5 Books That Shaped My Spiritual Practice

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Over the years, certain books have profoundly influenced my spiritual journey. These are not just resources; they are books that have personally impacted me, deepening my understanding of Hoodoo, candle magic, and folk traditions. Each one has played a role in shaping my practice, and I return to them often for guidance and inspiration.

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1. Charms, Spells, and Formulas – Reverend Ray T. Malbrough

This was the first book that introduced me to the Hoodoo tradition, and I was amazed to realize that I was already practicing many of the methods described! It was through this book that I recognized my path.

Reverend Ray T. Malbrough, an ordained minister, founded the All Saints Chapel of Faith in 1993. His book provides valuable knowledge on:

• The creation and use of incense, oils, dolls, and gris-gris bags
• How to properly craft spiritual formulas
• Practical Hoodoo techniques for everyday use

I still find myself referencing this book when working with traditional formulas and techniques.

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2. The Magic Candle – Charmaine Dey

Candle magic has always been an important part of my practice, and The Magic Candle helped refine my approach. It’s filled with practical knowledge on ritual candle burning, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced spellwork.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Detailed explanations of various candle types, including novelty candles
• How to properly dress candles for spellwork
• Insights on zodiac signs, color correspondences, and timing in magic

This book continues to be one of my favorite references when working with candle rituals.

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3. Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic – catherine yronwode

Whenever I work with herbs and roots, this is the book I turn to. It’s an extensive guide to the spiritual uses of natural herbs, roots, minerals, and zoological curios in Hoodoo and folk magic.

Some highlights of this book include:

• 500+ descriptions of herbs, roots, and magical curios
• 750 traditional spells and recipes
• 50 illustrations to aid in identification
• Practical guidance on creating gris-gris bags, incense, and powders

catherine yronwode, the proprietor of Lucky Mojo Curio Company, has compiled an incredible resource that I frequently revisit when crafting spiritual items.

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4. The Voodoo-Hoodoo Spellbook – Denise Alvarado

This book is packed with spells, incantations, remedies, and historical insights that reflect the New Orleans Voodoo and Hoodoo traditions. The information is presented in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand, making it a book I’ve returned to many times.

Denise Alvarado was born and raised in New Orleans and has been studying and practicing mystical arts for over 40 years. What I love about this book:

• It’s rich with authentic spells and practices
• The format makes it easy to reference specific rituals
• It offers insights into the history and cultural significance of these traditions

For anyone interested in New Orleans-style magic, this book offers a fascinating look into the traditions and techniques used in the region.

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5. The Magical Power of the Saints – Reverend Ray T. Malbrough

Saint work has always been an important part of my candle magic practice, and this book provides insight into working with 7-day glass candles and petitioning saints for guidance and assistance.

Inside, you’ll find:

• How to properly use 7-day candles for spiritual work
• Descriptions of 74 saints and their areas of influence
• The use of Psalms in spellwork (no need to be Christian to incorporate them)
• Step-by-step instructions for creating petition papers and spiritual baths

This book has helped me develop a deeper understanding of devotional candle work and how to approach saint veneration with respect and purpose.

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Final Thoughts

These books have all played a role in shaping my spiritual journey. Whether I’m working with candle magic, herbs, gris-gris, or saint petitions, these resources have guided and informed my practice in meaningful ways.

Have you read any of these books? Which books have influenced your own practice? Let me know in the comments!