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Rating: 
Summary: Finally a Book on African American Shamanism!
Review: ...I buy alot of books on wicca, voodoo etc. but I never seen a book that reflected my magical heritage as an African American positively. I didn't realize how unaware I was until I read Rootwork. I DEFINITELY reccomend this book for anyone serious about their magical studies. GREAT JOB!!!
Rating:
Summary: Good Basic Introduction, but misses the Roots?
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Good Basic Introduction, but misses the Roots?
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: An Instant Classic Treasure
Review: Having studied for decades the Magick & Occultism from a variety of cultures and epochs, I always felt my home culture of Black America was overlooked and neglected. ROOTWORK puts a bright spotlight on the exciting traditions of African American Magickal work. Author Ms. McQuillar explains clearly WHY many African Americans even today are so alienated from their own rich, vital Magickal heritage. ROOTWORK also offers new insights into ways to Honor and Invoke the long neglected Ancestors --- a key source of Guidance and Help with spiritual issues and daily life. ROOTWORK reveals how we today can use Shamanic healing and problem solving to enhance the resourceful use of herbs, stones, and organic material to create Change in ourselves, things, events, relationships, processes, or our environment. That is the essence of true Magickal Art of manipulating forces of Nature to make favorable and beneficial Manifestations in the visible world. Today, people of every culture have given away their power (for a fee) to doctors, lawyers, institutions, and politicians --- leaving themselves bewildered, stripped, and feeling helpless. ROOTWORK shows us an alternative lifestyle of self empowerment. With that new mindset we can become once again healers and co-creators of our own worlds. There is a resurgent interest in African religions, spirituality and Magick. The Web is full of free information about it. The book ROOTWORK has given me a whole fresh toolbox of time tested Spells from which I can draw Power and make creative alternatives for my own Self. I do NOT want to give away too much, but ROOTWORK gave me some real world quick RESULTS from using Earth from the grounds of a prosperous Bank in my area for a Money Spell. ROOTWORK even includes methods for using Playing cards as Divination tools --- as it was done for generations by Rootworkers before Tarot decks became so common. Luck enhancement, Spells to Control People who need controlling, Spells to improve Business & Income, Love Spells to attract a mate, Monogamy Spells to keep that mate faithful, Spells to superheat your sex life --- ROOTWORK is quite literally a gold mine. I eagerly look forward to Ms. Tayannah Lee McQuillar's NEXT book. I only hope she continues to shed light upon too-long neglected elements of African Diaspora history and culture. ROOTWORK takes a giant step to revive interest in African American Magick. I give "ROOTWORK" 5 STARS! Encore! Encore!
Rating:
Summary: An Eye Opening Piece of Work!
Review: I have a friend who works for the publisher and she gave me an advance copy of Rootwork for Christmas as a gag gift cause she know I'm not into that kinda new age stuff but I read it anyway. It was fun to read and I ended up learning alot about African Americans that I didn't know. But the best part is that the spells really work! my friend owed me money since October and I decided to try the "Pay me Now!" spell to get back my money. I got the money within a few days.
Rating: 
Summary: A SIMPLE INTRODUCTION
Review: 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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