33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Basic Introduction, but misses the Roots?, October 9, 2003
This review is from: Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success (Paperback)
Although I have to give many respects to Tayannah Lee, for writing a basics how to book on Rootwork, there was only one problem I had with the book. Roots, are even hardly mentioned, with the exception of Devil's Shoestring, and High John Root. Other roots used in Rootwork are not even covered such as Bat's Head, Adam and Eve Root, Osha root, and other roots, that are the reason why Rootwork is called Rootwork. But besides this little fault, it is a handy little book for the beginners, or those who are interested in Hoodoo, Obeah, and other African Magickal traditions.
If you are interested in traditional ingredients used in mojo bags, gris gris, or Santeria's resguardos this is a good start. As it goes behind the meaning of some of the ingredients such as human hair, nails bitts, clothing, and other ingredients that go into the making of these talismans. There is an excellent introduction for using waters, dirts, and other ingredients found in nature. Also a basic introduction on cartsomancy, since traditional rootworkers, and those who practice Voudou, Espiritismo, Umbanda and other African influenced traditions use either Spanish playing cards or a regular deck of cards. If you purchase this book, and want further study, I also must highly recommend you purchase these three books, that go well with it. Papa Jim's Herbal Workbook, by Papa Jim, Jambalaya the Natural Woman's book of Personal Charms by Luisah Teish, and Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic: A Materia Magica of African-American Conjure, by Catherine Yronwode
Although it is a basic introduction, it is ground breaking, and much needed, I highly recommend it to those who want a simple understanding of how to use this ancient form of African American Magickal system.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION, February 1, 2003
This review is from: Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success (Paperback)
Rootwork, or depending on what part of the country you live in, hoodoo or voodoo has been a part of Afro American culture from the begining. Tayannah Lee McQuillar has, in this plain and spare little book put together a number of spells with simple explanations. If you believe in rootwork then this book is too simple for you. If you are just becoming interested in black folklore then this book may be a good and simple introduction to the subject. If you want something more in depth and better written check out Blue Roots or Faith Mithchell's book.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Very little meat to this book, October 23, 2008
This review is from: Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success (Paperback)
This book has very little meat to it - it is a skinny book with big print and it really qualifies more like an essay on the subject instead of a book. The information is very basic and simplistic and it completely misses the point on the more subtle complexities behind rootworking. The impression I get is the author just did a quick internet search and then gathered what she found in an essay and voila - book. It may be that she knows a lot on this subject, but her writting does not reflect it. Some of the spells here are more common knowledge and old wives tales than actual rootworking spells.
All in all - this book is a waste of money. If you are looking for information on the subject just about any book out there on Hoodoo and Herbal magick is better than this book. Hell, if you do a google search on Rootworking, you will probably get more information than you would in this book.
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