Most of us have grown up believing that spiritual power is something which exists outside of our bodies, something we must call upon or consume through prayer or some strange herb found only in the Amazon.
Even in the Hoodoo space, I find most people’s inclination is to look externally for the answers of growing their practice and wisdom. What book should I read? What herb do I drink? What crystal do I buy?
Building an altar to our ancestors and spirit guides feels like a natural thing to do when we want to connect to the power around us. Calling upon the sun, setting out moon water, steeping herbs in oils- all of these practices pull in the magic of the world around us. However, an important thing to remember, is who is behind this work.
The ability to call upon the power of the elements shows that we have a natural source of power ourselves. We must be powerful to make the energies of other beings move or draw them to us. We are direct channels of source.
When you call upon your ancestors, you call upon your own bloodline. That is to say, your ancestors are in your blood. Their spirits are with you no matter where you go or if you acknowledge them. Their joys, traumas, wisdom, memory is all stored within that red magic flowing through your veins. Therefore, the power you believe they have, is also your OWN power to wield.
This goes for ALL rootwork. Whether you’re working shame, money, healing, or love- know that the power is in your body.
Oppressive religious structures have taught you that in order to know power, you must kneel and shame yourself before some angry deity. You must belittle your own intuitive wisdom, despite the fact that you yourself were made in the image of the all-knowing Spirit. Hoodoo and other practices center the power inherently within you, which connects you to source and those who came before.
Our bodies are coded with wisdom and intuition. When you call upon your solar plexus, when you cleanse your throat chakra, when you use your intuition to perform divination- these are all examples of how you work with your own power. Think of your body as the first altar. Meditate with your energy centers. Use oils to open them up. Know your inherent wisdom.
When you feel lost in your practice, call upon those who are within you, not everything around you.
Much love, Queen of Hearts.
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