The occult newcomer assortment refers to a collection of items and resources that are designed to help individuals who are new to the world of the occult. The occult is a broad and complex field that encompasses various spiritual practices, beliefs, and rituals that are often considered to be outside of mainstream religions. For individuals who are new to the occult, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the vast amount of information and resources available. This is where the occult newcomer assortment comes in. It is designed to provide beginners with a curated selection of books, tools, and guidance to help them get started on their journey. One of the essential components of the occult newcomer assortment is a selection of books and literature that cover a wide range of topics related to the occult.
By debunking these myths and understanding its origin, rootwork can be viewed as a cultural practice that can be incorporated into everyday life. Educate yourself before passing judgment.
A poignant, necessary entry into the children s literary canon, Root Magic brings to life the history and culture of Gullah people while highlighting the timeless plight of Black Americans. The rest of that chapter is a funeral, root magic, a clear-cut explanation of where the story will take place, an introduction to most of the main characters, and the appearance of the villain right at the end.
One of the essential components of the occult newcomer assortment is a selection of books and literature that cover a wide range of topics related to the occult. These books can provide beginners with a foundational understanding of the history, philosophy, and practices of different occult traditions. They can also offer instructions and guidance on how to practice various rituals and spells, as well as insights into different belief systems.
Eden Royce’s Root Magic is the Book I Needed Growing Up
Root Magic is the book I wish I’d had as a little Black girl growing up in the South.
Not only did books like this not exist in the middle grade world in the ’90s, but even if they had, my school library wouldn’t have carried it. They tried to ban over 30 books and made national news for their heavy-handed censorship.
Which is why I’m so glad that Eden Royce wrote this book. Reading about a little Black girl from the South practicing the ancestral magic I grew up witnessing filled a hole in me I didn’t know existed. Finally, I got to see child-me on the page.
Root Magic is not just important for its subject matter, however. It’s also incredible for its nuanced view of racism, classism, and outright hatred against those perceived to hold power over others in a way those others don’t quite comprehend.
Royce’s protagonist, a tween girl named Jezebel, loses her grandmother at the start of this master class in middle grade horror. Her world is turned upside down by the death, and her family’s protection is lessened because the matriarch is no longer there to work the root to protect them all. Eventually, she and her twin brother, Jay, convince their mother and uncle to let them learn rootwork to help protect them from the local deputy, who has it out for all the rootworkers in his area. Jez and Jay learn about all manner of magic, from haints and boo-hags to mojo bags and astral projection. Ultimately, Jez’s knowledge of hoodoo will be tested in one final showdown between the racist cop and her family.
Order now: Apple | Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBoundRoyce’s debut novel does a lot of heavy lifting, especially considering its classification as a middle grade book. Readers are taken on a journey through what it was like to be Black in the South before the Civil Rights Movement. We witness first-hand the Black community’s reaction to the death of John F. Kennedy. And we watch a lonely little girl come into her own power, making the unlikeliest of friends in the process.
Root Magic is also, in many ways, a handbook on practicing conjure work. The references to using graveyard dirt and brick dust for protection brought me back to my own childhood, where my father and grandmother discussed doing the same. The horrifying stories I heard as a child about boo-hags slipping out of their skin to terrorize folks at night also held the warmth of familiarity, despite its ghastly premise. In short, Root Magic made me feel like I was home again.
But it’s important to note that this book is more than just a trip down memory lane for those of us who grew up with hoodoo. While that’s incredibly important and powerful to those kids living in families just like the Turners, Root Magic is also a lens through which readers can understand what it was like to grow up during an uncertain and horrifying time to be Black. But perhaps even more essentially, it underscores the idea that “not all skinfolk are kinfolk”; that Black people experience racism from their country and fellow citizens, but that they are also sometimes looked down upon by people experiencing those same struggles. Jez is constantly teased about her family’s involvement in rootwork by the other Black girls in her school, though many of the kids that tease her have parents that frequent her family’s shop for simple remedies for healing medical maladies, as well as spells to address imbalances of the less natural variety.
