261 - Hoodoo, Healing, and Helping Others: A Conversation with Jamilah Davis McKenzie - Big Seance

 

In this powerful and heart-centered episode of the Big Seance Podcast, Patrick sits down with Jamilah Davis McKenzie—a minister, spiritual counselor, and boutique owner, whose life is steeped in legacy, music, ministry, and magic. With the grounded wisdom of your favorite “cool auntie,” Jamilah opens up about surviving a traumatic gunshot wound, living with PTSD, and her eclectic spiritual path rooted in church ministry, Hoodoo, ancestral veneration, and radical authenticity. She shares how her work—whether through oracle readings, retreats, or ministry—creates sacred spaces where people can heal, reconnect, and transform. With a no-nonsense edge and plenty of heart, Jamilah reminds us that true spiritual service often happens in the most unexpected places. Visit BigSeance.com/261 for more info.

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In this episode:

Intro :00

Jamilah Davis McKenzie is a minister, spiritual coach, spiritual counselor, wedding officiant, boutique owner, motivational speaker, and event host dedicated to helping people live their most authentic and fulfilled lives. With a nurturing spirit and a no-nonsense edge, she brings the energy of your favorite “cool auntie”—a Gen X hippie with a sharp tongue, a soulful heart, and a deep commitment to truth and transformation. The daughter of a Tony-nominated opera singer and a non denominational pastor who once served as Malcolm X’s bodyguard, Jamilah’s life has always been steeped in legacy, purpose, and power. A gifted singer herself, she blends ancestral strength with modern-day wisdom to create spaces where people can heal, grow, and reconnect with their truest selves. :45

Just like the guests from the past three episodes, Patrick met Jamilah this past winter at Missouri Paracon! 1:58

Jamilah and Deb DeRousse’s Mystical Magical Retreat by Mystical Awakenings with Big Seance previous guest and friend, Andrea Perron. 7:41

“We make sure that people come in one way and leave different.” 

“It’s all about just building community, being there for each other, and finding a safe space.” 

Jamilah survived being shot in the head in a road rage incident in 1993, and she suffers from PTSD. 12:04

“I know what it feels like to be so down. I know what it feels like to feel like you’re nothing but a burden on people. Have you noticed that nobody can convince you of how unworthy you are, more than yourself?”

“Part of healing is getting back in touch with that inner child who used to laugh at fart jokes.”

Unity Tree Interfaith Ministries 16:11

The daughter of a minister, Jamilah grew up in the church. She loved the music and community, but she had questions. She has begun to describe herself as a “Spiritual Eclectic.” 18:16

“A lot of people can go on Ancestry.com or DNA or whatever, and they can trace stuff back. As an African American, I can’t do that. There’s only so far I can go. And one of the ways that I feel more connected is through the practices that my people brought here. And that’s where the hoodoo comes in, and that’s where the indigenous stuff comes in, and that’s where ancestor veneration comes in. So I take what I need to build the spiritual life that makes me a better person, so then I can be a better person to help other people.” 22:50

There are many ways to be of service. “I can’t tell you how many times I have given a message to someone across the table as I’m doing a reading. I cannot tell you how many times I have ministered to someone over oracle cards. And in a traditional sense, I’d be going to hell right now. But that’s where I was of most use. The person sat down for a word. They sat down to be filled at that point and I gave it to them.” 23:35

Jamilah breaks down her empathic abilities. 26:50

Ancestor Veneration and how the practice of Hoodoo was born. 28:10

“We had to use Christianity to kind of mask our faith, so we had to put it in with Christianity to be able to practice anything, or to be able to save any of our culture, or any of our heritage, or any of our religion, because we weren’t supposed to be doing that.”

On the topic of gatekeeping Hoodoo: “Understand who you are and who you’re asking. We’re telling you to make sure that you call for your sake, not because we’re trying to gatekeep.” 33:16

“There are people of all walks of life, of all skin colors who practice Hoodoo and have a beautiful time doing so. Just make sure that you’re really called.” 

“A ritual or a spell is nothing but a prayer coupled with action.” 36:11

Being Gen X: “Think about this. Everything we fantasized about, all the things we wished we could have, we have seen come to pass. So we are the magical generation.” 42:22 

Jamilah and Patrick discuss AI. Jamilah is all about it! 45:02

Skyclad Handmade Boutique 49:23

Shoutout to Dale Quigley of the Seeking Vibes Podcast, who recently interviewed Jamilah. Check it out! 51:32

Jamilah’s parents and grandparents have fascinating stories! Her mother is a Tony-nominated opera singer known for her roles in Porgy and Bess and Aida! 53:00

“The help they were giving me didn’t really help me. I found my help in talking to other people and then finding out that my story helped them. And then I saw myself reflected in their response to me.” More on Jamilah’s childhood, her struggles as a young adult, PTSD, imposter syndrome, ministry, and spiritual counseling. 53:55

Youtube channel coming soon! 58:35

“I do not do pop ups.” 1:06:10

Outro 1:09:10

 

Resources: 

Jamilah on Facebook

SkycladHandmade.com

Mystical Awakenings

Unity Tree Interfaith Ministries

 

 

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