New Orleans has long been known for its rich history of witchcraft and voodoo practices. Throughout the years, several infamous witches have emerged from this city, captivating the imagination of locals and tourists alike. These witches and practitioners of the occult have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of New Orleans. One famous witch is Marie Laveau, often referred to as the "Voodoo Queen of New Orleans." She was born in 1801 and gained prominence as a powerful and influential voodoo practitioner. Known for her beauty, charisma, and skill, Marie Laveau became a central figure in the voodoo community.
Voodoo landed in Louisiana during the colonial period. The enslaved persons from West Africa and sub-Sahara brought their culture and beliefs to Louisiana. Their practice included working with roots and herbs, creating and using charms and amulets, as well as honoring and worshiping their ancestors. These practices, combined with Catholicism (the Catholic Church had a considerable part in colonizing Louisiana), became the core of Louisiana Voodoo.
When you begin to look at Voodoo and traditional European Witchcraft, the similarities are astounding, even though their foundations are worlds apart. There had been a murder in Opelousas that the paper reported was somehow related to witchcraft, and Toups had written to its editors in defense of the practice.
Known for her beauty, charisma, and skill, Marie Laveau became a central figure in the voodoo community. Many sought her guidance for love spells, healing, and protection from evil spirits. Her reputation as a powerful witch spread beyond the city, making her a legendary figure even today.
Famous Witches – Marie Laveau (1801 – 1881)
Marie Laveau was a Louisiana Creole practitioner of Voudou (or Voodoo) in New Orleans. Shrouded in mystery, she has become over time the archetypal image of the “Voodoo Queen”, and managed to combine the roles of Voodoo priestess and devoted Catholic. Her character has since appeared in many works of fiction and popular music. Her daughter Marie Laveau II (c.1827 – c.1895) also practiced Voudou, and accounts often confuse the two women.
She was born free in Louisiana on 10 September 1801 (or, according to other sources, some time in the 1790s), the daughter of a white planter and a free Creole woman of colour. She moved to the French Quarter of New Orleans in her youth and was raised a devout Catholic. In 1819, she married Jacques (or Santiago, in other records) Paris, an emigrant from Haiti. After Paris’ death, Marie Laveau became a hairdresser, catering to wealthy white families, and took a lover, Christophe Glapion, with whom she lived in a common-law relationship until Glapion’s death in 1835. She reportedly bore fifteen children, including Marie Laveau II, who was born around 1827 and who apparently bore a striking resemblance to her mother.
Other than these biographical details, little is known with any certainty about the life of Marie Laveau, but it appears that she and her daughter between them established and nurtured a “Voodoo Queen” reputation. She is said to have had a large snake (named Zombi, after an African god) which many believed possessed great powers itself, and she would dance with the snake wrapped around her. The occult part of her magic mixed Roman Catholic beliefs (including saints) with African spirits and religious concepts. She frequently visited the sick in New Orleans’ prisons, and at one point she was called upon by the city’s elite to help combat the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 1850s.
Some believe that the mother was more powerful, while the daughter arranged more elaborate public events, but it seems clear that they received varying amounts of financial support. There are contemporary reports of as many as twelve thousand spectators, both black and white, swarming to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain to catch a glimpse of Marie Laveau II performing her legendary rites on St. John’s Eve (June 23 – 24).
One of Laveau’s best-documented exploits involved the murder trial of a young Creole gentleman, which seemed almost certain to end in a guilty verdict for the young man. His father approached Marie and promised her anything if she could rescue his son, and Marie agreed, asking for the man’s New Orleans house in return. Marie secretly placed several charms throughout the courtroom and, when the young man was declared not guilty, the father gave her his house as promised, and Laveau gained the instant attention of the city’s elite.
Some believe that her feared magical powers were actually based on her network of informants in the households of the prominent citizens of New Orleans, which she developed while working as a hairdresser. Others assert that she owned her own brothel and developed informants that way. Either way, she appears to have excelled at obtaining inside information on her wealthy patrons by instilling fear in their servants, whom she “cured” of mysterious ailments.
The New Orleans newspapers announced the death of Marie Laveau on June 16, 1881, and official New Orleans records indicate that a “Marie Glapion Laveau” died on June 15, 1881 (although giving her age as 98). Many people also claimed to see her in town after this date, although she did have several daughters who may have been mistaken for her. She was reportedly buried in Saint Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, and the Glapion family tomb continues to attract visitors, some of whom draw three x’s (XXX) on its side in the hopes that Laveau’s spirit will grant them a wish.
Other than these biographical details, little is known with any certainty about the life of Marie Laveau, but it appears that she and her daughter between them established and nurtured a “Voodoo Queen” reputation. She is said to have had a large snake (named Zombi, after an African god) which many believed possessed great powers itself, and she would dance with the snake wrapped around her. The occult part of her magic mixed Roman Catholic beliefs (including saints) with African spirits and religious concepts. She frequently visited the sick in New Orleans’ prisons, and at one point she was called upon by the city’s elite to help combat the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 1850s.
Another notable witch in New Orleans history is Dorothy Louise Talbot, popularly known as "Casket Girl." Legend has it that she was one of the original French girls who arrived in New Orleans in the 18th century, carrying a mysterious casket believed to contain vampires. It is said that Dorothy had a deep understanding of the occult and practiced witchcraft. Over time, her legend grew, and she became known as a witch who could communicate with the dead. Madame LaLaurie is perhaps the most infamous witch associated with New Orleans. Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite, lived in New Orleans in the 19th century. While she may not have practiced witchcraft, she was suspected of practicing dark arts and engaging in cruel acts. Stories of her mistreatment and torture of slaves in her mansion circulated, making her infamous throughout the city. Although the extent of her involvement in occult practices remains unclear, her story is often intertwined with the folklore surrounding New Orleans witches. These are just a few examples of the famous witches who have made their mark on the history of New Orleans. Their influence and legends have contributed to the city's reputation as a hub of witchcraft and occult practices. Even today, New Orleans continues to embrace its mystical heritage, attracting visitors who are eager to encounter the magic and mystery associated with its witches..
Reviews for "Salem of the South: Comparing New Orleans' Witchcraft History to Salem's"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Famous Witches of New Orleans" as I'm a fan of witchcraft and the supernatural. However, I was deeply disappointed with the book. The writing felt disjointed and the plot was confusing. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, as they were poorly developed and lacked depth. The author failed to create a compelling and immersive world, and it felt like a wasted opportunity. Overall, I found the book to be a letdown and not worth the hype.
2. James - 1 star - "Famous Witches of New Orleans" was a complete waste of time. The story was filled with cliches and predictable plot twists. The writing was mediocre at best, with awkward dialogue and repetitive descriptions. I couldn't get invested in the characters or their struggles, as they lacked any real substance. The whole book felt like a formulaic attempt to cash in on the popularity of witches in popular culture. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an original and well-crafted story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Famous Witches of New Orleans," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was extremely slow, and the story lacked excitement and intrigue. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The writing style was also unremarkable, with repetitive descriptions and unrealistic dialogue. Overall, I found it difficult to stay engaged with the book and ended up feeling disinterested by the end. I'm disappointed that this book didn't live up to its potential.