Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo & Conjuring with Herbs

Too many books about the magical arts can only be appreciated on a theoretical basis: "Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones" is a book of practical magic that can be put to genuine practical use. Among the author's stated goals is to put spellcasting back into the hands of practitioners, rather than in the hands of marketers. To that end, she provides lots of great formulas and recipes written in clear, easy-to-use format. There are instructions for formula oils, mojos, potions, brooms, enchanted baths and candle magic rituals. Stephanie Bird has full command of her material; her writing style is friendly and clear. I'm glad I bought this book and anticipate lots of pleasure using it. Thank you Stephanie!

This book has an amazing gift for every reader, it is rich in history and geographical information making the information come alive as you relive the beginnings of Hoodoo spirituality. There is a natural energy and connection between each of us and the universe and this book helps explain this connection. I personally enjoyed the sharing of poetry and writings from authors that I had not been exposed to before but I instantly connected with what they had to say. There is an amazing excerpt from a "TreeTalker" that will make you wish you were there at his cabin listening to the trees. The information on the Yoruba people and the correlation to the development of that spirituality and the similar developments that parallel around the same time period with the Native American Indian culture reinforce we all have that universal connectivity. I am impressed and moved at the wonderful world Stephanie has opened up to us and I love the lessons on broommaking and soapmaking and Conjuring with Herbs. This lady is a hidden treasure and our world is "Blessed' by her sharing of Light and Love and Mojo.

Stephanie Rose Bird has written a book that has been wanted and needed in the Magickal community for a long time. This book has so much valuable information that I just don't know where to begin. I first must say that I am a little confused by one of the other reviews where the person states that they are from New Orleans and they know that this is not "real" Hoodoo. Hoodoo has been widely practiced in a variety of Southern states since the first slaves arrived in North America and is not exclusively a "New Orleans" magickal tradition. I think when most of us think of New Orleans, we think of the Vodoun tradition, and Hoodoo and Vodoun are not the same. This book has it all, recipes for mojos,sachets,oils, soaps, powders and wonderful rituals for various rites of passage. At the beginning of the book there is section called Equipment and Tools that lets you know exactly what you'll need to start workin' roots. After you've got the tools together, you learn how to gather and dry herbs. There are even suggestions for folks who are living the urban city life and don't have yards for gardens and large amounts of space in their homes for herbs. The author also takes into consideration people's different budgets and gives a number of options for different recipes. There is a wonderful section called "It's in the Bag" where she shares the history of the mojo, what they are used for and how to create your own for different purposes. I absolutely love the chapter of the book on broom lore. We always hear about the broom, it's meaning and magickal uses in European traditions, the information this book contains on the broom's ritual uses and traditional meanings in African and African American customs is fascinating. The last thing I have to say about this wonderful book is that I really do admire the authors love and reverance of the earth, at the end of her book she has a list of at-risk and endangered plants and request that when possible we use substitutes in our magickal work. She also lists substitutes for animal blood in ritual as an offering, sacrifice, or to enhance the power of a trick. I can only say, bless her and I hope she continues to write and bless us with her abundant healing wisdom.

Three things stand out about Stephanie Rose Bird's work: its authenticity, its elegant simplicity, and its casual, yet spiritual, approach to the topic. From the engaging cover to the reader-friendly format of the chapters, this book offers lots of information in accessible language. More than a basic "how-to," this book provides real spiritual guidance for this path of eclectic wisdom.

I don't think I've ever seen a more perfect match between an author and her book. Stephanie Rose Bird clearly has a beautiful spirit, and her message and words are inspiring. I find it impossible to argue with her explanation as she knows her subject well. I can truthfully and enthusiastically report to you that Stephanie Rose Bird's book is a real treat! I'd like to thank Ms. Bird here and now, and furthermore, I'd like to offer an unqualified endorsement of her beautiful and life enhancing book. Nancy