Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones

Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring with Herbs by Stephanie Rose Bird.

2005 Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) Winner for Best General Interest Book!

Hoodoo is an eclectic blend of African traditions, Native American herbalism, Judeo-Christian ritual, and magical healing. Tracing Hoodoo's magical roots back to West Africa, Stephanie Rose Bird provides a fascinating history of this nature based healing tradition and gives practical advice for applying Hoodoo magic to everyday life.

Learn how sticks, stones, roots, and bones, the basic ingredients in a Hoodoo mojo bag, can be used to bless the home, find a mate, invoke wealth, offer protection, and improve your health and happiness.

"With humor and a postive outlook, Bird does a convincing job of inspiring the reader to rediscover life's magic through a connection with the natural world. In addition to providing plenty of useful and easy to follow recipes for making a 'mojo,' or trick bag, Bird shares her boundless enthusiasm and respect for the power of Hoodoo. Her book . . . shares a rich piece of American history that often goes untold." Herb Quarterly

"When most Americans outside black culture hear the words hoodoo or mojo, they think of ridiculous movie stereotypes sticking little dolls with pins or cooking up a noxious brew to keep your man from straying. Now, in Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring With Herbs, Stephanie Rose Bird, a talented author, healer, and artist who inherited her family's way with roots and spirits offers a deep, sumptuous new guide to hoodoo's true origins, philosophy, ethics, tools, and techniques, worth reading if just to learn more about Afro Atlantic culture.

You might think you'll never find time to concoct 'Angels on High Soap' or 'Commanding Powder', 'for tough jobs, strength, and to build courage', but honey, you never know when you might need a 'Stay Away From Me Mojo' hand". Village Voice

Editorial Reviews: Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring with Herbs

"Hoodoo is not a religion but a body of ritual and spellwork used by people of varying faiths. Bird does, however, note the spiritual purpose of the rituals, sometimes mentioning the specific orisha-a being compared to a god or goddess of the African-based belief systems--upon which a particular ritual or spell is focused.

Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones, primarily a recipe book of Hoodoo practices, serves as an invaluable reference for those interested in root work or herbal magick. In addition, it provides a glimpse into the ancient origins of an almost extinct world where everything from the trees in one's backyard to the stones in the driveway is sacred." Dancing World

"I welcome Stephanie Rose Bird's contribution to the herbal literature. Her contribution stands well apart from most works already on the market, not least due to her focus on the magical herbal traditions of African American origin known as Hoodoo." Sacred Earth

"A magickal guide to African and African American herbalism with an emphasis on the spiritual aspects. Historical tidbits and lore of African herbalism makes this a great historical reference to herbal enthusiasts, and the practical recipes and crafts make it a must for any bookshelf! I love researching herbal lore from around the world, and this book has a treasure trove of interesting folklore traditions." Carly Wall, editor of "Wholistic Woman" an iVillage magazine

"What an excellent book! A grand contribution to African healing traditions, herbalism, and ethnobotany. Written with the expertise of someone who truly understands, from personal background and experience, the rich complexity of the African healing traditions. Stephanie Rose Bird explains in great detail and depth the multicultural history of African folk medicine and its influence on many other systems of healing found throughout the world. Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones is full of practical advice, recipes, and tips on how to apply this ancient system of 'rootwork' in our modern lives. I loved every page and plan to use this practical and inspiring book as a reference in my programs and classes."

Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist, author, and founder of United Plant Savers and California School of Herbal Studies

"Stephanie Rose Bird is a gifted writer who writes with Spirit that will bring her before you, allowing you to feel as if she is standing right in front of you sharing a most fascinating coverage of rituals and ceremonies, all of which are simple, clear, and precise."

Jamilla Powers, ND, DM, CHT, and author of Candle Reading Interpretations: Guide to Burning and Interpreting the Burning of Your Candles

"If you are fascinated with folk magick in general, or African spiritual concepts in particular, you will find this book captivating. Highly recommended." Witchcraft Magazine

"In this book you receive a topnotch appreciation of Hoodoo. . . . Gifted with a smooth writing style that captivates the reader's interest, Stephanie Rose Bird give a fascinating account. With over three decades in the practice of rootwork, she is highly qualified to write this book." Ghost Village

"If you want to keep your MOJO working, this is the book for you. This is a fascinating and well researched book. It tells how many of the African religious practices which held close to nature spread around the world mainly because of slave trading. . . .This is the most complete book I have read on the subject. It is not only history, but a wonderful text on how to create charms. . . . This book covers everything you would want to know on the fascinating subject." The Path Review

