the personal experiences shared and the inclusion of LGBTQ folks. A lot of what the Author urges us to ask ourselves are really helpful and introspective questions that would also make great journal prompts! The recommended reading list at the end has a lot of great suggestions like “Mojo Working” and “African American Slave Medicine”

Some drawbacks for me:
1). Hoodoo is a closed practice. I strongly disagree with the notion that this is open for people who aren’t Black to practice. Especially given the history of why it was created and for whom it was created. Hoodoo also has a history of appropriation and exploitation by outsiders and although the author does address cultural appropriation, It’s a very ancestral focused practice, so if your ancestors aren’t Black it might be more helpful to look into those practices that actually aligned with their cultures and identities.

2). Although I love the theme of personalizing and tailoring your practice to fit you, I think the recommendations to include things like the Gospel of Buddah or Calling on Orishas (who’s origin is Yoruba tradition, whereas Hoodoo is more closely related to Congo traditions.) I definitely believe people are free to incorporate multiple things into their practice I just wonder if adding all those things early on might be confusing to someone who’s new to Hoodoo.

[ᛚᚨᚱᚲᚨ × ᚠᛖᚾᚱᛁᚱ (Semi hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Hoodoo, updated

I have mixed feelings about this book, but they're mostly negative.

First things first: what is Hoodoo? It is a practice of using folklore magic that developed in the Southern tradition by enslaved Africans. As the title says, everyone can practice Hoodoo, but there must be understanding and respect for its origins.

What I liked about this book is that it's really exhaustive: it doesn't explain just what Hoodoo is and how to practice it, but it also explains its origins and it educates us, giving us the prerequisite for using it.

What I did not like about this book, it's how slow and repetitive it felt at some point, especially at the end when the author explains the various practices... but it's not what I liked least.

What I really can't get over is how religious this book is.

I get the point of the author - the Bible is only a magic tool like any other you could use. You could use another religious text, or if you're not a religious person you can rely on science, songs, poems etc. As per title, everyone can practice Hoodoo.

Too bad the authos IS religious, so we're getting a lot of it! To be fair, she also modifies few examples to show us how to tailor psalm and whatnot to our needs, but it doesn't make up for everything else.

All in all I liked how the book is structured and I especially liked how the background of the practice is explained. I also liked the author! It's only her work that didn't click for me.

I would suggest this book to anybody that hasn't a previous knowledge of the practice and doesn't mind to know how to practice an updated version of Hoodoo (changing the rituals accordingly to one's needs, not traditional views), but I would warn anyone not particularly religious of the high dosage cointained in the book

Contents
Chapter 1 - Hoodoo Origins
Chapter 2 - Fundamentals of Hoodoo Practices
Chapter 3 - Ethical Hoodoo
Chapter 4 - Worthy Hoodoo Fighters
Chapter 5 - Putting It All Together
Chapter 6 - Cleansing

More at Inky Lighthouse.

**Thanks to NetGalley, Sherry Shone, and North Atlantic books for an ARC of this book.*

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is extremely readable. However, did I learn anything new? Not really. It felt like I was eating potato chips and not getting full.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Michelle Willms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvelous first book, or continuing book in Hoodoo or Conjure.

It's also a great tool for those interested in learning about Hoodoo. If you are uncertain if Hoodoo is for you, believe me, you'll know after reading the first 75 pages or so. Sherry Shone is very open and welcoming to all into the Hoodoo religion. However, she makes sure that all comers understand that this is a serious undertaking, and is not for the faint of heart, or for those who do not respect and understand thoroughly the history of those who were slaves in the United States.

The writing is wonderful and really brings the reader into the book. There are a number of great personal stories included, making the book even more interesting.

[Dian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting overview of modern hoodoo written by a practictioner. I appreciated the insight and history that the author brought to the subject and I felt like I had a good outsiders view of the subject when I was finished with the book, which is what I was looking for. This is not a practice that I follow, but I have been trying to broaden my knowledge base of traditions outside of my personal practice and this book fit the bill.

[Katta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inclusive, informative, and very readable. The updated take was mixed it well with history and tradition.

[GE Maddison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

I knew very little about the subject of hoodoo before reading this, and the title and description really drew me in. I was really looking forward to learning more about hoodoo, it's history and it's practices! But to me, the book is more of a biography of the author, Sherry Stone.

That being said, Stone is an engaging author, with a style of writing that makes you feel like you're reading a letter sent to you by a friend. This may not have been the book for me, but I'll be on the lookout for more from her.

[Bookish Burnished Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone's writing is articulate and inviting, warm but matter-of-fact. She introduces us to a modern Hoodoo faith rooted in taking care of our loved ones, helping liberate ourselves and our people. She focuses on ethics -- whether the impetus behind the works, or the gathering and using of ingredients. Each time after reading a chunk, I felt a little like I'd gone to a group therapy session: a little uplifted, a little more true to myself, and a little more seen.

