A Black Women’s History of Hoodoo, Conjure, & Witchcraft

[@Deavonj]

Another thing I’ve noticed, is that in the black community, we tend to always say that black folks who have gotten rich and famous, without a sob story of how they had to sell crack to take care of their families, are apart of some evil secret society, have done some kind of humiliation ritual, or have sacrificed a loved one, But we’ll listen to our favorite rappers talk about killing other black people all the time and think nothing of it. It’s weird. We kind of pick and choose. PS: you are the GOAT

[@PrimordialChaos07]

It’s not weird it’s programming and racism.

[@spaghetto9836]

Yeah. It's kinda sad.

[@HarryClipzFilmz]

This is a prison planet it’s not a place to hold hands and sing kumbiyah, it’s a place for all this shyt to happen in. The reason they’re blood sacrifices is because that’s their (whites) level of frequency and this universe is very flawed in which a sacrifice is needed to advance now with us people of Kia (melanin) we don’t need a blood sacrifice we can honor the sacrifice as food like chicken or anything you eat and bless the dead but offing a person that is their (whites) level of frequency so they have to do that but not us. Freemasonry is the lowest of spiritual development so go figure

[@spaghetto9836]

@@HarryClipzFilmz ...White people make blood sacrifices bc of their frequency level & we don't need 'em bc we eat chicken? ...Are you okay?

[@mmaya772]

The amount of likes this got is alarming cause y’all really are blind to Hollyweird smh. It’s very dark and these celebs do have to sale their souls. Stop being in denial cause there are signs everywhere.*

[@colettehylan19]

We were taught to fear witches and not the ones that burned them.

[@Voodoo6592]

Fear no one not even the ones that burned them

[@Voodoo6592]

@@reviewland963 ppl are afraid of what they don't understand....ppl fear death kuz it's unknown anything beyond a person logic most ppl fear it ...me I embrace death and the unknown kuz it's gone happen to me anyway so why fear it I make peace with it and prepare myself to die each day 😌

[@MissCellanious1]

We were so tf

[@dustind4694]

@@Voodoo6592 I mean, fear of death is one thing, and reasonably universal (though translating it into fear of the elderly is a waste, since our elders have confronted that fear more times than we know). Fear of girls and melanin is embarrassing and sad however you slice it, though.

[@Voodoo6592]

@@dustind4694 the elderly has more experience...pale ppl have always feared us and still do they don't understand us our melanin bodies are mysterious to them it's unknown

[@simplystephanie2channel]

My girl I’m from a family of conjure women and all you said was true. But you didn’t mention many women like mine were real doctors that used roots, herbs and poisons from plants and animals to treat illness and deliver babies along with a natural form of birth control. I still did really enjoy this video especially you showing that these practices covered many areas of America and not just my beloved Louisiana

[@awkwardletter9533]

How did they use natural herbs for birth control?

[@MelanatedNerdd]

I love using plants, herbs, and oils. ❤

[@mwebazegilbert2008]

Tell me more about the natural birth control

[@Lucian_Media]

I was hoping for more on that because it has, from what I've heard, served and saved many, especially during enslavement and immediately after.

[@iiGORO333]

​@@awkwardletter9533stuff like licorice root was used. I know it was used in Central/South American culture but idk what was used in the US

[@itsmargi5076]

As a black witch, I appreciate this video and your research so much, thank you, Lexual. 😊 Happy Hoodo Heritage Month, y'all!

[@dogydog247]

Can you put spell on someone asking for a friend lol

[@liviavallendenez]

Blessed be 🙏

[@Princesstnayai]

❤ hey sis

[@deebrown385]

I have found my people

[@crptnite]

Enjoy it. It will be your Last.

[@jacqueline4777]

Omg what did we do to deserve this blessing of two video essays in a week?

[@IntelexualMedia]

I’ve gotta hold y’all down bc I won’t be back for another month lol

[@RubenDari]

@@IntelexualMedia😂we will take it !

[@UhOhJacquinette]

@@IntelexualMediaand THATS why we love and support you sis. Cuz most creators would just dip lol

[@michaelmitchell5098]

Don’t question it just enjoy it!!

[@audiomanmik]

There's another one!!!!!! ???

[@mariahfrancis2619]

Honestly, somebody needs to give Intelexual Media an honorary Doctorate cuz Sis produces cogent, well-researched, and critical educational content.

[@tfotw21]

and serves looks while doing it.

[@presidenttogekiss635]

As someone who grew up in Brazil, where afro-brazilian candomble magic was considered a common thing, I always found funny how SINISTER american movies made vodoo look. Like, we always had the radical christians trying to get rid of it here, but in terms of media, you´d be more likely to find a macumba being used a plot point for a comedy than a horror.

[@bebebonb0n]

Yeah can confirm, every now and them i come across an offering just sitting there on the side of the street and no one bats an eye

[@liviavallendenez]

Any media depiction of voodoo that I saw was usually bad. Voodoo was considered evil. My earliest introduction to voodoo was through Predator 2 as a child. One of the antagonists was a Jamaican voodoo practitioner or priest. In my teens I learned that voodoo actually came from Haiti and was outlawed in Jamaica. It was also a religion.

[@PaintedHoundie]

hollywood just casually like "ooOOooohh spooky black people magic look! DOLLS!!"

[@necrotic9433]

The first time i saw Voodoo I was like "Oh so like Candomble". Its not wildly practice in Brazil, but there are so many Umbandistas and Espiritistas here that i was astonished to find out that black Americans don't practice those religions. They made Christianity theirs tho ill give them that

[@MissCellanious1]

Ok but that speaks to nothing...

