One of the defining elements of New Orleans Voudou and Laveau Voudou is the presence of Catholic elements and sacramentals. Not only do we see a variety of saints and manifestations of Mary, we also see Catholic-style altars, candles, crosses, and incense and a variety of psalms and prayers used. But let there be no mistake, Catholicism wasn’t some sort of long-lost sister welcomed into the bosom of Voudou because enslaved folks thought it would improve their indigenous traditions. It was the result of the forced legal mandates of the Louisiana Black Codes that “required all masters to have their slaves converted to Christianity within eight days of their arrival to the colony” (Desmangles 1990 362). It was a strategic move by colonizers to further own people of African descent—and indeed anyone who was not Christian at the time—mind, body, and soul. Yet it was a move that ultimately backfired, because it provided an effective cover for African and indigenous traditional religious practices. Voudou afforded people a vestige of hope—a lifeline to what life looked like prior to slavery. There was just enough similarity between Catholicism and Voudou and the saints and the spirits that antebellum practitioners were able to continue practicing their beliefs under the guise of Catholicism. In the end, the hens in the henhouse outfoxed the fox, and Voudou in New Orleans survived.
In a present-day Order of Service, Catholic prayers are recited as the ceremonies begin. We find this same practice reported in the newspaper in 1890 as well:
In a present-day Order of Service, Catholic prayers are recited as the ceremonies begin. We find this same practice reported in the newspaper in 1890 as well:
Side by side in the room of the Voudoo Queen, upon the same table as the serpent was the cross of the crucified savior, the image of Virgin Mary, and various symbols of saints and angels. In the midst of the wildest orgies, the Voudoos would suddenly fall upon their knees, begin the recital of “Apostle’s Creed” and “Hail Mary,” or cease their barbaric songs and dances to chant with faith and devotion the “Ave Marie Stella.” Never was idolatry and religion so curiously blended and never was a pure and sublime faith sacrificed to more unholy and ignoble rites. (Daily Picayune 1890).
On this page are a few works that incorporate Catholic elements into them. I introduced this class of conjure called Catholic Conjure to the internet several years ago and created a Facebook group, as well, which has become quite popular. These types of works are a of subcategory of Laveau Voudou. Workers who are not Catholic may or may not perform these kinds of workings. Workers who are not Christian will not likely use these types of works in their repertoires at all. But first, a few notes about working with the saints in New Orleans Hoodoo.
Some Notes About Working with Saints
Saints are a helpful group of spirits that can be petitioned for any number of life situations and conditions. They are not, however, spirits that you can just command to do your bidding and use once and forget. Your relationship with the saints should be just that—a relationship—one that you build on over time through regular interaction and simple, yet appropriate, acts of devotion.
Because many of the saints are Catholic in origin, their prayers are also Catholic. Some of the prayers are meant to be followed up with paters, aves, and glorias. These are standard Catholic prayers and are as follows:
Pater Noster = Our Father
Ave Maria = Hail Mary
Gloria = Glory Be
Many folk saints also have their particular prayers. As long as followers approach them with faith and perform the proper devotions, the saints can answer any petition including requests for good health and good luck, uncrossing or crossing, and protection against the evil eye, to name but a few. Most folk saints are spiritual specialists wherein they govern a particular sphere of life and thus, are approached when help in that area is needed.
Because many of the saints are Catholic in origin, their prayers are also Catholic. Some of the prayers are meant to be followed up with paters, aves, and glorias. These are standard Catholic prayers and are as follows:
Pater Noster = Our Father
Ave Maria = Hail Mary
Gloria = Glory Be
Many folk saints also have their particular prayers. As long as followers approach them with faith and perform the proper devotions, the saints can answer any petition including requests for good health and good luck, uncrossing or crossing, and protection against the evil eye, to name but a few. Most folk saints are spiritual specialists wherein they govern a particular sphere of life and thus, are approached when help in that area is needed.
