Hello. For this week’s article, I want to write about a prominent figure in the Hoodoo spiritual practice.
I am going to start a series that details the spirits and spiritual workers of Hoodoo who have played a major role in making the practice what it is today. I believe this series will be helpful so that new workers can learn who to work with to further their spiritual development.
Marie Laveau, also known as Marie Laveaux, is one of the most prominent Hoodoo workers in New Orleans. Marie was born on September 10, 1801, and she was a free woman. She was a Creole who did many things—she was a Hoodoo worker, a herbalist, and a midwife. Throughout the South, but especially in New Orleans, she was respected as a Hoodoo worker. She was both feared and revered by the people of New Orleans.
Some of her most impressive works involved spirit communication and divination. It was also alleged that, through her ownership of a hair salon—frequented by many different guests—Marie would receive valuable information. The workers would listen in on conversations and relay what they heard to her, which she could then use to help or advise others.
Marie Laveau is one of the most prominent spiritual workers of all time. In many different texts, some describe her as a Hoodoo worker, while others say she practiced Voodoo. It is my belief that she was a Hoodoo worker, but the people who wrote about her often used the terms Hoodoo and Voodoo interchangeably. Her spirit and spiritual knowledge made her one of the most respected spiritual workers in New Orleans and throughout the South. She was also known for helping prisoners and offering aid to those in need.
Marie Laveau is someone people look to for strength and assistance in their spiritual work. Many will ask for her help, and she is known to aid those who sincerely seek her. There are countless stories about Marie Laveau—some true, others perhaps embellished—but she remains one of the most remarkable figures to come from New Orleans.
Now, I want to talk about some spiritual practices you can use to connect with Marie Laveau so that she can assist you. I will also discuss offerings you can use to invoke her spirit.
If possible, visit her alleged burial site at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. You can leave offerings and ask her for assistance. However, I must caution you—as with any spirit—do not begin by asking for favors. First, build a relationship. Give offerings once or twice without asking for anything in return. During this time, research and learn about her life and energy. Once you have built that connection, you may ask for her help, and if she chooses to assist you, she will.
Another way to connect with Marie Laveau is to create an altar dedicated to her. This is a great idea because altars serve as sacred spaces to honor spirits, give offerings, and perform spiritual work. In the case of Marie Laveau, you can include items such as flowers (roses), Florida Water, tobacco, rosary beads (since Marie was Catholic as well as a Voodoo practitioner), rum, and a statue or picture of her. You should also include a glass of water, which you will change weekly.
Once you have gathered these items, construct your altar, give offerings, and ask for signs to see if she is receptive to working with you. If everything aligns, you can begin your work with her.
This is everything you can do to start building a spiritual relationship with Marie Laveau. She was a woman who always sought to help others and improve their circumstances through her work. Even though she is no longer with us in life, her spirit remains powerful—and she can still help those who call upon her with respect and sincerity.
“Here is the day, we must welcome it with a song.”
- Marie Laveau
No comments:
Post a Comment