Royce does an excellent job of crafting a compelling story from start to finish. From the first line, we are drawn into the world she grew up in. Every building block of story serves a purpose to push the narrative forward, while also setting up major reveals later in the book. The children in Root Magic are believable in their actions, and openly grapple with questions other middle school kids work through at this point in their lives–the quest for friends, for finding what it is you stand for, and for becoming your own person outside of your family, while still remaining connected to them in a meaningful way.
For me, Root Magic was a joy to read. In fact, I can’t wait to read it with my own son to introduce him to some of the lore that I grew up with. This book will introduce a whole new generation to rootwork and ensure that it never dies. Because rootwork has primarily been an oral tradition passed down from parents and grandparents to children, much of it is not documented in any way. To learn it requires finding a mentor familiar with the work. But in writing this novel, Royce has opened the door for children to see their previously secretive culture out in the world, but still treated with the reverence and respect it deserves.
In many ways, this novel felt like it was a love letter to 12-year-old me–the girl who couldn’t find books with people that looked like her, much less those who believed like her. And while girls like me are definitely in the minority, even among other southern Black people, it’s incredibly important that those kids–especially those kids–have a mirror they can peer into while they are trying to figure out where they belong in this world.
Librarians across the country–both public and school–should race to acquire copies of this book. Every single place where kids check out books needs a copy of Root Magic. You never know who might need this book, and what magic it might work on their soul.
Order Root Magic now:
Apple | Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
And don’t miss our interview with Eden Royce here.
Many of us have been in church and someone said to us, “The Lord told me to tell you…” You see how it is all connected?
In addition to books, the occult newcomer assortment may also include tools and supplies that are commonly used in occult practices. These can range from herbs and crystals to candles, incense, and divination tools like tarot cards or pendulums. Having access to these tools can help beginners experiment with different practices and find what resonates with them. Guidance and mentorship are also crucial components of the occult newcomer assortment. This can come in the form of online forums, groups, or communities where individuals can connect with more experienced practitioners who can provide guidance and answer questions. Having a mentor or a supportive community can help beginners feel less alone and more confident in their exploration of the occult. Overall, the occult newcomer assortment is a valuable resource for those who are new to the world of the occult. It provides beginners with a curated selection of books, tools, and guidance to help them navigate through the vast and complex field of the occult. By having access to these resources, individuals can gain a better understanding of different occult traditions, find tools that resonate with them, and connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals..
Reviews for "Exploring Shamanism: Connecting with Spirit in the Occult"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the "Occult newcomer assortment". The items included were of very poor quality and did not live up to my expectations at all. The crystals were dull and lacked the vibrant energy I was hoping for, and the spell candles were crooked and looked cheap. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on this assortment and would not recommend it to anyone looking for genuine occult items.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the "Occult newcomer assortment" but unfortunately, it fell short. The assortment promised a variety of items to help beginners explore the occult, but I found the selection to be lackluster. The tarot cards included were of a low quality and the guidebook felt like a rushed afterthought. I also found the customer service to be unhelpful when I reached out to express my disappointment. Overall, I would not purchase this assortment again.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The "Occult newcomer assortment" did not meet my expectations. The items included were basic and did not provide much insight or guidance for someone new to the occult. The herbs were dried out and seemed old, and the incense sticks had a strong artificial scent that I found off-putting. I believe there are better beginner kits available on the market that offer more value and quality.
4. John - 2 stars - I was not impressed with the "Occult newcomer assortment". The contents seemed uninspiring and lacked any real depth. The included ritual candles were generic, and the crystals felt like they were randomly chosen without any specific intention or purpose. Additionally, the pamphlet provided was poorly written and did not offer much useful information for beginners. I was left feeling underwhelmed by this assortment.