Marie Laveau was a legendary figure in New Orleans, known as the "Voodoo Queen." Her powers and influence have become the stuff of legend, as she was believed to possess the ability to heal, curse, and even bring the dead back to life. **Marie Laveau’s magic and mysticism captured the imaginations of many, both in her time and in the years following her death.** Born in 1801, she was a free woman of color, which was a significant achievement in a society that was deeply divided along racial lines. Laveau used her talents to gain power and respect within the community, becoming a spiritual leader and advisor to many. **One of the most captivating aspects of Marie Laveau’s magical abilities was her skill in healing the sick and wounded.
“ 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.
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. 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.
**One of the most captivating aspects of Marie Laveau’s magical abilities was her skill in healing the sick and wounded.** She was known to use a combination of traditional African practices and Catholicism, creating a unique blend of spiritual beliefs that resonated with her followers. Many sought her out for remedies and cures, believing in her power to restore health and well-being.
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.
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.
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies
“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
“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)
But it was not just her healing abilities that made Marie Laveau famous. **She was also known for her curses and spells**, believing in the power of magic to exact revenge or protect oneself from harm. People would come to her seeking vengeance on enemies or hoping to shield themselves from future misfortune. Laveau was said to have the ability to cast powerful spells that could influence the course of events, creating fear and awe in those who witnessed her work. Perhaps one of the most enduring myths surrounding Marie Laveau is her supposed power to raise the dead. **She was believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirit realm and bring deceased loved ones back to the land of the living.** This skill only added to her mystique and made her even more sought after by those seeking her assistance. While some may dismiss Marie Laveau as nothing more than a con artist or a fraud, **her continued influence long after her death indicates that her magic and mysticism continue to captivate people to this day.** Her legacy lives on in the countless stories and legends that have been passed down through generations, solidifying her place as one of the most iconic figures in the world of magic and voodoo..
Reviews for "Marie Laveau's Influence on New Orleans' Music and Entertainment"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "The magic of Marie Laveau." The story felt disjointed and lacked depth. The characters were uninteresting and the plot was predictable. I was hoping for a captivating tale filled with mystery and magic, but all I got was a dull and uninspired read. The writing style was also underwhelming, with awkward sentences and poor pacing. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging story.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
"The magic of Marie Laveau" was not what I expected at all. The concept seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The story was slow-paced and struggled to hold my interest. The characters lacked development and depth, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the writing felt repetitive and lacked creativity. I was hoping for a captivating exploration of magic and spirituality, but instead, I was left feeling bored and unimpressed.
3. Mike - ★★☆☆☆
I found "The magic of Marie Laveau" to be a mediocre read. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow sections that dragged on and rushed moments that left me confused. The main character, Marie Laveau, was interesting, but the supporting cast felt one-dimensional. The writing style was also lacking, with dull descriptions and awkward dialogue. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
4. Jessica - ★☆☆☆☆
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy "The magic of Marie Laveau" at all. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The author attempted to incorporate various themes and elements, but it resulted in a messy and confusing narrative. The characters were unengaging, and the plot twists were predictable. The writing style also left much to be desired, with clunky sentences and cliché metaphors. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an immersive and well-crafted story.
5. David - ★★☆☆☆
"The magic of Marie Laveau" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The plot felt underdeveloped and rushed, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The characters lacked depth, making it difficult to invest in their journeys. The magical elements, which could have been fascinating, felt forced and poorly integrated into the story. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster, with repetitive descriptions and unimaginative dialogue. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would caution others before picking it up.