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Hoodoo Symbols and Sigils

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Protected: Symbols & Sigils

From chaos magick sigils to Solomonic seals, there are lots of different ways that symbols can play an important role in magic

traditions. Its easy to find symbols and sigils from Eurocentric traditions, but ones from African cultures that can be used in

rootwork are not easy to find. Lets explore which Afrocentric symbols can become a part of any personal hoodoo practice, and

which ones are exclusive to African traditional religions.

Afrocentric Symbols

There are magical symbols that have been traditionally used by rootworkers. Many Hoodoos were influenced by the Jewish

Kabbalah and Christian´ceremonial magical traditions. They drew inspiration from texts like the Greater and Lesser Keys of

Solomon and incorporated Solomonic seals and pentacles into their practices alongside petition papers.

Those symbols are a genuine part of hoodoo tradition, but´they dont have any connection to our ancestors outside of a colonial

context. To find symbols to use as a rootworker that come from our own ancestral cultures and heritage, we have to look outside

of hoodoo tradition to find Afrocentric options.

Veve

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Papa Legbas veve, from´Wikipedia

In the African traditional religion of Haitian Vodou, the spirits called´Lwa´represent different powers, personalities, and energies

that can be represented visually through´veves.´Veves´are sometimes used by mambos and houngans (Vodou priests and

priestesses) to call upon´Lwa´to help with certain rituals and ceremonies. The´veve´carries the energy of a´Lwa´and attracts

that´Lwato come down.

Its important to note that´a´veve´cannot be used by anyone without the extensive training and specialized knowledge of a

mambo, houngan, or another kind of qualified Vodou practitioner.´The´Lwa´are very powerful spirits, and if used in the wrong

ways a´veve´can anger them rather then peacefully draw them to come and work with you. Its all too common to see people
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l uses, which is extremely inappropriate outside of Vodou tradition. Sometimes´folks also associate a´veve´with an´Orisha, but

in actuality,´Orishas´are from a completely different culture and set of religions than Haitian Vodou.

Patipemba / Firma

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from´palomontenegro.blogspot.com

The´patipemba´(also known as a´firma) is very similar to the´veve´in some ways, but from a different culture and religion. They

are spiritual drawings that connect the signatures of spirits from Congo culture the´nkisi, mpungo,´and´nfumbe´ in the

Afro-diasporic religion, Palo. There is a complex, multifaceted system of symbols that come together to create a´patipemba,

and´only the fully initiated priests of Palo (Tata/Yayi or Palero/Palera) and those who they are teaching can learn to draw one.

Unlike most´veve´of Vodou,´a´patipemba´is used to do more than drawn down a spirit but also ask them to do specific things

for the priest. There are pre-made traditional´patipemba, but some experienced Paleros can also channel spirit to create new

ones. Though we cannot use´patipemba´in hoodoo tradition (unless you are a Palero, of course), it is an Afrocentric basis for the

general practice of using drawn symbols to communicate with spirits by channeling ones intent.

Adinkra

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from Wikipedia

The Ashanti and Baoules cultures of West Africa (primarily in Ghana) have a special set of symbols called´adinkra. They are

used as cultural symbols and sometimes for ritual purposes as well. Each Adinkra symbol has a rich set of meanings and

associations, and many are linked to proverbs or wise sayings.

Historically, special´adinkra´clothes were only worn by royalty or spiritual leaders on special occasions, but nowadays Adinkra

designs are mass-produced due to tourism. You can find´adinkra´symbols used extensively in fabric, pottery, architectural,

t-shirt, and jewelry designs. In Black Panther, Shuri wore the´Wawa Aba, an´adinkra´symbol, on her t-shirt.

Unlike´veve´and´patipemba, I believe that´adinkra´symbols are actually a great Afrocentric option for folks who dont want to

rely solely on Western sigil techniques. These symbols have traditionally been used for spiritual and magical purposes within their

original cultural contexts but are safe to incorporate into your practices without culturally appropriating if youre a person of

African descent. At least, from all the research Ive done and how widely Ive seen´adinkra´symbols being used, it seems that

its not appropriative to use them respectfully to honor ones African heritage.

If youd like to learn more, theres a full directory of´adinkra´symbols that explain their meanings and uses at´Adinkra.org.

Here are some ideas for what to do with´adinkra´symbols in hoodoo´that might inspire your practice:
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f a candle

Arrange roots and herbs into the shape of an´adrinkra´symbol

Draw them on the lid of a jar working

Write them on slips of paper in a mojo bag

Stir the surface of spiritual bath water in the shape of the symbol

Wakandan

The movie Black Panther not only gave us incredible representation for both African cultures and African American cultureƒ it

also gave us a brand new Afrocentric writing script that can be used without actually appropriating any African languages or

cultures! Wakandas writing system is purely fictional, but also essentially Pan-African in nature, as it draws inspiration from

many different writing systems of African languages and cultures.´

Its popular to use non-English scripts that are associated with magic such as the Theban or Nose alphabets to write in ones

grimoire, on magical tools, and for other witchy practices. So its very exciting to finally have an Afrocentric alphabet that can

be used in similar ways and incorporated into modern hoodoo. Heres some ways that you could begin using the Wakandan

alphabet:

Instead of using English letters, make Afrocentric sigils from´the letters and shapes of the Wakandan alphabet

For writing on petition papers or name papers

Use it to keep the contents of your grimoires, magical books, or journals secret

Write it on labels for things if you keep your craft undercover

The Wakandan Alphabet

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image from´Omniglot
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are some Afrocentric sigils that Ive created using the Wakandan alphabet! Some of them are inspired by Black Panther,

especially Shuri. Feel free to use them in your own practice, but please make sure to credit´@spiritroots´if you share a photo or

drawing of them online!

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For looking fleek all day every day. Would be paired well with´Duafe!

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Helpful for ancestor work and communication. You could add specific ancestors initials in the two blank spaces on top of the

sigil.

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Keep away unwanted attention and stay safe

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Adding a few extra drops of efficiency and convenience

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Could incorporate this sigil into ward designs or protective workings

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For silencing anyone who tries to speak over or delegitimize you

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Perfect for drawing, attraction, and sweetening

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