Getting Started and Making Mistakes in Hoodoo

Starting your journey in Hoodoo can feel overwhelming for many Black Americans. With so much information (and misinformation) online, it’s easy to make mistakes—and that’s okay. Mistakes are part of learning, especially in a practice as rich and layered as Hoodoo.

When I began, I didn’t have a mentor, a family tradition, or another ATR as a point of reference to lean on, and I made many mistakes to prove this.

A picture of Florida Water I made and stored in an old Jack Daniel’s bottle and actual Jack Daniel’s from 2017. Guess which one I almost drank accidentally.

Like many, I turned to books, social media, and trial and error. Over time, I realized that patience and respect are the most essential tools for beginners. Hoodoo is more than workings or rituals—it’s a connection to our ancestors and their understanding, and like any healthy relationship, it will take time to form.

Here are three key tips for starting:

1. Start at Home: Observe how religion and spirituality appear in your family. You may learn that older relatives aren't comfortable discussing such things, so don't ask if you get that sense. Actions will tell you more than words. Pay special attention to family beliefs and behaviors around births, deaths, gatherings, sickness, and hard times.

2. Learn the Basics: Focus on simple acts like spiritual cleaning, protection, offerings, and prayer. The key isn't volume; it’s consistency. Start with what you can manage and stick to a routine. I recommend doing two of these tasks weekly for six months. Doing so benefits spiritual cleanliness and demonstrates your level of commitment to your Ancestors.

3. Be Patient: This isn’t a television show; this is your spiritual inheritance taking form. It won't happen overnight; that's why patience is critical. While sticking to your six-month commitment, get a journal and record everything you can; dreams, inner thoughts, things you want to learn, and frustrations can illuminate a lot when you can read them as a unified experience. There are multiple ways to journal, but I think a good old-fashioned pencil/pen and paper is best for the beginning of your Hoodoo journey.

A pictures of my journals from 2016 to present day.

Getting started looks different for each of us, but we all make mistakes; that’s part of the process—approach Hoodoo with humility and a willingness to learn.

Remember, this journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about respect—for the practice, for yourself, and for building a relationship with the Ancestral spirits who came before you.

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Bless.

-E