Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, holds a place of mystique and fascination in history. A woman of African, Native American, and French descent, she possessed a unique blend of cultural influences that shaped her extraordinary abilities. Born in 1801, Marie Laveau began her journey as a hairdresser and healer. However, her interests grew beyond the physical world as she delved into the world of voodoo and its spiritual practices. Laveau quickly became renowned for her powers of divination and spellcasting, gaining a reputation for her mesmerizing rituals and ability to communicate with spirits. One of the most captivating aspects of Marie Laveau's magic was her ability to create potent potions and concoctions.
"Whether you’re a Marie Laveau devotee or are only beginning to learn about her, this is the book for you! Brimming with little known facts about her life, her relationships, and her charitable works, The Magic of Marie Laveau is much more than a well-researched biography. It also offers a plethora of valuable information for magical practitioners, including detailed instructions for not only working with her spirit, but for performing many of the rituals and spells for which she is known. Reading this book truly changed my life – and I have no doubt that it will change yours as well.” - Dorothy Morrison , author of Utterly Wicked
— Dorothy Morrison
It also offers a plethora of valuable information for magical practitioners, including detailed instructions for not only working with her spirit, but for performing many of the rituals and spells for which she is known. Beginning her career as a voodoo queen in the 1820s, Laveau was a driving force in the formation of New Orleans voodoo and the Creole voodoo religion, combining African traditions, Dahomean cosmology, the loa spirit Papa Legba, and Hoodoo magical practice.
One of the most captivating aspects of Marie Laveau's magic was her ability to create potent potions and concoctions. These mixtures, often comprised of herbs, roots, and animal parts, were believed to have mystical properties that could heal, protect, or curse. Laveau's potions were sought after by many, as people believed in their transformative abilities.
The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans (Paperback)
Marie Laveau may be the most influential American practitioner of the magical arts; certainly, she is among the most famous. She is the subject of songs, films, and legends and the star of New Orleans ghost tours. Her grave in New Orleans ranks among the most popular spiritual pilgrimages in the US. Devotees venerate votive images of Laveau, who proclaimed herself the “Pope of Voodoo.” She is the subject of respected historical biographies and the inspiration for novels by Francine Prose and Jewell Parker Rhodes. She even appears in Marvel Comics and on the television show American Horror Story: Coven , where she was portrayed by Angela Bassett.
Author Denise Alvarado explores Marie Laveau’s life and work—the fascinating history and mystery. This book gives an overview of New Orleans Voodoo, its origins, history, and practices. It contains spells, prayers, rituals, recipes, and instructions for constructing New Orleans voodoo-style altars and crafting a voodoo amulet known as a gris-gris.
About the Author
Denise Alvarado (1960) was born and raised in the rich Creole culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. She has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over four decades. She is the author of numerous books about Southern folk traditions, including the The Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite , The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook , the Hoodoo Almanacs , Workin' in da Boneyard , Hoodoo and Conjure New Orleans , Crossroads Mamas 2015 Spiritual Baths for Every Occasion , the Voodoo Doll Spellbook , Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual and more. Her provocative artwork has been featured on several television shows including National Geographic's Taboo , The Originals , and Blue Bloods . She is a rootworker in the Louisiana folk magic tradition, a spiritual artist, and teacher of southern conjure at Crossroads University, crossroadsuniversity.com. Visit her websites: creolemoon.com and patreon.com/denisealvarado for a little sweet tea and conjure.
Praise For…
“Anthropologist and Louisiana folk magic “rootworker” Alvarado ( The Voodoo Doll Spellbook ) rejects the sensational accounts of voodoo queen Marie Laveau (1801–1881) to present a comprehensive, intensely researched, and imminently readable narrative of her life and spirituality. The book contains spellwork, including candle magic, Catholic conjure, fetishism, gris gris , and water rituals—for purposes including keeping a lover, finding a lost person, healing, and attacking enemies. This insightful resourceful is a thorough examination of Laveau’s legendary status and will be an invaluable reference for devotees of the Laveau voodoo tradition.” - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
— Publishers Weekly
“Denise Alvarado has successfully combined both history and practical magic into one accessible book, making it possible for those far and wide to reach the Great Queen. The Magic of Marie Laveau brings Marie Laveau to life” - Voodoo Queen Bloody Mary , author of Bloody Mary’s Guide to Hauntings, Horrors, and Dancing with the Dead: True Stories from the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
— Voodoo Queen Bloody Mary
“ The Magic of Marie Laveau is the ideal blend of the academic and the mystical. Denise Alvarado creates a historic understanding of how Mlle. Laveau not only shaped the traditions and culture of New Orleans Voodoo but also influenced all Hoodoo and Conjure practices around the world. Through the biography of Mlle. Laveau, Alvarado teaches that your daily spiritual practice and compassionate works are integral to your magical prowess. There is so much to learn in this book, reading it a second and third time is a must.” - Jacki Smith, author of Coventry Magic with Candles, Oils, and Herbs , founder of Coventry Creations.
