Review
------
2005 COVR Award Winner
..".[I]n Sticks, Stones, Roots & s: Hoodoo, Mojo & Conjuring
With s, 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."--Village
Voice
"With humor and a positive 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."-- Quarterly
"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."--Ghostvillage.com
"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 mish-mash of magickal recipes from
all over the world, its extremely eclectic and contains some
fascinating sounding spells such as Growin' Green, Oya's al
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 [Hoodoo's] roots back to Africa and gives
practical advice on recipes, rituals, spells and charms."--The
Cauldron, UK
"Sticks, Stones, Roots & s, primarily a recipe book of
Hoodoo practices, serves as an invaluable reference for those
interested in rootwork or al 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
"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 & s 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."--WiccaNet
"I welcome Stephanie Rose Bird's contribution to the al
literature. Her contribution stands well apart from most works
already on the market, not least due to her focus on the magical
al traditions of African American origin known as
Hoodoo."--www.sacredearth.com
"A magickal guide to African and African American alism with
an emphasis on the spiritual aspects. Historical tidbits and lore
of African alism makes this a great historical reference to
al enthusiasts, and the practical recipes and crafts make it
a must for any bookshelf!"--Carly Wall, editor of "Wholistic
Woman," an www.iVillage.com magazine
"What an excellent book! A grand contribution to African healing
traditions, alism, and ethnobotany. Written with the
expertise of someone who truly understands, from personal
background and experience, the rich complexity of the African
healing traditions. Sticks, Stones, Roots & s 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, alist, author,
and founder of United Savers and California School of
al Studies
Synopsis
--------
Hoodoo is an eclectic blend of African traditions,
Native American alism, Judeo-Christian ritual, and magical
healing. Tracing Hoodoos magical roots back to West Africa, the
author provides a fascinating history of this nature-based
healing tradition and gives practical advice for applying Hoodoo
magic to everyday life.