Black culture’s spirituality is often rooted in white-washed rhetoric, organized practices and the confinement of four walls.
However, just like everything else in the modern world, the internet and social media are changing that. These platforms have provided a space for people to learn or unlearn, all while finding community.
The increased access has made the conversations around non-conventional spiritual practices less taboo. Digital spaces have lifted the veils from the previously misunderstood doctrines of Hoodoo, Voodoo, Santería and other religions from the African diaspora.
LaLa Inuti Ahari and Mama Redd both represent how the emergence of these spaces has become essential in helping people navigate their way through life. The two have turned their willingness to share their abilities and knowledge into lucrative businesses.
Ahari is the owner of The Conjure. Known worldwide as the ‘Master Manifestor,’ she has built an eight-figure business utilizing ancestral magic to help others along their journies. Mama Redd’s lineage as a third-generation Conjure woman and Hoodoo priestess has made her one of the most sought-after spiritual advisors and psychic mediums.
Both women have offered their expertise online for over five years. They share the same viewpoint on honesty being the best policy when explaining what they do.
“I believe transparency is best in anything regarding spirituality, especially one that sways from social norms,” Mama Redd told Blavity.
She continued, “I let people know that everything isn’t love and light. This world can get dark.”
Ahari knows “she’s not for everyone,” so being upfront and “walking in her truth” has allowed her to create a solid following.
“I just put it all out there. I don’t hide it,” Ahari said.
Accessibility through an app has allowed digital practitioners to work with people globally. Ahari has customers from every pocket of the world with various backgrounds, including different religions. She notes her limitless reach and creative “algorithm” mastery as a reason for her success.
Coupled with her digital presence, Mama Redd chose to go old school to reach people. She opened her brick-and-mortar storefront, Vibes With Mama Redd, as a nod to what traditional witchcraft meant to her.
“Growing up, the real root lady always had a place to see her clients,” Mama Redd mentioned.
View this post on Instagram
Black women lead several social and economic demographics. For Ahari and Mama Redd, Black women also top the list of individuals open to learning more about what may have been their ancestors’ works.
Hoodoo and Voodoo have origins in Africa and Haiti that predate slavery by centuries. Santería is a derivative of the two with connections to Cuba and other areas of the Caribbean and South America with ties to the African slave trade.
View this post on Instagram
These religions’ origins exist in the survival and livelihood of their practitioners. Protecting these rites and rituals was vital for those who practiced and believed in their power.
Although they provide a peek into the religions’ inner workings using their platforms, the women know there are boundaries between what’s sacred and what’s open for speculation.
Ahari admits she doesn’t turn away non-Black customers but understands the apprehension of others.
“Some black spiritualists do not like sharing their practice with other races due to appropriation,” she said. “It is hard seeing everything we create get stolen and used against us, with entitlement.” She mentioned the growing trend of white TikTok witches becoming famous for “copying Black rootworkers.”
Mama Redd understands “nothing is private on the internet,” but some things should be “preserved for those that truly understand.”
“I tread the line. I teach and educate, but I never overstep what my ancestors and guides allow me to do,” she said.
View this post on Instagram
Surprisingly, both women haven’t experienced backlash from others within the Black spiritual community for their openness to share things online. Fellow spiritual workers purchase their products and support their messages.
Ahari’s acclaimed “Conjure Candles” have been praised as some of the most potent manifestation tools anyone with an open mind can use. Mama Redd’s ability to communicate with the spiritual realm through psychic readings and channeling has landed her as the counsel for politicians and several celebrities.
View this post on Instagram
Due to their widespread appeal, spiritual entrepreneurs are often targets of people on a mission to debunk and discredit anything outside of conventional religion.
Mama Redd attributes the attacks and misinformation to people refusing to open up to other perspectives.
“Some people don’t want to be enlightened. They chose to stay sleeping spiritually,” she said. “Anything out of the norm is up for question.”
Ahari’s response boiled down to cultural differences.
“Unfortunately, mostly anything that relates to African religions or traditions. Our spirituality has always been deemed evil or fraudulent.”
Despite the critics, social media has become the go-to space for spreading knowledge about non-conventional traditional practices. Mama Redd celebrates the representation that it has provided and “awareness of community and support.”
However, Ahari encourages people to do their “research” and be careful about who they “follow” and “trust.”
“I don’t subscribe to the trendy aspect of it,” she stated.
Unorthodox concepts of spirituality are not new. While utilizing digital spaces allows us to immerse ourselves visually, these practices are not a fad.
Spirituality is not linear, nor is the way people engage with it.
Traditional African practices are more than tarot cards and pillar candles. Like many others, it’s rooted in beliefs and faith, and its evolution into digitalization does not make it any less valid.