[@kimallnaturelle]

As a Haitian-American, I appreciate the effort put in to make this. I'm Christians Protestant but revere and respect Vodun. There is a big rift in the Haitian community. It is so sad that our culture is being deemed "demonic." I understand the science behind some of the "magic" used in some Vodun practices. I keep telling folx to unlearn what European countries attempt to pass as African-based spiritual practices. Nordic and Asian spirituality is not demonized life ours. The antiblackness is real. I recognize my ancestors' use of Vodun for healing and creating community. I'll never say that is "demonic." Many of my Christians experiences have been through the lens of my culture. It impacts my spirituality, faith, and practices in Christianity.

[@blossxma]

Haitian-Dominican-American girl here. I'm honestly indifferent towards voodoo, but a lot of Haitians demonize it. My mom especially demonizes it and she's Christian.

[@theghostofumarskoolishere.4632]

Haitians don’t do Vodun they do voodoo Vodun is African and doesn’t have loa etc.

[@tothosethatwander]

Christianity isn't for black people. We've been fooled.

[@aym927]

folx

[@darkstarr984]

It seriously is! I’m so sad that Black people’s magic is so often depicted lazily or negatively. It’s an interesting and powerful set of practices that deserve respectful treatment.

[@themousegoddess]

Okay, for me, this has to be one of the top ten most interesting topics you've done. I love folklore, magic, history, and the politics of it all.

[@IntelexualMedia]

Thank you 💖💖

[@KpTheG]

Agreed!

[@cmggriffin]

Newer subscriber here! I was ready for more for sure. And it's wild how history REALLY IS cyclical. When are we gonna learn. PS- LaFayette WAS True Blood ❤❤❤

[@stephe1506]

Feeling the same way, loved this video

[@marquistf1996]

Agreed. Very informative and entertaining

[@tinkergnomad]

I think Madame Zeroni deserves an honorable mention. Also, this is probably my favorite video.

[@Codenamelana]

I just watched holes last night, how ironic to see this comment.

[@jessicaaAlexiss]

The way i watched holes & thought she was a made up character oh wow

[@gymkata]

I'm so glad our people's use of the "haters" excuse to dismiss criticism or explain ones downfall is not an invention of newer generations. But it's sad to know we've been leaning into that crap for centuries. SMH

[@perfectallycromulent]

yes, but the haters are real. take a look at what right-wingers have to say about any woman who is in the public eye. it's not reasoned criticism of their work. it's vicious sexist bullshit that has existed for thousands of years.

[@crptnite]

So the blatant racism and hypocrisy just goes right over your head then, huh?

[@blessgodess5146]

Nothing new under the sun 🌞

[@jasminer66788]

As a root-worker, this video is wonderful and accurate. However, I would like to state one thing that Hoodoo/Rootwork (the original name) was practiced by African Americans in all southern regions, especially in Alabama which I don’t think was mentioned. Excellent video!

[@jd2339]

What part in alabama? I've been looking into doing more rootwork and getting involved with hoodoo but I haven't came across anyone

[@great-info-online505]

You will go to the root/pit of the Lake of 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Codenamelana]

@@great-info-online505 for you belief that maybe true, but you have no proof . You don’t even know what in the other side, it could be absolutely nothing. Let people be.

[@Thelandofbeulah]

@@great-info-online505that is true and shocked a chuckle out of me lol 😂

[@Giovanni-i2s]

Don't do it. It's a trap

[@darkwriter_xx94]

This is perfect timing! I’m creating a syllabus for a course I’m teaching on Black women as vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings. I’m always trying to find public scholarship to add to my classes so this video would be perfect.

[@berby2068]

Wow that sounds like such a cool class!

[@HALOSnHORNS]

Would love to be apart of this class

[@tonyt1680]

Akasha🦇🩸

[@blackberry731-q7h]

Great topic❤

[@emericcson123]

I took a class called "Women and Witchcraft" in undergrad, taught by a Black professor that I loved. We read contemporary text from the Salem trials discussing Tituba and discussed the background of African practices. I went to New Orleans last year and made sure to get insight from Black owned Hoodoo/Voodoo museums and tours and it was SO FASCINATING. The whole city has such a deep feeling of something special (coming from a semi-practicing Asian-white witch like me). I cannot wait to go back one day.

[@jemportal4166]

"Beloved" is one of my favorite depictions of African American women interacting with the paranormal, it highlights the affects of unhealed trauma in a very interesting and intense way.

[@Fontz]

Absolutely!!! That movie still gives me chills

[@MsColetha]

I never understood “Beloved”

[@jadamay9264]

Literally clicked so fast. I love history and am a black female tarot reader and beginner occultist myself, so this was definitely a treat! Ty for all of your hard work ❤

[@mwebazegilbert2008]

Can u jinx ⬜️👱?

[@SpiritSoPoetic]

“The extremely unforgivable sin of not providing reparations”!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@jaymesEo6]

The white slave owners received reparations though smh...

[@aprilshowers2072]

Romans 12:19 says vengeance is mine I will repay, so are you saying God is not doing his job?

[@SpiritSoPoetic]

@@aprilshowers2072 who’s god?

[@SpiritSoPoetic]

@@aprilshowers2072 do you realllllyyy think.. that these ppl.. would do all this evil.. knowing there’s a god they would have to answer to..and suffer for all they did?? Think about that

[@albertamathurin7084]

​@@aprilshowers2072 girl please

[@MandaMalice]

I was surprised by how many people who watched that season of AHS didn’t know Marie Laveau was a real person. At one point I was talking to a longtime friend when to season was airing and was literally struck dumb by them not knowing that.

[@yougotgamesonyourphone6947]

No one knows everything. Unless you are into researching that type of stuff or have came across that information, most people don’t about things until they see it.

[@liviavallendenez]

Coincidentally the band Alice In Chains was my first introduction to Marie Laveau years ago. They visited New Orleans back in the 90s with Headbanger's Ball I believe. One of the places they visited was the grave of the voodoo queen.

