Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones

2005 COVR Award Winner

"...[I]n Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo & Conjuring With Herbs, Stephanie Rose Bird--a talented author, healer, and artist who inherited her family's way with roots and spirits--offers a deep, sumptuous new guide to hoodoo's true origins, philosophy, ethics, tools, and techniques, worth reading if just to learn more about Afro-Atlantic culture."--Village Voice

"With humor and a positive outlook, Bird does a convincing job of inspiring the reader to rediscover life's magic through a connection with the natural world. In addition to providing plenty of useful and easy-to-follow recipes for making a 'mojo, ' or trick bag, Bird shares her boundless enthusiasm and respect for the power of Hoodoo. Her book...shares a rich piece of American history that often goes untold."--Herb Quarterly

"If you are fascinated with folk magick in general, or African spiritual concepts in particular, you will find this book captivating. Highly recommended."--Witchcraft Magazine

"In this book you receive a topnotch appreciation of Hoodoo...Gifted with a smooth writing style that captivates the reader's interest, Stephanie Rose Bird give a fascinating account. With over three decades in the practice of rootwork, she is highly qualified to write this book."--Ghostvillage.com

"If you want to keep your MOJO working, this is the book for you. This is a fascinating and well-researched book. It tells how many of the African religious practices which held close to nature spread around the world mainly because of slave trading...This is the most complete book I have read on the subject. It is not only history, but a wonderful text on how to create charms...This book covers everything you would want to know on the fascinating subject."--The Path Review

"This book is a fascinating mish-mash of magickal recipes from all over the world, its extremely eclectic and contains some fascinating sounding spells such as Growin' Green, Oya's Herbal Graveyard Dirt, Queen Elisabeth's love dust, and Spirit of Love Floor wash! Recommended to people interested in African magick, who also work within a western pagan tradition."--Avalonia, UK

"The author traces [Hoodoo's] roots back to Africa and gives practical advice on recipes, rituals, spells and charms."--The Cauldron, UK

"Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones, primarily a recipe book of Hoodoo practices, serves as an invaluable reference for those interested in rootwork or herbal magick. In addition, it provides a glimpse into the ancient origins of an almost-extinct world where everything--from the trees in one's backyard to the stones in the driveway--is sacred."--Dancing World

"It is always a rare and exquisite experience to find a new author, particularly when the subject is neglected and in jeopardy of being lost. Stephanie Rose Bird's Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones outlines and documents Hoodoo explaining its origins and practices...I think many Wiccan and Pagan practitioners will find this book helpful because it discusses the use of folk magic, Hoodoo, that can be adapted and incorporated in many different paths."--WiccaNet

"I welcome Stephanie Rose Bird's contribution to the herbal literature. Her contribution stands well apart from most works already on the market, not least due to her focus on the magical herbal traditions of African American origin known as Hoodoo."--www.sacredearth.com

"A magickal guide to African and African American herbalism with an emphasis on the spiritual aspects. Historical tidbits and lore of African herbalism makes this a great historical reference to herbal enthusiasts, and the practical recipes and crafts make it a must for any bookshelf!"--Carly Wall, editor of "Wholistic Woman," an www.iVillage.com magazine

"What an excellent book! A grand contribution to African healing traditions, herbalism, and ethnobotany. Written with the expertise of someone who truly understands, from personal background and experience, the rich complexity of the African healing traditions. Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones is full of practical advice, recipes, and tips on how to apply this ancient system of 'rootwork' in our modern lives. I loved every page and plan to use this practical and inspiring book as a reference in my programs and classes."--Rosemary Gladstar, herbalist, author, and founder of United Plant Savers and California School of Herbal Studies