In the hoodoo and conjure tradition, spirit work often involves seeking the assistance of discarnate entities to achieve specific spiritual, prayerful, or spell-casting objectives. The term “spirit work” can refer to a wide range of altar practices, prayers, and magical traditions. Root doctors may reach out to spirits, angels, or spirit guides for support. For those interested in this practice, the following items are commonly used: an altar candle, a day candle, and several offertory candles, three violet candles and three white candles, a crystal ball or a clear glass of water, incense such as anise, cardamom, or coriander, oils like jasmine, lemon, rose, or sandalwood, and bathing herbs, which may include cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, or sandalwood. Preparation for the ritual can begin by taking deep breaths and visualizing a protective sphere of light around yourself. While soaking in a ritual bath, it may be helpful to meditate on the steps of the ritual and consider what you wish to communicate to your Guardian Angel. When ready to begin, enter your ritual space and light the incense. Using the chosen oil, dress both the altar candle and the day candle, focusing on the purpose of your work. Light the anointed candles and state your intention to make contact with your Guardian Angel and to acknowledge their presence. With a sharp tool, such as an athame, inscribe the first violet candle with the word “Angel.” Dress it with oil, light it, and focus your energy as you say: “Here I light the first Lamp of my Guardian Angel. May its light reach across the barriers from this world to the next, and connect with the Angelic Realm.” Next, use your censer or incense wand to cense the area around the altar, repeating the word “Merge” to build focus and energy. Repeat the process with the second violet candle: inscribe “Angel,” dress with oil, light it, and say: “Here I light the second Lamp of my Angel. May its light also reach across the barriers and help illuminate the passageway between our worlds.” Again, cense the altar area while chanting “Merge” and continue to build your focus. For the third violet candle, inscribe “Angel,” dress with oil, charge it with your energy, light it, and say: “Here I light the third Lamp of my Angel. May its light blend with the others, dispelling darkness and lighting the way for my Guardian Angel to communicate with me.” Next, inscribe the three white candles with the word “Truth” and anoint each with oil. Light the white candles in sequence and say: “Here I build Truth. As these candles burn, may they ensure that all communications between this world and the next are truthful.” Cense the altar area once more, chanting “Merge,” and continue chanting as you sit comfortably. Gaze into the crystal ball or glass of water, maintaining the chant until you feel ready to let it fade. Continue to look quietly into the crystal or glass, keeping your mind clear and open to any impressions that may arise. Focus on the center of the crystal, blinking naturally, and avoid paying attention to your peripheral vision. Over time, an angelic face or figure may appear. This can happen quickly or may take some time. If no vision appears within about 20 minutes, it is recommended to end the session, extinguish the candles in the order they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try again after three days. Many practitioners find results within a month. When a figure appears, you may ask if it is your Guardian Angel. Answers may come as a clear awareness, rather than spoken words. Most communication in this practice occurs mentally, with questions asked either silently or aloud, and answers received internally. If you wish, you can ask whether you have more than one guardian angel, and invite others to appear. It is often helpful to first establish a connection, so your Angel may appear to you at any time, or at specific times, to facilitate further communication. When your conversation is complete, thank your Guardian Angel and take a moment to reflect on the experience with your eyes closed. To conclude, extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the ritual space.
