Explore Erzulie’s Practitioner-Written Archive on Vodou, Voodoo & New Orleans Spiritual Traditions
Welcome to our curated archive of practitioner-authored articles on Haitian Vodou, New Orleans Voodoo, Marie Laveau, and Louisiana Voodoo sacred spiritual heritage. Every piece in Erzulie’s Voodoo archive is written by initiated Vodou practitioners—offering authentic insights into the beliefs, rituals, and spiritual practices of this powerful and often misunderstood religion.
🤍This Voodoo article section also includes expert references on many Voodoo, Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo spiritual topics:
We invite you to research our academic archives with expert articles on this vast and misunderstood religion, and to learn all about the handcrafted Vodou wares exclusively at Erzulie’s Authentic Voodoo in New Orleans.
We update this section frequently on fantastic info, articles and anything important to the Vodou, Voodoo & New Orleans Voodoo traditions so check back often! Alafia from all of us at Erzulie’s Voodoo in the French Quarter of New Orleans!
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: SEN JAK MAJE
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Sen Jak Maje: Warrior of Dignity, Valor & Protection
Sen Jak Maje is the Catholic Saint James, called Santiago by the Spanish and served in Haitian Vodou. He is a figure of great dignity, valor, and spiritual strength. Sen Jak is revered for his ability to remove obstacles and protect his devotees. His presence is noble, handsome, and pious—embodying the warrior spirit of divine justice.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Sabre or cutlass
Ogou Sen Jak, the Haitian Vodou Lwa of strength, strategy, and spiritual warfare—syncretized with St. James the Major in select Vodou lineages. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Ogoun Badagris, the Warrior Spirit and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Jacques (Sen Jak) by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: MARASA
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Marasa: Divine Twins & First Manifestation of the Soul
Marasa represent the divine twins—male and female—the first issue of God and the first manifestation of the soul. They are also child spirits, representing spiritual twins, both living and defunct. Marasa are served in every nation and across rites in different manners, and their presence is foundational in Haitian Vodou.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Twin or triple bowl set made of clay, wood, or porcelain depending on rite and nation
Marassa, the divine twin Lwa of Haitian Vodou—embodying cosmic balance, justice, and sacred duality. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions. Also perceived as Faith, Hope & Charity.
Marasa, the divine twin Lwa of Haitian Vodou—embodying cosmic balance, justice, and sacred duality. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Marassa, the Divine Twins and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Cosmas & St. Damian by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Marassa, the Divine Twins in the Vodou Religion by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: LOKO
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Loko: First Priest, Temple Guardian & Master of Medicinal Wisdom
Loko is one of the oldest and most powerful mysteries in Haitian Vodou. He is the first priest—the Houngan of the temple—and in ason lineages, he is revered as the “father of all Houngan and Manbo.” Loko is the one who grants the rights to the sacred rattle, the ason, and serves as the Minister of Religion and Public Health. He is also credited with teaching the cultivation of the yam and is the spiritual husband of Manbo Ayizan.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
“Blooming” rod or staff, ripe banana, sacred rattle (ason)
Loko, the Haitian Vodou Lwa of sacred healing, herbal knowledge, and priestly initiation—honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: PAPA LEGBA
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Papa Legba: Guardian of the Gate & Messenger of the Spirits
Papa Legba is the guardian of doorways and the gate between worlds. He is the messenger of the spirits and the one who grants passage and communication between the world of the living and Ginea. Papa Legba is always the first Lwa served in any Vodou ceremony, as no spirit can be reached without his permission.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Crutch or cane, road or highway, the center post (poto mitan)
Papa Legba, Haitian Vodou Lwa of the crossroads, honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Papa Legba, the Divine Messenger and Road Opening and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Anthony by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Vodou prayers to Lwa Papa Legba, Divine Messenger and Road Opening in the Vodou tradition by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Papa Legba, the Divine Messenger and Road Opening and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Peter by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Papa Legba, the Divine Messenger and Road Opening and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Lazarus by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Papa Legba, the Divine Messenger, Road Opening and Guardian of the Crossroads in the Vodou Religion by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: LASIREN
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Lasiren: Water Spirit of Power, Beauty, Cleansing & Prophecy
Lasiren is the mystery of both fresh and salt waters. In the Rada rite, she is known as Manbo Lasiren and Lasiren-Labalen; in the Nago rite, she is Metres Dayila. She is the principal wife of Agwe and appears as a classic mermaid with two faces—one white and one Black. She is the wife of Agwe, the sister of Ezili Freda and Klèmezin Klèmey, and is considered the water version of Erzulie Freda in many Vodou houses.
