The Magic of High John the Conqueror: Rituals of Power and Resilience
High John the Conqueror root has long fascinated me. Its place in African-American folklore and hoodoo traditions represents so much more than just a plant; it is a symbol of resilience, hope, and empowerment. This magical root carries with it a rich history intertwined with the stories of enslaved people, the spiritual practices they brought with them, and the survival mechanisms they developed. Its story, both as a mythical figure and a tangible magical tool, is one of triumph in the face of adversity.
The Spirit of High John the Conqueror: A Trickster and a Guide
The story of High John the Conqueror begins not with a plant but with a legendary figure. High John was more than just a man in African-American folklore; he was a spirit, a trickster who embodied wit, cleverness, and the ability to overcome any obstacle. Zora Neale Hurston beautifully described him as the one who "walked the winds like the albatross," bringing laughter and hope to enslaved people when they needed it most (Hurston, 1931). To me, the idea of a spirit who could ease the burden of those in bondage, who could spark joy and resilience even in the darkest moments, is both comforting and awe-inspiring.
High John’s role as a trickster is deeply rooted in West African traditions, particularly in the Yoruba pantheon. Diedre L. Badejo (1988) highlights the connection between High John and Esu, the Yoruba trickster deity. Like Esu, High John mediates between worlds. However, while Esu often serves as a cosmic guardian, High John works specifically within the oppressive structures of the New World to empower enslaved Africans. He symbolizes survival and resistance, offering his followers the ability to navigate a harsh reality with wit and hope.
Hurston’s tales of High John also reveal his mystical origins. He was said to have come to America with the enslaved, but unlike them, he was free—untouched by chains. He provided strength and guidance, yet remained invisible to the oppressors. When slavery ended, High John returned to Africa but left his power behind, imbued within the root that bears his name (Hurston, 1931; Tyler, 1991). This transformation of spirit into root is what makes High John the Conqueror such a powerful and enduring figure.
The History and Identity of High John the Conqueror Root
High John the Conqueror root, often carried in red flannel mojo bags, became a cornerstone of hoodoo practices. Its exact botanical origins have been a topic of debate. Some sources point to Ipomoea pandurata, a morning glory species native to the southeastern United States, while others suggest Ipomoea jalapa, a Mexican relative (Long, 1997; Tyler, 1991). Over time, commercial spiritual suppliers began substituting other roots, like galangal (Alpinia galanga) and beth root (Trillium spp.), which still carried the symbolic power associated with High John.
Varro E. Tyler notes that the jalap root became the most common version sold in shops, likely because it was readily available and had the desired size and shape to embody the root’s mystical reputation (Tyler, 1991). This adaptability speaks to the essence of hoodoo itself—a tradition that uses whatever materials are accessible while maintaining a deep connection to symbolic and spiritual meanings.
High John in Folklore: Protection and Empowerment
One of the most compelling aspects of High John the Conqueror root is its use as a talisman for protection and empowerment. Stories of its effectiveness date back to the 19th century. In Frederick Douglass’s autobiography, he recounts how an enslaved man named Sandy gave him a root to carry for protection. Sandy believed that the root’s power would prevent Douglass’s overseer from striking him, and indeed, Douglass found himself emboldened to resist abuse (Long, 1997).
Henry Bibb shared a similar experience in his narrative, describing how he avoided punishment by following the advice of a conjurer. Bibb was instructed to sprinkle a powder and chew a bitter root, which helped him escape a flogging. These stories highlight the role of High John as both a physical and spiritual shield during times of great peril (Long, 1997).
By the late 19th century, the root had become an established symbol of power. An article in The Southern Workman (1899) described it as "the king root of all the forest," feared by those who practiced conjure and revered by its believers (Long, 1997). This reverence continues today, with the root serving as a tool for navigating life’s challenges and attracting positive outcomes.
Crafting a Ritual: Invoking High John’s Strength
Inspired by the rich history and practices associated with High John, I want to share a ritual to invoke his power. This spell combines traditional elements of hoodoo with a focus on resilience, protection, and success.
Purpose: To attract success, resilience, and protection while invoking the spirit of High John.
Ingredients:
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A piece of High John the Conqueror root
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Red flannel bag (mojo bag)
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A pinch of magnetic sand
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A few drops of High John the Conqueror Oil
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Dried grains of paradise (optional)
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A gold or silver coin
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A white candle or a High John the Conqueror Candle
Instructions:
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Prepare Your Space: Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Cleanse the space with incense, preferably frankincense or sandalwood.