[@MandaMalice]

@@yougotgamesonyourphone6947 Oh, I completely agree! And that is my general take things like that most of the time. I guess to add some context to this - The friend in question was familiar with all the other real life characters in that season, that the theme of the show was that was to add real life people into fictionalization events and knew scary stories about the city in general but were so dismissive over not knowing who she was in particularly.

[@MandaMalice]

@@liviavallendenez I first heard who she was as a tween. My mom once (while very intoxicated) told me she visited her grave while her and her first husband were in New Orleans to see Led Zeppelin and that was how she was able to leave the marriage alive. Said the concert ended up being canceled once they got there because someone in the bands child drowned. Never asked her about it again. Honestly don’t know if I believe it worked. But I do know I’ve always been too scared to ever look up what she could have possibly done at her grave and because of this video I now likely know.

[@hurtspublishing3906]

Me too. I'm like she's the voodoo queen of Louisiana. I'm like how y'all don't know her

[@ambroshav]

Bonnie in Vampire Diaries. I loved me some Bonnie. She was a witch and related to a Black witch in Salem if I remember correctly. Eves Bayou was and still is my all time favorite movie. Since I was a child, I’ve always been interested and obsessed even with voodoo, witches, root work, and the like always wanted to know more about the connection with African/Black tribes/people. This video is everything. Taught me so much as a writer and student of conjuring and Black magick. Thank you. Happy Hoodoo Heritage Month & Halloween.

[@gigiwhite7280]

Yes Ms.Bonnie Bennet was related to Qestiyah who started the bloodline. Love Vampire Diaries

[@ambroshav]

@@gigiwhite7280 🙌🏾 thank you. I was trying to remember who she was related to. I’m going to go binge again. Vampire Diaries is really good. True Blood too.

[@MelanatedNerdd]

Which season is it?

[@gigiwhite7280]

@@MelanatedNerdd to understand the Bennet bloodline I would suggest to start from season 1 cause there’s a lot of information about how the started from the very beginning

[@gigiwhite7280]

@@MelanatedNerdd but for Qestiyah is season 4

[@InHerGodIs]

Just here adding Mama Odie, a conjure woman, and the Shadow Man, a Tarot reader that made a deal he didn’t want to pay up on (a stereotype based in truth) from Princess and the Frog to your list 😊

[@byDayelle4]

Queen Suga! In the first and last season, Nova (edited for those still vibrating low) really connected to her rootworker and Healer roots passed down from her mother's side of her family. Loved how they depicted Black spirituality, but specifically hoodoo.

[@maliahjoy2959]

I'm gonna go have to catch up. Used to love that show.

[@byDayelle4]

@@maliahjoy2959 yes, you absolutely should finish the series! It was a great watch, probably even better to binge watch 🤔😅

[@byDayelle4]

@@jetset3crystal217 typo.... thanks tho

[@HighAsHeckPriestess]

Lets hear it from Black witches!!!!

[@mizrelmizrel]

🙋🏾‍♀️🙅🏾

[@PrincessSage777]

No

[@foxyboop4164]

@@PrincessSage777 Hmmmm, looking at your pfn and reading your comment 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@moneybxndz161]

@@PrincessSage777cry

[@reachlove6779]

What would you like to know?🧙🏿‍♂️

[@cocomaluleke3587]

I live in South Africa and at least in my province (state), it's very common to hear that someone had received a 'calling from their ancestors'. With this calling, you become a sangoma (traditional healer) that can either go on to use their newfound powers to aid those who come to them for help or curse someone if their client chooses to do so. You spend a couple of months training with skilled sangomas and then have a graduation ceremony when you are done (or in someone close to me's case) One thing I'm not so sure of but hear a lot is that you can't deny your calling. If one chooses to do so hardship with follow you in many forms. A very famous traditional healer in my country refused the calling and her ancestors decided to curse her son by making him ill. She eventually caved and became one. I'm only summarising what I know but you could probably find out more if you google sangomas or check KZbin.

[@Jamhael1]

In Brazil, my country, Candomblé has the same thing - you are not inducted in the faith, the Orisha "call you".

[@SnethembaMashiza-lk5vb]

I'll personally say being a sangoma has also been popularized in South african media. Many people will fake having a calling simply because they think it's cool. None the less I have also tried running away from mine but didn't really get anywhere because I fell incredibly sick due to ignoring it. So with that everyone will recieve their calling in different ways. And not all will go into initiation.

[@cocomaluleke3587]

@@SnethembaMashiza-lk5vb Yeah, I've heard that for some it may be result of mental illness or it's the only thing that makes sense as to why their lives are the way they are. It's a very tricky issue that I think needs to be talked about. I had a friend who recently came out and said she had bipolar and that she kept hearing voices saying she was a sangoma just for it to be the result of her undiagnosed bipolar but I've also had friends who were seriously called by their ancestors (It's important I note that I live in Limopop, if you know you know)

[@cocomaluleke3587]

@@Jamhael1 You've sparked my interest, I've gotta check that out now. Thank you for the information ☺️

[@Jamhael1]

@@cocomaluleke3587 you're welcome!

[@JaiProdz]

The way im obsessed with Eves Bayou! Beloved is one that is tonally similar, both so good- and i want more Black magic/southern Gothic movies!

[@blessgodess5146]

Can we talk, that is all I want I more black goth southern magic movies. Please look up the Cybils they were black woman conjures that were in Greece North Africa Italy and casted out during the Era way before colonialism of course. They came from Dahomey under the the goddess Mami wata, but they were used by the Vatican until they were ultra Christian. They have been depictating them as white women. Great info I gave the book to a friend so can't remember the title but it will find you!!!

[@OfficialCandor]

I hated beloved as a kid but i liked eves bayou 😂

[@kennadibroussard]

Love both of these movies too!

[@JaiProdz]

@@blessgodess5146 Woah. I'm watching the Sopranos and they are mentioned...no race was given though. But what a coincidence, I just seen the part minutes ago!

