CoCo Conjure (CoCo Savage)

Cousin, my road to hoodoo was a little messy. Let's talk about the trends that grows like weeds on our spiritual path, and what to do when the world around you doesn't reflect the religion you grew up in.

Cuz,

There are Initiations in hoodoo. It might not look like or function like other occult practices, but it is done non the less. So let's dive into one of the initiations of Zora Neale Hurston and see what we can glean.

COUSIN!

IT'S TIME TO GO OUTSIDE BABY!

Show notes:

https://www.countryliving.com/uk/travel-ideas/abroad/a60172393/spring-equinox-traditions/

https://www.spokeandblossom.com/stories/2023/3/14/spring-equinox-traditions-around-the-world-how-your-can-celebrate-in-colorado#:~:text=Because%20Africa%20is%20in%20the,particularly%20by%20the%20Igbo%20people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3Vlhh1o9ZI

https://hcpl.net/blogs/post/spring-celebrations-around-the-world/

Cuz!

Who is the greatest conjurer of all time?! Some clues,: They are one of the chosen who's had direct contact with Source. They were able to lead their people to freedom. And...they inspired the oppressed to claim their freedom as well.

Show Notes: Story: How the Hoodoo lost his hand found in "American Negro Folktales" by Richard M. Dorson.

resources: "Mules and Men" by Zora Neal Hurston. "Black magic: Religion and the African American conjuring tradition" By Yvonne P. Chireau

Music: Southern Gospel Piano By Julius H (found on pixaby)

Hey Cousin,

This episode we talk about the highs and lows of love work. I even give some work done by Ancestor Hurston that you can build upon. So let's drop into the nearest jazz club, sip some wine, and talk about some love mojo.

Sources:

Richard M. Dorson "American Negro Folktales." Story 88: Triangle in Chicago.

Katrina Hazzard-Donald "Mojo Workin: the old African American hoodoo system."

Zora Neale Hurston " Hoodoo in America." as collected in "The Journal of American Folklore"

Hey cousin!

The myth, the legend, the spirt of High John de Conka is a hoodoo staple. Let's dig into the lore and get some work done with High John.

gospel music:

https://pixabay.com/users/3921568/?tab=music&order=latest&pagi=1

High John de Conquer by Zora Neale Hurston

https://hackneybooks.co.uk/books/124/571/HighJohn.html

Katrina Hazzard Donald : Mojo Workin

Harry Hyatt, Hoodoo, Conjuration, Witchcraft, and Rootwork, vol. 1, 1970, pp. 455–457 and 593–595

https://archive.org/details/HoodooConjurationWItchcraftRootwork/Hoodoo%20Conjuration%20WItchcraft%20%26%20Rootwork%20Vol%201/page/n563/mode/2up

Cousins, in this episode My grandma is your grandma. Let's gather around and listen to her talk about the healing power of the psalms, how brooms across the feet can be a good thing, and how faith (in anything) can shape our reality for the better.

Hey Cousin!

We ain't let no hag, gossip, or bad juju penetrate this temple, here. Gots to protect yo self.

For a more traditional approach check our Hoodoo in America by Zora Neal Hurston and Hoodoo Conjuration WItchcraft & Rootwork by Harry Middleton Hyatt

Sup Cuz,

Grab your headphones, cause this episode is all about storytelling. We got two boys count'n souls down by the graveyard, John tryin to code switch for Massa, and Dr. Rabbit giving the tar baby a molly wop.

Reference:

Story 1: Countin Souls

Shukin & Jivin : Folklore from Contemporary Black Americans. By Daryl Cumber Dance. pg 33 (tale 47)

Story 2: De First Colored Man Brought To This Country

Mules & Men by Zora Neal Hurston. Pg 79

Story 3: The Tar Baby

American Negro Folktales collected by Richard M. Dorson as told by E.L Smith. Pg 75 (tale 3)

Hey Cousin!

I'm going to share with you the spiritual work I do to open my roads for the new year. It's a crazy amount of work, but it's worth the blessings that follows.

hey cousin!

this week we take a second to answer new hoodoo's question around religious trauma and church hurt.

Cousins, one of the few ways to access your raw power is to pull a breath from deep in your gut and speak over your situation. Let's pray, affirm, and exorcise our way to victory. Just be careful of the pitfalls of manifestation; remember, sometimes life just isn't fair.