Lasiren is known to abduct young men and boys from riverbanks, taking them beneath the waters for three or seven years. During this time, she initiates them as prophets and priests of great power. She is unsparing, polite, and dignified. She loves men and welcomes their adoration. Those possessed by Lasiren move as if swimming and must be kept wet throughout the possession.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Silver comb and mirror
Lasiren, also known as Jemen—the Haitian Vodou Lwa of the sea, beauty, and emotional depth—is revered for her powers of spiritual cleansing, healing, and restoring balance. Syncretized with Star of the Sea and La Reine del Mar in select Vodou lineages, she is honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa LaSiren, Divine Water Spirit, wife of Agwe, Sovereign of the Sea and the Catholic Saint Counterpart Our Lady Star of the Sea by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Voodoo Altar, Voodoo Shrine and Sacred Space for the Divine Water Spirit LaSiren. Papa Legba. Mambo LaSiren is the Voodoo Lwa of Spiritual Cleansing, Healing, Peace & Balance in Vodou religion, and a very honored Voodoo Lwa at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Vodou prayer to Lwa Agwe, Sovereign of the Seas in the Vodou tradition and husband to LaSiren, the Divine Water Spirit by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: KLÈMEZIN
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Klèmezin: Composer of Vodou Songs & Bringer of Illumination
Klèmezin, wife of Klèmyel, is the Catholic Saint Claire served in Vodou. She comes from beneath the waters and brings clarity and illumination. Klèmezin is the composer (sanmba) of all Vodou songs heard in the temple and is known for her grace and joy. She is a great dancer and sweeps away negativity with her broom as she moves in great circles through the temple.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Broom, musical instruments
Klemizine, the Haitian Vodou Lwa of healing and herbal knowledge—honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: KALFOU
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Kalfou: Crossroads, Chaos & Magical Power
Kalfou is the master of the crossroads and the crossing of ways, sharing this function with his Rada opposite, Papa Legba. However, Kalfou is a different spirit altogether—he is the turning of the wheel, the rapid changing of fate, the element of chaos, and the trickster. He is a master of charms, magical means, leaf medicines, and poisons. Kalfou presides over the pile fèy (ritual crushing of leaves) and collaborates with Gran Bwa and the Bawon as one of the most powerful spirits in the Vodou pantheon.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Cruciform, broom
Kalfou, the formidable Haitian Vodou Lwa of the crossroads, spiritual power, and control—honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: GRAN BWA
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Gran Bwa: Master of the Forest & Keeper of Mysteries
Gran Bwa is the master of the forest, especially the wilderness and all the mysteries it holds. He governs the leaves and roots used for both healing and harming, and is revered as a powerful healer and magician. Gran Bwa resides deep in the woods and is known to bestow the gifts of clairvoyance and prophecy. He collaborates with both Kalfou and the Bawon, and is a master of the secret societies. Possessions by Gran Bwa are often violent affairs.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Tree leaves
Depiction of Gran Bwa, the master of the forest in Haitian Vodou, shown with tree leaves and wilderness motifs. This image blends traditional Vodou iconography with Catholic Saint Sebastian, his syncretic counterpart. Honored at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans, it reflects Gran Bwa’s healing power, clairvoyance, and mastery of herbal mysteries.
