I was wondering myself, if when I am ready to cast spells etc (nowhere near ready yet) should I make an offering to Papa Legba no matter what way I decide to go, i heard that what ever your into or whatever way you go about it, that your supposed to introduce yourself and make an offering of drugs, tobacco, alcohol or coffee before you start down any road. As like someone mentioned he is the crossroads between to worlds, not just someone to 'sell your soul to '
I'm an Italian American from Queens
Like many when I was interested in Magick I had no path in mind I tried this and that...A few years back I had a new roommate an African guy, He was very into the Bible and also magick as I was
At first I was reading all witchcraft books but had no pagan connection with any of the works just the magick
So I got I to hoodoo and found it has a lot In common with Italian folk magick
Hoodoo is a magick Craft
Like Witchcraft is a craft
Your religion is your religion but hoodoo is
Your main working system, ever changing but with a basic base and core practices and believes
Hoodoo has nothing to do with Vodou or Voodoo, it is not derived from them nor is it associated with them. Hoodoo is a magical practice which has elements of european folk magic, native american shamanism and jewish mysticism. Hoodoo is the absence of any deity or divinity but focuses on personal power of the person. Workings are done using the natural elements of different herbs, roots, and curiosities.
As for books on Hoodoo, there are not really many reliable ones that you will find out there. However, I do recommend staying away from authors such as Denise Alvarado as she tends to mix systems together and simply make it into something it isn't. Every rootworker works differently, as each one adds they're own spice and charm to they're practice. I'm sorry I couldn't be much more help with resources, but I hope this cleared up any misconceptions about Hoodoo and Voodoo.
I know this thread has been going since June, but, it caught my eye... I have been exploring different sites and forums reading success stories. What I found has peaked my attention. I've been watching the trends of successful spell casting and searching for people to share their stories, and mostly, they've come from those that practice hoodoo. I know nothing about the practice - except the popular 'honey jar' spells. But apparently, those I've conversed with have shared some incredible stories with me and weren't hesitant to reveal them. Just thought I'd share that. It was enough to bate me... for now. Very interesting. It seems very simplistic but powerful. I must learn more about this.