Show Notes:

More about Manifesting and New Thought Movement as it pertains to modern day spiritual practices: Dr. Henry at Religion for breakfast: https://youtu.be/gVAeLUVAvao?si=iLWGCuQROOB_KV9p

American Negro Folk Tales by Richard Dorson

Power of the Psalms by Anna Riva

SUP COUSIN!

It's just me this time; Big Sis had life doing the most. But!... let's run around the internet and answer some questions shall we.

Cousins, my Big Sis came thru and helped me answer internet witch questions. Ya'll just remember, don't be so love and light you shaking like a leaf at the mention of a hex. Grab your headphones, and let's talk magic.

Hey Cousin,

The Winter Solstice is upon us. Time to start a new year with the coming of the sun.

I ain't no Witch, Cousin! I swear!

Not my fault every "baby witch" and Evangelical Pastor is pointing at anything spiritual and calling it witchcraft. Can I just burn my sage and buy a yoga mat in peace?! Don't they know that in Hoodoo a witch is a type of cryptid that sits on your chest and rides ya? Never mind the shapeshifting.

Sources:

American Negro Folktales by Richard M. Dorson

Pastor Gregory Lock on Tik Tok (don't give this man no views. shile...)

PBS World of Stories: Boo Hag preformed by Donna Washinton.

https://mpt.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ket-storytelling-101/the-boo-hag/

COUSIN!

Big Sis is back, and she and I surf the web to answer spiritual questions.

and i may or may not have had some herbal upliftment halfway through...

Cuz!

How did I make it 23 episodes without discussing what Hoodoo Is? Chile...

SEASON 1 FINALE!

Let's talk stories, and take full advantage of the rest of summer.

Hey Cousin! in this episode we hear a story collected by Professor Dorson, and our collective Ancestor-ah Zora Neal Hurston and tackle some big questions: How can we be a hoodoo and do we gotta sell our souls to do it?

Hey Cousin,

This is how I think our conjure works.

If you want an in-depth, well researched video from a guy who studies religion and spirituality for a living, check out the youtube channel Religion for Breakfast : https://youtu.be/xoYZ5xNyKbc?si=eaET7rKis40HGNXu

Hey Cousin!

Welcome to CoCo's Hoodoo Library. Please, make yourself a drink, find a comfy couch, and enjoy the book recommendations.

Show Notes

Coco’s Library Music from:

https://pixabay.com/users/teodholina-32752748/

https://pixabay.com/users/fassounds-3433550/

Book Recs:

“Black Magic: Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition." Yvonne P. Chireau

“Mojo Workin” by Katrina Hazzard Donald

"Hoodoo Conjuration WItchcraft & Rootwork" by Harry Middelton Hyatt.

" Hoodoo in America" & "Mules & Men" by Zora Neal Hurston

“Old Style Conjure: Hoodoo, Rootwork & Folkmagic '' By Starr Casas

“Stick Stones Roots and Bones." Stephanie Rose Bird

"Mountain Conjure and Southern Root Work" by Orion Foxwood.

Hey cousin,

Just cause things are popping off, doesn't me we have to. Let me tell you about the time my Neighbor called the cops on me.

Hey Cousins! Big Sis is back, and this time she's talking to us about her spiritual journey. From playing church as a child, to joining the witnesses to seek understanding, to building her own spiritual practice, Big Sis never lost sight of the most important thing.

Found wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey Cousin!

The ancestors moved my tongue to sing, and I had some spiritual matters weighing on my spirit. So come with me as we enjoy some negro spirituals and spit folklore around black faith.

Show Notes:

All stories taken from Daryl Cumber Dance " From My People: 400 years of African American Folklore"

To be honest, i think the lyrics to the songs i sang are in there too.

COUSIN! COLORS IN HOODOO ARE CONFUSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Show Notes:

Hoodoo Conjuration WItchcraft & Rootwork by Harry Middleton Hyatt: (2) candles pg 797-799

Hoodoo Delish Color Chart :

Yeyeo Botanica: Candle Colors

Ivy the Occultist: road opener

Jessica Winston; Haus of Hoodoo

Zora Neal Hurston: Mules and Men

The Hoodoo Queen

So Cousin,

By now you've figure out that I'm on the fringe. I'm the weird cousin at the Hoodoo Cookout talking about anime, which binder is good to make incense, and how Miss Smith use to catch witch spiders. Sometimes, believing on the fringe is tough. So what do you do when you can't find your tribe?

