I am sure that many in the conjure community are by now familiar with the controversy surrounding noted Root doctor Dr. Kioni in regards to a ritual sacrifice utilized in a clients work that some have found questionable. Dr. K posted a picture of the working in question on his Facebook page which resulted in some offended parties starting an online petition , and the family of the deceased that grave belonged to being informed of the working. I personally have no feelings regarding the nature of the sacrifice. How he does is work is his business. It also seems that the way this is being pushed by certain parties has more to do with bad blood going on behind the scenes than concern for animal rights. It is sad that it couldn't quietly between them instead of spilling into something very public that would allow for such a negative light on conjure. I am not sure how often Hoodoo gets national press, so on the rare instance that is does, I find it regretful that the headline would have to read "Hoodoo ritual sacrifice shocks family" in USA Today.
What I feel Dr. Kioni did do wrong, was share the picture and any details of the working in the first place. It was clearly an attempt at self promotion that back fired and gave fuel to potential enemies. He has since acknowledged and apologized for the mistake. I urge all those new to this work to learn from this lesson. Secrecy is one of the most important and often times overlooked aspects of this art. Growing up you would have never known that conjure was done in our house, there was no permanent altar, and no curios or roots to be seen. I was taught that that even though you friends and family may have the best of intentions and on the surface seem to hope the best for you and all the success in the world, subconsciously jealousy is what a lot of them will have. That deeper jealousy turns into negative energy projected at you and any thing you have in the works that they are aware of. Play all of your workings close the vest at least until they come to pass to prevent the possibility of this energy becoming an obstacle. By the time the working has come to fruition what is the point in talking then unless it is simply to brag? Bragging is not very becoming and also can cause more problems then its worth.
If secrecy is important to guard against friends you have to know it goes double for enemies. Never give your enemies anything except for that proverbial "enough rope to hang themselves". Conjure is not a religion, it is a magical or occult practice. There is no need to advertise and and seek some sort of social acceptance of it's practice. It is not meant to be shared with or even necessarily understood by those not in the know. If you reveal too much of what you do, those that would wish to harm your image in the public eye can easily do so by appealing to the most base ignorance and fears of those around you. Don't give them that fuel when there is no need to. You study conjure enough and you will see the stealthy and hidden nature in which is has developed, and is continued to be deployed to this day. That has been cultivated over time for a reason, respect that, and it will serve you well.
