Incorporating Saints in Hoodoo Practice: Origins and Best Practices

As a Catholic, my first introduction to the spirit world was praying to the Saints, seeking their guidance and intercession in times of need. The Saints have always been powerful figures in my spiritual life, embodying virtues and providing support in various aspects of life. They helped me to acknowledge and develop my unique abilities to communicate with my spirit guides and the entities around us all.

Today, as I incorporate Hoodoo into my spiritual practice, I continue to call upon the Saints because they represent a bridge between my Catholic faith and the rich traditions of Hoodoo. In doing so, I honor both my religious upbringing and the deep spiritual roots of this tradition, using their intercession to bring about protection, guidance, and blessings.

The inclusion of Saints in Hoodoo can be traced back to the period of slavery in the United States. Enslaved Africans brought with them their rich spiritual traditions, which were often suppressed by slaveholders who enforced Christianity. To preserve their spiritual practices, enslaved people began to syncretize their African deities with Christian saints. This allowed them to continue venerating their deities under the guise of Christian worship, thus incorporating saints into Hoodoo.

Each Saint within Hoodoo is associated with specific attributes and powers, similar to the African spirits (or “loas”) that they were originally syncretized with. For example, Saint Expedite, known for his ability to deliver fast results, is often called upon in situations requiring immediate action. Saint Michael, the archangel, is frequently invoked for protection and strength, while Saint Anthony is sought for assistance in finding lost objects or people.

Calling on saints within Hoodoo practice involves a blend of prayer, offerings, and ritual. The first step is to identify the saint that aligns with your specific need or intention. Once identified, a sacred space or altar should be prepared, often adorned with candles, images or statues of the saint, and relevant offerings such as flowers, incense, or food.

To invoke the Saint, I typically begin with a prayer, either traditional or personally composed, asking for assistance. Lighting a candle dedicated to the Saint is a common practice, as the flame is believed to carry the petitioner’s prayers to the spiritual realm. Regular devotion, including offerings and prayers, strengthens the connection with the Saint and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Incorporating Saints into Hoodoo not only reflects the historical blending of African and Christian spiritualities but also continues to offer practitioners like me, powerful allies in their spiritual work. By honoring these Saints with respect and consistency, I can harness their divine intercession for those in need. I have been part of truly miraculous blessings over the years that I will share with you in upcoming posts.