The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist

This conversation explores the intersection of spirituality, community, and personal identity through the lens of hoodoo practices and the experiences of Jade T. Perry and Chelsea VonChaz. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities and the significance of ancestral wisdom in shaping their identities as churchy mystics. They also conversation get into the deep-rooted connections between personal identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage, particularly within the African American community. Exploring the complexities of deconstructing religious beliefs while honoring ancestral traditions and the importance of curiosity in personal growth. They also tap into the intersection of nonprofit work, spirituality, and community service, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in these sectors, particularly regarding boundaries, compensation, and the importance of community support. Both speakers share personal experiences and insights on navigating their roles as activists and spiritual guides while maintaining their well-being. Hear more about the evolving landscape of Hoodoo spirituality, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, particularly Black queer and disabled individuals. The ending highlights the potential for new Hoodoo societies and spiritual homes to emerge, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Takeaways Emphasis on community building Importance of ancestral wisdom Cultural heritage shapes identity Curiosity aids in spiritual exploration Navigating nonprofit complexities Importance of community support Hoodoo spirituality is evolving Inclusivity is vital for community Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots 05:30 The Birth of the Chicago Hoodoo Society 10:09 Community Engagement and Activities 16:10 Understanding Churchy Mysticism 24:18 Honoring Ancestral Legacies 27:31 Cultural Roots and Spiritual Heritage 30:11 Navigating Fear in Spiritual Exploration 33:21 The Journey of Deconstruction 37:13 Honoring Fear and Embracing Curiosity 39:01 Ancestral Connections and Genealogy 43:26 Community and Shared Experiences 46:53 Bravery in Spiritual Exploration 50:02 Navigating Nonprofit Complexities 54:01 The Importance of Community Support 01:00:06 Redefining Service and Boundaries 01:09:55 Spiritual Education and Accessibility 01:14:50 Exploring Spiritual Work and Community Engagement 01:17:18 The Future of Hoodoo Spaces 01:21:25 The Role of Black Women in Hoodoo 01:25:31 The Intersection of Disability and Spirituality 01:30:27 Optimism for Future Generations

A special guest returns! Kat Niambi aka The Hungry Medium returns to do a light catch up. In this conversation Ms. Kat and I explore personal growth, the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of oral traditions in the context of family and spirituality. We also discuss the impact of astrology on our lives, the significance of human connection, and the need for grace in understanding the imperfections of elders. Chapters 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Introductions 03:02 Reflections on Summer and Fall 06:05 Navigating Life's Ups and Downs 08:54 Caregiving and Family Dynamics 12:02 The Importance of Oral Traditions 14:59 Spirituality and Online Presence 18:07 The Dangers of Blanket Advice 20:59 Personal Guidance and Individual Paths 23:59 Connecting Through Pets and Personal Stories We didn't get a chance to discuss our love for Erykah Badu's new album with The Alchemist, "Before the World Blows." This conversation is definitely aligned contextually with that album. I highly recommend listening to it after watching or listening to our conversation.

In this episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist, I sit down with Tatianna Tarot, diviner, intuitive tarot therapist, and Iyalorisa priestess, for a grounded and expansive conversation on what it really means to trust your intuition. The conversation delves into ancestral wisdom, spiritual empowerment, and the significance of divination tools in reclaiming intuition. It also explores the impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection and the importance of ancestral veneration and rites of passage. Takeaways: Ancestral wisdom and spiritual empowerment Reclaiming intuition through divination tools The impact of colonialism on spiritual disconnection Discernment in spiritual education The power of abundance mindset and inner work The impact of Afrofuturism on personal and collective growth Chapters: 00:00 Honoring Ancestral Wisdom and Spiritual Empowerment 11:04 The Impact of Colonialism on Spiritual Disconnection 46:22 The Transformational Power of Abundance Mindset and Inner Work 53:40 Reparations and Afrofuturism

This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is a grounding conversation about ethics, discernment, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual work. I’m joined by Brooke “Bee” Sanders, founder of Amethyst Corner, a spiritual community rooted in ancestral connection, real healing, and practical tools for those walking their path with intention. The conversation delves into the importance of ancestral wisdom and ethical practice within the context of hoodoo and spiritual work. It explores the significance of honoring ancestral traditions and the need for ethical discernment in spiritual practices. We also get into the importance of community and sisterhood in spiritual practices, emphasizing the role of support, accountability, and cultural awakening. Further exploring the significance of ancestral wisdom, the power of tradition, and the non-performative nature of spiritual practices. Additionally, this episode highlights the magic of sisterhood, the importance of nurturing Black maternal health, and the value of intentional rest and self-care. Takeaways Importance of ancestral wisdom Ethical practice and discernment Community is key in spiritual practices Sisterhood and support are essential in the spiritual journey Chapters 00:00 The Practice of Hoodoo and Ethical Discernment 51:31 Embracing Sisterhood and Womb Magic

This episode of The Practice of a Hoodoo Baptist is about that kind of remembering. I’m joined by Charlotte Duerr James—educator, therapeutic coach, and initiated Medicine Woman—for a conversation that moves slowly, intentionally, and with reverence. The conversation delves into the exploration of ancestral wisdom, the use of psychedelics and earth medicines, early psychedelic experiences, Charlotte's personal psychedelic journey, and the ceremonial use of plant medicine. We go into the intersection of ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and collective healing, highlighting the impact of colonial influence, societal stigma, and the importance of internal work and intention. Charlotte also emphasizes the need for more trained facilitators in the field of decolonized healing practices. Takeaways Ancestral wisdom and root work are central to the conversation Psychedelics and earth medicines play a significant role in personal and collective healing Ancestral wisdom and plant medicine offer a path to healing and ancestral reclamation. Colonial influence has led to societal stigma and misinformation about healing practices. Internal work and intention are key to the journey of healing and decolonization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ancestral Wisdom 10:07 Early Psychedelic Experiences 20:25 Charlotte's Psychedelic Journey 32:22 Ceremonial Use of Plant Medicine 38:54 Ancestral Wisdom and Plant Medicine 55:39 Colonial Influence and Healing 01:05:38 Internal Work and Intention 01:11:06 Closing Remarks