[@oliviastephens5775]

@@blessgodess5146i’d love to know the name of the book, if possible!

[@Nerd_Jee]

Love Craft Country was so good that it should’ve been given a second season by HBO.

[@jaleenibear81]

Yeah but unfortunately when you put too much truth or close to truthfulness, they don’t get another season. It’s really sad.

[@naimalee1046]

YES, am.still disappointed that they didn't do a another season.

[@Lucian_Media]

😢😢😢 the awfulness is that the contracts also prevent the writers and artistes from going elsewhere to continue the project

[@jolene81]

It was said that Misha Greene. Couldn’t get along with the writers and they quit which brought on the cancellation but it was initially approved for a second season

[@perriredd615]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💕

[@wellersonoliveira5334]

I am starting the video now, but seeing the title it already comes to my mind how native americans are portraied on pop culture, especially on movies, as something "mystical", not even characters per se, more like plot devices. Love your videos ❤❤❤

[@LadyWisteriaa]

There is an episode on this horror podcast called “the dead meat podcast” that features a native American who discusses how often times in media NAs are depicted as mythical creatures and not legitimate humans that still exist, and also how it can contribute to the lack of knowledge towards the modern day issues their community faces. It really changed my perspective on how I view the phrase “built on indian burial ground” im reference to structures that may be haunted.

[@darkstarr984]

Yes, it’s always so painful to see

[@anthonydixon4636]

@@LadyWisteriaabuilt on Indian burial ground will never sound the same now. Wow

[@evanwebber5164]

I just left New Orleans last week & got the chance to visit the Whitney Plantation in Edgard LA for the 2nd time & they have a specific memorial dedicated to the enslaved african men that lead one of the most deadlist slave rebellions throughout the coast of Louisiana, visitors and people that practice African spirituality to this day place offerings such as food, money, jewelry, & pour out libations at the feet of the memorial to give thanks to the sacrifices of the ancestors. Its a very heavy & powerful setting. You can feel the energy walking through the plantation while on the tour & watching this video brought back those same feelings I experienced there with the many parallels talked about. Very Well Done Lex!!!! You just keep topping your work every single time 🤌🏽🙌🏾👏🏾

[@alexlesbean8739]

I’m in love with this video. I was raised Christian/catholic but at the age 14 I’ve started not only exploring my sexuality (I’m lesbian) but also my religion. I am now 19 and I’m still learning about spirituality and also hoodoo and other witchcraft practices (that I’m allowed to practice) recently my mom found my tarot card while I was getting ready to move into my college dorm. My mom tells me how I’m gonna get possessed and that I’m playing with the devil. Also I’ve made my Christmas list and my grandmother tells me “zodiac is not of God.” because I wanted a zodiac book. In the black community we look at tarot, zodiac, witchcraft and other spiritual things as evil when half of these practices are literally our roots!!

[@UltraInstinct-yn1ft]

Tha original name of tha bible iz Helios Biblios... book of tha sun 🌞 😂😂😂 iss literally astrology!! Tha 12 disciples are tha 12 months & geezus iz tha glue, tha One. 2 bad we don't study our originz & only what they gave us smh

[@RemedySound]

​@@UltraInstinct-yn1ftAstro-theology yup

[@teddydavis5383]

​@@UltraInstinct-yn1ft I concur. I just want to add that there are so many religous symbolics straight from the Bible that connects to zodiacs and astrology. Such as the ichthys (Greek for Fish) symbol, or the Jesus fish, which is supposed to represent Jesus. For a broader astrological context, the Ichthys ties to the Age of Pisces (Latin for Fishes) -- the age that is said to have begun around the time Jesus' birth. There's a lot of references in the Bible to astrology and zodiacs. Too many to be a coincidence. A lot of people take the Bible literally, when it's supposed to be read figuratively in symbolism. The translation history of the Bible has introduced layers of interpretation that may have obsecured it's original meaning. And there's so much that gets lost in translation.

[@HadizaAtta]

It is quite unfortunate that black people have a strong recurring history of lack of trust among ourselves, I think this is and will continue to be our biggest dividing factor and until we unite genuinely we will continue to be fodder to those who know how make use of this confusion within our communities. As a Nigerian woman who has lived and spent her entire life in Africa, I know that this is our reality. We do not trust each other and are always looking at our neighbors as the source of our problems.. If it’s not tribe, it’s politics, if it’s not politics it’s religions, if it’s not religion it’s jealously… something always divided us against ourselves… I really wonder why this is especially being that it has been happening long before colonial invasion… I wonder why.. I think it will be a good topic to look into, the history of black distrust and if it’s possible to trace or solve it Anyway, This is such a great video and I commend you for your dedication because this is a lot ALOT of work! Very educative and informative ! Well done

[@Marie-ys7dl]

Well you have to understand, mistrust has always been present in every racial community, but the presence of white colonial powers upped it by 10x in African societies. European history is one of constant distrust and tribalism, so it makes sense that they have influence onto prestablished African societies.

[@xjelena]

I can’t remember exactly word for word what was said but that in ancient times originally God was feminine aka Mother Nature/Earth but also had a counterpart that was masculine. The masculine became jealous of the admiration and attention and wanted it for himself. It was believed that that trickled Dow and it was ingrained in the African men because they turned on the African women and turned God into a male for everyone to worship. Then, white people came and stole it from black men and turned God into a white man or their own God for everyone to worship, which was the same thing they did to black women. Don’t know if it’s true because wasn’t there but they were trying to say this would explain why men are still to this day are so jealous of women (not all obviously, some actually respect women and the power they do hold). But the point was that masculine and feminine should be respected for their strengths and roles and that the masculine became jealous because there were things the feminine could do that the masculine couldn’t. One technically was lead since in ancient times the tribes were a matriarch.