Working with Saints in the New Orleans Hoodoo Tradition
The traditional way of petitioning saints in the New Orleans Hoodoo tradition is to set up a small altar that is higher than usual, such as on a mantle. This positioning represents the fact that saints are intermediaries between people and the Creator, higher than us and lower than God. On the altar, place a statue of the particular saint or a picture, and place a candle fixed with special herbs and oils consistent with your request in front of the image. Knock on the mantle in front of the image 3 times and call out the saint’s name. Then, say the special prayer to the saint. When you state your petition, say “Through the power of God, I want you to (state your need).” When your petition is granted, it is customary to thank the saint publicly. It used to be that folks would publish their thanks in the newspaper but now with the internet, folks are thanking them on their blogs or on public forums. It is always a good idea to perform some sort of charity work in their name as well, whenever possible.
Celebrating Mama Mary
The influence of Catholicism in New Orleans is noteworthy for its emphasis on Mariology. Several versions of the Blessed Mother are routinely invoked for assistance among Voudouists, and the Blessed Mother is often found on the altars of Spiritualists, in the Spiritual Churches, and widely found on Hoodoo altars and honored in Hoodoo rituals.
For example, Our Lady of Prompt Succor is evoked alongside Erzulie Dantor in the hurricane protections rituals conducted by Sally Ann Glassman in New Orleans. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s image figures prominently in the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple, and Our Lady of Sorrows graces the altars of Erzulie Freda. The Miraculous Mother is petitioned whenever a miracle is needed, Our Lady of Mercy is called upon for compassion and mercy, mental clarity and academic studies, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help is sought out for assistance for any situation, no matter how desperate.
The Blessed Mother Mary, known as Mama Mary to rootworkers, is often overlooked as a useful entity to work with, but she is safe, reliable, and always there whenever she is needed. She is the archetypal Mother of all humankind. She will help with any situation that is of a positive nature—it won’t do you any good to turn to her for crossing someone even if you feel the situation is worthy of Divine retribution, so don’t bother.
To work with Mama Mary, procure an image or statue of her, a bowl or glass of water (Holy water from the Catholic Church is best), a single white candle and some marigolds. Place all of these items on her altar. If you have some Blessed Mary Oil, place that on the altar also. Anoint the candle with Blessed Mary Oil. Write your petition on a piece of paper and anoint with the Blessed Mary Oil. Place under the candle and pray the following every day until the candle is almost out then burn the petition in the flame. Take the ashes and plant them in your flower garden, preferably where marigolds grow.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death, Amen.
State your petition.
For example, Our Lady of Prompt Succor is evoked alongside Erzulie Dantor in the hurricane protections rituals conducted by Sally Ann Glassman in New Orleans. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s image figures prominently in the New Orleans Voodoo Spiritual Temple, and Our Lady of Sorrows graces the altars of Erzulie Freda. The Miraculous Mother is petitioned whenever a miracle is needed, Our Lady of Mercy is called upon for compassion and mercy, mental clarity and academic studies, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help is sought out for assistance for any situation, no matter how desperate.
The Blessed Mother Mary, known as Mama Mary to rootworkers, is often overlooked as a useful entity to work with, but she is safe, reliable, and always there whenever she is needed. She is the archetypal Mother of all humankind. She will help with any situation that is of a positive nature—it won’t do you any good to turn to her for crossing someone even if you feel the situation is worthy of Divine retribution, so don’t bother.
To work with Mama Mary, procure an image or statue of her, a bowl or glass of water (Holy water from the Catholic Church is best), a single white candle and some marigolds. Place all of these items on her altar. If you have some Blessed Mary Oil, place that on the altar also. Anoint the candle with Blessed Mary Oil. Write your petition on a piece of paper and anoint with the Blessed Mary Oil. Place under the candle and pray the following every day until the candle is almost out then burn the petition in the flame. Take the ashes and plant them in your flower garden, preferably where marigolds grow.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and in the hour of our death, Amen.
State your petition.
Good Luck Gambling Charm
In Catholic conjure and New Orleans Voudou, sometimes all that is required is the right prayer combined with a simple working. For a good luck gambling charm, write the Apostle’s Creed backward on a piece of paper, then wrap the paper around a nutmeg fixed with Fast Luck Conjure Oil. Tie a green ribbon around it and anoint again with the oil Carry it for good luck in general and in games of chance.
