Women History Month

Honoring women in spirituality, hoodoo and everything in between

Valerie Boles Minerva: Lady Minerva

Welcome back to another blog!!! Today I am shining the light on World known Root worker: Valerie Boles Minerva aka Lady Minerva. Enjoy the read look forward to more !

On the serene lands of Islandton, South Carolina, a formidable force in the world of spirituality once walked among the community. Valerie Boles Minerva, known as Lady Minerva, was a bright light in the practice of Hoodoo during her time, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered and the traditions she upheld. Growing up, her mother(Selena) passed away while Lady Minerva was extremely young, Willian Hussie, her father and Army vet remarried and grew their family. 12 sister and 3 brothers!

As she grew older, she went to on to become a beautician and then married Percy H Washington. Percy was an extremely well known Root worker, who had a following all over the land. People would swear by his potions and came from near and far to get it.

This is where it started. Lady Minerva started to study with the guidance of her Husband Percy, and truly connected with her gift and calling. The news of her ability and gifts quickly spread and she gained a following of her own. She had a son, and continued her workings, even expanding their reach throughout her life, even after the death of her husband in the early 70s.

Throughout her life, Lady Minerva dedicated herself to the study and preservation of Hoodoo, a spiritual practice deeply rooted in African American culture. She was a pillar of strength and guidance in her community, offering counsel, healing, and empowerment to all who sought her wisdom. She even caught the interest of John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and he added her as a character in his best selling book. Legacy.

Lady Minerva, did not allow many moments for her image to be taken, nor did she allow touching. Many, especially older Hoodoos, are this way due to beliefs of jinx, curses and removal of power. Passing items to her she was known to ask you to set it down for her to grab, and only 3 images of her are known to even exist.

Lady Minerva's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the knowledge she shared. Her passion for spirituality and her dedication to her craft continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, keeping the traditions of Hoodoo alive and thriving. She not only was featured in a Best Selling book, which would also become a box office hit movie, she consulted with Celebrities giving them guidance, she was featured in Life Magazine in the early 2000s and she personally left a huge mark on the world.

As I honor Lady Minerva and the countless women who have shaped the world of spirituality and Hoodoo, I invite you to join us in celebrating their legacy. We thank you for taking the time to read about Lady Minerva's story and the impact she had on the world around her.

If you are interested in diving deeper into the world of spirituality, Hoodoo, and ancestral wisdom, I invite you to join my mailing list for educational content, resources, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Together, we can continue to honor the traditions of the past and weave a vibrant tapestry of spirituality for the future.

Thank you for sharing in this celebration of women in spirituality, and may their legacy continue to shine brightly in our hearts and minds.

B🔮