African faith is seldom discussed above whispered tones in the
southeastern United states. Most of what is done out in the open
is imported from Louisiana, direct from African immigrants, or
from people who come from the islands. However, there is a
distinctly southeastern style that is a mixture of African,
Native American, and Celtic faith and lore. It doesn’t exactly
fit into any of the commonly known categories. It’s not quite
Voodoo, and not quite Hoodoo either. It’s something quite
unique. We usually call it “Roots”. Most practitioners are non
Catholic Christians. I’d guess that most are Baptist or
Methodist, though quite a few are likely non denominational.
Most I’ve encountered wouldn’t call what they do magic or roots
work unless they’re doing it with the left hand. For certain,
wherever you see an Ellegua/Legba figure near or behind a door,
that individual is or has seen a Roots worker, or remembers
something of African traditions. One thing that is tragic, but
does make secrets easier to keep is th