Observation and preservation of indigenous culture - that is what Crossroads University is all about. We offer a perspective of folk magic and healing traditions from differing points of view in an effort to share the ancient wisdom and knowledge that has supported indigenous people for thousands of years. Specifically, we are dedicated to the observation and preservation of indigenous magickal and spiritual traditions, herbal pharmacopoeia, and the healing traditions found in the Southern United States with African and Native American roots. Collectively, these separate but related traditions are referred to by several names including, but not limited to, Hoodoo, Rootwork, Conjure and Spiritualism.
With the current Hoodoo trend on the internet, we are acutely aware of the fact that there is a need for alternate points of view. We do not claim to teach the only way, for there is no one conjure tradition. Southern conjure traditions are an amalgamation of cultures whose foundations lie in African and Native American roots. Indigenous healing systems and folk magic traditions are not websites selling hoodoo and rootwork products. While there is a definite place for such venues for the modern day practitioner, our students are literally taught how to get back to the root in rootwork - they must dig up their own roots, wild harvest their own herbs, and prepare their own medicine, magic and cures.
True swampers are a little acknowledged population today, and many times spoken of in past tense. As in, "they used to go dig up roots in the swamps." Old style conjure is still practiced by some people - many of whom are not on the internet and many of whom are elders - and so their voices have been left out of the current narrative that is defining Southern conjure traditions today. We seek to give voice to these people, our elders and our ancestors by teaching what what we were taught, "passing down the root," as it were, just as it has always been done. Now however, we have the benefit of technology to help us reach people all over the globe. Our goal is to contribute to the narrative, giving a more balanced and accurate view of the traditions in which we were raised.
Upon completion of our 2-3 year intensive program, students are eligible for the Certification in Professional Rootwork (C.P.R.) credential. This credential is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency by completing the entire program which includes 10 core courses, three electives, 120 hours of face to face instruction by any of our preapproved practitioners, and passing a final intensive exam. Individual certificates of completion are awarded for each course successfully completed.
The C.P.R. credential is designed to reward those individuals who wish to dedicate their lives to the study of indigenous magickal and spiritual technologies characteristic of the American South. It is an asset for those who wish to teach and carry on the transmission of indigenous sacred knowledge, for those who wish to be recognized as having studied on a formal basis with notable elders in the Southern Rootwork and Conjure traditions, and to those who wish to go into business for themselves.
Application for the Certification in Professional Rootwork credential is open to anyone who successfully completes all of the requirements in the program. This includes 10 core courses, 3 electives, 120 face to face hours of training, an Ethics Intensive, and a final comprehensive exam. Upon receipt of your application, staff will review your materials and set up an appointment for your exit interview. Domestic applicants (those residing in the U.S.) will be scheduled for a phone exit interview, and Global applicants will be scheduled for a chat exit interview. If you have successfully completed all of the coursework, passed the final exam, submitted your application materials for certification and had your interview, you will receive your certificate within 4 weeks of completion. Please feel free to contact us at any time during this process with questions that you might have.
The Bonnie Clark Ruiter Scholarship is available for individual courses for those unable to pay due to financial hardship. Bonnie was one of our first students and passed away before she completed the program. She was a dedicated and enthusiastic student and the scholarship is our way of keeping her memory alive. Speak to admissions if this is something you are in need of.
Crossroads University is happy to announce a new scholarship sponsored by Carolina Dean of carolinaconjure.com.
The Dr. Buzzard Memorial Scholarship was founded in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Buzzard of South Carolina. The scholarship is made possible through the generous donation of Reverend Carolina Dean of Carolina Conjure © and in conjunction with Crossroads University ©.
The scholarship is awarded twice a year. For details and to apply, please visit the Dr. Buzzard Memorial Scholarship page.
Crossroads University has several work study positions available wherein students trade their special talents and skills for a tuition free conjure education. These positions are limited and may last for several years or the duration of the student's program.
Crossroads University's certification credential requires 120 face to face hours with an approved practitioner. These hours can be achieved through apprenticeship, attending workshops and events, participating in ceremonies and celebrations that are focused on a Southern Conjure tradition with African and Native American roots. If students are unable to find someone on their own for an apprenticeship, they may choose from our network of providers' workshops and activities. Visit our Approved Practitoner's Page for more information.
If you are interested in enrolling for one of our classes, Please visit our enrollment page at the main website: http//www.crossroadsuniversity.com/enrollment.htm