[@HadizaAtta]

@@xjelena this is an interesting story. There has to be some truth to it because in reality the division is so deep rooted. I hope there will be some sort of solution eventually..

[@RonetraCaprice]

As a hoodoo practitioner from a practicing family, I absolutely love this and you💖💖💖

[@mwebazegilbert2008]

Can u jinx 👱⬜️?

[@bdwatson814]

Not good, voodoo is a form witchcraft, its not your friend...it can turn on you. Your best bet is to repent. Your welcome 😊

[@ispeakyoulisten2557]

​@@mwebazegilbert2008I can

[@CierraJohnson-bh4mc]

@@mwebazegilbert2008 There has been instances of yte people getting cursed by Hoodoo, including in Slavery. Hoodoo curses are no joke.

[@great-info-online505]

Lake of 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 you go

[@beyondthesea2228]

Being that my great grandparents was involved in CONJURE & HOODOO....I absolutely LOVE THIS 💫💫 🍃

[@jjpopesupremacy8762]

I love me some Black American history 😍

[@anna-mariadavis5914]

Same we never get to hear our stores like we should❤

[@rhviiine]

It's actually very fascinating how the phrase, "BLACK GIRL MAGIC", is literally that! That's why y'all are so magnetic

[@Marie-ys7dl]

This is a cute comment 😊

[@rhviiine]

@@Marie-ys7dl haha, that's so wholesome, thank You Marie

[@razspace]

Let me grab my popcorn and settle in 🍿

[@crazyp4549]

I love this, all my family in North Carolina still practice Hoodoo. My grand father & great grand father were always referred to as “wisemen”

[@BaneBelladonna]

Awesome are you Lumbee too?

[@copiouscat]

Omg a feature from Blackwitchyaya would’ve been another awesome feature and I know you would’ve had great questions for her & her Gullah geechee ancestry!! Lex you stay Deliveringggg I loved this so much and soo timely!

[@ArtisticalLee]

In the Netflix chilling adventures of Sabrina series Jaz Sinclair, Sabrina’s friend eventually gained her witch abilities called the cunning which messed with her eyesight but gave her a foresight power, see ghosts, and see someone’s true self. Her grandmother told her of it when she started freaking out about losing her vision that the women in their family have this ability. Cool to see how this connects a little with the info in this video !

[@giftofgab1791]

Ooh two times in one week, what a treat! Thank you for gracing this platform with your presence! ❤

[@IntelexualMedia]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@giftofgab1791]

Most definitely, as always!

[@lissamissa8618]

My current favorite witch is Annette in the new Castlevania Nocturne series. They actually did their research and present it less as witchcraft but more so the power of ancestor worship to fight evil. Definitely a must watch!

[@mamimelusine]

So excited for this! Havent even finished yet but I know I’m probably going to assign this lecture to my students, I teach Black science fiction and fantasy which is often full of African diasporic religions, conjure, and hoodoo.

[@mechiawilson164]

Awesome!! wish I'd learned Black science fiction and fantasy during my school days.. your students are so lucky to have you as a teacher. stay blessed 💯🌸

[@VS-kf5qw]

That sounds like an amazing class! I'm sure your students are going to love this video

[@justicebeske5704]

no clue how you were able to do all the research required for this, that is a very impressive skill. Good job.

[@bece00]

I stand by the fact that New Orleans is one of the best cities in the U.S

[@IntelexualMedia]

Had one of my best vacations there!

[@JulyIzHere]

Yea for tourists, not for any black person living there. I was born in California and it's so depressing. I can feel the death surrounding this place and white people get married on plantations here. There's nothing to do here either. Best cities is not a good descriptor at all.

[@MsBinnyb]

I love it there

[@Risingofthephoenix]

As a music history/musicologists major New Orleans IS the best city in the US!!!

[@ChotsaniColeman]

I am a proud hoodoo practitioner, and i live in New Orleans. I absolutely love it here.💜💚💛

[@spliffsforbreakfast]

I wish I could go back in time and realize in the moment how important of a role Lafayette played for me when I was younger. The older I get the more I understand. RIP Nelsan Ellis 🕊️🥺

[@MelanatedHomesteadher]

Ikr

[@blissfullyfemininetv1862]

All of these real life history would make AMAZING movies! Afro Americans have a rich history and stories that we can tell!!

[@Blasian-me9zo]

I liked Marie and Queenie on American Horror Story Coven. Queenie is the descendant of Tituba. I also liked Tituba from the show Salem 🖤

[@BertWork-kc9og]

Low country, South Carolina checkin in. Another great vid🎯. Some would be surprised at how certain beliefs are still quite prevalent throughout the Geechee regions. Appreciate your emphasis on how much of this is ROOTED in social injustice vs proven practices. Plenty folks still won’t eat “her” spaghetti. Found a doll made outta my hair some years back.

[@Msqueen13ish]

I truly believe that as black women we are more connected and can easily connect to God and the spiritual realm. Whether that be used in Christianity, voodoo, or whichcraft. We are highly spiritual beings.

[@CalebTheOwlBoy]

It's the melanin.

[@mariastewart9820]

I'm Black and Native American and my whole family is very close to God,but I feel i am different ! Im close to God and has had very dreams of Jesus and God,even seeing a cross in the sky one day ! I definitely believe I am one of God's Chosen Ones !

[@c.williams7269]

This comment made my day!❤❤ I have always believed this as well since I was a little girl! Didn't even understand my calling as a kid. I was one magical little girl, but told it was evil and demonic by Christians who forced me to go to church. I researched & researched Christianity as a teen to adulthood and found that it absolutely is not my peoples beliefs, but of course I was told I was the 'devil's child'. I have been the 'devil's child' every since...lol!😂🤷🏽‍♀️

[@StarSeedbaddie444]

This is facts. And unfortunately when we are blind to that fact, that power goes to the WRONG areas.

