We are witches. We are beings of power, intuition, and magic. Our connection to the natural world is strong, as we draw energy from the elements and spirits that surround us. We are healers, diviners, and protectors of the Earth. Our practices are deeply rooted in ancient traditions, passed down through generations. We gather under the moon, casting spells and invoking the goddesses and gods that guide us.
"Black Magic persuasively supports the position that interpretive categories like 'religion' are social constructed."-- "Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion"
Black Magic looks at the origins, meaning, and uses of Conjure-the African American tradition of healing and harming that evolved from African, European, and American elements-from the slavery period to well into the twentieth century. Black Magic looks at the origins, meaning, and uses of Conjure -- the African American tradition of healing and harming that evolved from African, European, and American elements -- from the slavery period to well into the twentieth century.
We gather under the moon, casting spells and invoking the goddesses and gods that guide us. We honor the cycles of nature, recognizing the ebb and flow of life and the seasons. As witches, we understand the importance of balance and seeking harmony in all things.
Black Magic - by Yvonne P Chireau (Paperback)
Black Magic looks at the origins, meaning, and uses of Conjure -- the African American tradition of healing and harming that evolved from African, European, and American elements -- from the slavery period to well into the twentieth century. Illuminating a world that is dimly understood by both scholars and the general public, Yvonne P. Chireau describes Conjure and other related traditions, such as Hoodoo and Rootworking, in a beautifully written, richly detailed history that presents the voices and experiences of African Americans and shows how magic has informed their culture. Focusing on the relationship between Conjure and Christianity, Chireau shows how these seemingly contradictory traditions have worked together in a complex and complementary fashion to provide spiritual empowerment for African Americans, both slave and free, living in white America. As she explores the role of Conjure for African Americans and looks at the transformations of Conjure over time, Chireau also rewrites the dichotomy between magic and religion. With its groundbreaking analysis of an often misunderstood tradition, this book adds an important perspective to our understanding of the myriad dimensions of human spirituality.
Book Synopsis
Black Magic looks at the origins, meaning, and uses of Conjure-the African American tradition of healing and harming that evolved from African, European, and American elements-from the slavery period to well into the twentieth century. Illuminating a world that is dimly understood by both scholars and the general public, Yvonne P. Chireau describes Conjure and other related traditions, such as Hoodoo and Rootworking, in a beautifully written, richly detailed history that presents the voices and experiences of African Americans and shows how magic has informed their culture. Focusing on the relationship between Conjure and Christianity, Chireau shows how these seemingly contradictory traditions have worked together in a complex and complementary fashion to provide spiritual empowerment for African Americans, both slave and free, living in white America.
As she explores the role of Conjure for African Americans and looks at the transformations of Conjure over time, Chireau also rewrites the dichotomy between magic and religion. With its groundbreaking analysis of an often misunderstood tradition, this book adds an important perspective to our understanding of the myriad dimensions of human spirituality.
From the Back Cover
"Chireau has written a marvelous text on an important dimension of African American religious culture. Expanding beyond the usual focus of scholarship on Christianity, she describes and analyzes the world of magical-medical-religious practice, challenging hallowed distinctions among "religion" and "magic." Anyone interested in African American religion will need to reckon seriously with Chireau's text on conjure."--Albert J. Raboteau, Princeton University
"Deprived of their own traditions and defined as chattel, enslaved Africans formed a new orientation in America. Conjuring--operating alongside of and within both the remnants of African culture and the acquired traditions of North America--served as a theoretical and practical mode of deciphering and divining within this, enabling them to create an alternate meaning of life in the New World. Chireau's is the first full-scale treatment of this important dimension of African American culture and religion. A wonderful book!"--Charles H. Long, Professor of History of Religions University of California, Santa Barbara and author of Significations: Signs, Symbols and Images in the Interpretation of Religion
Review Quotes
"Black Magic persuasively supports the position that interpretive categories like 'religion' are social constructed."-- "Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion"
"Chireau has produced a rewarding account of areas of African-American experience that have been inadequately understood."-- "Folklore"
"Chireau has produced an excellent study of the African American conjuring tradition. . . . [She] shows the important link between the conjure tradition and the healing practices of sanctified churches. . . . Highly recommended."-- "CHOICE"
"This is a remarkably useful book on a subject too infrequently examined today. It is a must for any one interested in African American spirituality or diasporic studies."-- "Western Folklore"
"Scholars of African American religions increasingly recognize the importance of non-Christian religious forms and traditions in African American history and contemporary African American social and cultural life, but we need books like Black Magic to help us plot out those forms and traditions in detail. . . . this book is indisputably a compelling, well-written examination of conjure, highly recommended for undergraduate courses on African American history and religions."-- "Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions"
About the Author
Yvonne P. Chireau is Associate Professor of Religion at Swarthmore College and coeditor, with N. Deutsch, of Black Zion: African American Religious Encounters with Judaism (2000).
We work with both light and dark energies, understanding that each has its purpose and place in the grand tapestry of existence. We tap into our own inner power, learning to harness it for the greater good. Our rituals are woven with intention, as we set forth our desires and intentions into the universe. We use tools such as herbs, crystals, and tarot cards to aid us in our work. With focused intention, we are able to manifest our dreams and create positive change in our lives. We are witches, and we embrace our unique individual power and connection to the divine. We celebrate the diversity within our community, recognizing that there are many paths to magic. We support and uplift one another, sharing knowledge and wisdom to help each other grow. In a world that can often feel chaotic and disconnected, we find solace in our craft. We find strength in the knowledge that we are not alone, that there are countless other witches walking this path alongside us. Together, we hold the power to create change and bring healing to ourselves, our communities, and the world. We are witches, and we are proud of who we are and the work that we do. We carry the ancient wisdom within us, honoring and upholding the traditions of those who came before us. With love and respect for nature and all beings, we use our magic to bring light and transformation to our lives and the world around us..
Reviews for "The Witch's Cauldron: Exploring the Symbolism and Rituals"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "We are Witch" as I am a fan of supernatural stories, but I was incredibly disappointed with this book. The plot was predictable and lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. The writing style was also quite underwhelming, lacking any sort of captivating prose. Overall, "We are Witch" fell flat for me and I would not recommend it to others looking for a thrilling supernatural read.
2. Jake - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of my time. The story was disjointed and confusing, with random plot twists that made no sense. I couldn't connect with any of the characters as they were poorly developed and lacked any relatability. The writing was also subpar, with grammatical errors and awkwardly structured sentences throughout the book. I would advise others to steer clear of "We are Witch" unless they enjoy being frustrated and confused by a lackluster story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "We are Witch" and was looking forward to a captivating witchy tale, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The storyline dragged on endlessly, with unnecessary subplots that added nothing to the overall plot. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it hard to feel invested in their journeys. Additionally, the writing style was dull and uninspiring, failing to create any sort of magical atmosphere that a book about witches should have. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed with "We are Witch".