A veteran root worker and traditional conjure woman who has been helping people for over 35 years, Starr Casas, is one of the preeminent modern masters of this southern American style of folk magic. In the first half of the program, Casas discussed aspects of conjure divination, including throwing bones, ancestral altars, spiritual cleansing, and hoodoo dolls, and how these practices can be used to protect and take care of your family.
Conjure is another word for root worker or hoodoo, and it is a set of works that can help people achieve their goals in life, she explained. Casas described her opossum bone set and the process of throwing bones. "You throw the bones and then you see how they land, and it begins to tell a story," she said, noting she throws bones to see where it leads her. She credited her ancestors and other spirits for helping her understand the way bones fall and what playing cards mean, as well as giving her insight into people. "I do sense things going on with folks and I think that's what makes me a good reader," she revealed.
According to Casas, working with roots, curios, and other conjure practices can assist one in finding a job, having peace in the home, and removing blocks. She recounted the time she used folk magic to help a mother of three children leave an abusive relationship. Casas suggested conjure can be used for evil but each worker is accountable for their actions. She also spoke about how she honors her ancestors at an altar with a cool glass of water, a candle, and by reading biblical passages.
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Open Lines followed in the latter part of the show. Jodie in Houston, Texas, told George dark entities have a strong hold over her 24-year-old son. According to Jodie, a local pastor agrees her son is plagued by entities and has suggested he come in for a cleansing. He will not do it, she revealed, noting her son also realizes something dark is attached to him. "This entity just lives through him - it's chaos constantly," she said. Jodie admitted she is scared of being alone with her son as he has physically attacked her in the past.
Ryan from Rochester, New York, spoke about his 20-year struggle with heroin addiction. "I have to be [on heroin]," Ryan said, noting he has been through more than 30 rehabs. He has researched a psychedelic drug called ibogaine which he said can reset his brain to its pre-addictive state. A trucker named Scott recalled the time he passed an accident involving a small red truck in Florida. He remembered speaking with his mom on the phone and feeling as if someone was staring at his back. According to Scott, he turned around and saw an old man sitting in his bunk. "It scared the living daylights out of me," he said.
The final half hour featured a replay from 9/8/17 of paranormal podcaster Jim Harold who shared some spooky stories.
News segment guests: Charles Coppes / Peter Davenport / Tim Binnall