The Apostles Creed Backwards
Amen. Everlasting life the and
Body the of resurrection the,
Sins of forgiveness the,
Saints of communion the,
Church Catholic holy the,
Spirit Holy the in believe I,
dead the and living the judge to come will he and,
Father the of hand right the at seated is he,
Heaven into ascended he,
Again, rose he day third the on,
Dead the to descended he,
Buried was and, died, crucified was,
Pilate Pontius under suffered,
Mary Virgin the of born,
Spirit Holy the by conceived was who,
Lord our, Son only God’s, Christ Jesus in believe I.
Earth and heaven of creator,
Almighty Father the, God in believe I.
Amen. Everlasting life the and
Body the of resurrection the,
Sins of forgiveness the,
Saints of communion the,
Church Catholic holy the,
Spirit Holy the in believe I,
dead the and living the judge to come will he and,
Father the of hand right the at seated is he,
Heaven into ascended he,
Again, rose he day third the on,
Dead the to descended he,
Buried was and, died, crucified was,
Pilate Pontius under suffered,
Mary Virgin the of born,
Spirit Holy the by conceived was who,
Lord our, Son only God’s, Christ Jesus in believe I.
Earth and heaven of creator,
Almighty Father the, God in believe I.
Breaking the Chains that Bind You with St. Peter in Chains
The Feast of St. Peter in Chains recalls St. Peter’s freeing from prison by an angel as told in Acts 12:3–19. In about the year 42, on the orders of Herod Agrippa, Peter the apostle was thrown into prison for preaching about Christ the Savior. In prison he was held secure by two iron chains. On the night before his trial, an angel of the Lord removed these chains from Peter and led him out from the prison.
The feast day of St. Peter in Chains is also known as Lammas Day, from the Old English hlafmaesse, for Loaf Mass. The name was applied to the feast because it was observed as an early harvest thanksgiving and loaves made from the new corn were blessed and distributed at mass.
St. Peter with chains symbolizes things being locked or unlocked, chained or unchained, blocked or unblocked, opened or closed, enslaved or free, among other things. As such, St. Peter in Chains can help you break through barriers that have kept you bound and stuck. Here is a recipe for St. Peter in Chains Bread you can make as an offering to him and eat in a ritualistic way to break the chains that bind you with his assistance. You will need the following ingredients:
The feast day of St. Peter in Chains is also known as Lammas Day, from the Old English hlafmaesse, for Loaf Mass. The name was applied to the feast because it was observed as an early harvest thanksgiving and loaves made from the new corn were blessed and distributed at mass.
St. Peter with chains symbolizes things being locked or unlocked, chained or unchained, blocked or unblocked, opened or closed, enslaved or free, among other things. As such, St. Peter in Chains can help you break through barriers that have kept you bound and stuck. Here is a recipe for St. Peter in Chains Bread you can make as an offering to him and eat in a ritualistic way to break the chains that bind you with his assistance. You will need the following ingredients:
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 package yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 4 cups flour
- 1 egg (optional)
Dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the sugar and salt. Mix in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth. Roll out dough and form into chain links. Connect the links to form a chain. Brush the dough with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 425˚F for 15 minutes.
Offer some bread to St. Peter on his feast day. He takes a red candle, as he is an apostle. Set some aside for yourself. Say the prayer for St. Peter:
Offer some bread to St. Peter on his feast day. He takes a red candle, as he is an apostle. Set some aside for yourself. Say the prayer for St. Peter:
Glorious chains! Never will you make St. Peter’s successors tremble any more than St. Peter himself; before the Herods and Neros and Caesars of all ages you will be the guarantee of the liberty of souls. O holy apostle Peter, thou dost preside over the apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.
(State your petition).
Amen.
For each link of St. Peter’s bread you eat, name it for an obstacle. Eating the obstacle symbolically gives you power and control over that problem so that you can move forward unencumbered. After three days, put the bread offering outside under a bush or a tree.
TO FIND A LOST PERSON
This working calls on St. Anthony to find and return a lost person. It is based on another simple working dating to the 1930s as described by a New Orleans spiritual worker in Hyatt’s Hoodoo Conjuration Witchcraft Rootwork Volume 2. You will need a brown candle, a white saucer, and an image of St. Anthony. To find a lost person, write your name three times on a piece of paper followed by the lost person’s name three times underneath yours. Place the brown candle on a plain white saucer and set it before the image of St. Anthony. The petition paper goes underneath the saucer and candle. Light the candle and say, “I desire you to come, I desire you to come in peace.” Rap on the table three times in front of St. Anthony and tell him to find the lost person (state his or her name) and to return his lost footsteps.
