Root magic, also known as rootwork or hoodoo, is a type of folk magic that originated in West Africa and has evolved over time in the United States, particularly in the American South. It has its roots in African spiritual practices, European folk magic, Native American traditions, and various other cultural influences. Root magic encompasses a wide range of practices, including spellcasting, divination, healing, and protection. It is often seen as a way to harness spiritual forces and manipulate them to achieve specific outcomes. Practitioners of root magic may incorporate various tools and materials, such as herbs, candles, crystals, symbols, and personal items, in their spells and rituals. One of the fundamental principles of root magic is the belief in the power of personal connection and intention.

Getting Witchy With It will bring almost 300 authors across the genres to Peabody this weekend

If you prefer your romance with a side of witchcraft or mysteries enhanced with magic, a new author conference could be your ideal event. Nearly 300 authors will meet with readers for Getting Witchy With It, an interactive bookish event at the Boston Marriott Peabody on Sept. 16 and 17.

From noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, attendees can meet with authors, purchase books, and get their copies signed. There will also be vendors selling crowns, cloaks, and other magical-themed items, including jewelry, tumblers, soaps, and more. While most featured titles are housed under its namesake theme, the event’s author lineup doesn’t adhere to a singular genre. Additionally, writers published through traditional publishing houses as well as self-published authors will be in attendance.

“It’s going to be everything from children’s books to horror, a lot of paranormal, of course, being the type of event it is, a lot of romance, but you’re gonna be able to find anything,” said Virginia Johnson, the event host and CEO of Anytime Author Promotions, the company putting on the weekend production.

Not all featured authors incorporate witch culture or paranormal activity into their plot lines, but largely, the writers don’t shy away from scenes that generate steam. BookTok sensations like Kathryn Moon and Lana Kole will be in attendance, as will writers creating a HEA — happily ever after — for readers of regency (Tabetha Waite) and young and new adult (Abbi Glines).

Lynn Montagano, a self-proclaimed “spicy” romance writer from Bellingham, heard about Getting Witchy With It from fellow author friends. After signing up for the author waitlist, she was able to join as an author when another writer dropped out. She said she enjoys any opportunity to connect with other book lovers.

“I like being out there with authors. I like meeting readers,” said Montagano. Her second series, “Royals and Legends,” debuted in May and revolves around a soccer player in England and a media relations director for an American football team who has vowed to not date professional athletes.

The event will be the company’s first event near Salem, somewhere Johnson had deemed a “bucket list place” for their efforts. She added that the event has already been renewed for 2024 in Peabody. Entrance to this weekend’s event is free, but guests can upgrade to a $45 VIP package, which includes perks like priority access and a tote, or the Saturday night Witches Ball, where they can mingle and dance, for an additional $35. At the time of reporting, Johnson said they anticipate approximately 1,500 attendees.

North Andover resident and former midwife J.M. Davies is also a romance author, focused on contemporary and paranormal stories. She began writing coming-of-age fantasy before transitioning to the adult realm. Her “The Rise of Orion” paranormal romance series follows a 16th-century witch, whose tragic fate leaves her with scores to settle in her next lives — to say the least. A spinoff of the series, titled “The Vampire’s Witch,” was released in August.

Davies explained that author events are often expensive and difficult to travel to, but Getting Witchy With It is convenient for her. “It really is a no brainer, because it’s in Peabody, so it’s a half an hour drive [from my house],” she said. “I don’t have to stay overnight in a hotel, so there’s no fee involved there.” She added that attending author events and meeting readers makes all of her hard work feel worthwhile.

“When you finish a book, you want to share it with people, and you want to be able to talk about it,” said Davies. “To me, that is the icing on the cake, actually being at events like [Getting Witchy With It], because the energy and the enthusiasm of readers — which is incredible — is what I live for.”

GETTING WITCHY WITH IT

Sept. 16 and 17, noon–5 p.m. Free. Boston Marriott Peabody, 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody. eventbrite.com

Maddie Browning can be reached at [email protected].

Get Witchy With It

One of the fundamental principles of root magic is the belief in the power of personal connection and intention. It emphasizes the individual's ability to shape their own reality through focused thought and action. Root workers may perform rituals to communicate with spirits or deities, seek guidance or assistance, or create a sacred space for their workings.

Eclectic/Solitary ~ 24 ~ Golden State, USA ~ Empath ~ History Major

I love this artwork, it belongs to @paperwitchco 🎃

Hi, witches.

Many people made comments similar to this: “cute, but pls remember that if you aren’t native american, you shouldn’t be calling smoke cleanses smudging! also, you shouldn’t be using white sage because it’s going extinct and native peoples need white sage in order to use it for their ceremonies !! witchcraft is a beautiful thing but we need to be respectful of other cultures whilst practicing it ”which makes me very sad, because as my first language is not English, for me it does not have a different meaning, so I did not realize that with this post I was disrespecting the native communities, I’m really sorry. Also, because of my allergies, I don’t usually burn anything, but if you do, please do your research so as not to damage ecosystems. ♥️

Root magic is often practiced on a personal level, with individuals seeking to address specific needs or desires in their lives. It can be used for matters such as love, prosperity, protection, luck, and spiritual development. Additionally, root workers may be sought out by others for help with various issues, such as health problems, relationship troubles, or spiritual concerns. Despite its roots in African traditions, root magic is not limited to people of African descent. It has found a diverse following among individuals of various backgrounds, who are drawn to its practical and accessible nature. It is often passed down through generations within families or learned from knowledgeable practitioners. Root magic is deeply intertwined with cultural and historical contexts, as it has evolved in response to the experiences and challenges faced by African Americans throughout history. It has served as a source of strength, resilience, and empowerment in the face of oppression and adversity. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in root magic and other forms of folk magic. This has been fueled by a growing desire for spiritual practices that are rooted in personal empowerment, connection with nature, and cultural heritage. Root magic continues to evolve and adapt, while remaining a powerful and transformative practice for those who engage with it..

Reviews for "Spells and Rituals in Root Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide"

1. John - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "What is root magic". The plot was confusing and all over the place, making it difficult to follow. The characters lacked depth and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The writing style was also unappealing, with clunky sentences and awkward dialogue. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone.

2. Sarah - 2 stars - "What is root magic" had potential, but it fell short for me. The concept of root magic was interesting, but it was not explored in depth. The story itself felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving many loose ends untied. The pacing was also inconsistent, leading to moments of boredom mixed with sudden leaps forward. Although it had its moments, I ultimately found this book to be lackluster.

3. Michael - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "What is root magic" but was left disappointed. The world-building was confusing and the magical system felt underexplained. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked growth throughout the story. The dialogue was also unrealistic and didn't flow well. While the book had potential, it ultimately failed to deliver and left me feeling unsatisfied.

Exploring the Different Types of Root Magic: From African to Hoodoo