What is High John the Conqueror Root? | Hoodoo: Black American Spirituality | Origins, Uses

John the Conqueror is known to be a spirit/deity in African American Spirituality, aka Hoodoo. The lore of High John is that he was considered an African king who was captured and enslaved, yet he had a spirit of strength, power, and resilience. Although he was executed, it is believed that his energy was held in a particular root. Hoodoo practitioners then used these roots for protection, attracting good fortune, overcoming obstacles, and bring blessings to any area of their life.

Its scientific plant name is ipomoea purga and it is native to south of The United States. High John is believed to also have trickster energy due to his ability to outwit his enslavers and oppressors.

High John Root is only to be used by the descendants of Black slaves.

Uses of High John Root

Mojo Bags

High John Oil

Anointing Oil

Prosperity

Floor washes

Door washes

Protection

Love

Financial success

Win court cases

How to Use

• Form a connection with the root to activate it. This means talking to it, blowing it, putting it in your pocket allowing it to feel your energy. Speak from our heart and be specific.

• Write a petition of what you desire and be specific.

• Recite Isaiah 55 verse 11

• Being that his spirit is within the root, use it to ask for his assistance for adversities.

• Give an offering. (Gin, whiskey, cigars or red candle)

What is Low John Root? aka Chewing John

In the Hoodoo practice, Low John is also known as Little John or Chewing John. Practitioners would recommend it primarily when one would need to win a court case, neutralize a situation or bring protection, spell breaking, and sway the justice to their side. Its primary use is known for justice and overcoming court cases.

It is important to properly use both High John and Low John because of its spiritual potency.

Chewing John is also known as Galangal Root. It is shaped similar to ginger and has a similar taste with a slight citrus taste. It is also most famously used in oriental cuisines in some parts of Southeast Asia.

Health Benefits of Galangal

Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces arthritis and relieves irritable bowels

Digestive Health: Reduces bloating and gas

Fertility: May help boost male fertility

How to Use

On the day of court, chew the root while articulating your desired outcome for its purpose, and then the spit onto the floor.

Low John can also be used in similar ways to High John Root (see above)

Please leave a comment for any questions or if you would like to follow up with more information.