I always thought hoodoo/rootwork is a blend of most of the various ATRs from West African cultures, and it is, but I’m starting to learn more about Palo traditions which originate from the Congo and that hoodoo’s main roots in the Congo as well. I’ve seen someone saying that West African Vodun is the main ATR parent religion of hoodoo, and this is incorrect - if anything, hoodoo’s primary parent religion is the Congo traditional religions that also gave birth to the Palo traditions across the diaspora. Even just reading a little more about Palo traditions, the Nkisi spirits, and comparisons to hoodoo - I’m beginning to understand rootwork on a level that I never have before. Highly recommend looking into this and giving the linked article a read!