You put the call out to the cousins that get you. Thankfully a few of you found me. You have no idea how grateful I am that you did.

Cuz,

Let's talk John Stories!

1. John and the Devil's Daughter from " The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales" by Virginia Hamilton. (pg 107)
2. The Escape of John Bennett from "American Negro Folktales" By Richard M Dorson ([g 284)
3. The Power of Prayer from "Every Tongue got to Confess" By Zora Neale Hurston (pg 90-91)

cousin.... this is a ramble let me tell you. But this idea of masculine and feminine energy/forces, and how we use them to identify our roles in society has been heavy on my mind. Let's explore the topic together shall we?

show notes:

the daodejing http://www.fang.ece.ufl.edu/daodejing.pdf

religion for breakfast: https://youtu.be/lPkRkBuvAxQ?si=YlIxSTcAjCKNs5uG

let's talk religion: https://youtu.be/fTPxh6Sn_gI?si=YhqrtVzwCc7XB4DM

Cousin!

Let's go back to our roots and read some tales from Richard M. Dorson's book "American Negro Folktales."

Story 1: 16, " The fox the rabbit and the well" as told by J.D. Suggs.

Story 2: 18 d. "The Alligator, the Whale, and the Colored Man" as told by Andrew Smith

Story 3: 19 " The Rat and the Whiskey" as told by Bulah Tate

Sup Cosuin!

This time for our folklore episode, I thought I'd share a coco original. Hope you like it.

Sup Cuz,

The High Sheriff of Low Country wanted to stop folks from prescribing snake oil for lethal diseases. His plan...take on the biggest name in root doctoring, Dr. Buzzard himself.

Show Notes:

J.E. Mc.Teer: 50 years as a low country witch doctor.

Mojo Workin Katrina Hazzard-Donald

Mules and Men Zora Neale Hurston

https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/dr-buzzard/

https://bdcbcl.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/dr-buzzard-1885-1947-and-rootwork/

Time for the spooky tales, Cousin!

tales sourced from

Harry Hyatt " Hoodoo, Conjurations, Witchcraft, and Rootwork"

Richard M. Dorson " American Negro Folktales."

Hey Cousin!!

Money don't grow on trees and our spirits can't find peace on earth if our wallets are empty. Amen? Amen! So let's talk Money spiritual work and get these coins.

Sources:

Harry M. Hyatt Hoodoo Conjuration Witchcraft Vol. 1 Pgs 613-677 https://archive.org/details/HoodooConjurationWItchcraftRootwork/Hoodoo%20Conjuration%20WItchcraft%20%26%20Rootwork%20Vol%201/page/n15/mode/2up

Hey Cuzn!

Big Sis is back to help me answer questions found around the internet. We talk ancestor work, lodestones, karma, black girl hair struggles. And if that wasn't enough, Big Sis dies laughing, and I almost tell you about the time I conjured the spirit of Death.

grab some tea, and lets answer some internet witch questions.

Cuz,

No need to fill up the tub with herbs and flowers. Let's take active part in our spiritual bath, and move them blessings over us.

Harry Hyatt "Witchcraft, Conjuration, Rootwork, and Hoodoo: vol 1"

Helpful reading:

Mama's Mojo: A Mother's Guide to Hoodoo and Rootwork by Mama Baderiwna Rolland & Queen Co. Meadows

African American Herbalism: A Practical Guide to Healing Plants and Folk Traditions

by Lucretia VanDyke

Hey cousin! In this episode I open up about the methods I use to plan and prepare for my spiritual rituals. Let's discuss.

Show Notes: "Mountain Conjure and Southern Root Work" by Orion Foxwood

Cousin... we gotta work more with the spirit of Wealth and less with the spirit of Luck.

Let's talk!

COUSIN!!!!

Let's hot girl walk through the graveyard, and commune with the spirits.

Show Notes:

story found in Hyatt's Hoodoo Conjuration and Witchcraft vol 1.

Cuz,

Let's get you started on your Hoodoo Journey.

Cuz,

Sandy had a root for Frederick Douglass that could keep him safe from a notorious slave driver. And the story the followed turned Douglass's mind from bondsman to free man.

