#high john

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From A Vintage 1940's King Novelty Co. Hoodoo Catalog. John The Conqueror Root is advertised for 50 cents (1940's price).

According to African-American folklore, High John the Conqueror was the son of an African king in the Congo, sold into American slavery. John was known as a clever trickster for the games he played on his master and for his enduring spirit, which was never dampened by his life in captivity.

Folklore tells us that John, also known as John de Conquer, fell in love with the Devil’s daughter Lilith. For John to win the daughter’s hand in marriage, the Devil challenged him to plow 60 acres in half a day, and sow the acres in the second half of the day. Lilith gave John a magical axe and plow to complete the task but also admitted - the Devil meant to kill John even if he did complete the task. Wiley and clever, John stole the Devil’s horse, and he and Lilith both escaped.

In the stories, John and Lilith returned to Africa, both agreeing to never again use their powers so the Devil would not be able to find them. But John left his powers in America in the root of a southern plant, Ipomoea jalapa or Ipomoea purga, a powerful plant species introduced to the slaves by the American Indians. John the Conqueror Root is now a staple of African-American folk magic.

One only has to possess the root of the plant John the Conqueror, and John de Conquer’s powers of luck, love and success can be yours. Now the most famous root in the world, High John the Conqueror Root symbolizes enduring courage, success and laughter. Used externally in the practice (internally it is a powerful laxative), the root can be carried as a talisman or can be incorporated into other charms and spells.