Forthcoming Book: Occult Midwest

3 Fields Books, an imprint of University of Illinois Press, will be publishing my second book, Occult Midwest.

Photo of an alligator that is charged to magically attract money. Using alligator paws in this way is a hoodoo practice that has found its way to the Midwest. Photo by author. (2026)

Occult Midwest is a fun read that will show how and why the Midwest became a site for spiritual and religious experimentation starting with the Northwest Land Ordinance of 1787. Section 14, Article 1 of the ordinance states that "No person, demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments, in the said territory."

Religious innovation and spiritual creativity are essential characteristics of Midwestern culture.

More news is coming soon!