SPIRITS OF CONJURE
The Search for God
As a spiritually-minded person, I have had many labels in my life. At one point or another I have identified as a Wiccan, Pagan, Rootworker, Two-Headed Doctor, or some variant. Some of the most common questions I often get include:
When I was a child, I believed that God was an old man with white hair and a long beard who lived in the sky and saw everything that everyone did. We were told that his grace fell upon a virgin who gave birth to Jesus, his "only begotten son" who was also God himself. I was taught that he loved us, but only if we were afraid of him and obeyed his commandments.
When my spiritual journey took me away from Christianity and I found Wicca I was taught that "god" was our Mother AND our Father. Through the cycle of the seasons the Goddess gives birth to the God who grows, matures and becomes her lover; that he impregnates her and dies only to be reborn again. We did not worship them inasmuch as we honored them, and we were empowered to take total responsibility for our thoughts, words, and our deeds.
When I rediscovered the folk-magic practices of the South and began learning more about Hoodoo and Conjure, Jesus re-entered and I had to reevaluate my view and perception of him. Whereas I some magickal practitioners seemed to treat Jesus as some kind of genie, or viewed him as a mythological figure, I see Jesus as the ultimate example of what man's relationship with God can be.
I was recently reminded by a friend that no matter how spiritual you are, people will still question your beliefs. I was somewhat shocked to discover that someone rather close to me, sincerely believed that I was a devil-worshiper. And so it seems, that for several people, the question remains......
And this was my response.
"That which has been called God and will herein be referred to as Spirit is neither male nor female, but rather is both androgynous and asexual, and which exist as pure love. Because we as humans find it difficult to identify with someone or something that is simultaneously male, female, and neuter we attempt to understand Spirit by associating it as one or more of many archetypes, including male, female, and even sometimes animal forms as in Ancient Egyptian and Native American belief systems.
For example, a woman who has been abused by men may find strength and comfort in a divine being who is a Warrior-Goddess; or a gay man wishing to draw closer to God may see him as a beautiful man who loves and accepts him.
Many individuals find it extremely difficult to accept forgiveness and unconditional love, as represented by Spirit. Therefore, rather than take responsibility for our own failings, humans have often painted their concept of God as having traits which we find undesirable within our selves resulting in mythologies that portray God as jealous, petty, and cruel, as well as loving, kind, and generous. Those who are in pain, who blame 'god' for their lot in life or who feel disenfranchised or cast out by society may need to see 'god' as the Satan because they have never experienced true love, or friendship.
All living things from humans to animals, and plants, all the way down to the “lowest” forms of life carries within their self the divine spark which is that part of themselves that is Spirit and which is connected to all living things and seeks to reunite with the original source of this light (the cosmic consciousness).
Spirit experiences what it means to be alive through the divine spark within all life. Spirit shares the full range of human and non-human experience, such as falling in love, being scared, being lonely, being hungry, being happy, being healthy, etc….Through the divine spark in the plants and animals, Spirit knows what it means to be sacrificed as food in order for other life to continue, what it means to be planted in the Earth as a seed, to grow and sprout and join the natural order.
Therefore, Spirit has the highest compassion for every living thing and the desire for all living things to reach their highest potential and to be in harmony with one another."
- What do you believe?
- Who do you worship?
When I was a child, I believed that God was an old man with white hair and a long beard who lived in the sky and saw everything that everyone did. We were told that his grace fell upon a virgin who gave birth to Jesus, his "only begotten son" who was also God himself. I was taught that he loved us, but only if we were afraid of him and obeyed his commandments.
When my spiritual journey took me away from Christianity and I found Wicca I was taught that "god" was our Mother AND our Father. Through the cycle of the seasons the Goddess gives birth to the God who grows, matures and becomes her lover; that he impregnates her and dies only to be reborn again. We did not worship them inasmuch as we honored them, and we were empowered to take total responsibility for our thoughts, words, and our deeds.
When I rediscovered the folk-magic practices of the South and began learning more about Hoodoo and Conjure, Jesus re-entered and I had to reevaluate my view and perception of him. Whereas I some magickal practitioners seemed to treat Jesus as some kind of genie, or viewed him as a mythological figure, I see Jesus as the ultimate example of what man's relationship with God can be.
