High John Root

When I make Mojo Bags, I used High John the Conqueror root…

Ancestor Muddy Waters speaks on it as Johnny Cocheroo in the songs "Mannish Boy" and "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man". In "Mannish Boy", the line is "I think I'll go down/To old Kansas too/I'm gonna bring back my second cousin/That little Johnny Conqueroo" and in "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man", it is called "John De Conquer Blue".

One of my favortite stories I’ve come across about High John, involved Ancestor and Abolitionist Frederick Douglas.

It’s said he came across a Rootworker on his journey to freedom and he gave him a High John the Conqueror root. He told him that no white man would be able to beat him again if he held that root in his right pocket . When he came across a Slaver - he found strength he didn’t know he had… and instead of getting beat- he was able to defend himself and get to freedom safely.

The root got its name after an African Prince that was enslaved, and his Spirit was never broken . 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. High John the Conqueror is one of the most powerful roots you can work with.

Carry It as a Mojo Root

The simplest use is carrying a whole High John root in your pocket, bra, purse, or mojo bag.

Traditionally it is carried:

• For good luck
• To overcome enemies
• For confidence
• To draw opportunities
• To strengthen personal power

Many people “feed” the root periodically with:

• Whiskey
• Rum
• Florida Water
• Hoyt’s Cologne

Court Case Work

High John is commonly used in:

• Court case mojo bags
• Court case candles
• Petition papers

Many workers carry the root to hearings or legal appointments.

Prosperity & Money Work

Add High John to:

• Money bowls
• Prosperity jars
• Crown of Success work
• Business altars
• Wallets

It is often combined with:

• Cinnamon
• Alfalfa
• Lodestone
• Pyrite
• Five Finger Grass

Crown of Success Work

One of my favorite uses.

Use High John in:

• Crown of Success oils
• Success baths
• Mojo bags
• Business workings

Especially when trying to:

• Pass exams
• Grow a business
• Gain recognition
• Open opportunities

Spiritual Baths

A piece of the root may be simmered in water and added to spiritual baths.

Often paired with:

• Bay leaf
• Cinnamon
• Pine
• Orange peel

For:

• Victory
• Success
• Breaking stagnation
• Empowerment

Protection Against Opposition

Historically many workers carried High John when dealing with:

• Hostile people
• Workplace politics
• Spiritual attacks
• Unfair treatment

The root became known as a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity.

Add to a Mojo Hand

Traditional combinations include:

For Success

• High John Root
• Five Finger Grass
• Cinnamon
• Bay Leaf

For Protection

• High John Root
• Devil’s Shoe String
• Agrimony
• Angelica Root

For Prosperity

• High John Root
• Lodestone
• Alfalfa
• Pyrite

Dress Candles

Place chips or small pieces around:

• Green candles for money
• Yellow candles for success
• Orange candles for opportunities
• Purple candles for mastery and influence

Empowering the Root

Some workers speak directly to the root before carrying it.