"This book is a fascinating mishmash of magickal recipes from all over the world, its extremely eclectic and contains some fascinating sounding spells such as Growin' Green; Oya's Herbal Graveyard Dirt, Queen Elisabeth's love dust and Spirit of Love Floor wash! Recommended to people interested in African magick, who also work within a western pagan tradition." Avalonia, UK

The author "traces its (Hoodoo's) roots back to Africa and gives practical advice on recipes, rituals, spells and charms. Because of the similarity between the names, hoodoo and voodoo (more properly 'voudoun') often get mixed up, but their respective practitioners claim they are quite different. In case you wondered, the title of the book refers to the common objects found in the hoodoo mojo bag carried by a conjure man or woman." The Cauldron, UK

"With humor and a postive outlook, Bird does a convincing job of inspiring the reader to rediscover life's magic through a connection with the natural world. In addition to providing plenty of useful and easy to follow recipes for making a 'mojo,' or trick bag, Bird shares her boundless enthusiasm and respect for the power of Hoodoo. Her book . . . shares a rich piece of American history that often goes untold." Herb Quarterly

"It is always a rare and exquisite experience to find a new author, particularly when the subject is neglected and in jeopardy of being lost. Stephanie Rose Bird's Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones outlines and documents Hoodoo explaining its origins and practices. . . . I think many Wiccan and Pagan practitioners will find this book helpful because it discusses the use of folk magic, Hoodoo, that can be adapted and incorporated in many different paths. The book presents a fusion of American magic that has sources from other countries and traditions, particularly Africa and the Caribbean. I think Ms. Bird's book addresses a need for African influenced Paganism in a Celtic influenced Paganism dominated field. My thanks to Ms. Bird for writing this book! I am already waiting for her next book." WiccaNet

"When most Americans outside black culture hear the words hoodoo or mojo, they think of ridiculous movie stereotypes sticking little dolls with pins or cooking up a noxious brew to keep your man from straying. Now, in Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring With Herbs, Stephanie Rose Bird, a talented author, healer, and artist who inherited her family's way with roots and spirits offers a deep, sumptuous new guide to hoodoo's true origins, philosophy, ethics, tools, and techniques, worth reading if just to learn more about Afro-Atlantic culture. You might think you'll never find time to concoct 'Angels on High Soap' or 'Commanding Powder'-'for tough jobs, strength, and to build courage' but, honey, you never know when you might need a 'Stay Away From Me Mojo' hand". Village Voice
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Table of Contents:
Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction 1
A Word About Nature 8
Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones 9

1 Fixin' to Work Roots 15
Time and Space 15
Equipment and Tools 16
Gathering and Drying Herbs 21
Storage 24
Extraction Techniques 24
A Note About Animism 25

2 It's in the Bag 27
African Concepts 28
Nation Sacks 39

3 The Broom in Hoodoo 43
Brooms and Africans 43
Brooms and African Americans 49
Chinese Wash 58
Sacudimento 59
A Spontaneous Broom Ritual 59

4 Cleaning Rituals and Spirit Washes 63
Spiritually Cleansing the Home 66
Spiritually Cleansing the Body 72
Soap 76
Body Oil 79
Body Powders 80
Sweet Waters 82
Fragrant Waters 83

5 Harvesting the Gifts of Fire 85
Autumn Holidays, American Style 85
Harvesting the Gifts of Fire 88
Candle Colors 89
Anointin' and Dressin' Candles 91
The Conjuring Altar 93
Disposal of Candle Wax 94
Kinnikinnik 94
Fire 96
Water 97
Earth 98
Family 99

6 The Elements of War 101
Power of the Universe 104
Ogun, Orisha of the Warriors 105
Oya, Orisha of the Wind 107
Shango the Alchemist 108
Foot Track Magick 108
Protection Rings 112
War Water Bottles 113
Graveyard Dirt 114
Elegba 115
The Crossroads 116

7 Keepin' the Peace 119
Waters of Peace 120
Dirt and Minerals 126

8 Prosperity 129
Growin' Green 130
Amulets from Ancient Egypt 134
Charming Gifts of the Sea 135
Irish Moss 136
Use the Element of Fire 139
Horseshoes and Nails 140
Lucky Hand Washes 141
Money Jars 143

9 Gettin' Some Love & Keepin' It Close 145
Making and Maintaining a Love Mojo 145
History and Traditions of Hoodoo Love Magick 148
Aromatherapy for Hoodoo Love Draw 151
Pomanders 153
Sunkissed Love Draw Tips 156
The Rose 157