I was recently reminded by a friend that no matter how spiritual you are, people will still question your beliefs. I was somewhat shocked to discover that someone rather close to me, sincerely believed that I was a devil-worshiper. And so it seems, that for several people, the question remains......
- What do you believe?
- Who do you worship?
And this was my response.
"That which has been called God and will herein be referred to as Spirit is neither male nor female, but rather is both androgynous and asexual, and which exist as pure love. Because we as humans find it difficult to identify with someone or something that is simultaneously male, female, and neuter we attempt to understand Spirit by associating it as one or more of many archetypes, including male, female, and even sometimes animal forms as in Ancient Egyptian and Native American belief systems.
For example, a woman who has been abused by men may find strength and comfort in a divine being who is a Warrior-Goddess; or a gay man wishing to draw closer to God may see him as a beautiful man who loves and accepts him.
Many individuals find it extremely difficult to accept forgiveness and unconditional love, as represented by Spirit. Therefore, rather than take responsibility for our own failings, humans have often painted their concept of God as having traits which we find undesirable within our selves resulting in mythologies that portray God as jealous, petty, and cruel, as well as loving, kind, and generous. Those who are in pain, who blame 'god' for their lot in life or who feel disenfranchised or cast out by society may need to see 'god' as the Satan because they have never experienced true love, or friendship.
All living things from humans to animals, and plants, all the way down to the “lowest” forms of life carries within their self the divine spark which is that part of themselves that is Spirit and which is connected to all living things and seeks to reunite with the original source of this light (the cosmic consciousness).
Spirit experiences what it means to be alive through the divine spark within all life. Spirit shares the full range of human and non-human experience, such as falling in love, being scared, being lonely, being hungry, being happy, being healthy, etc….Through the divine spark in the plants and animals, Spirit knows what it means to be sacrificed as food in order for other life to continue, what it means to be planted in the Earth as a seed, to grow and sprout and join the natural order.
Therefore, Spirit has the highest compassion for every living thing and the desire for all living things to reach their highest potential and to be in harmony with one another."
The Divine Connection
While it has often been pointed
out that Hoodoo is not a religion, but rather a system of magick, most
practitioners adhere to some form of Christianity and approach it from within
that context. Spiritual Practitioners that operate from within a Christian
context generally fall into two categories. They are:
The roots of Catholicism can be found in Judaism. In fact Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all claim Abraham as a common ancestor; and Judaism and Christianity count the Old Testament among their holy writings. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism, lead by Jesus, that were considered radical, liberal Jews. Later, this sect broke away from Judaism becoming a separate religion with its own beliefs and practices that we know as Christianity today. Some of the main differences between Judaism and Christianity include, but are not limited to, the following:
Practitioners of Hoodoo who are Catholic may direct their prayers and petitions to God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or even Saints. In those areas, such as New Orleans, where Catholicism was absorbed into the beliefs and practices of Voodoo a Catholic practitioner of Hoodoo may also petition those deities associated with the religion of Voodoo.
The Protestant Church broke away from the Catholic Church during the Reformation initiated by Martin Luthor, to protest the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Catholic Church. Luthor and other reformers disagreed with the Churches stance on free will, purgatory, and the practice of indulgences. Also, in very general terms, Catholics believe that an intermediary (such as a priest) is needed between God and man, whereas Protestants believe that direct communication with God is possible without an intermediary.
Spiritual workers who were raised in any of the Protestant denominations usually direct their prayers and petitions to “The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” or simply “in Jesus’ name.” In some instances where the biblical figure of Satan merged with the trickster-deity of the crossroads, these practitioners may direct certain types of prayers or petitions to the devil. However it should be noted that, in these instances, the devil and Satan are thought to be two completely different entities. In other cases, they may direct their petitions and build altars to spirits of the dead or even to spirits and/or deities outside their religion.
- Catholic
- Protestant
The roots of Catholicism can be found in Judaism. In fact Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all claim Abraham as a common ancestor; and Judaism and Christianity count the Old Testament among their holy writings. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism, lead by Jesus, that were considered radical, liberal Jews. Later, this sect broke away from Judaism becoming a separate religion with its own beliefs and practices that we know as Christianity today. Some of the main differences between Judaism and Christianity include, but are not limited to, the following:
- God as a Trinity
- Original Sin
- Jesus as the Messiah
- Concepts of Heaven and Hell
- The Papacy
Practitioners of Hoodoo who are Catholic may direct their prayers and petitions to God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or even Saints. In those areas, such as New Orleans, where Catholicism was absorbed into the beliefs and practices of Voodoo a Catholic practitioner of Hoodoo may also petition those deities associated with the religion of Voodoo.
