The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans 

Paperback – February 1, 2020

by Denise Alvarado (Author), Carolyn Morrow Long (Foreword)

The life and work of the legendary “Pope of Voodoo,” Marie Laveau―a free woman of color who practically ruled New Orleans in the mid-1800s

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 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 4 decades and is the author of numerous books about Southern folk traditions. She is a rootworker in the Louisiana folk magic tradition, a spiritual artist, and a teacher of Southern conjure at Crossroads University.

Product details

• Publisher : Weiser Books (February 1, 2020)

• Language : English

• Paperback : 224 pages

• ISBN-10 : 1578636736

• ISBN-13 : 9781578636730

• Item Weight : 12.5 ounces

• Dimensions : 6.1 x 0.5 x 9 inches