High John the Conqueror root has been a staple of hoodoo magical practices since the 1850s, but the origins of the name “John the Conqueror” are unclear. John the Conqueror root may be named for a mythical man who ripped off the Devil’s arm and beat him silly with it, or, my favorite, he may have been the son of an African king who was enslaved and brought to America, yet never let his spirit be broken. Instead, he undermined his master with clever tricks and inspired other slaves to do the same.
According to interviews that folklorist Harry Middleton Hyatt conducted with hoodoo practitioners in the 1930s, John the Conqueror’s reputation as a trickster was so great that just reciting his name was protection against being hoodooed. Some linguists think his name may be a derivation of the Bantu word kankila, which means “to tremble with fear.”
One Legend has it that during the times of slavery in the United States High John was brought over as a slave to work in the South. Despite his circumstances, he had the uncanny ability to always maintain the upper hand over his oppressors, to always find a way to keep his spirits high, and to help other slaves do the same. He would find a way to arrive and help his enslaved brothers and sisters when in need.
There are numerous versions of his story but in all of them he embodies the archetype of the trickster, the “holy fool,” so clever, typically offering the medicine of laughter, and always the ability to turn difficult circumstances to his advantage.
Legend has it that before he went back to Africa, he left all of his powers in a plant, particularly in the root of the Morning Glory plant.
The root known as High John the Conqueror or John the Conqueror root is said to be the root of Ipomoea jalapa, also known as Ipomoea purga, an Ipomoea species related to the morning glory and the sweet potato. The plant is known in some areas as bindweed or jalap root. It has a pleasant, earthy odor, but it is a strong laxative if taken internally. It is not used for this purpose in folk magic; it is instead used as one of the parts of a mojo bag or grated for use in spells and intentions.
According to folk belief, High John as a “root medicine” will protect a subject against evil spirits and control potentially conflicting situations including love relationships, gambling, litigation, employment, and financial matters. It is most often associated with success, happiness, and improving one’s fortune. This product may be dug directly from the woods or purchased from conjurers and used in a variety of forms, including a non-processed root, diced, liquid, or powder state.
High John Root is one of the most powerful and widely used roots in Hoodoo, Rootwork, and Folk Magic. It is used in spells, rituals, intentions, and mojo bags for:
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Avoiding Problems
- Creating A Way Forward
- Power
- Strength
- Success
- Protection
- Challenges
- Courage
- Empowerment
PRACTICAL USE: Cleanse the Root; it should be intact and unbroken. Hold the root in your dominant hand and focus your intention on what you want to manifest. Visualize how you want things to be. Hide the High John Root in a place where no one will find it, preferably in a red flannel pouch. If the problem is at work, hide it at work. If the problem is at home, hide it in your house. If necessary, carry the root with you. Next, let the powerful magic of High John take root in your situation and help you achieve your goals.
“My pistol may snap, my mojo is frail
– Muddy Waters, My John Conqueror Root
But I rub my root, my luck will never fail
When I rub my root, my John the Conquer root
Aww, you know there ain’t nothin’ she can do, Lord,
I rub my John the Conquer root”
Happy Conquering!
Peace,
L