The Protestant Church broke away from the Catholic Church during the Reformation initiated by Martin Luthor, to protest the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Catholic Church. Luthor and other reformers disagreed with the Churches stance on free will, purgatory, and the practice of indulgences. Also, in very general terms, Catholics believe that an intermediary (such as a priest) is needed between God and man, whereas Protestants believe that direct communication with God is possible without an intermediary.
Spiritual workers who were raised in any of the Protestant denominations usually direct their prayers and petitions to “The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” or simply “in Jesus’ name.” In some instances where the biblical figure of Satan merged with the trickster-deity of the crossroads, these practitioners may direct certain types of prayers or petitions to the devil. However it should be noted that, in these instances, the devil and Satan are thought to be two completely different entities. In other cases, they may direct their petitions and build altars to spirits of the dead or even to spirits and/or deities outside their religion.
The Dead
Many Root-Workers start out
working with spirits of the dead in the form of the Ancestors, the spirits of
the dead connected to them by blood. It is believed that the dead don’t die,
but rather ascend to another level of being, from which they can look on and
assist us. From this higher level, the Ancestors can guide us in our daily
lives, intercede with the Godhead on our behalf and protect us in times of
need.
The process of working with the Ancestors begins with the construction of an Ancestral Altar. Before I go any further, I’d like to point out that many root-workers are Christian and adhere to God’s commandment in Exodus 20:3 to “have not other gods before me.” Therefore, root-workers do NOT worship the Ancestors inasmuch as they venerate them. The Ancestral altar is the place where this veneration ritually occurs. (See also The Ancestors)
In other instances, a practitioner may visit the graveyard to ritually collect dirt from a particular grave or graves for use in spells and rituals. There are many variables to consider when collecting graveyard dirt for spells and rituals. Some of these variables include:
In addition, graveyard dirt is not simply taken but rather paid for after negotiating with a suitable spirit. Some practitioners regard working with Saints and Folk-Saints as a form of working with the dead since Saints were once living human beings who also happen to have lived exceptionally virtuous lives. (See also The Dead)
The process of working with the Ancestors begins with the construction of an Ancestral Altar. Before I go any further, I’d like to point out that many root-workers are Christian and adhere to God’s commandment in Exodus 20:3 to “have not other gods before me.” Therefore, root-workers do NOT worship the Ancestors inasmuch as they venerate them. The Ancestral altar is the place where this veneration ritually occurs. (See also The Ancestors)
In other instances, a practitioner may visit the graveyard to ritually collect dirt from a particular grave or graves for use in spells and rituals. There are many variables to consider when collecting graveyard dirt for spells and rituals. Some of these variables include:
- Location of the grave
- How the person died
- Obtaining permission
- Where to collect the dirt
In addition, graveyard dirt is not simply taken but rather paid for after negotiating with a suitable spirit. Some practitioners regard working with Saints and Folk-Saints as a form of working with the dead since Saints were once living human beings who also happen to have lived exceptionally virtuous lives. (See also The Dead)
Working with Non-Christian Entities
Whereas Hoodoo is based on the beliefs and magickal practices of various traditions (but devoid of their religious dogma) in many ways it is still heavily influenced by Christianity as well as various African religions. The practice of conjure includes the veneration of one's ancestors, engaging the dead to work for you, the devil at the crossroads, powerful Saints, and non-Christian entities.
Some of these entities include the deities associated with non-christian religions. You will often find spiritual practitioners who build altars and direct that petitions to deities from Non-Christian pantheons including, but not limited to:
For example, Ganesha is a popular non-Christian Deity that is found in the practice of Hoodoo. He is often petitioned to remove obstacles, open-the-way, bring good-luck, and confer prosperity upon petitioners.
