Hoodoo Series: Marie Laveau

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 

5 of the Most Important Psalms for Beginners to Know

Hello, in this article, I will tell everyone who wants to get into Hoodoo the five most important Palms for beginners to know when they are starting this practice. 

First, with Hoodoo, the book of Psalms is one of the most well-known parts of the Bible for newcomers when they are starting their Hoodoo journey. I will say that it is important to understand the different uses of the Psalms. The book of Psalms can range from many different uses for the human condition; there are psalms for money, luck, love, protection, and many other things.

Understanding the many uses of the Psalms is important because there are 150 different Psalms, but for now, I will tell you the 5 most important Psalms you need to know as a beginner. 

Top 5 Psalms 

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is the first psalm that a beginner should familiarize themselves with. This is a ubiquitous psalm that is known for protection. It’s one of the most powerful psalms that is used for protection. Fun fact, there are old homes of former slaves, where the page of Psalm 91 was ripped out of the Bible, and placed in the foundation of the home, to provide protection. This psalm talks about God protecting people from all harm. You can use this psalm for protection rituals or when making a spiritual bath; there are many different instances where you can use this psalm. 

Psalm 23 

This is a catch-all Psalm that can be used for all manner of conditions. You can use this psalm to draw money. You can use this psalm for protection. There is no shortage of things you can do with this psalm. In Hoodoo, you will see this psalm a lot with all of the works that you will be doing as you get further in your practice. I use this psalm for both money and for protection. Also, when I am enchanting an object for a working that I am doing, I will pray the 23rd psalm to activate the object that I am using. 

Psalm 65 

This psalm is very good for road opening work or if you have a petition. I use the Psalm many times if I have something that I am praying for, and I need to have success in obtaining it, or if I am doing a road opening work for myself or a client. Here is a tip that not many people will tell you! Using the correct name for God in the psalm you are reciting will increase its effectiveness. With Psalm 65, you want to use the name Jah, which is one of many names God has. 

Psalm 51 

This psalm is very important for anyone getting into Hoodoo to learn about. The 51st Psalm is of great importance because you use this psalm for cleansing and purification. Whenever I am taking a spiritual cleansing bath, I will recite Psalm 51 over the bath while I am preparing it. Also, I use Hyssop, which is mentioned in the Psalm. Hyssop is a powerful herb that is used to cleanse a person of sin, as well as cleanse any negative spiritual energies. The passage mentioning Hyssop is in verse 7: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” 

Psalm 78 

Psalm 78 is used to gain favor from authority figures or people in positions of power. I know we need to gain favor from people to advance our careers or to get a leg up. You recite this psalm if you have a request to give a boss or a loan officer, and you need to be favored by them. I use this psalm when I have a request to give a boss whom I need a favor from, like taking time off, or for them to be more agreeable. Before any meeting, I would go into the bathroom and pray this Psalm before having the meeting. This would work, and my boss would be more receptive to my request. 

So, there are the top 5 Palms that I believe are the best for beginners in Hoodoo to learn. These psalms cover a wide range of issues that people have. I will say that Psalms are important, but in other articles, I will talk about other passages in the Bible that are great for spiritual work. This is just the start, but soon you will be able to use many different psalms covering all manner of conditions. 

Thank you so much for reading! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.

"Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen."

                - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe