House of Roots and Bones: Dirt, Water, & Household Materia Department

XVII. DIRT, WATER & HOUSEHOLD MATERIA
Common Things. Sacred Purposes. Lasting Power.
HORB DIR 101 — Dirt Work: A Complete Materia of Place
Explores dirt as a spiritual material whose meaning comes from place, context, history, ownership, and purpose. Students study yard dirt, church ground, crossroads, graveyard, courthouse, bank, and other location-specific materials. Collection, documentation, storage, and deployment are taught with emphasis on selecting dirt because the place participates in the work.
HORB DIR 102 — Foot-Track Dirt & Personal Movement
Examines dirt associated with a person’s footprints, walking routes, shoes, doorways, and repeated movement. Students study the sympathetic logic behind foot-track work and how it is used in linking, crossing, and movement-based conditions. Historical testimony and modern considerations help students identify, collect, and deploy this materia correctly.
HORB DIR 103 — Red Brick Dust: History, Thresholds & Protection
Studies red brick dust as a traditional material for threshold work and household protection. Students examine its architectural history, folk use, preparation, placement, and removal. Historical practice is separated from modern myths so students can apply this materia with understanding and purpose.
HORB DIR 104 — Chimney Soot, Ash & Burned Remains
Examines soot, fireplace ash, burned papers, charred wood, and other materials produced through fire. Students study the difference between household fire residue and the remains of deliberate spiritual work. Safety, collection, interpretation, and proper use are emphasized throughout the course.
HORB DIR 105 — Salt in Black Southern Household Protection
Explores salt as one of the most accessible and effective materials for cleansing, preservation, protection, reversal, and boundary work. Students examine its physical properties, Biblical meaning, and Black Southern household traditions. Multiple methods of use are taught with attention to context, intention, and correct application.
HORB DIR 106 — Sulfur in Cleansing, Removal & Aggressive Work
Studies sulfur within cleansing, banishing, removal, and strong condition treatments. Students learn its properties, historical use, and proper handling with clear safety guidelines. The course teaches when sulfur is necessary and when milder materia is more appropriate, always within spiritual jurisdiction.
HORB DIR 107 — Rainwater, Stormwater & Weather-Collected Waters
Examines water gathered from rain and specific weather conditions. Students study how the circumstances of collection—such as storm type, timing, and location—contribute to spiritual use. Storage, cleanliness, and appropriate application are emphasized alongside documented Southern practice.
HORB DIR 108 — River, Creek & Running Water
Deepens the study of naturally moving water as both materia and working place. Students examine current, direction, crossing, banks, bridges, and local water history. Water quality, safety, and Biblical imagery are considered alongside Southern folk practice.
HORB DIR 109 — Laundry Water, Wash Water & Household Conjure
Studies water used in everyday household labor, including laundry, floor washing, bathing, and cleaning. Students learn how contact with people, clothing, and spaces can make water spiritually significant. The course distinguishes water for cleansing from water carrying what has been removed and teaches proper disposal and continued household practice.
HORB DIR 110 — The Spiritual Materia of the Black Southern Kitchen
Examines kitchen materials such as sugar, salt, peppers, vinegar, flour, coffee, eggs, grease, cornmeal, spices, jars, knives, and pots. Students study the kitchen as a place of nourishment, labor, family authority, and spiritual practice. The course places these materials within Black foodways and domestic history, showing how ordinary ingredients become extraordinary tools.