Title
Spiritual Merchants: Religion Magic & Commerce,Used
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They can be found along the side streets of many American cities: herb or candle shops catering to practitioners of Voodoo, hoodoo, Santera, and similar beliefs. Here one can purchase ritual items and raw materials for the fabrication of traditional charms, plus a variety of soaps, powders, and aromatic goods known in the trade as spiritual products. For those seeking health or success, love or protection, these potions offer the power of the saints and the authority of the African gods.In Spiritual Merchants, Carolyn Morrow Long provides an inside look at the followers of Africanbased belief systems and the retailers and manufacturers who supply them. Traveling from New Orleans to New York, from Charleston to Los Angeles, she takes readers on a tour of these shops, examines the origins of the products, and profiles the merchants who sell them.Long describes the principles by which charms are thought to operate, how ingredients are chosen, and the uses to which they are put. She then explores the commodification of traditional charms and the evolution of the spiritual products industryfrom smallscale mail order "doctors" and hoodoo drugstores to major manufacturers who market their products worldwide. She also offers an eyeopening look at how merchants who are not members of the culture entered the business through the manufacture of other goods such as toiletries, incense, and pharmaceuticals. Her narrative includes previously unpublished information on legendary Voodoo queens and hoodoo workers, as well as a case study of John the Conqueror root and its metamorphosis from spiritembodying charm to commercial spiritual product.No other book deals in such detail with both the history and current practices of Africanbased belief systems in the United States and the evolution of the spiritual products industry. For students of folklore or anyone intrigued by the world of charms and candle shops, Spiritual Merchants examines the confluence of African and European religion in the Americas and provides a colorful introduction to a vibrant aspect of contemporary culture.The Author: Carolyn Morrow Long is a preservation specialist and conservator at the the Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of American History.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has three hundred forty-four pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of spiritual practices and commerce.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for reading.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures six inches in length, one point one inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Spiritual Merchants'? A: The author is Carolyn Morrow Long. She is a preservation specialist at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: The book covers the intersections of religion, magic, and commerce. It explores the practices of African-based belief systems.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in magic studies? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners. It provides a comprehensive overview of spiritual practices and their historical context.
- Q: How can I use the information in this book? A: You can use the insights to understand spiritual products better and explore their cultural significance. It's also useful for academic studies.
- Q: What is the recommended audience for this book? A: The recommended audience includes students of folklore and anyone interested in the world of charms and candle shops.
- Q: Does the book contain any illustrations or images? A: No, the book does not specify illustrations or images. It focuses primarily on text and descriptions.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers have policies for damaged items.
- Q: Can I return the book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can typically return the book if it meets the seller's return policy. Check their specific terms for details.
- Q: Is the book safe for children? A: This book is not specifically labeled for children. It discusses complex cultural themes that may not be suitable for young readers.
- Q: How should I store the book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: Does the book include any case studies? A: Yes, the book includes a case study of John the Conqueror root and its transformation into a commercial product.
- Q: What makes this book different from others on the same topic? A: This book uniquely combines history and current practices of African-based belief systems with insights into the spiritual products industry.
- Q: Is this book a good resource for academic research? A: Yes, it is an excellent resource for academic research on folklore and spiritual practices in the United States.