Hoodoo is old North American folk magic, born from African spiritual traditions brought over by slaves. Over the centuries it incorporated Native American and European influences, using what worked and discarding what did not. What is left is an adaptable, powerful magical system that works . In this book you'll And much more. This book covers everything you need to know to get started with Hoodoo, and includes over twenty five simple spells to draw money to you, bring luck and love into your life, and protect yourself from evil. Angelie Belard has helped hundreds of people with their problems using the potent and practical magic of Hoodoo. From customers who needed help with financial or romantic problems, to friends and loved ones who wanted a way to connect to their ancestral roots, she has used Hoodoo to improve and enrich their lives. Now she’s ready to share her lifetime of learning with you Hoodoo was hidden by its practitioners for hundreds of years, but now you can safely get started with information you won’t find anywhere else .
Angelie Belard comes from a long line of root workers. She was born and raised in Louisiana, outside of New Orleans, and has been practicing and teaching Hoodoo for over four decades.
This is a nice introduction to hoodoo. The author's personal story is engaging. She clearly distinguishes the practice of hoodoo from voodoo. It is a non-threatening presentation. She discusses the history, practices, and ingredients. Instructions for spells, baths, oils, and washes are included along with instructions for creating mojo bags. The explanations are clear and require no difficult techniques or obscure ingredients. Well done.
Hoodoo can be an intimidating subject, even for people who've practiced witchcraft as long as I have. It's something I've never wanted to get too involved with because of how dark it's perceived to be. But since I've been slowly making the transition from Wiccan to plain old witch, reading this book seemed like a good move toward shaking that three-times-three mentality I learned as a kid.
Hoodoo For Beginners: Working Magic Spells in Rootwork and Conjure with Roots, Herbs, Candles, and Oils by Angelie Belard shattered a lot of long-held illusions and made hoodoo an accessible path, something I can see myself studying further. I was disappointed when I finished it because I wanted to really delve into hoodoo some more.
Honestly, I was a bit iffy about starting this one. I worry with books like these (especially anything you'd find in the "New Age" or "self-help" sections) because, too often, you end up spending most of the book reading about how great the author is and very little time taking in useful information. Hoodoo for Beginners was perfectly balanced, with anecdotes used to show the usefulness of the practice, rather than the ability of the author. I really appreciated that.
Hoodoo for Beginners is easy to read, easy to follow, and full of useful information. It's a must-have primer for anyone considering the path. I'd love to have a paperback copy of this one on my reference shelf and I'll be coming back to it as I find my feet because the spells are easy to follow and don't require ingredients I'd have to spend weeks chasing down. Even a beginner witch or hoodoo practitioner should have everything handy for these spells. It is a primer, though, so don't expect it to delve too deeply into any given subject.
As far as I know, this is Belard's first book, which is actually a little surprising, considering how well-written it is. (Sorry, but you know what I mean.) I hope she continues writing because I'd love to see what else she has to offer.
This text had some very good information and I actually cherish it on my real bookshelf. I loved the way it was written to include acute examples about our ancestors putting these workings into application. Instinctually and intuitively it pulled at my heartstrings because I felt my molecules awaken reading Belard's words.
At moments they seemed timeless; filled with compassion for those who struggle with the kind of troubles that warrant the need for Hoodoo workings that stretched down into my DNA and made me question many things I was doing. Some passages even made me start questioning the foundations of what I believed to be wrong and right, in the colonial standard, simply with their descriptions of people and their specific ailments.
However, when it came to the actual spell work, and overall gathering of what I have now come to call a very superfluous amount of ingredients, I'm worried that many people in our community, in spite of rising disabilities, lack of medical care, mental health, and general limited mobility among people in need, forego accessibility and simplicity in favor of more complex systems that delay our desired results.
It's a shame too, because this book is not a long read, but the processes for many of the spell workings in it are deceptively complicated for someone who is not able bodied (one memorable spell included hauling all the water from your bathtub or shower, by hand with a bucket, and pouring it outside your house instead of letting it drain). There are often if never any substitutions or alternative methods offered for those who cannot complete certain tasks on the lists, and I feel like it could have done well to offer more options for ambient/abstract ways of ritual-work that were more accessible for those with physical limitations.
As a reference for how our ancestors have evolved Hoodoo and the rituals within it, this book is an impressive field guide. But for being doable for those with limited capacity to perform the rituals contained, I'm not so sure.
As I was reading the book I couldn’t help but notice that there was a few things that seemed very pagan or Wiccan. With that being said I found some very interesting information regarding conjuring oils, however the author did not go into making powers. I went back and I looked at the chapter several times and there’s no information she just talks about making conjuring oils. With that being said anybody that practices magic knows a thing or two about candle Magic And how to incorporate or anoint oils on the candles with intent. I feel in a lot of ways the book was missing some important information And the author could’ve went into greater depth. As a wiccan myself, I find some aspects of the Hoodoo practice very intriguing, And I wish the author would’ve went into it more advanced instruction in the second book instead of isolating it into very specific areas.
Not the best I've read, but far from the worst. Great as an introduction to active practice, but lacks what I feel is important historical footing (or at least the expression of it).