10 Fertility 165
Goddesses of Fertility 168
Makela, Queen of Sheba 169
Mawu 171
Nefertiti 172

11 Sacred Rites of Commitment 175
The Language of Flowers 176
More Floral Ideas 178
Hoodoo in Shower Gifts, Wedding Accents, and Home Decor 184
The Book of Days 186
After the Ceremony 187
Reception 187
The Honey Moon 188

12 Hoodoo Child 189
Pregnancy 190
Childbirth 198
The Blessed Event 201
A Room of One's Own 205
Menarche and Manhood 206

13 The Conjurer's Dream 209
Protective Amulets 214
Divination and Prophetic Dreams 215
The Spirits Who Ride 221
Mythic Goddesses Who Inform Our Dreams 222
Kyphi 225
The Dreamer's Charms 226

14 Passin' On 229
Traditional Burial Customs 237
Hoodoo for the Terminally Ill 241
Rituals and Ceremonies 244

Appendix A: At-Risk and Endangered Materials 247
Appendix B: Resources 253
Appendix C: Organizations 257
Glossary 259
Bibliography and Recommended Reading 267
Index 271
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Excerpt:

Chapter 1

Fixin' to Work Roots

Hoodoo began in folks' sheds, basements, and kitchens. It seems as though once it spread into the hands of merchants, the demise of this folk craft began. The renewed interest of late in Hoodoo, rootwork, and conjuring affords a wonderful opportunity to start fresh from scratch. If you want to be a hoodoo, who else can you depend on to procure the proper ingredients, and blend them at the right time and in the right way to produce the desired results?

Time and Space
Time is one of the main elements needed for rootwork. Luckily, you don't have to run out and buy it. You do, however, need to have some set aside. I can't sugarcoat this for you. Just like a good soup stock, tasty stew, or homemade pie, your herbal brews and fragrant oils will take time and skill to fix them up just right. On average you will need to invest at least an hour for the preparation of your handmade treatment. While recipes that require infusions or distillation will take longer, some treatments are instant. If you crave convenience, the latter are the recipes for you.

One of the main reasons the making of Hoodoo products was relinquished to others was the rise of companies interested in marketing to African Americans. This group of companies, salesmen, and merchants saw an opportunity to profit from the folk beliefs and the lack of time folks faced for mixing their own products. Now, instead of quality products, we are sold inferior blends that often are little more than sweetly scented, colored waters and synthetic oils, a pale memory of the depth and texture the old hoodoos who were well versed in herbalism invested in their roots.

The real deal is, if you want your rootwork to take, you need to be absolutely certain that the roots, berries, beans, and herbs are authentic and that the harvest was correctly timed astrologically according to the effects desired. Many of us are unaccustomed to spending hours in the kitchen, and even less time in the garden or woods. However, if you want to be a good hoodoo, let me help you become reacquainted with the lost art of patience in pursuit of quality. Start slow; take your time, gradually build up your expertise, taste, and skill, and before you know it you'll have all the herbs and equipment needed to formulate a unique repertoire of recipes for your loved ones and yourself.

Clean, organized space is also essential. Having a work space (such as a level table or countertop) clear of clutter for your cookery is very important. Clean space will save you the agony of messy accidents or contaminating your brew after all of the love and care you've put into making it.

Equipment and Tools
In this book I have tried to give ample options in the recipes with consideration for various budgets, time constraints, and geographic locations. This is designed to ease your passage into the art of rootworking as gently and painlessly as possible. Before fixin' to work up a mojo, sachet, wash, or anointing oil, however, you need certain equipment to get started.

Apron
A plastic "splash-proof" apron sold by soap suppliers and chemical shops is highly recommended for protection against the caustic sodium hydroxide used during cold-processed soapmaking. Also consider putting on old clothes to use as smocks or work clothes.

Blender
A blender is used for thorough mixing and liquefying.

Bottles and Jars
Bottles and jars are very important pieces of equipment. I like using recycled bottles as much as possible for shampoo and conditioners. Mouthwash, liquid dish detergent, shampoo, and conditioner bottles, as well as lotion, yogurt, and baby food containers are all useful. Glass storage jars are used mainly for oil infusions and tinctures. Tinted glass ones with spring or cork tops work well.

At times you will want to make special blends as gifts or for stores. There are plenty of specialty container suppliers who carry powder dispensers, spritzers, cologne bottles, flip-top body-wash bottles, and decorative jars with screw tops for this purpose. It's nice now and again to use these decorative containers for yourself -especially the powder dispensers, since powders are essential to hoodoos. Pretty perfume bottles used for storing personal scents also add a nice touch. They can be bought new or at antique shops. There is more information in appendix B about commercial bottle suppliers.