To Drive Away Evil
To drive away evil people and negative energy, burn a black candle in front of a picture of St. Michael while praying for the departure of the person or condition.
The Magnificat
The Magnificat is a canticle, also known as the Song of Mary, the Canticle of Mary, and, in the Byzantine tradition, the Ode of the Theotokos. It is the hymn of praise by Mary, the mother of Jesus, found in Luke 1:46–55. It is traditionally incorporated into the liturgical services of the Catholic Church and of the Eastern Orthodox churches. But the Magnificat is more than just a prayer of praise—it also reminds us about the essential link between humility and holiness. It affords us the opportunity to examine our own actions and assess whether or not they serve to magnify the glory and goodness of God the Creator.
One of the most basic ways to protect yourself from all evil is to carry a copy of the Magnificat, written by hand on parchment paper and anointed with Dragon’s Blood or Fiery Wall of Protection Oil.
One of the most basic ways to protect yourself from all evil is to carry a copy of the Magnificat, written by hand on parchment paper and anointed with Dragon’s Blood or Fiery Wall of Protection Oil.
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
Because He hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Because He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from generation unto generations to them that fear Him.
He hath shewed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy.
As He spoke to our fathers; to Abraham and his seed forever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost,
As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
St. Joan of Arc Amparo for Protection
An amparo is a charm or paket that is made for protection. The amparo tradition is Latin American in origin, and in fact, the word amparo actually means protection in Spanish. The most common amparos are made for St. Michael, San Cypriano and Santa Muerte. However, an amparo can be made for any saint for protection. St. Joan of Arc is revered in Louisiana as a patron saint of prisoners, captives, female soldiers, military personnel, those ridiculed for their faith and martyrs.
Known as the Maid of Orleans, St. Joan of Arc was was burned at the stake for heresy when she was only 19 years old. Can you imagine? Her never ending fighting spirit in the face of ridiculous political nonsense, sexism, homophobia and everything else under the sun must have been something to behold. If you don’t know her story, check out Alyne Pustanio’s article in Hoodoo Almanac 2013 Gazette for all the tea. Joan experienced the first of her mystical religious visions when she was around twelve years of age. She was out alone in a field and saw visions of figures she later identified as St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. These heavenly emissaries instructed her to drive the English from France and to bring the Dauphin (later Charles VII) to Reims for his coronation. When the figures departed, Joan cried because the saints were so beautiful.
Known as the Maid of Orleans, St. Joan of Arc was was burned at the stake for heresy when she was only 19 years old. Can you imagine? Her never ending fighting spirit in the face of ridiculous political nonsense, sexism, homophobia and everything else under the sun must have been something to behold. If you don’t know her story, check out Alyne Pustanio’s article in Hoodoo Almanac 2013 Gazette for all the tea. Joan experienced the first of her mystical religious visions when she was around twelve years of age. She was out alone in a field and saw visions of figures she later identified as St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. These heavenly emissaries instructed her to drive the English from France and to bring the Dauphin (later Charles VII) to Reims for his coronation. When the figures departed, Joan cried because the saints were so beautiful.
Three of the surviving letters dictated by Joan of Arc are signed Jehanne. Use her signature in conjures, amparos, gris gris and mojo bags created for protection and defense.
In the five centuries since her execution, St. Joan of Arc remains a powerful icon of Western civilization, though her representation has been historically confused. She has been portrayed as “heretic and sorceress, naive and exploited, mystic and marvel, icon and inspiration, heroine and saint, and everything all at once. She never faltered from her belief that everything she did had been guided by God, and time seems only to have vindicated her” (Pustanio 2013, 84).