[@toosolidcuuj]

Hazel Levesque from the Heroes of Olympus series is magical. Her mother was a psychic and fortune teller in 1920s New Orleans, and her father was the Roman god Pluto. Like the other demigods in the series, Hazel interacts with magical items and beings, and has powers related to her godly parent. She can make riches emerge from the earth, but they are cursed. Anyone who picks them up will suffer a horrible fate. Later in the series, she meets the goddess Hecate, who teaches her how to do more advanced magic.

[@ryanfoxx3142]

for me i think twitches was the catalyst into looking for more representation of magical black women in pop culture. I grew up in the early 2000's and disney promoted the hell out twitches every time and i loved sister sister, so it was very monumental.

[@aliciarich2]

Eves Bayou is a great movie. That’s where I feel in love with magic and Journee Smollett ❤

[@JermaineJagger]

THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS VIDEO ESSAY! I've been searchinggg for a video that explored the history of Black people and magic beyond just hoodoo & hollywood and you did this very well! Growing up in the South I regularly heard relatives speak of rootwork and doing practices that did not seem very Christian although they saw themselves as Christian. Its so powerful how practices&knowledge from our Ancestors traveled through generations discreetly despite adversity through generations of slavery. ive found myself drawn to magical practices all throughout my life & sometimes wonder if its just in my blood. Anywho I deeply appreciate your research in EVERY video you do! Its so enlightening and refreshing!As my older relatives would say "youre doing the good work!" 👏🏾👏🏾💗

[@MayaMaya-tj7kw]

I cast a spell of protection on myself and my stomach stopped hurting and I stopped dropping things at work. And my b*tch coworker got assigned to another area and left me alone after that spell. Probably psychological but I might start to dabble. Time to get a red string bracelet.

[@djholidaytv414]

why are you casting spells for protection when you can manifest that easily

[@alexlesbean8739]

⁠@@djholidaytv414sometimes manifesting doesn’t work as well

[@swllzllck133]

​@@djholidaytv414 girl, it's the same thing with an extra boost.

[@pInkflqmingo]

@@djholidaytv414but thats exactly whats shes doing (manifesting easily)

[@sasielb8922]

@@djholidaytv414because casting spells is a form of manifesting

[@SoliRhymesWithJulie]

A recent show with a Black woman as part of a powerful witch family that a lot of people missed: Motherland Fort Salem. Seriously one of the best shows of the last few years. Also weirdly prescient. The first season started to air at the start of lockdown in 2020.

[@aeiou0123]

Where can i see the show

[@SoliRhymesWithJulie]

@@aeiou0123 Hulu! Answer the call. :)

[@Tronywin]

Loved that show!

[@RemnantCult]

I am often a student of Western Esotericism, and the Black American side of its late history is certainly one that is a bit neglected in a field that has been neglected for a very long time. Great video.

[@tiye4771]

Girl. You did this! It’s so hard to find light black history with facts. I loooove our history, but it’s so tragic, you added a “real” lighter tone and it’s appreciated 💜

[@peachmari]

0:28 Looooook... let me tell how *tired* I am of this set up in the media!🤢 6:56 I had never heard of the term Horses before, thank you! It brings to mind some southern or carribean stories I heard about shapeshifters that turned into centaur-like beings. 7:37 Never heard of Boo Hags until Blaque Witch Yaya put out a video literally 2 days ago about it. What beautiful serendipity 💗 22:22 A group that studied and recorded 19th century Black folklore? Yes please!🤤 38:15 I hope you receive all your goals. You seem to be on your way, especially with this channel. Very grateful for your consistent, studious work. Cheers to you!💗✨

[@annedebthune3084]

Wow, you wear that blue eye shadow so beauty! Growing up in Boston we always heard about Tituba and those hysterical girls in Salem

[@IntelexualMedia]

Thank you! ❤

[@Ohsnapitzann]

I love learning new information about hoodoo, astrology and tarot this was an amazing video. My favorite occult science film is Eves bayou. Elexus you did a good job of honoring black women in occult science. 💜

[@martonyomchale342]

My grandmother said I was born with a veil over my face. Meaning I'm gonna be rich, or be psychic I gueess it turned out to be both. I married well and a few of my dreams have come true. My teeth fell out in my dream with my mom freaking out about it. Told her I was ok, and everything will be ok. I woke up saying I'm getting a call today. Brother called me later that day, and I knew already it was my mom. She had a heart attack and passed the next day. I had been seeing her death in dreams for a while. I have great control over my dreams, and it helps me in real life, and sometimes shows me the future.

[@ninibugg6203]

I kid you not😳. My grandmother was told by her stepmom that SHE was also born with a veil over her face! Although she told me it was never explained to her what that meant, she would get dreams from her passed loved ones, from God, and even satan once too. So maybe that's it

[@TamikaX]

You must be from the south cuz they say that here too. My mama was born w one and she was very psychic but not rich.

[@martonyomchale342]

@@TamikaX I'm from Cleveland but a great migration descendant. My grandmother raised me and she and my grandfather were both from Alabama so I got that from her.

[@TamikaX]

@@martonyomchale342 oh ok. I think it's a southern thing. Thanks for responding. I do have a question, do you think these psychic abilities can be passed down through the bloodline?🤔

[@martonyomchale342]

@@TamikaX I haven't seen it in my family outside me but I don't ask. I think the more neurodivegence in a family the more people have those gifts.

[@liviavallendenez]

Ohh I knew Intelexual would do a video like this! Happy Hoodoo Heritage Month. I've enjoyed learning more about hoodoo and black women who practice magic. Rachel True as Rochelle in The Craft was my first introduction to black witches.

[@maligoddess2879]

As a practitioner who doesn’t disclose very often for very of judgment and retribution I greatly appreciate it

[@ashleywalker1411]

The black girl from the movie THE CRAFT is not applicable here, because she was not a natural witch, like Sarah was. She was a desperate wannabe who took it to a dark place.

