Rootwork, Conjure and Work in Hoodoo

In Hoodoo…you may hear certain terms such as rootwork, conjure, and work.

Hoodoo is the cultural name that encompasses all of these concepts including divination. There are of course other terms and acts, but for now, let’s go through these.

Some people say that rootwork, conjure and work are interchangeable. In my personal work, they are not…

Let’s start with the word “work”

When we think of work it is a process that gets things done. I generally try to stay away from the word practice. Though I am learning all of the time, when I am working with clients or customers, I am not practicing…I am working to help you achieve a goal. Do I practice…? of course! How else can I become better at what I do, but I do not practice on others.

That brings us to rootwork. It basically translates to working the roots. We are taking roots and herbs to create blends, oils and items so we can use their energy to manipulate, change or bring attention to a person, place or thing. A Rootworker is a person who does this.

What is conjure then? Well to conjure is to call or bring into existence. When we conjure, we call on specific actions to happen. A Conjurer uses many tools at hand to do this. They may use roots, herbs, items they create, a talisman etc to bring about a desired outcome. They may even use divination to help assess what work needs to be done. Conjurers also are able to contect to spirits, ancestors etc using themselves as a conduit

So though a Conjurer may use roots and such in their work (these may be things they have bought in a shop or items they have created themselves) they may not consider themselves a Rootworker. Just as a Rootworker may not consider themselves a Conjurer….

I consider myself both…

and we all do Hoodoo work.

• Hoodoo Journal