Before petitioning a spirit or deity outside one's culture or religion, it is important to learn how that culture worships and/or venerates that deity, what offerings are appropriate, and the sphere of influence that deity holds in the world. For example, you wouldn't want to petition a deity known for granting lovers if your intent is to overcome an enemy. Educating yourself about these spirits/deities will allow you to approach them with your petition in a semi-traditional manner while being respectful to the beliefs and practices native to the culture from which that deity originates.
Some of these entities include the deities associated with non-christian religions. You will often find spiritual practitioners who build altars and direct that petitions to deities from Non-Christian pantheons including, but not limited to:
- Hinduism
- Voodoo
- Palo
- Yoruba
- Santeria
For example, Ganesha is a popular non-Christian Deity that is found in the practice of Hoodoo. He is often petitioned to remove obstacles, open-the-way, bring good-luck, and confer prosperity upon petitioners.
Before petitioning a spirit or deity outside one's culture or religion, it is important to learn how that culture worships and/or venerates that deity, what offerings are appropriate, and the sphere of influence that deity holds in the world. For example, you wouldn't want to petition a deity known for granting lovers if your intent is to overcome an enemy. Educating yourself about these spirits/deities will allow you to approach them with your petition in a semi-traditional manner while being respectful to the beliefs and practices native to the culture from which that deity originates.
Spirits
In addition to the spiritual powers listed above there exists a number of spirits that do not necessarily fit into any of the categories already mentioned. They include:
Familiar Spirits
While most people associate the term 'familiar spirit' with the shape-shifting entities which were believed to have served Medieval Witches; the term can also refer to one's genius, or a type of tutelary spirit. Other terms synonymous with familiar-spirit include Patron Saint, Guardian Angel, Daimon, Higher-Self. They function as a person's guardian and teacher often communicating with humans through dreams and intuition.
Plant and Animal Spirits
The use of herbs, minerals and animal parts in the practice of magick is not exclusive to Hoodoo. In fact, their use is virtually a world-wide phenomenon and modern medicine owes a great deal of credit to the ancient magicians for their discoveries. Animism, a belief that spirits inhabit non-human entities, plays a large role in the practice of Hoodoo. When a rootworker utilizes an herb or zoological curio, such as a rabbit's foot, they recognize the spirit dwelling within it and which can be called up to favor their petition. (See also Doctrine of Signatures)
Anthropomorphic Spirits
Anthropomorphism, or more commonly personification, is the practice of ascribing human-qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. A popular example of an anthropomorphic spirit in Hoodoo is the Anima Sola, or lonely soul, which commonly depicts a woman wearing broken chains amidst the fires of purgatory. She is often invoked for release from suffering or to bring suffering to others. Other examples of an anthropomorphic spirit include Santo Muerte, the personification of death as a holy spirit; and High John the Conqueror, a folk-hero representing the qualities ascribed to the root of the same name.
- Familiar Spirits
- Plant and Animal Spirits
- Anthropomorphic Spirits
Familiar Spirits
While most people associate the term 'familiar spirit' with the shape-shifting entities which were believed to have served Medieval Witches; the term can also refer to one's genius, or a type of tutelary spirit. Other terms synonymous with familiar-spirit include Patron Saint, Guardian Angel, Daimon, Higher-Self. They function as a person's guardian and teacher often communicating with humans through dreams and intuition.
Plant and Animal Spirits
The use of herbs, minerals and animal parts in the practice of magick is not exclusive to Hoodoo. In fact, their use is virtually a world-wide phenomenon and modern medicine owes a great deal of credit to the ancient magicians for their discoveries. Animism, a belief that spirits inhabit non-human entities, plays a large role in the practice of Hoodoo. When a rootworker utilizes an herb or zoological curio, such as a rabbit's foot, they recognize the spirit dwelling within it and which can be called up to favor their petition. (See also Doctrine of Signatures)
Anthropomorphic Spirits
Anthropomorphism, or more commonly personification, is the practice of ascribing human-qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. A popular example of an anthropomorphic spirit in Hoodoo is the Anima Sola, or lonely soul, which commonly depicts a woman wearing broken chains amidst the fires of purgatory. She is often invoked for release from suffering or to bring suffering to others. Other examples of an anthropomorphic spirit include Santo Muerte, the personification of death as a holy spirit; and High John the Conqueror, a folk-hero representing the qualities ascribed to the root of the same name.