The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire

February 5, 2024
Alvarado (Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints) draws inspiration from 19th-century “Voudou Queen” Marie Laveau (1801–1881) for an eclectic mix of spells, rituals, and general wisdom for living a “spiritual lifestyle.” Drawing on oral tradition, archival newspaper clippings and “Voudou drugstore” product listings (including potions and powders of all kinds), and her own spellbooks, Alvarado offers recipes for traditional magical waters, incenses, oils, and powders (“Black Cat,” a powdered “conjure formula,” can be burned each morning to “gain good fortune”), advice for creating and caring for Voudou altars, explanations of such practices as uncrossing (reversing hexes or bad luck), and tips on optimizing one’s practice by day of the week (water rituals should be reserved for Mondays, while “works involving aggression offensive battle strategies” are best practiced on Tuesdays). Despite a tendency to fawn over her subject (“Who was this boss woman of the 1800s?” she marvels at one point), Alvarado skillfully uses Laveau as conduit to bring to life voodoo’s rich history (she takes particular care to examine its West African roots) and modern applications. This bewitching compendium is ideal for those seeking to expand their magical horizons.

Starred review from January 26, 2024

Dedicated to the spirit and lineage of Marie Laveau, New Orleans's acknowledged Queen of the Voudou religion (a free Creole woman famed for her public Voudou rituals, healing arts, and charitable acts in the late 19th century) this title is crammed with spells, rituals, and cookery recipes from the separate traditions of New Orleans Voudou (or Voodoo--both spellings are used in this book), Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork. While not Laveau's actual grimoire, this book by Alvarado (The Magic of Marie Laveau) relies on historical references, the oral tradition of New Orleans Voudou practitioners, and the author's Creole heritage, all of which inform her own Voudou practice and this generous shared collection of workings. The book begins with excellent descriptions of New Orleans Voudou and where it came from and explains the differences among New Orleans Voudou, Louisiana Voudou, Laveau's specific tradition of Voudou, Hoodoo, Conjure, and Rootwork. Alvarado then explains the theological hierarchy of spirits engaged in the magick of these traditions. Following is a catalogue of tools, herbs, spells, cleanses, and protections to resolve life's challenges or enhance good fortune, including so-called "safe" New Orleans Voudou rituals for noninitiates. Note that the concept of Voudou for noninitiates is controversial, as Voudou is a closed religion that one must be initiated into and which has often been inappropriately commodified. VERDICT While deeply rooted in generational traditions, this is a modern collection of New Orleans Voudou workings that will delight those interested in learning more about the wide range of topics Alvarado explores.--Janet Tapper

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