Episode 211 - The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire with Denise Alvarado
Feb 7, 2024
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Author Denise Alvarado discusses the Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire, debunking misconceptions and highlighting Marie Laveau's healing role. They explore Voodoo practices, historical figures, and the legacy of Marie Laveau in New Orleans Voodoo.
Marie Laveau promoted compassion and community service in New Orleans Voodoo practices.
Denise Alvarado emphasizes connecting with ancestors and embracing heritage in New Orleans voodoo.
Deep dives
Marie Laveau's Influence and Healing Practices
Marie Laveau, a prominent figure in New Orleans voodoo, was celebrated for her healing abilities and selfless service to the community. She dedicated her life to aiding those afflicted by yellow fever epidemics and ministering to marginalized individuals. Despite misconceptions about voodoo, Marie Laveau's practices emphasized compassion, community service, and healing arts. Her legacy as a respected healer and practitioner transcended societal boundaries, as she engaged with both the affluent and marginalized populations.
Marie Laveau's Longevity and Health Practices
Notably, Marie Laveau lived a long life in an era of prevalent illnesses and hardships, raising questions about her longevity. Her book delves into her lifestyle choices, including specific dietary habits, spiritual practices such as baths and cleansings, and the importance of cultivating joy and positivity. By incorporating practical advice on recipes and holistic rituals, the book offers insights into the holistic approach to health and wellbeing embraced by Marie Laveau.
Exploring New Orleans Voodoo Beyond Initiation
The podcast conversation delves into the accessibility of New Orleans voodoo, emphasizing a broader understanding beyond initiation. Denise Alvarado advocates for connecting with one's ancestors as a foundational practice in New Orleans voodoo, fostering a deep understanding of heritage. The discussion extends to practical applications, such as creating ancestral altars and honoring familial lineage, highlighting the inclusive and empowering nature of this spiritual tradition.
I'm joined today by a favorite author of mine, Denise Alvarado, to chat about her newest work: The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire.
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire is the first practical guide to New Orleans-style magic inspired by the life and traditions of Marie Laveau—the eternal and enduring Queen of New Orleans Voodoo. This is a working grimoire, or spell book, created for the modern witch and Conjure worker that provides formulas and recipes for solving the problems of daily living and enhancing quality of life using the Laveau Voodoo tradition.
We have such a great chat about Louisiana Voodoo and the misconceptions surrounding this spiritual practice, learning voodoo traditions for beginners, and of course, details about Marie Laveau and her life.
Denise Alvarado is a bestselling author and artist whose work is inspired by magick, mystery, and the gothic aesthetic. She has written over twenty books and created many works of art that have captivated audiences around the world. A New Orleans born, native Creole raised in the unique culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, Alvarado has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over five decades. Alvarado is an independent researcher and member of the American Anthropological Association, the Association of Indigenous Anthropologists, and the Association of Latina/o & Latinx Anthropologists. Find more here: https://www.denisealvarado.com/about