Remember, when using recycled materials, it is very important to sterilize them first by boiling plastic containers and cleaning glass bottles with very hot, soapy water. Rinse and allow to dry before beginning. They can also be sterilized in a dishwasher if you have one.

Cauldron
A cauldron doesn't have to be fancy or bought from a specialty shop; a plain, castiron Dutch oven will do. However, if you want to brew your roots in a proper cauldron, there are plenty of suppliers who carry them.

Charcoal Blocks
Buy charcoal blocks in quantity, as they are the most efficient way of burning loose herbal incense. Avoid those that contain saltpeter; it is toxic when burned. (Traditionally, saltpeter was an ingredient used by hoodoos. Sadly, the type sold today is sodium nitrate, a highly combustible substance that is also harmful to the skin, eyes, and lungs.) Pure bamboo charcoals from Japan are available and make a more wholesome alternative.

Chiminea
A chiminea is a portable, miniature fireplace that is generally kept on the patio. This is great for burning incense and for fire rituals if you don't have a fireplace.

Coffee Grinder
A coffee grinder is a convenient way to grind tough spices and roots compared to its ancestor, the mortar and pestle, which requires hand grinding and lots of elbow grease. Watch out though; really tough spices and roots need to be ground by hand or they'll break your coffee grinder. Trust me, I've been through quite a few.

Double Boiler
A double boiler is an indirect way of heating that prevents waxy mixtures, like ointments and candle wax, from cooking too quickly. A double boiler can be improvised by floating a stainless-steel bowl in water in a pot that is slightly larger than the bowl.

Droppers
Droppers are essential for dispensing droplets of essential oils, fragrance oils, body fluids, or other precious liquids that you don't want to waste. Throughout this book I ask that you drop in essential oils, as this is the approach used by good perfumers. It helps ensure that the oils don't clump up; instead, they disperse evenly. See appendix B for suppliers.

Drying Rack
A drying rack is where fresh herbs are hung by their stems to dry. Also, it's an attractive way to display and store dried herbs indefinitely.

Food Processor
Even a mini food processor without all the fancy attachments will do to blend and liquefy ingredients for personal-care recipes.

Freestanding Mixer
A freestanding mixer is convenient, but not essential. It is used for whisking and thoroughly blending ingredients while saving your energy.

Funnel Set
Funnels are used to prevent spills and ease the transfer of liquids, oils, and powders from the bowl or pan to a small-necked bottle (referred to here as bottling).

Grater
A Teflon or stainless-steel grater is recommended because it lasts longer and resists sticking and rusting. It is mainly used for shredding beeswax and refining roots.

Kettle
A kettle is used to boil water for infusing herbs.

Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are used to measure both dry ingredients and liquids. Pyrex, tempered glass, and stainless steel work best. Glass and stainless steel are easy to clean completely to prevent cross-contamination of ingredients.

Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons made of stainless steel with clearly marked measurements etched into the surface are preferred.

Mixing Bowls
Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel mixing bowls are recommended because they will not become stained from colorants, nor will they harbor bits of leftover ingredients once cleaned properly. Cleanliness is very important because dirty bowls or other equipment will introduce bacteria to your recipes, lessening their longevity and efficacy.

Mortar and Pestle
Recommended for tough spices and roots. See "Coffee Grinder" section above.

Pans
Stainless steel pans with heavy bottoms work best because they distribute heat evenly and resist burning and overheating. Most importantly, stainless steel stays inert, which prevents contamination and depletion. Contamination and depletion are likely to occur while using cast iron, aluminum, or copper. Make sure you have tight-fitting lids handy as well. They help retain the medicinal qualities of the volatile oils, otherwise these precious substances evaporate.

Stirring Spoon
Stainless steel stirring spoons are preferred.

Stirring Wand
A stirring wand, usually made of nonreactive glass or ceramic, is used similarly to a cocktail stirrer to blend perfumes while discouraging cross-contamination.

Storage Bins
Storage bins are used to hold dried herbs. Dark glass containers with spring tops or stainless steel is ideal. Keeping light away from the herbs helps them retain their medicinal qualities longer. Some folk store them in brown paper bags, particularly when they are being dried. This works well only if you don't have moths or other pests that might try to eat the herbs.

Stove or Hotplate
A stove or hotplate is used for heating, drying, and simmering brews.

