Reversal work in Hoodoo is a powerful tradition rooted in African spiritual practices and African American resistance. Known today as “return to sender,” it redirects harmful energy back to its source using mirrors, graveyard dirt, candlework, and prayer. This practice, documented in historical sources like the Federal Writers’ Project and Hyatt’s volumes, remains a vital tool for spiritual protection and balance.

The manifestation of confusion work can range from mild fogginess, throwing your target off slightly in order to lose paperwork or misplace important documents, to complete disorientation. It is up to the worker to decide what the situation calls for and what would be the most beneficial method to apply.