High John the Conqueror and his two brothers

Hoodoo originates from the magical practices of the Congolese slaves that were abducted and brought to America. While the original tribal religious practices were subjugated by the slave masters and the slaves were forced to convert to Christianity, the original magical practices were preserved and adjusted for the flora and fauna of the new world.

Back in Africa, the rootworkers and conjurers there used one root that conferred upon its bearer strength, prowess, luck and fertility. This root was even edible, and often used in magical talismans and workings. This root doesn't grow in the temperate climate of the United States, so they sought out the magical knowledge and wisdom of the local Native Americans for similar local herbs. The Native Americans taught the slaves that there were three locally growing roots that together had the power they were looking for. These were: High John the C0nqueror, Little John to Chew and Dixie John (Southern John - if the name Dixie offends you).

High John the Conqueror
A man ain't a man without a High John in his hand! - Dr. E.

High John the Conqueror (ipomoea jalapa), is the whole root from a beautiful vine that grows extensively in the south. It is also sometimes called Jalap or High John. It confers virility, strength, the power to overcome obstacles, good luck, love, and success on whoever carries it. It is not edible, as it is an extremely powerful laxative, so it is never taken internally. It is mainly included either in mojo bags, in jack balls and an infusion can be made into an oil that is then used to dress candles, or feed mojo bags. High John the Conqueror is included in blends like Success and Eloquence, where it lends a person the ability to overcome any situation and succeed. You can also use High John the Conqueror Oil in candle spells or to feed mojo bags for the same reasons.

Little John to Chew
Sometimes called "Court Case Root", Little John to Chew is mainly used for success in legal proceedings, to get the court to rule in your favor. Little John to Chew, is edible, and is frequently used in Southeastern Asian cuisine where it is known by its culinary name, Galangal. It has a piney-gingery flavor. One of the most common ways to use Little John to Chew is to take a sliver of the root and boil it in sugar water to get it nice and soft - letting it sit overnight in the syrup. The next day, take the sliver of root with you to your appearance in court, and chew it up as you are entering the court house. Then, without drawing too much attention, spit the chewed up root on the floor of the courtroom to get the judge to rule in your favor. Little John to Chew is included in Court Case Powder and Court Case Oil to help you win over the judge and jury.

Dixie John (Southern John)
This root is actually from a trillium plant that grows extensively in the south. It is non-edible, and usually used in whole form. Dixie John grants the user sexual prowess and helps solidify marriages, fireing them up with passion. It also grants the rootworker luck in love relationships, and the ability to dominate your spouse. An easy way to use Dixie John is put a whole root in a muslin bag and toss it into the washing machine with the sheets from your bed. You will have incredible passionate sex on those sheets from then onward! Dixie John is included in blends like Love me NOW! Powder and Love's Fire Oil to make it your relationship hot and sexy!

The Three Johns Jackball
This jackball is a pocket piece that resembles the little red rubber ball used when playing jacks (the kid's game). It is carried for success, power, mastery and good luck in money, gambling, business, love and a strong sexual nature. It includes bits of all three "john" roots (essentially recreating the original root's powers from Africa), with a bit of the individual's personal concerns inside, all wrapped up with red thread. A jackball is oten carried inside of a red flannel bag just for safe-keeping. It can even be used as a pendulum for divination in determining the best outcome to a situation.