Who is Marie Laveau?
"Marie Laveau is no myth; she is no mere legend. While her reputation precedes her as the notorious Voudou Queen of New Orleans, in reality, she was a free woman of color who ruled the city during antebellum New Orleans. This was no small feat. She was a devout Catholic, an independent businesswoman, a mother, and healer who lived her life in accordance with the corporal works of mercy. Stories abound about her magickal prowess, freeing men from the gallows and healing the sick from the brink of death. Her belief in Catholicism guided her life as well as her magick in such a distinct way that people from all over the world are inspired by her spirit and her story.
So, how does one begin to describe the legacy left by a legend? If the power of a person’s life is in the stories they leave behind, then Marie Laveau has the market cornered as the most storied woman in the history of New Orleans." - Denise Alvarado, from the Introduction
Becoming a Devotee of Marie Laveau
It’s a powerful thing to witness someone doing Madame Marie’s work. When it’s real, there’s no denying it. It is something that can be felt within the core of your being. Devotees have presence. When you become a devotee—when you are aware of your spiritual lineage, learn about it, and live it—then you can fully embrace your new identity and Marie Laveau, the loa, spirit guide, and elevated Ancestor—can descend and work through you.
Devoting yourself to someone or something requires a conscious decision to do so followed by deliberate actions that display your utmost loyalty to the focus of your devotion. Becoming a devotee is not a decision to be made lightly. It can change your life for better or worse, depending on the sincerity of your commitment. If you are ready and you are open to receiving her as the Mother of New Orleans Voudou, the Spiritual Mother of Louisiana, the Boss Woman and Queen, your life will change dramatically for the better.
BASIC GRIS GRIS RITUAL FOR HEALING
This is a very basic gris gris ritual for healing. It is good for mending a broken heart or helping to heal from grief of any kind. And it only requires four ingredients:
- Snakeskin
- 3 copper pennies
- Rose petals
- Lavender flowers
Wrap everything in a chamois cloth and place in a flannel or leather bag. Then say the following petition to Papa Legba (He is called Papa Labat/Lebat by older folks in New Orleans) to empower the bag:
Papa Labat, yay yay yay Papa Labat, yay yay yay Papa Labat, yay yay yay Papa Labat, open the door and let the spirits through, Bless and empower this bag for your faithful servant, Bring him/her all good things in this life and in the life to come In God’s name, Ashé ashé ashé!
Touch the gris gris to the top of your head, your heart, then your mouth, kissing the bag.
This listing is for one book.