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Create the Mojo Bag: Place the High John root, magnetic sand, grains of paradise, and the coin into the red flannel bag. As you add each item, speak your intention aloud (e.g., “I call upon High John to bring luck, strength and success into my life".)
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Anoint the Bag: Rub a few drops of John the Conqueror oil onto the outside of the bag, focusing on your goal. Imagine High John’s energy empowering your charm.
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Light the Candle: Place the white candle before you and light it. Pray or recite Psalm 23. You can also simply recite a portion of it such as:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
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Empower the Mojo Bag: old the mojo bag in your hands, allowing it to soak in the energy of the candlelight and your focused intention. Visualize your goals coming to life and any obstacles melting away. Take a deep, centering breath, concentrate on your purpose, and gently blow onto the bag as if breathing life into it.
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Seal the Spell: Thank High John for his guidance. Allow the candle to completely burn down. After this is completed, carry the mojo bag with you, particularly during challenging times or when you seek good fortune.
- "Feed" Weekly: Feed your mojo bag weekly. You can do this by adding a drop or two on the bag once a week. Alternatively, you can add a drop or two of whisky once a week.
How High John Root Is Used: Love, Luck & Protection
In hoodoo, High John the Conqueror root is incredibly versatile. It is often carried in mojo bags, small charm pouches containing herbs, roots, and other symbolic items. These bags are typically tied with a red string, and their power is enhanced through prayers, incantations, or psalms.
High John is renowned for its ability to bring luck in gambling, love, and business. Gamblers might carry the root in their pocket or anoint it with John the Conqueror oil to increase their chances of winning. In love magic, the root is said to strengthen relationships and attract partners. Placing it under a lover’s bed or carrying it during romantic endeavors ensures fidelity and harmony (Long, 1997; Hurston, 1931).
Its protective qualities are just as significant. High John is often used to guard against curses and negativity. A common protective charm involves combining the root with devil’s shoestring, dragon’s blood resin, and deer’s horn shaving in a red flannel bag. Reciting psalms such as Psalm 23 while preparing the bag enhances its potency, linking the practice to both spiritual and magical traditions (Tyler, 1991).
High John in Yoruba and Afro-American Traditions
High John’s trickster nature aligns with the Yoruba cultural archetypes of Esu and Ijapa, the tortoise trickster. Badejo (1988) notes that while Esu’s role in Yoruba cosmology is sacred, as the guardian of crossroads and mediator between divine and earthly realms, High John operates in a more secular, yet equally transformative, capacity. His stories reflect the survival strategies of enslaved Africans, transforming wit and cunning into tools of resistance against oppressive systems.
Unlike Esu, who works within a structured religious framework, High John navigates both spiritual and mundane realms to empower his community. His actions often benefit the collective, turning personal victories into communal triumphs (Badejo, 1988). This duality makes High John a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.
High John the Conqueror as a Symbol of Resilience and Hope
What I find most inspiring about High John the Conqueror root is its enduring symbolism. During slavery, it represented quiet resistance—a way for individuals to reclaim agency and hope in a world that sought to strip them of both. Today, High John continues to inspire those who believe in its power. Whether carried in a pocket, used in a ritual, or simply kept as a reminder of its rich history, the root embodies strength, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of those who came before us.
High John the Conqueror root is more than a magical tool; it is a piece of history, a story of survival, and a source of empowerment. From its role in the lives of enslaved people to its modern-day presence in hoodoo, it represents the resilience, creativity, and hope that define African-American traditions. As Carolyn Morrow Long (1997), Zora Neale Hurston (1931), and Varro E. Tyler (1991) remind us, its true magic lies not in its physical form but in the transformative energy it carries.
References
Hurston, Z. N. (1931). Hoodoo in America. The Journal of American Folklore, 44(174), 317-417.
Badejo, D. L. (1988). The Yoruba and Afro-American Trickster: A Contextual Comparison. Présence Africaine, 147, 3-17.
Long, C. M. (1997). John the Conqueror: From Root-Charm to Commercial Product. Pharmacy in History, 39(2), 47-53. American Institute of the History of Pharmacy. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/41111803.
Tyler, V. E. (1991). The Elusive History of High John the Conqueror Root. Pharmacy in History, 33(4), 164-166. American Institute of the History of Pharmacy. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/41112508.
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