[@acwphotog]

Excellent video, and right on time for Hoodoo Heritage Month as well. I swear the ancestors have been working overtime this month to connect us all! Thank you!

[@geligniteandlilies]

I was lucky enough to attend a lecture by several of my school’s Afro-Caribbean students about witchcraft and vodun. It’s great to hear even more about this history.

[@imanitatum7491]

We needed this ❣️ thank you for approaching the subject so respectfully, and still always being fresh/light! Your videos make me so happyyyy

[@volcanic-tsareena]

My favorite modern depiction of Black witches has to be Bonnie Bennett and the Bennett line from Vampire Diaries. She originally wasn't Black in the source material but I loved the way her story was adapted.

[@cafecitotime1414]

Your work is AWESOME!! Absolutely educational, entertaining and interesting. Congratulations on your success!

[@RomaniScientist]

The representation in P Valley was so good. Making it natural part of life I adore. I'm Romani & Native so ALOT of similarities in my mixed cultural background. Regardless of what religion someone follows in my family, our traditional spirituality is ALWAYS incorporated. So you could be Christian and still doing divination. It's not an either/or in my upbringing. So I really loved P Valley incorporating it naturally like that. Our Indigenous ways always get incorporated regardless.

[@Rhapsody09]

The movie Spell and Serpent and the Rainbow, and Bree Newsome short film Wake. Its another with Kenya Moore and Vivica A. Fox. The Skeleton Key is another good one. Beloved and Vampire in Brooklyn had some scenes. Its probably a lot more that I can't think of at the momement but I try to watch every movie or show I can find about hoodoo, Voodoo, Vodun, Voudou etc. Its some martial arts movies too like Marked for Death. Another is called Voodoo Dawn. I left out Angel Heart.

[@thegirlwhoisme]

So glad that my ancestors bestowed upon me this gift to get to know them and myself even more. Im blessed that I have the ability to find my own spiritual path and not the ones that were forced upon us. Im blessed that i can see the bits and pieces left behind like a trail to follow back home.

[@emenanjonwadiei]

Amazing! I just visited the Voodoo Museum in New Orleans about a month ago and learned all about Marie Laveau.

[@LiaTheLight]

From a light working witch, thank you for shedding light. ☀️🔮

[@Kxngteezy]

Yes! You’re not playing with the drops this month! ❤

[@juankirby1616]

BONNIE BENNETT from the Vampire Diaries definitely deserves a mention!! ( Actually the whole Bennett bloodline lol) I love all your videos but this one in particular is a treat! Thanks fam 💙

[@tamiadixon8312]

The main witch/bloodline I was thinking of 🖤

[@brittanyjohnson8104]

I just commented the same thing

[@droppedmypistachios]

i was looking for this lol

[@UniAbeniKyro]

Yess

[@ramonantoniodejuanbennett6239]

Fuck! My last name is BENNETT and I'm originally from Louisiana, of Black and French-Spanish Creole lineage! I know all too well about that voodoo and black magic stuff. My mother's Creole side of the family are from a long line of Intercessors in the Church. My ex was into voodoo. I try to stay FAR away from that stuff.

[@literaterose6731]

This is fantastic, positively squeed when I saw it! And okay, to add to the list of fictional Black magic women: Fiji Cavanaugh, from Midnight, Texas (just rewatched recently, so it’s still on my mind) and Bonnie from Vampire Diaries, off the top of my head.

[@jaleenibear81]

The Bureau of Magical Things, Raising Dion, Shadow and Bone, Fast Colors and American Gods have some good depictions of black witches, spirituality and deities depicted even if some of them weren’t main characters. I’m spiritual but I was brought up Christian and I noticed a lot of times when there’s something to elevate the mind, it’s considered “evil and demonic” and I get so annoyed with that. We are spiritual people that got our culture and practice stripped from us and got the regurgitated version of it. But I’m glad a lot of us are finding ourselves in spirituality. ✨

[@maliahjoy2959]

I just found this tv show called Wicked City

[@ottabee]

YES! I'm so excited as I start watching this video. Muchas gracias for giving us another WONDERFULLY informative and FUN video. Loving all the natural and great diversity you help showcase. I'm far more ALIVE, HEALED, and CONSCIOUS from watching your videos. Good riddance to white supremacy and here's to decolonization. I also greatly appreciate all the time and effort you put into your videos, Happy Hoodoo Halloween!

[@wanderingcloud806]

As a Salem seasonal guide: Thank you for specifying Tituba's actual race. To add a correction -- It wasn't Arthur Miller. Titutba became black over a century earlier because of Longfellow in his play "Giles Corey of Salem Farms." While he puts in the character cast Tituba is an Indian woman, it is he who specifically stated she had an African father who practiced voodoo magic (TITUBA: What see you now? MARY: A man all black and fierce. TITUBA: That is my father. He was an Obi man, and taught me magic. Taught me the use of herbs and images) , and the entire play is basically set up to pin the Salem witch trials as Tituba's fault + has her openly identifies as a witch (TITUBA. I am a woman, but I am not good, I am a Witch!). Longfellow is rather notorious for his historical inaccuracies -- but he was so immensely popular, we're still having to purge them from public image still to this day. Everyone before him understood Tituba as an "Indian." Everyone after him began to regard her as black/African. Miller was a playwright himself, so no doubt, he would have been familiar with Longfellow's works.

[@IntelexualMedia]

This is a really dope explanation, thank you!

[@Iyana]

I'm a black animist / witch and I was so excited to come across this video! ♡

[@marierobinson5399]

I am american who joined an African religion where I and my kids received medicine marks! You would think I had painted myself pink!! I am proud of them and they still show after a very long time. I don't practice the religion anymore (my priestess passed away) I am so happy to know and love this video! And I grew up in Beaufort South Carolina so I can tell you it's a beautiful part of our life, our heritage, as old as anything else in our bones. It's AMAZING! Thank you young lady!!

