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!
Voodoo Veves and Sacred Vodou Symbols of the Lwa by Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans
Voodoo Veves and Sacred Symbols of the Vodou. Veves are sacred symbols in the Vodou tradition. Veves are used to commune with specific Lwa, call in specific spirits into your ceremony or ritual, and used to strengthen your connection to your guiding Lwa, known as a Met Tet in the Vodou religion.
♥What Are Veves in Vodou?
As explained in our Voodoo Articles on Haitian Vodou, Vodou Altars and Shrines and the History of Vodou, each Lwa responds to specific colors, sacred offerings, ritual chants, and drumbeats; the same also applies to their sacred Veves. You will find these Voodoo Veves on our exclusive Vodou Veve Altar Dolls and in our powerful Voodoo Spell Kits. In traditional Vodou ceremony, Voodoo Veves are drawn on the floor of the temple (ounfo) in cornmeal, or other powders, and activated by specific prayers, call words and offerings by the Mambo or Hougan.
♥The Role of Veves in Rituals
Which Veve is used in a formal Vodou ceremony, or in your own Voodoo Spells or Vodou rituals for that matter, is dependent upon the Lwa whose assistance you are seeking. Each Veve design will vary by its specific Vodou house, according to their traditions of the elders too. Each Lwa responds to distinct colors, offerings, chants, and drumbeats — and their veves carry the same sacred resonance. In traditional Vodou ceremonies, veves are drawn on the temple floor with cornmeal or powders, then activated by prayers and offerings from a Hougan or Mambo.
♥ What Are Vodou Altars, Voodoo Shrines & How To CREATE SACRED SPACES
Creating Vodou altars, Voodoo shrines, and sacred spaces is not limited to initiated clergy. Anyone with a connection to the Voodoo spirits can create their own altar for private rituals or public ceremonies. This guide, prepared by Hougan Aboudja and the initiated practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans, offers foundational insights into building your sacred space with sincerity and respect.
♥Vodou Altars, Voodoo Shrines and Sacred Spaces:
Voodoo Altars can be created for private or public use. The most important element to creating a sacred space for any spirit is your sincerity and respect. “Vodou is the most tolerant religion because it doesn’t exclude anything,” said Edouard Duval-Carrie, a famous Haitian painter. “Vodou brings together the views of African slaves.” Our goal at Erzulie’s Voodoo was to create a material representation of Vodou beliefs and a comprehensive display of Haitian Vodou Altars, Sacred Spaces, and art styles from paintings to beaded flags (drapos).
♥ Essential Items for Your Voodoo Altar or Shrine:
For those not initiated into the Vodou, and who have no access to elders, you can create an altar to Spirit on a shelf or tabletop, in a cupboard or other niche. Here are some helpful tips as to setting up your sacred space in the Voodoo religion:
Place beautiful objects, Vodou dolls, talisman, statues, flowers, stones, or roots on the altar; choose those things, which hold a special meaning, or inspiration for you.
Voodoo Altar, Voodoo Shrine and Sacred Space to Erzulie-Freda, the Voodoo Spirit of Love, Romance and Passion, and perfect for Love Spells and Love Rituals. She is also the namesake of Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Make sure that you also place water on this altar for clarity and coolness in your life. Change it frequently.
Create the altar in honor of people, whether living or dead, who have inspired you in your life; certainly, their pictures may be placed there also.
The altar may be simple or complex and should be as beautiful as you like. Offer prayers to the Almighty.
Meditate before this altar daily concentrating on those things, those positive changes, you wish for in your life that might benefit you, your family, or your community.
Voodoo Altar, Voodoo Shrine and Sacred Space for Papa Legba. Papa Legba is the guardian of the crossroads, the road opener, divine messenger and opportunity maker in the Vodou religion, and a very honored Voodoo Lwa at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Typically, individual devotees, even priests, maintain a small altar for the Lwa (or for a specific Lwa) in their homes as a focal point for prayer and meditation; here they make private devotionals, frequent services to their personal mysteries. Properly, these home altars are called ogantwa. On or in these ogantwa sit many of the same items found in the badji of the hounfò, including lithographs (or other representations of the Lwa), thunderstones, satin scarves of various colors, dolls, ceramic govi (lidded jars housing the Lwa), paket, and so on. There will likely also be a perpetual lamp of some kind.
♥ The Ogantwa: Home Altars in Haitian Vodou &The Basics of a Vodou Altar:
A basic ogantwa can be made on a table or shelf, inside a cabinet, or even within a set of divided niche, each one for a specific Lwa. Cover the ogantwa with a white cloth ―cotton, satin, or other spotless fabric. Behind it, place at least the image of St. Claire (the lwa Klèmezin Klermey), a spirit who brings clarity and illumination.
Other images include the Holy Virgin, Sacred Heart, Lazarus, (Papa Legba), St. Patrick (Danbala), Mater Dolorosa (Ezili Freda), St. Isidore (Azaka), St James or St. George (Papa Ogou), and so on. Also, on the ogantwa there should be a standing crucifix or santisima, and this sits before the image of St. Claire (Conversely, a crucifix can hang on the wall over this image).
Voodoo Altar, Sacred Space and Voodoo Shrine the Warrior Spirit Ogoun. Ogoun is the protective warrior spirit in the Vodou religion, and one of the many Ogoun Voodoo Altars at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
To one side is placed a white candle, and on the other, a red or multicolored candle. Holy water taken from a Catholic Church, the perfumes Pompeii and Florida Water or Rev d’Or, frankincense, as well as fresh flowers completes the setup of a simple ogantwa.
