User:Sdd3986/sandbox

SYMPTOMS
"Rootwork" is a set of cultural interpretations that ascribe illness to hexing, witchcraft, sorcery, or the evil influence of another person. Rootwork is associated with anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, weakness, dizziness, and the fear of being poisoned or killed.

Any sickness can be attributed to rootwork, but the most commonly associated symptoms are mental and gastrointestinal ailments.

TREATMENT
In communities where rootwork exists, there are rootworkers who can "put on" or "take off" hexes. These rootworkers can be of either sex. [Hillard] Rootworkers use herbs for medical and magical purposes. Those who believe in this folk health belief system do not believe that medical treatment can aid any suffering or ailments caused by supernatural rootworks. The cure for suffering must come from the hands of a positive rootworker. Similarly, individuals that do not believe in rootwork, witchcraft, or hexes, cannot be affected by them. [Loue]

ORIGINS
Originating from Africa, rootwork is a belief system with a foundation centered around hexing that was brought to America with slave trade. Rootwork can be easily traced back to African folkloric beliefs found in the Congo, Yoruba, Fon, and Ewe people. The African originas of rootwork can be related back to folk-magical operations such as jinxing, hot footing, crossing, tricking, and laying.

Considering the introduction by early American slaves, the highest concentration of rootwork believers are located in the Southern United States, namely Mississippi and South Carolina, but substantial followers can also be found in Arizona, New York, and California. [Hillard] The population of followers, both white and black are located in rural areas.

Hoodoo
Rootwork can also been know as "Hoodoo" in African American cultures. Discovered in the 19th century or before, the terms refer to folks magic.

Voodoo
Another often term often confused with rootwork is "voodoo" which is actually only applicable to areas of New Orleans and the Carribbean that have had strong influence by Haitian Voodoo. Haitian voodoo consists of rankings of priesthood, possession beliefs, and hagiography.

More appropriately associated terms include: hoodoo, rootwork, conjure, and witchcraft.