Straining Devices
A straining device can be cheesecloth (muslin) stretched over a preserve or other wide-necked jar and secured with a rubber band or twine. I prefer to use a stainless steel sieve.

Sun Tea Jars
Glass or plastic sun tea jars are used to brew herbs in sun or moonlight.

Thermometers
Candy thermometers will work, but a meat probe is my first choice because it will not break as easily. Thermometers are essential when making soap, and are useful for checking temperatures during the creation of creams, salves, and healing balms.

Twine
Twine is good for tying herbs together at the stems before hanging them to dry, and for fixing muslin to a jar for straining. Hemp (marijuana) string is an excellent alternative for its strength and durability.

Whisk
A stainless steel whisk is preferred.

Gathering and Drying Herbs
Suggestions to Urban Dwellers
For folk living in cities, apartments, or other tight spaces where land comes at a premium price, the primary source for gathering herbs will be specialty catalogs, health food stores, and the Internet. Even within this commercial arena, the way you go about gathering is critical, and the relationships you develop can be meaningful, educational, and fun. Things to look for are as follows:

Are the herbs ethically harvested? Be careful about barks and roots. Some,like Little John, are over harvested and face extinction.

Are the herbs organically grown? This is the safest method for personal-care products and consumables.

Are the herbs fresh and within their expiration date? They should have a bright color, strong scent, and no mold or mildew.

Are the prices fair, without excessive markups? Do some research and compare prices.

Are the herbs usually in stock, available without delays? Is the source convenient and practical for you? Is a knowledgeable person available to answer your questions?Start out with a local shop, if possible. Then, as you become comfortable with creating your own brews, you can branch out into wholesale. Buying herbs in bulk saves big bucks! Other options include visiting your local farmer's market, or driving outside the city to support roadside farm stands. If you so choose, you can also grow your favorite herbs in pots on the windowsill, terrace, or even inside using grow lights.

Suggestions to Suburban and Rural Dwellers
If you are fortunate enough to have enough space to grow your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, the following suggestions are for you. Please remember, when gathering Mother Nature's gifts, approach the plants with respect and thank them for sharing their healing energy with you.

Harvesting Leaves Look for leaves of a consistent green color without brown or yellow spots. Harvest mid morning after the dew has evaporated. Gather leaves before the plant begins to flower. For plants that have long growing seasons, such as basil or oregano, pinch back the tops to prevent flowering. (Flowering takes energy away from the main body of the plant.) Keep herbs separated by type, and tie the stems loosely together in a bundle with twine or hemp string. Until you are very familiar with all of the herbs, it is best to label the bundles and date them as well. Hang them up to dry immediately after harvesting to prevent mildew or deterioration.

Hang the herb bundles stem up in an area with good circulation away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for the first twenty-four hours is ninety degrees, followed by seventy-five to eighty degrees the rest of the time. Most herbal bundles will dry between two to three weeks. Petals and leaves should feel light, crisp, and paper like. If there are small buds or tiny leaves that may fall off during the drying time, create a roomy muslin bag to encase flowers and leaves and tie it loosely with twine or hemp string at the stems. This is particularly important with seed dropping plants, such as fennel or sunflowers. When herbs are completely dry, store the whole leaf and stem away from direct sunlight in dark glass or stainless-steel airtight containers.

Harvesting Flowers Flowers are extremely delicate. Select healthy flowers in the early afternoon during dry weather conditions. Take extra care not to bruise the petals, refrain from touching them, cut from the stem, and allow the flowers to drop into a basket. Dry smaller, more delicate flowers, such as lavender and chamomile, whole. You can hang them upside down tied with twine over a muslin cloth or large bowl or wrapped loosely with muslin to retain dried buds. Use fresh flowers in the home whenever possible. You may also freeze them in an ice cube tray filled with spring water.

Harvesting Seeds-Collect seeds on a warm, dry day. Seeds need to dry in a warm, airy environment. Make provisions to catch the quickly drying seeds by placing a bowl or box underneath the hanging plants. Harvesting Bark Bark peels easiest on damp days. Choose a young tree or bush and, if possible, one that has already been pruned, cut, or taken down naturally by wind or stormy conditions to prevent damage or even death to the plant. Stripping too much bark from a tree will kill it. A thoughtful approach to Mother Nature's gifts is essential. Bark may harbor insects or moss, so wash it first and allow it to dry flat on waxed paper in a location that is well ventilated and away from direct sunlight.

Harvesting Roots Roots are ready for collecting after the autumn harvest. Dig up roots after their plant has begun to wither and die. Extract the whole root while trying not to bruise it. Like bark, roots need to be cleaned before they are

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