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoodoo For Everyone by Sherry Shone masterfully delivers on the title's promise providing a detailed overview of an often overlooked and even more often misunderstood spiritual practice.

What I Liked
The author is incredibly transparent about their own background and experiences prior to writing this book allowing a reader to more easily understand why the writer is any kind of authority on the subject. Further While providing a text that is designed to allow any layperson with interest to approach and potentially practice hoodoo the author does not shy away from the uncomfortable topic of cultural appropriation. In particular I was really fond of the section on the ancestors and deity work.
What didn't work for me
The pulling it all together section felt a bit too much like a standard Wiccan book of shadows or spell collection. and did not seem to carry the same writing voice or weight as the rest of the text.

Who would I recommend this Book for

This Book would be a good fit for seekers wanting an approachable introduction to Hoodoo for academic or spiritual purposes.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I had no interest in practicing Hoodoo, but they have just changed. However I do enjoy reading about other practitioners and their practices and this book was amazingly clear and concise. If you’re interested in Hoodoo, as either a practitioner or just to learn about the practice, this is an excellent book for you to read. It will answer most of your questions and get you started if that is your desire. One of the best occult books I have read on this subject.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to Goodreads for an advanced copy of this book.

Hoodoo for Everyone is a beginning primer for those interested and wondering about Hoodoo, but did not want to get bogged down in deep histories or thoughts on the practice. The writing is good and gives the basic ideas well, plus is very inclusive and interesting. I am not sure if this would be good for students who want to delve deeper into the world, but like I said is a good start for people.

[Kate Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as part of a Goodreads Giveaway***

A well put together and thoroughly researched guide to Hoodoo although very basic. It’s important to know the fundamentals and this book provides that to newbies and adds some insight making it practical for those who are seasoned practitioners. I loved how the author encourages the reader to personalize their practice and basically go with what feels right. Solid collection.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. I had read a book on Hoodoo before, but it was not as in depth and informative as this one.

I found the Author knowledgeable and willing to share her views and opinions. A book you would go back to repeatedly.

Thanks to Netgalley and North Atlantic Books for the ARC. My Review is my own opinion.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enlightening experience reading this book. The author has given me food for thought regarding Hoodoo. I am rereading to savor the knowledge the author is giving on these pages. I read this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Nette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoodoo for Everyone by Sherry Shone offers an understanding and background of Hoodoo. It takes you through breaking biases, finding your guides, and being respectful of the culture and its practice. Sherry Shone takes and wraps you up with reassurance that Hoodoo is for everyone but makes sure you are fully aware that education is important. Even more important than getting the okay to practice Hoodoo is that you need to have the most respect for its history and for the people who sought deliverance practicing Hoodoo. Sherry Shone guides you to learn about herbs, shares some prayers, how to communicate, and the differences between ancestors, guides, and deities. It is a very informational, great reference book.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and well written book about hoodo. I appreciated the style of writing and how the book is organised.
It's an interesting and informative read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Zai M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction for those who wish to better understand Hoodoo, and very welcoming to those from other cultures. The book is very inclusive and requires a grounding in fate: whatever that may be or mean to you. I love the inclusivity, and recommend it for anyone curious about the practice.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick impressions: Overall, this is an excellent book on the topic, and it works well as an introductory text for those wanting to follow this path. It may help some readers decide if this is a good path for them or not.

(Full review available on my blog.)

[Anna Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to read. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I wanted to absorb the knowledge. I made sure to wash my hands each time I picked up the book as Sherry suggested. This is an excellent introduction to Hoodoo practice, customs, and rituals. Highly recommended.

[SteFF · Rating 1 out of 5]

One sided, opinionated and closed minded. Also, the phrase "for everyone" is misleading according to this author.

[The Sass Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

[Granddaughter Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book bridged the gap between my biblical upbringing and supported me into the understanding of self-knowledge in a more specific magical way - a root work way. Talk about empowerment - this is an empowering book for any reader that is curious about how the Christian bible can be connected to your magical path. Sherry writes about discipline, honor and respect for all walks of life. Thank you Sherry Shone! You helped me in my self-discovery.

No need to be afraid of the unknown, it is here to let you know that you are a child of life. Sherry invites everyone to learn and engage! Thank you Sherry Shone (That HooDoo Lady)

[Payal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was curious about this book, but also a little apprehensive when I requested it on NetGalley as it isn't something I'd normally pick out. But I'm glad I did. I particularly enjoyed Sherry Shone's writing, the way she contextualised the subject and presented it.

Sometimes it pays to read out of your comfort zone!

(Review copy from NetGalley)