Like so many cultural traditions of import in New Orleans, St. Joan of Arc is memorialized every year with the Mardi Gras Krewe of Joan of Arc. Founded in 2008, the Krewe of Joan of Arc blends medieval festivities with Mardi Gras traditions in an annual walking parade inspired by Joan’s liberation of the citizens of Orleans, France from British siege in the 1400s. The carnival celebrates the city’s French culture along with St. Joan of Arc’s birthday, which happens to coincide with Twelfth Night. According to the website Mardi Gras New Orleans (mardigrasneworleans.com):
Like so many cultural traditions of import in New Orleans, St. Joan of Arc is memorialized every year with the Mardi Gras Krewe of Joan of Arc. Founded in 2008, the Krewe of Joan of Arc blends medieval festivities with Mardi Gras traditions in an annual walking parade inspired by Joan’s liberation of the citizens of Orleans, France from British siege in the 1400s. The carnival celebrates the city’s French culture along with St. Joan of Arc’s birthday, which happens to coincide with Twelfth Night. According to the website Mardi Gras New Orleans (mardigrasneworleans.com):
The procession’s Honorary characters include the Maid of Honor, Joan of Arc, on horseback in a white robe with faux armor breastplate. Midway through the parade, she receives her sword after a blessing at St. Louis Cathedral. Joan is joined on the parade route by Queen Yolande of Aragon and King Charles VII, the “Dauphin” who became King as a result of Joan of Arc’s efforts. The Maid of Honor is chosen in a student Joan competition, while the Queen and King are community leaders. Parade goers dress in gold to look like the statue of Joan in the French Quarter, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s.
To make a spiritual amparo with St. Joan of Arc, get two Holy cards of her, or print out two images of her that are about 4 inches in length. Scan a copy of her signature and cut it down to size so that is will sit between the two images. Lay one image face down and place the signature on the back of the image (which will be the inside of the amparo). On top of the signature, place a photo of yourself, or of the person for whom the amparo is being made. Put some bark from an oak tree that can be powdered if you prefer, a small cross charm (available at any hobby shop), some rosemary, grains of paradise seeds and angelica root. On top of your photo, sprinkle some powdered dragon's blood. Pour a few drops of Fiery Wall of Protection Oil on all of this and then place the other card of St. Joan of Arc on top. Cut a piece of laminated sheet just a bit larger than the Holy cards, and place on top of the packet you have made. Very carefully, turn the packet over and cover with another piece of laminate, sealing the ingredients inside the cards and the two cards together. Trim the excess laminate from the edges, and you now have a St. Joan of Arc amparo for protection.
St. John the Baptist Water
To keep the law, bill collectors, landlords, and enemies away from your door, make some St. John the Baptist Water attributed to Marie Laveau.
On St. John the Baptist Day, June 24th, collect some water from a river into a bottle while reciting the Lord’s prayer. Lay the bottle on its side with the head of the bottle pointing out of the door. When the law is coming, or your landlord or any undesirable, call out to St. John and Marie Laveau and ask them to help you keep the undesirables away. While doing that, take that bottle full of St. John the Baptist water and roll it with your foot to the front door. If they come to your door, when they leave roll the bottle with your foot back to its position with the mouth of the bottle pointing out the front door. This bottle of water is to be kept from year to year and never emptied out.
On St. John the Baptist Day, June 24th, collect some water from a river into a bottle while reciting the Lord’s prayer. Lay the bottle on its side with the head of the bottle pointing out of the door. When the law is coming, or your landlord or any undesirable, call out to St. John and Marie Laveau and ask them to help you keep the undesirables away. While doing that, take that bottle full of St. John the Baptist water and roll it with your foot to the front door. If they come to your door, when they leave roll the bottle with your foot back to its position with the mouth of the bottle pointing out the front door. This bottle of water is to be kept from year to year and never emptied out.
Classic Catholic Prayers Used in New Orleans Voudou and Hoodoo
Catholic prayers are often used in Laveau Voudou. Although Marie Laveau was illiterate, she would have undoubtedly been familiar with and had memorized all of the standard prayers.
THE APOSTLES CREED ~
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
~ OUR FATHER ~
Our Father, who art in Heaven; hallowed by Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Amen
~ HAIL MARY ~
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God,
pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen
~ GLORY BE ~
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.
Amen.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
~ OUR FATHER ~
Our Father, who art in Heaven; hallowed by Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Amen
~ HAIL MARY ~
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God,
pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen
~ GLORY BE ~
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.
Amen.