A charm used in many other traditions too, and widely used as a good luck charm by many people, but originated from Hoodoo or Conjure tradition.
The name comes from a African prince that had kept his spirit unbroken upon enslavement and, done many good to his people.He defeated and dominated his enemies, hence the belief that root of the same name has alike properties.
It is compared to King Arthur by Zola Neale Hurston ( famous American folklorist ) and he was also the hero of the folk oral tradition story resembling "Jean, the Soldier, and Eulalie, the Devil's Daughter"
It most common ( and most accurate and appropriate uses ! ) are :
- inducing lust and desire to selected target
- gambling luck and general luck, money gaining by luck
- compelling, controlling and domination ( however less powerful for this matter than some other herbals as Calamus for example )
- overpowering and defeating enemies and evil spirits
How to properly use it ?
1.Gather with respect
I am used to leaving a spoon of honey, piece of bread and/or cornmeal, and or metal coin, in the hole where the root was. This is because the plant must be sacrificed for this so this is my tribute. If the Plant is older You may find more than one of the roots, therefore no need for destroying the whole plant.
2. Dress with High John TC oil
Made by placing 1-3 small roots in 2drams of base oil ( I suggest jojoba ). Leave it to stay for a month, and then You may add few drops of cedar and vertivert oil, just to intensify the woody root odour ( odor ).
You can than carry it in red mojo bag, dressed with Van Van oil and High John TC oil.
Some folks like to read Psalms over the root, depending on their aims.
Warning : The root ingestion may cause diarrhea and stomachache, but If You are silly enough to eat non edible roots, serves You well. Hence the use as very strong laxative in herbal medicine.