Mojo Workin': The Old African American Hoodoo System

Katrina Hazzard-Donald is the "go-to" authority for information on true Black Belt Hoodoo. I am one of the marketeers the author mentions who owns a botánica and although my initial training is in Louisiana/New Orleans HooDoo it, my spirit demanded a different approach and practice. It is my ambition to honor the truest origins of the products I carry and use to help others. "Mojo Workin'" is one of the many books I read for reference so I can provide accurate information to my clients and correct the many misconceptions that are rampant in this field. Hazard-Donald's lucid and direct writing clears the mud created by those who insist on campaigning onto an existing tradition and calling it their own. For any American rootworker to walk with dignity and integrity through their craft,they need the information contained in the pages of this book. Although written from an academic perspective, the author created a page-turner that is compelling and rings with a clear peal of authenticity that cannot be denied. I am grateful every day for this book and recommend it highly, before any other book on authentic HooDoo history.

liking it so far

This book is a gem that everyone should read, especially those of African diaspora. First, she went in on not only the history but how different cultures manipulated it for their own gain, and whew, did she let Lucky Mojo, starr and others have it! (Rightfully so) Now for me, my background is both Congolese and Ashkenazi and I was lucky, I learned from both so I have a soft spot for some of it. But to finally see someone not tread nicely around the edges and go straight into honest history, this book is priceless and sends the message correct. Learn your history, the roots of the traditions you were taught. And if you are new to it, take the time to learn and understand why things were done as they are before casting a "mojo". Now don't get me wrong, I cherish my beeswax candles and the blended teachings I received from both sets of strong grandparents, but people need to stop, learn, respect and know the history of all things tradition before claiming any of it as their own and deconstruct the how and why of it. Love this book, highly recommend to everyone.

I first heard about this book on a podcast. Bought the book and read it and learned so much that I did not know. Lots of the things my grandmother said in my childhood became clear to me. She walked around the house once and spread white powder around the foundation of the house. It must have been some kind of protection. She always said a person with bad intentions wouldn't be able to cross the threshold. This book brought so many things to light for me especially the origin of some of the common sayings and habits that I have heard in the past.

I really wish I found this book a lot sooner because of the money I spent on books that touched the subjects but didn't put it all together the way this author did. I felt the years of research that went into the book as I listened to the audible voice read to me. Let me tell you the audible made me anticipation the books arrival with glee. I couldn't wait to open the book and highlight parts that stood out for me after completing the audible the day I purchased it. I wish it was a hard back but the information was worth every penny that I paid for this great work. It was a pleasure to feel completed after reading the book. If I could I would personally thank the author with a deep tearful hug. THE BOOK IS GREAT!!!

I see a lot of non-African Americans discrediting this books and giving it low stars, by saying it's anti European. Europeans have their OWN set of folk practices. BUT, they are the very ones this book talks about. They are the ones who adulterated and distort REAL African American Hoodoo(Conjure) and it's orgins. Yet, if their claims were true, why purchase THIS book? OR, seek to learn this particular form of conjure? As I am a 4th generation rootworker and two headed woman, she hit the nail on the head with this book. I recommend this book to ANYBODY wanting to understand and RESPECT it's origins and practices. How can you practice something you have zero respect for? There's a reason why it's FIERCELY protected against outsiders.

It’s a nice easy read about the history of hoodoo and how it’s practices became intertwined with pop culture and other religions. It’s not too detailed for those that want an overview, but aren’t trying to learn about hoodoo in depth.

I appreciate this book giving an accurate account of my peoples history. One day when I was studying,I came across this book, I just had to have it! I'm so glad I brought it because so little of our history is taught in school. This book helped me understand why we CATCH the holy ghost. I took a look at a woman's website, who claimed to sell hoodoo supplies. I scrolled through the list, and noticed some items she was selling made no sense for a root worker to buy because the root worker has to take certain steps to make certain things....... It was obvious the woman didn't know what she was talking about, and just wanted to make a profit.The author of this book is not racist as some claim, she is just telling the truth. Roots is in our blood, we were born with it, and we live it.

Academic reading. You still must read because it’s our information. Even if you take years to finish. Read, make notes, understand and share with someone.

I highly recommend this book. Very interest.