[@trinityassata7754]

Yessss I just came across this new show on AllBlk called Wicked City featuring ALL Black Witches!! I am obsessed and I also believe that a lot of us are coming back to our Roots🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

[@missmusicalpsychic7421]

I know im late but this was great for Hoodoo month! Im from SC my mom and Dad tell stories of hoodoo all of time! From shapeshifting from snakes to positive stories of having babies from eomen who couldn't. I love God and I respect my ancestors. My moms chirch has a pastor who can (hear) and I love it. I feel great when visiting!

[@kialewis1864]

Can I tell you that I appreciate this video. As a woman who is a practitioner of African Traditional religion and grew up in hoodoo & conjure traditions from the South & the Caribbean, this video was very informative. And thank you for the book references.

[@ChosenGemInEye]

Oop! The spirit guides knew I needed this and showed me this as it popped up on my KZbin.

[@berby2068]

You are genuinely one of the best video essayists on this platform. Every video is even better than the last.

[@MermaidChansons]

I love these videos, Lex. You are providing learning such great learning material! I was not allowed to watch Harry Potter or dress up as a witch as a kid; but you best believe I dressed up as a witch as soon as I turned 18 and have been doing so for far too many years LOL

[@IntelexualMedia]

yay! love this for you! and thank you

[@mystikmur3438]

I’m following this because you literally gave a whole history lesson. And it felt like I was watching a movie. Keep going

[@nicolelasher]

Thank you for posting this. It will hopefully help people understand how the fear and disdain for African beliefs is rooted in white supremacy. Many are convinced that anything that isn't Christianity is evil. Unfortunately, most of my family is in that category. I've been slowly trying to educate them, but I think some people just don't want to know better. It's good that you made this video for those who do want to learn.

[@s-wo8781]

Oh I read James Haskins book Voodoo & Hoodoo earlier this year for a project I'm working on but I didn't come across this Black Magic book. I'll check it out.

[@janfromcorporate]

After taking African American Religion, I have been interested in this topic. I'm excited about this one

[@1hinita]

Ooo I wish we had this course at my college, I would have taken it!

[@tiffany23484]

As always did not disappoint !!!! ❤plus you mentioned the great Zora Neale Hurston 🥰. *chefs kiss*

[@yournajesty2906]

Love you Lex!! Im a grad student who also works in a pharmacy and i be waiting til im done for the day so i can sit in the tub with my wine and engross myself in your content! also speaking of the pharmacy….i think its crazy how things have changed as far as relying on medicine vs whats in nature (aka “magic”) it was always going to be this way? but also its insane how people will reject peppermint oil for a headache but will come screaming at us about an ibuprofen 800 prescription that they’re late to pick up 😭 its also kinda sad..anyway, great video! i love you girl!! ❤

[@livelifebehappy369]

To be born and raised in Charleston sc family from st Helena island sc we still practice so much hoodoo without even knowing it❤

[@moormeal]

I would be so interested in your review of Legendborn. It's set in North Carolina and is one of my first encounters with root magic and how it differs from European magic traditions (mainly what's encountered in Arthurian legend). I looked back and didn't see it, but if you've talked about it before, my bad.

[@soulikarus]

OMG IM SUCH a huge fan of Sabrina and AHS!!! I'm so happy you made a video essay about witchcraft as I'm super interested in womanhood and witchcraft and the associations between the two!

[@IntelexualMedia]

whats your favorite season of AHS? I love Asylum so much, think its time for my annual re-watch

[@soulikarus]

@IntelexualMedia Hotel for so many reasons, but especially because of ladygaga ♡ My 2nd fave is asylum for sure. Such a good season!

[@Rhapsody09]

I have a old dream book from my grandmother when she died.

[@Fontz]

My great grandmother had one . I miss her. She practiced hoodoo

[@Rhapsody09]

@@Fontz I'm starting to think mine practiced too and was closeted with it because she would call psychics when she wanted to know where my grandfathers money was going out of his account, the psychic described my uncles wife. She also had these beliefs about women not coming to her home on New Years Eve or Day and we all have the tradition of a man walking through the home but she was the only one that did not allow women in her house on New Years Eve or New Years Day. I researched it and I saw Ireland as the origin, which they said hoodoo is a mixture of different European, Native American and African practices, no telling what else because some of us in the United States also have Asian ancestry and some were enslaved, mixed and owned by different races of people and then we had to hide our practices and disguise them so people in charge did not know which is how a lot of it got lost and some of it we do unknowingly not knowing why. But, that grandmother has the same birthday as mine.

[@Lycandros]

Halloween miracle, 2 Intelexual videos in a week, and both on topics I love. I always wonder how much of magic is grifter, superstitions, and actual herb-lore. Old knowledge that has actual affect in aiding healing vs falsehoods, whether the falsehoods are given to you or self inflicted.

[@kaitlyn__L]

I was just thinking the sleep paralysis thing when you brought it up! I know it’s not always gendered but I always found it fascinating how many _are_ said to be specifically women stealing/harvesting something vital from the person.

[@ryleeburton]

Thank you! I’m practicing to become a doula and I do spiritual work and I’m so glad for this video came on my page!

[@TakeCareofYourEnergy]

Perfect for Hoodoo Heritage Month🔥🔥🔥Thank you🎉

[@jasminerosewater3891]

THIS IS SO INCREDIBLE AND SUCH A RESOURCE TO LEARN MORE AND MORE. I'll be coming back to this video over and over. Thanks so much for your work Lex!!!!

[@IntelexualMedia]

Thank you so much ❤

[@venalmoth]

I RAN. From my steve wilkos video to watch this❤ . HAPPY HOODOO HERITAGE MONTH !