Hoodoo and Candle Magic A Brief Background on African-American Spellcasting Sabrina Kinckle

When African slaves were brought to America, they were stripped of their religious beliefs and familial connections. However, much of their magical practices remained. African-American rootworkers acquired herbal knowledge from Native Americans. Later, when the United States was influenced by the resurgence of Hermetic magic that spread across Europe, African-American rootworkers began studying Kabalistic traditions. The result was the mixing of folk magic with Judeo-Christian sources, such as incorporating the Book of Psalms in various spells.

Hoodoo Candle Magic

Hoodoo relies heavily on candle magic. Candles are said to manifest certain desires based on their colors. Perhaps the most influential candlemancy book to the Hoodoo tradition was Henri Gamache’s 1940s publication entitled, A Master Book of Candle Burning: How to Burn Candles for Every Purpose. Gamache was greatly influenced by spiritualist Paschal Beverly Randolph and texts from Harry Hyatt, a folklorist who documented a wealth of information on Hoodoo.