Thus practitioners of hoodoo are known as conjure men, conjure women, or conjurers. Words describing practitioners of conjure generally derive from the work of supernaturalism itself. These terms, regardless of their Old World origin, were partially supplanted in the early twen- tieth century by hoodoo, another African word that had long been popular in the Mississippi Valley but was rarely used outside of it until comparatively recent years (Chireau, Black Magic, 55, 182n36 Bell, “Pattern, Structure, and Logic,” 483–486 Anderson, Conjure, ix-xii, 28). Scattered reports also speak of some African Americans calling their magical practices by terms like obee and ober, words akin to obeah, the Jamaican word for African-derived magic. Mojo and jomo, some- times used to describe conjure, likewise have an African genesis and are today most popular in Mississippi and Tennessee. For instance, blacks from Georgia and South Carolina once commonly spoke of supernaturalism as goofer or goo- pher, a term probably of West Central African origin. Other names for conjure have African roots. The term rootwork, which remains popular along the Atlantic coast of the Lower South is likewise of European origin (Anderson, Conjure, ix–xii). A few, such as cunning and tricking, were still in use during the first half of the twentieth century. African Ameri- cans adopted other English terms to describe their supernatural practices. It was originally an English word that denoted the practice of calling up and controlling spirits. During the nine- teenth century, conjure was the most prominent term. Most important are the multiple names by which it has been known. CONJURE T he Practice Terminology The practice of African American magic has a distinctive terminology. Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Conjure: A Handbook describes the practice, history, and study of conjure and Voodoo for interested nonscholars by combining original research with a synthesis of existing literature on the subject. ( Editor’s note: NonDoc publishes poetry and creative writing in addition to commentary and news reporting.2 Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Conjure a sharp divide between conjure and Voodoo scholarship and the general reader, who is more likely to encounter old fables of diabolic hoodoo or new myths de- picting conjure as an early vehicle for civil rights. In a symphony filled with a resonance to embrace each a virtuoso Their chords ribbons flying gracefully strum out a last waltz to war Mandolins dancing with the wind do shine in a golden cadence Walls now laid out neatly a libretto softly to follow unifying us all This superior highway bridging cultural waters no longer troubled Notes splendidly shaping harmonies along the staffs of rainbows Incense burns silently infusing the earth with songs of caringĬrafts a new blending of medley within the children’s orchestra Jewels of the new south treasured neighbors uniting Glory in compassion and absolution dot their crowns
While the color of flags and dignity both are attainedĮlders purchased misery of bonds in whole grains Old markets bow themselves a symbolic confession Sweet the baskets crafted as the hands that weave Inward salty trawlers return to barnacled creek docksĪ plate of shrimp and grits greets diners races lost Looking afar off as tides resume the ancient parade Sandbars expose a treasure chest of spiral shellsīottling shark teeth and sand dollars a starfish prize Old and young all sing the southern song of crabbing Land and seascapes on easels abounding artistry Narrow alleys posted with old ornate wrought gatesĪ century and a half of cobbled streets concealedĬontrasted the battery retains the sea and its gunsīrown pelicans glide in a seashore symphony flightĮver present the dolphins join adding their melodies Weathered to a smoothness engraving distant past Oaks live return glances toward uncivil grave stones Porches dangling crooked stacked pale blue skies Row houses each painted a pastel rainbow shade The palms arching above casting fronds earthward Worn til the threads dangle flags batteredīlue stone walkways drenched early summer rains
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