I liked the concise nature of the material. It really is a general overview of hoodoo practices. Don't expect anything to in depth but if you're looking for a place to begin this book is perfect. I really appreciated the authors candor, I also really like the emphasis on safety. Great foundation for beginners to start their practice and Indicators too Push them in a direction of learning more should they wish to do so. What recommend this to anybody who wants to learn about Or developer practice and doesn't know where to start. Also when reading this book I was reminded of so many things my grandmother tried to teach me and it brought tears to my eyes. I'd like to think the author for really shaking those memories free for me and helping me start my path.
Truly a book for beginners, that will give the most basic information on the subject. I've never had any substantial knowledge on hoodoo and I thought it would be a good idea to learn something more, just out of curiosity. That is why I reached out for something basic, but at times the book was rather dull for my taste. The author steps on her own experience with hoodoo, and indeed shares interesting stories and details. Personally, I would have enjoyed some deeper historical information and source materials. The book is nice, but if you've dabbled with the occult for some time, you might find you know more about hoodoo than you think.
I would recommend this book to anyone new to Hoodoo. The author does a great job of adding personal touches (example the references to her grandmother) in with the history of Hoodoo and how it is different than Voodoo. She gives much insight into the practice of Hoodoo (example when she references crossroads and graveyards). I learned alot about rootwork and am eager to put into practice some of her suggestions. I especially liked reading about the spells for protection.
This is a great book for understanding the history and use of Hoodoo in Louisiana. I had friends who were employed at Hoodoo shops for tourists in Louisiana when I went to school there. I always wondered what the heck was even going on in there? Many people suffering from misunderstandings that Hoodoo good luck charms are devil worship when they are NOT can benefit from doing research on the topic instead of wallowing in ignorance. Hear my full review on YouTube at user Andrea Menzies or the audio podcast at FH7PUBLISHING.com
I liked that this book suggests a lot recommendations and has spells and rituals you can do yourself. I didn’t like the part about the ammonia and adding it to your bathe but the whole book was really good. I truly enjoyed how the author gave a realistic view on love spells. Which is, they’re suppose to put you in the best position so you and your crush cross paths. I honored the part where the author said to be mindful of people with addictive personalities. Not only because these situations can go south, but it’s extremely unfair to the other person with this personality type. I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t know where to start.
Thankyou soo much to the author for explaining how all this stuff works. It can be hard to figure all this stuff out! I’m so excited to go and get moving along with all that is written here and will be purchasing some cleansing herbs first. I like how everything was explained for a laymen like me to understand it all! A lot of people that do this, just think everyone already knows and they forget to explain what may be obvious to them. Great book!
The author does a wonderful job of explaining the reasons behind Hoodoo practices. She gives sound advice and excellent spells for all areas of life. I wish I could become one of her students. From cover to cover, all of the information in this book is presented well!!! I will be looking for this author in the future. Highly recommend!
No nonsense and straight to the point book that actually gives you all the basic stepping stones that you need to start out on Hoodoo. I hope the author writes more detailed and advanced books on this matter (like candle reading and graveyard magic) because she is one person to look up to. She is the real deal with actual knowledge and roots to hoodoo.
Noooope, not what I was looking for or expecting; I clearly didn’t read carefully before starting the book. A surprising (to me) amount of Christianity, but I was completely out when we got to graveyards. No thanks!
I had no idea that I'd been practicing Hoodoo for years in my own form. I really liked this book. It's a short read and uncomplicated, and accessible. I especially liked how Hoodoo is personalized--not some set of ridgid practices. I give it nearly 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. This book is awesome for beginners and overall a great read. I am hoping she writes a book more advanced and possibly going into more short stories about her grandmother, other spells and trusted references.
it's like the author is talking straight at you x it has education and understanding. Teaching you the mind set before you prepare to jump in feet first. Thank you for your book x
I choose this book to get basic knowledge but felt like I was reading a great letter from a close friend. I couldn't action reading it and I am sincerely sad that I finished it. I am definitely going to look for more work from this author
As a black women who is learning so much about African Spirituality this book helped me understand the basics of Hoodoo. Angelie Belard did a great job with this book. It’s very informative and easy to understand as a beginner Hoodoo trainee.
I was really skeptical about reading this book,but let me tell you...Mrs. Belard delivered! Thus book is very insightful!!! Its not as scary as thought ..living in a Christian home,..well u know the rest!!!💯💯💯💯💯
Bought hard copy, enjoyed the quick skim and some recipes seem useful. Love the history and description. This author surpassed many other books I have sampled and is super affordable;
Very basic and could have used more information overall. Not a book I would suggest buying to own. I would check out your local library or skim at the bookstore for anything you might find useful in your learning journey or practice.
This book has a lot of information for a starting base for Hoodoo. I believe it lacks some substance on purpose as it is an informational source only. Hoodoo and it's rich history was never meant to be written down and sold to the masses so I appreciate this book for what it is.
I like this book because its like you can hear the author speaking through her words and experience. I have one question for the author and that is with the spells for money. Is there a right or wrong way?
I found this book to be a great primer and introduction to hoodoo. The author does a great job of providing background and her personal history with hoodoo. From the cleansing baths to the handful of rituals, the author provides you with a good foundation to begin your practice.