— Jacki Smith
“This book will become definitive in the continually growing legacy of the greatest Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.A must have for your collection and a truly wonderful read.” - Witchdoctor Utu , author of Conjuring Harriet “Mama Moses” Tubman and the Spirits of the Underground Railroad.
— Witchdoctor Utu
“This book is a celebration of the divine feminine as it manifests in a much-misunderstood form of spirituality. Denise Alvarado’s love for Marie Laveau’s work is evident. I am sure that Marie Laveau, the Mother of New Orleans Voodoo, returns the sentiment.” - Louis Martinié , author of The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot and Waters of Return: The Aeonic Flow of Voudoo .
— Louis Martinié
"New Orleans native Denise Alvarado brilliantly crafts a spiritually delicious reference book combining extensive historical research with a lifetime of personal experiences! Filled with snippets from the past, pearls of wisdom, and a detailed outline of Alvarado’s “Laveau Voudou” tradition to which many readers will feel an immediate connection, The Magic of Marie Laveau is a valuable addition to any practitioner’s bookshelf, especially those called to serve.” - Cairelle Crow , founder and coordinator of the New Orleans Witches’ Ball
— Cairelle Crow
"Whether you’re a Marie Laveau devotee or are only beginning to learn about her, this is the book for you! Brimming with little known facts about her life, her relationships, and her charitable works, The Magic of Marie Laveau is much more than a well-researched biography. It also offers a plethora of valuable information for magical practitioners, including detailed instructions for not only working with her spirit, but for performing many of the rituals and spells for which she is known. Reading this book truly changed my life – and I have no doubt that it will change yours as well.” - Dorothy Morrison , author of Utterly Wicked
— Dorothy Morrison
“ The Magic of Marie Laveau includes practical workings and "gris-gris" that provide a "hand up" to the reader in addition to lyrically presented and well-informed information about Ms. Laveau and the world in which she walked.” - Sallie Ann Glassman , author of Vodou Visions: An Encounter with Divine Mystery
— Sallie Ann Glassman
Product Details
ISBN: 9781578636730
ISBN-10: 1578636736
Publisher: Weiser Books
Publication Date: February 1st, 2020
Pages: 224
Language: English
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies
- Kobo eBook (January 31st, 2020): $16.95
- MP3 CD (February 1st, 2020): $19.99
- Compact Disc (February 1st, 2020): $19.99
"New Orleans native Denise Alvarado brilliantly crafts a spiritually delicious reference book combining extensive historical research with a lifetime of personal experiences! Filled with snippets from the past, pearls of wisdom, and a detailed outline of Alvarado’s “Laveau Voudou” tradition to which many readers will feel an immediate connection, The Magic of Marie Laveau is a valuable addition to any practitioner’s bookshelf, especially those called to serve.” - Cairelle Crow , founder and coordinator of the New Orleans Witches’ Ball
Additionally, Marie Laveau was known for her talent as a psychic. Through powerful trances and visions, she could provide guidance and insight into people's lives. Her clients believed that Laveau possessed the ability to communicate with the spirits and gain knowledge from the supernatural realm. This heightened her status as a revered figure in the community. Laveau's influence extended beyond her magical practices. She became a figure of leadership and unity amongst the African-American community in New Orleans. Laveau used her position to advocate for the rights of people of color and to champion their cultural heritage. She was known to organize grand voodoo rituals in Congo Square, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and honor their ancestors. Despite her passing in 1881, Marie Laveau's legacy lives on. People from all walks of life continue to visit her grave in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, seeking her guidance and assistance. Laveau's impact on the culture and spirituality of New Orleans remains indelible, and her story continues to captivate those intrigued by the world of voodoo and the mystical arts. In conclusion, Marie Laveau, with her unique blend of cultural influences and extraordinary powers, holds a place of awe and fascination in history. Her magical abilities, from spellcasting to divination, continue to captivate the imaginations of people today. Her influence as a leader and advocate for the African-American community in New Orleans further solidifies her legacy as a remarkable and influential figure. The magic of Marie Laveau transcends time and continues to enchant and inspire..
Reviews for "Marie Laveau's Voodoo Rituals: Tapping into the Spiritual Energies of New Orleans"
1. Sandra - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Magic of Marie Laveah" as I had heard great things about it. However, I found myself disappointed. The story felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. The magic element that was promised in the title was barely explored, leaving me unsatisfied. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't finish "The Magic of Marie Laveah" due to the poor writing and lack of engaging plot. The story seemed to drag on without any clear direction, making it difficult to stay invested. The characters were also uninteresting and I had no connection to them. I ended up giving up on the book halfway through and wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - While the premise of "The Magic of Marie Laveah" sounded intriguing, the execution fell flat for me. The writing style was choppy and hard to follow, making it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped and their actions often felt out of place or forced. Overall, the book didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.