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: GEDE NIBO
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Gede Nibo: Cemetery Guardian, Healer & Sailor of the Dead
Gede Nibo is a famous lwa of the cemetery and the Interior Minister of Bawon’s government. He is a great healer and protector of children, especially guarding their graves against sacrilege. Gede Nibo also walks with Agwe in escort, alongside Osanj and Ogou Ballendjo, serving as a sailor in Agwe’s navy. He is deeply in love with Ezili Freda, who continually spurns him—being, as stated by our elders, too Black for her taste.
♥ Symbols & Attributes
Spade, pick, hoe (grave digging tools), and a wood cane with a carved phallus on one end.
Bawon and the Gede spirits—guardians of the dead, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual healing—syncretized with St. Gerard Majella in select Vodou lineages. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
Bawon Kriminel, the fierce Haitian Vodou Lwa of swift justice, vengeance, and spiritual protection—syncretized with St. Expeditus in select Vodou lineages. Honored by practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans as part of our educational archive on Vodou spirits and traditions.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Baron Samedi and the Ghede and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Expedite by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Baron Samedi and the Ghede and the Catholic Saint Counterpart St. Gerard by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Voodoo Altar and Voodoo Shrine to the Ghede and Baron Samedi, ruler of the Dead and Ancestral Spiritual at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Altar of Baron Samedi, Ghede Altar and Altar of the Dead where a Vodou priestess prays and communes with the Voodoo Spirits, for psychic readings, divination, conjure rituals and Voodoo magical ceremonies, at Erzulie’s Voodoo of New Orleans
♥ MEET THE LWA SERIES AT ERZULIE’S VOODOO – VODOU LWA: EZILI FREDA
♥ PRACTITIONER-LED INSIGHTS INTO THE SPIRITS OF HAITIAN VODOU!
Welcome to our Meet the Lwa series. Each page offers a brief overview of the Lwa’s origins, attributes, and ceremonial roles—designed for spiritual students, researchers, and practitioners seeking clarity and context.
These teachings were passed down to me by my elder Mambos, spiritual godparents, and our beloved Hougan Aboudja, in collaboration with Hougan Jour Mwen Lonje, whose lifelong service and deep initiatory knowledge continue to guide our work.
As the founder and Vodou practitioner of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans, I created this archive to share the foundational aspects of each spirit with respect, accuracy (from our Vodou house’s perspective), and spiritual devotion. Every detail—from Veve symbols to ritual offerings—has been curated to reflect the integrity of our tradition and the legacy of those who came before us.
♥ Ezili Freda: Love, Luxury & Divine Desire
Ezili Freda is a mystery of love, falling in love, luxury, and wealth. She presides over the fecundity of fields and is known for her beauty, refinement, and emotional depth. She has three husbands—Danbala, Agwe, and Ogou—and is a rival to Ayida Wedo and Lasiren, and an enemy of Ezili Dantò.
As the divine embodiment of sensuality, elegance, and emotional longing, Ezili Freda is the spiritual namesake of our store, <strong>Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans</strong>. Every ritual, perfume, and handcrafted offering in our collection is infused with her energy—honoring her legacy of love, beauty, and spiritual abundance.
Erzulie Freda, the radiant Vodou Lwa of love, passion, beauty, and prosperity—namesake of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans and honored in our practitioner-led archive of Vodou spirits, rituals, and love works.
Erzulie Freda, the radiant Vodou Lwa of love, passion, beauty, and prosperity—namesake of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans and honored in our practitioner-led archive of Vodou spirits, rituals, and love works.
Erzulie Freda, the radiant Vodou Lwa of love, passion, beauty, and prosperity—namesake of Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans and honored in our practitioner-led archive of Vodou spirits, rituals, and love works.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Erzulie-Freda, the Lwa of Love & Passion and the Catholic Saint Counterpart Mater Dolorosa by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Vodou Spirits, Voodoo Lwa and the Voodoo Spirits Catholic Saint Counterparts in the Vodou Religion. Voodoo Spirit & Vodou Lwa Erzulie-Freda, the Lwa of Love & Passion and the Catholic Saint Counterpart Our Lady of Sorrows by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Veve for Erzulie-Freda, Voodoo Lwa of Love, Passion and Prosperity in the Vodou Religion and the namesake of our store, by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
