The French Quarter of New Orleans is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and intriguing traditions. Among these traditions is the mystical practice of voodoo. Voodoo is a belief system and set of rituals that originated in West Africa and was brought to Louisiana by enslaved Africans. One of the most iconic symbols of voodoo is the voodoo doll. Voodoo dolls have always held a certain fascination for people around the world. While many associate them with harmful spells and curses, their purpose and symbolism in voodoo are quite different.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized. Mead a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley.
While many associate them with harmful spells and curses, their purpose and symbolism in voodoo are quite different. In voodoo, the doll is considered a representation of a person, and its purpose is to focus intention and energy towards that person. It is used in rituals to bring about positive outcomes, such as healing, love, or protection.
Watkins Books | London’s Oldest Occult Bookstore
In the time of Samhain, it seems all things lead to the magical, the mysterious, the mystical. Though I know it’s not just me who feels led to such things, I also know some feel that the magical, the mysterious, the mystical don’t always make themselves known—they must be sought out. For those feeling the lure and seekers alike, there are places where those interests align with literary pursuits.
While many bookstores have small sections dedicated to subjects including mysticism and the occult, for seekers of the mystical, there is no place quite like a bookstore dedicated to such unusual endeavors. And for today’s Literary Destinations, I’ve found one of the world’s oldest bookstores with such inclinations.
Watkins Books
Watkins Books at Cecil Court, Covent Garden, London
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
In the late 19th century, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society focused on the study and practice of the occult, paranormal happenings, and metaphysics, was founded by three Freemasons. This society was structured similarly to the Masonic lodge, with initiations and three levels of Orders to which members belonged, progressing in their studies from esoteric philosophy and the basics of subjects including astrology and tarot, to the Second Order with studies including alchemy, magic, and scrying among others, to the most elite of the society—the Third Order. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn became one of the biggest, if not the biggest, influences on Western occultism. Its lasting effect is still seen in modern spiritual practices within Wicca and other religions. The Order was incredibly active within Great Britain, spreading and intensifying the interest in spiritualism and Eastern cultures and beliefs.
In response to this interest rose Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophical Society in 1875. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky was a Russian occultist and philosopher, a leading figure within the esoteric movement and, later, within the Spiritualism movement. She was a controversial figure during her life, not only for her beliefs and efforts to spread the ideas of Theosophy but because, once she moved to America, she claimed to be a spirit medium and was met with numerous claims of fraud.
Within her sphere of influence was John M. Watkins.
Inside Watkins Books
Watkins was a figure within the literary world; a translator, a bookseller through the first ever secondhand and remaindered book catalogue he founded in 1893, and owner of his own printing press. He was also a personal friend of Madame Blavatsky’s as well as one of her “disciples,” and his printing press was behind her pseudoscientific metaphysical book The Secret Doctrine. As the story goes, it was a comment from Madame Blavatsky in a conversation with Watkins that inspired the idea for Watkins Books. She spoke of London’s lack of options for places to buy books on the occult, metaphysics, and mysticism. And so, in 1897, Watkins Books opened.
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Specializing in the very books those of the various spiritual movements of the age desired, Watkins Books became a fixture within London for those seeking out the obscure. W.B. Yeats, Irish poet and member of the mysterious Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, was a frequent patron of the shop. Other frequent visitors recognizable to those interested in spiritual, esoteric, and occult authors included G.R.S. Mead—a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society–and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley. He was a poet, novelist, painter, occultist, and “ceremonial magician.” A biography of Crowley claims he once made all of the books in Watkins Books magically disappear and reappear. Another notable piece of history attached to this bookstore is that when Geoffrey Watkins, son of John, took over the shop after his father passed away, he published Carl Jung’s 1925 edition of Septem Sermones ad Mortuos. Being a beacon for spiritualists and occultists, there was no shortage of notable figures frequenting this bookstore.
Tarot deck selection at Watkins Books
While Watkins Books has changed hands over the past century, it has remained true to its original purpose: to provide a bookstore for seekers of beliefs of a different kind, the mystical, and, of course, the magical. They continue to sell these unique books as well as crystals, tarot decks, statues, and the little oddities that could only be found at a store devoted to the spiritual and occult. These days, the bookstore holds regular events, offers in-store tarot readings, publishes its own spiritual magazine (Watkins Mind Body Spirit) and blog, offers spiritual E-courses, and even has a spiritual map of London on its site.
Inside Watkins Books
At over 120 years old, it is quite a notable thing for this strange little bookstore to still be around and thriving as it is in the modern world. There has always been a pocket of people to whom the subjects of this store’s inventory appeals, and in a world where charming, independent bookstores full of character are going out of business steadily, it’s fantastic to see a store such as Watkins Books continuing to go strong.
Watkins Books is rich in history and intrigue, a bookstore with an even more mystical allure than other normally charming bookstores. And at the time of year when the mysterious and mystical are on the forefront of more people’s minds, there’s no better time to take a trip to this historically significant, groundbreaking spiritual bookstore. While traveling to London isn’t in the near future for me, this literary destination is certainly on my list of must-visits in the city.
Sunday, 10/8: 12-4
Monday, 10/9: closed
Tuesday, 10/10: closed
Weds, 10/11: 3-6
Thursday, 10/12: closed
Friday, 10/13: 3-6
Saturday, 10/14: 12-5
Sunday, 10/15: 12-4
The French Quarter is home to numerous voodoo shops and stores, where visitors can find an array of voodoo dolls for sale. These dolls come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, and each one is unique. Some are made from fabric and stuffed with herbs or other natural materials, while others are intricately carved from wood or molded from clay. The process of creating a voodoo doll is a deeply personal one, often involving specific ingredients, rituals, and incantations. Each doll is crafted with great care and intention, with the maker imbuing it with the energy and purpose it is meant to serve. It is believed that the more closely the doll resembles the intended person, the stronger its connection and effectiveness. Visitors to the French Quarter can purchase voodoo dolls as souvenirs, but it is important to approach them with respect and understanding. These dolls are not mere trinkets or toys; they are sacred objects with deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is also crucial to remember that voodoo is a religion and should not be taken lightly or used for harmful purposes. In conclusion, the French Quarter voodoo doll is a powerful symbol of the voodoo tradition in New Orleans. It represents the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical worlds and the belief in harnessing energy and intention for positive outcomes. When encountering voodoo dolls, it is important to approach them with reverence and respect, appreciating their cultural significance and the beliefs they represent..
Reviews for "Exploring the Different Types of French Quarter Voodoo Dolls"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "French quarter voodoo doll". The doll itself looked cheap and poorly made. The stitching was coming undone and the colors were faded. It definitely didn't live up to my expectations. Additionally, the instructions were confusing and didn't provide clear guidance on how to use the doll properly. Overall, I would not recommend this product.
- Sarah - 1 star - I have to say that I was highly unimpressed with the "French quarter voodoo doll". It arrived with missing parts and the ones that were there were of poor quality. The doll looked nothing like the pictures online, and it didn't even come with a proper explanation of how to use it. It felt like a waste of money and I regret purchasing it. I would advise others to steer clear of this product.
- Samantha - 2 stars - The "French quarter voodoo doll" didn't meet my expectations at all. It was much smaller than I imagined and the materials felt flimsy. The doll's limbs were not attached securely and one even fell off within minutes of handling it. The overall design was lackluster and it didn't have the charm or authenticity that I was hoping for. I wouldn't recommend this product if you're looking for a high-quality voodoo doll.