User:Fj153505/rootwork

Rootwork
Rootwork is another word for Hoodoo. It refers to the importance of dried roots in making spells and charms. Rootwork can be described as putting a spell on or having evil influence over another person. There are many symptoms that can be caused by rootwork such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and weakness. Individuals who suffer from this syndrome may also experience the fear of being poisoned and killed. The spells that are cast on individuals can sometimes cause problems that are psychological. There is someone known as the root doctor, and this person is known to heal all of the problems and hexes placed on people. Hoodoo incorporates practices from African and Native American traditions, as well as some European magical practices. Rootwork can be defined as African American folk magic that uses elements of nature to change ourselves, others, or the environment; it is a form of shamanism that makes use of organic materials to heal or to solve a problem.

History of Hoodoo
Hoodoo began in Africa. When Africans were brought to America as slaves, Hoodoo came along. Hoodoo thrived as the slaves were spread across America, especially the south. Native Americans intermixed with them adding a little of their own spiritual beliefs to Hoodoo. It became very dynamic, picking up pieces of others like Christianity, Kabbalists, Spiritualists, Santeria, Shango, Voudon, and Candomble. It developed until it became something similar to modern day Hoodoo.

Harry Middleton Hyatt
Harry Middleton Hyatt wrote "Hoodoo-Conjuration-Witchcraft-Rootwork". This consists of 5 volumes, 4,766 pages gathered by Hyatt from 1,600 informants in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia between 1936 and 1940. Almost all his recordings referred to Hoodoo and not Voodoo.

Hoodoo vs Voodoo
Voodoo is a West African religion that was transplanted in Haiti. Hoodoo is not a religion. It is a Central African magical belief and practice. The word "Voodoo" is used primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana where Haitians immigrated in the 19th century. "Vodou" means Spirits in Africa.

Beliefs of Rootworkers
Rootworkers have many common beliefs.
 * Most believe in one Supreme Being with a network of lesser Supernatural beings such as angels, ancestors, ghosts, etc.


 * The Earth is considered alive and sacred. Offerings are made in appreciation of all that the Earth gives.


 * There is life beyond physical death. Spirits are very wise and contribute information when communicated  with.


 * Divination can be used to determine the future of themselves or others. One special ability was to read signs in Nature.  The oldest form is the "casting the bones" or "reading the bones" which comes directly from West Africa.


 * Rootworkers believe in the right to defend themselves and retaliate against their enemies.


 * Rootworkers must be honest and confidential. Those who tried to use their powers to cheat others were known as "Black Gypsies".

Here are some links for more information on hoodoo and rootwork:

1. http://shawnacohen.tripod.com/thetribaltraditions/id25.html

2. http://www.mamiwata.com/hoodoo.html

3. http://www.llewellynjournal.com/article/504

4. http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodoohistory.html