Conjure Man/Woman

Conjure Man/Woman

Southern term used for a practitioner of magic of the Hoodoo variety (similar roots to Voodoo but without the religious beliefs, rituals, and other elements). Akin to the Pow-wow of the Ozarks and other areas. A Conjure man or woman is sometimes called a "Root Doctor," since considerable magic and the healing is performed using roots and herbs. Also known as a "Leaf Doctor" (dokte feuilles in the Louisiana Creole patois).

Much conjuring of this variety has retained elements of the African ways of working magic. Spells may be cast or removed from clients for a fee. Gris-gris bags are made and sold. Ingredients such as graveyard dust, chicken feathers and bones, ashes, or soot are used. Every Conjure man has his or her own recipes, usually jealously guarded.

There are also aspects of conjuring that parallel the workings of early Hedge

Witches, especially in the use of herbs and healing. (see also Cunning Man Murrell)