The Magic of Marie Laveau

by Denise Alvarado
Foreword by Carolyn Morrow Long

The life and work of the legendary “Pope of Voodoo,” Marie Laveau―a free woman of color who practically ruled New Orleans in the mid-1800s.

Marie Laveau may be the most influential American practitioner of the magical arts; certainly, she is among the most famous. She is the subject of songs, films, and legends and the star of New Orleans ghost tours. Her grave in New Orleans ranks among the most popular spiritual pilgrimages in the US. Devotees venerate votive images of Laveau, who proclaimed herself the “Pope of Voodoo.” She is the subject of respected historical biographies and the inspiration for novels by Francine Prose and Jewell Parker Rhodes. She even appears in Marvel Comics and on the television show American Horror Story: Coven, where she was portrayed by Angela Bassett.

Author Denise Alvarado explores Marie Laveau’s life and work―the fascinating history and mystery. This book gives an overview of New Orleans Voodoo, its origins, history, and practices. It contains spells, prayers, rituals, recipes, and instructions for constructing New Orleans voodoo-style altars and crafting a voodoo amulet known as a gris-gris.
“Denise Alvarado has separated
the facts of Marie Laveau’s life and legacy from the fantasies of some twentieth-century writers and persistent folk traditions that are sometimes not true. This is a goal we share in common. ”
- Carolyn Morrow Long, from the foreword

Meet the Author

Sample Chapters

Become a Patron

Marie Laveau Conjure Course

Take the course based on the book. For the first time, a course about the life of Marie Laveau, becoming a devotee and developing a respectful servitude.

THE BIRTH OF A QUEEN
A free woman of color who ruled the city during antebellum New Orleans, Marie Laveau is the star of a larger than life legend. Stories abound about her magical powers, freeing men from the gallows and healing the sick from the brink of death. Learn all about her life and legend in the Marie Laveau Conjure Course.

BECOMING A DEVOTEE
Most modern-day Marie Laveau devotees believe in Jesus and the saints, just as Madame Marie did. They go to church, pray the rosary, and work the gris gris. They volunteer in the community, feed folks when they are hungry, and are always ready to assist someone in need. Learn all about what it means to be a devotee of the Voudou Queen of New Orleans. You just might be surprised by what you find out!

BUILDING  AN ALTAR
Voudou altars consist of a number of common elements no matter the spirit or saint called upon and served. These common elements are not seen in traditional African altar spaces and most likely derive from Catholicism. As Laveau Voudou is characterized by Catholicism in addition to African traditions, we observe these commonalities when creating altars for Marie Laveau. You will learn the correct way of creating an altar of devotion to the Voudou Queen in the Marie Laveau Conjure Course.

Marie Laveaux Newsletter

Sign up to be informed about the Magic of Marie Laveau book and Conjure Course and receive information about the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

Reserve your spot

​If you are interested in learning about Marie Laveau - the woman, wife, mother, Catholic and Voudou Queen, then sign up for one of the next courses. These courses sell out fast and I only sign up a limited number of students at a time so that I can provided one on one feedback and maintain a level of intimacy in the class. This class is 100% online and you can check in at your own convenience. Learn more by clicking on the link.