New Orleans Voodoo


            Louisiana Voodoo, also known as New Orleans Voodoo gets its roots from Africa.  Louisiana Voodoo comes from the slave trade where its followers had come from.  It differs from Haitian Voodoo in its emphasis upon Gris-gris (an amulet used for keeping away evil or bringing luck), voodoo queens, and use of Hoodoo occult paraphernalia (supernatural paraphernalia).   An example of Gris-gris would be a tiny bag filled with a random assortment of materials that is put together with an intention.  It is not the specific materials that you put in the bag that matter, it is the intention for why they are put in.  The core belief of Louisiana Voodoo deals with there being one God that does not interfere with the daily lives of people and spirits that do influence daily life.  It believes that Spiritual forces interact with the daily lives of its followers.  To connect with these spirits it can be done through dance, music, singing, and the use of snakes.  The snakes represent Legba, Voodoo’s “main spirit conduit to all the others”.  The Voodoo serpent represents, “healing knowledge and the connection between heaven and Earth”.  In the Voodoo religion the deceased ancestors can intercede in the lives of Voodoo followers.  The main focus today for Louisiana Voodoo is to influence the outcome of life events through connecting with spirits, ancestors, and nature.  A true Voodoo ritual is not done in public, because it would be seen as disrespectful to the ancestors and spirits.  Voodoo is often used to cure sicknesses as well as impact daily life. (n.d, 2018)


Voodoo Shop

Getting the Most of Voodoo Culture in New Orleans (Added from original)

Throughout New Orleans there are many places that claim to have voodoo memorabilia, and authentic souvenirs to take home.  This is something that visitors should be weary of, and do research to ensure they get the most authentic experience that they can have.  There are many shops located in New Orleans that sell "voodoo" themed items, but the problem is that some of this comes from China, making it a ploy to make money other than offering authentic voodoo pieces.  It is possible to get a reading done by people who practice voodoo, but this is another thing to take caution in.  Along the Jackson Square you will find many people set up at tables offering palm readings, tarot card readings, and other mystical psychic fortune telling.  It is said that if you want the best experience to visit Voodoo Authentica.  They offer psychic readings that can cost up to 45 dollars for a 30 minute session.  It is best to reserve a spot for a reading a few days in advance, and they prefer you to be in the room with no one else than the person giving the reading.  More information can be found here on Voodoo Authentica.  Voodoo Authentica 
If you would like to visit a Voodoo museum while in New Orleans I recommend the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, which you can find more information on by clicking on this link. Voodoo Museum  

Sites to visit

Voodoo Shops

(ADDED TO REVISED)
Voodoo Authentica
612 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo
723 St Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70116

Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo
739 Bourbon St
New Orleans, LA 70116

(n.d) Voodoo in New Orleans. Retrieved December 30, 2018.  From https://voodooneworleans.com/voodoo-religion/

Written by Kole Jones

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