Sources and Further Reading

PBS:

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1539.html

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave : https://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/douglass/douglass.html

Libarary of congress

https://www.loc.gov/collections/frederick-douglass-papers/articles-and-essays/

SUP COUSIN!

When's the right time to do work or have a spell start? Let's discuss

TW: suicide

Hey Cousins!

Today I introduce you to a spiritual sister of mine. Netta's story is a wild tale of overcoming depression, navigating infidelity, and finding God. In the end, she set herself aflame and was reborn a Hoodoo practitioner and Reiki Healer.

COUSIN!

The Devil In hoodoo is more than just the biblical Lucifer or Satan. He's a slick practitioner of supernatural forces who dwells in the moral gray. So let's dive into some devil tales and get a feel for the folkloric devil in hoodoo.

Sell yourself to the Devil collected by Harry Hyatt in " Hoodoo, Conjuration, Witchcraft, and Rootwork"

Jack and The Devil found in Virginia Hamilton's "the people could fly"

Woman Smarter than the Devil Found in Zora Neal Hurston's " Every Tongue Got to Confess"

Cousin!

You betta werk dat Mojo!

Muddy waters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiJoqeTTK2c

More on Nkisi

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/africa-apah/central-africa-apah/a/nkisi-nkondi

https://www.famsf.org/index.php/artworks/nkisi-nkondi-nail-and-blade-oath-taking-figure

https://www.britannica.com/art/nkisi

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/151358/male-figure-nkisi-nkondi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY5IK9KV6v4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVC0EAEuJSo

Hey Cousin,

IT'S SEASON 3 BABY! Let me tell you where I've been.

Hey Cousin!

It's folklore time, and this month we are sticking with tales of conjure found in Zora Neale Hurston's work Hoodoo in America found in the American Folklore Journal.

Story 1: 16

Story 2: 17

Story 3: 18

CUZ,

There is a lot of lore around the black cat bone, one of the most powerful fetishes in Hoodoo. Let's explore.

Show Notes:

Zora Neale Hurston “mules and men” Pg 220-221

Harry Hyatt “hoodoo, conjuration, witchcraft, rootwork” Vol 1. 74-97

Cousin!

ya girl go to work and wrote another tale. This time we follow Roe as she takes her inheritance face on and meets new allies.

TRIGGER WARNING: DOMESTICE VIOLENCE *

Hey Cuz!!!

Your Auntie, my Mama, is here to tell you how she regained herself spiritually and mentally. She tells us about how the ancestors give her strength, and roots give her peace of mind. Her spiritual journey explains how the women on my family branch went from Saints to Occultists without losing our hoodoo.

Hey cousin.

Let's take 10 min to just exist together.

Hey cousin!

This episode was on the backburner for months, but it's finally here! Let's talk about the Moses of our People...the Nurse...the Seer...the Liberator. Mother Moses.

Resources used to write the script:

"Harriet Tubman: imagining a life: by Beverly Lowry

Harriet Tubman Trail app (to accompany the riding tour of Dorchester County)

Harriet Tubman museum and educational center

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

and the good people of Dorchester who took a second and talk to me about their home and gave direction on where to go.

Cuz!

Sometimes you gotta do some clearance work. You gotta get the bleach, grab the broom, and light up the herbs and just...reset and clear it out!

COUSIN!!

In this episode i'm going to say something around God and Karma that you may disagree with. I only ask that you take a moment and hear me out.

Show notes: Introduction to buddhism; an explanation of the buddhist way of life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

What is Karma according to Buddhism ?| Buddhism In English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUyUp3KS80o

Hey Cousin!

No folklore this week. Instead I give you a peak into my practice as a Non-Theistic Hoodoo (pretty sure i made that term up), and give you a few tips on ancestor veneration and altar spaces. Grab a notebook for this one, cause I talk about some things you might want to meditate on.

HEY COUSIN!

I missed ya! let's start season two talking about Sonya Massey and let's take a second to remember all those we lost to police brutality. May their names stay on our tongues and their deaths never forgotten.

CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/22/us/sonya-massey-police-shooting/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/27/us/sean-grayson-misconduct-sonya-massey-death/index.html?iid=cnn_buildContentRecirc_end_recirc