There should always be a glass or bowl of fresh water on the ogantwa, and most devotees will place a kwakwa rattle or a bell here (or an ason, if they are priests) to use for calling their spirits. Other items that may be necessary include, a small brazier for burning incense or other items, a glass bowl for making lamps, a supply of white taper candles, cotton wicks, and olive oil.
♥ How to Baptize and Activate Your Vodou Altar
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.
The ogantwa must be baptized to its purpose before it is ready for use. Burn frankincense, recite three (3) Our Father’s, seven (7) Hail Mary’s, and if desired, other appropriate prayers. Next, sprinkle holy water from a Catholic church, baptizing the ogantwa in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ogantwa is now ready to serve as a focal point for prayer and meditation.
Note: For those who are newly initiated, consult your elders. They should instruct you on the proper building of an ogantwa to your spirits in accord with your understanding and level of initiation. If necessary, they may even oversee the proper installation of an altar to the Lwa in your home. Follow their advice please. That is why they are there, and you did choose them after all… or did you?
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.
♥ Final Thoughts from Erzulie’s Voodoo New Orleans
We hope this guide empowers you to create a sacred space that honors your spirits, your ancestors, and your personal path. Whether you are a novice or an initiated practitioner, your sincerity, respect, and devotion are what give your altar its power.
We invite you to learn more this mystical and fascinating Voodoo religion, Roots of Vodou, Voodoo practitioner spiritual sessions and Haitian Vodou rituals by browsing our vast collection of Voodoo articles written by expert and initiated practitioners from all over the world!
We sincerely hope this overview on Vodou Altars, Voodoo Shrines and Sacred Spaces in the Voodoo assists anyone looking to create their personal Voodoo Altar or Shrine for both, the novice to the initiated Vodou practitioner.
Alafia from all of us at Erzulie’s Voodoo in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Voodoo Queens and Root Doctors in New Orleans Voodoo ~ A Glimpse into the History of our legendary Voodoo Practitioners
Voodoo Queens and Root Doctors in the New Orleans Voodoo tradition. A fun and informative glimpse into the history of the more legendary Voodoo Queens and Root Doctors that formed the unique and magical New Orleans Voodoo practice. This sacred spiritual tradition is still heavily practiced today in both New Orleans and Louisiana. Note: the spelling of the word Voodoo in this section versus our articles on Haitian Vodou. This is to reflect the American influence on Voodoo as practiced in the new world.
This overview on the history of our Voodoo Queens and Root Doctors in New Orleans is not intended to provide the complete history of the development of the Voodoo tradition, as that would require volumes of information. Instead, we wanted to provide an educational overview on with the roots, myths, magic, and legendary practitioners who influenced the distinct New Orleans Voodoo tradition and formed our cultural heritage. Continue reading “Voodoo Queens and Root Doctors in New Orleans Voodoo”→
Louisiana Voodoo Religion History and New Orleans Voodoo
Louisiana Voodoo religion history and the roots of Voodoo in New Orleans by Erzulie’s Voodoo in the French Quarter of New Orleans. We are proud bring you this introduction on the Voodoo Religion as it is practiced in Louisiana and New Orleans.
This overview of the Louisiana Voodoo religion and New Orleans Voodoo is not intended to cover the entire and vast history of New Orleans and the Voodoo religion. It is to provide a glimpse into the history and an educational overview on the roots, magic, myths, and legendary practitioners who influenced the distinct Voodoo religion of Louisiana and New Orleans, a religion which is still practiced today.
People often seek psychic readings, spiritual consultations, and accurate divinations to see what the future will hold for them. Humans have sought accurate spiritual insight and psychic predictions since the dawn the time. There is something very comforting and liberating when one obtains clarity and insight about a particular area in your life, or to learn about what your spirit guides have to say about any pressing issues or questions.
Having a psychic reading or spiritual consultation with a Vodou practitioner is a much deeper experience however, and tend to cover many in-depth, holistic, and complicated areas of the human experience. We hope this little primer on the 5 Reasons to Book a Psychic Reading & Spiritual Consultation by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans helps you see the more in-depth areas a psychic reading can provide, and seek the solutions you may need for any spiritual questions, or troubling matters in your life. Continue reading “5 Reasons to Book a Psychic Reading & Spiritual Consultation”→
♥ Who is Erzulie-Freda? The Voodoo Goddess of Love, Passion & Prosperity!
Welcome and Meet Erzulie Freda! The great Vodou Goddess of Passion, Pleasure and Prosperity! A fun little primer on the namesake of our store at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans! For more in-depth information, and Vodou liturgy on our beloved Erzulie-Freda, along with many other Vodou Lwa (Spirits) browse our extensive Voodoo articlessection anytime!
♥ MEET THE NAMESAKE OF ERZULIE’S Voodoo in New Orleans ~ Mistress Erzulie-Freda!
Erulie-Freda Gemstone Altar Pieces and Objects D’Art Vodou – Side 1. Jewel Encrusted Sacred Heart. for Erzulie-Freda, the Spirit of Love. Exclusively at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
Voodoo Goddess painting of Erzulie-Freda by Anna, owner of Erzulie’s Voodoo, c. 2003.
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.
Erulie-Freda Gemstone Altar Pieces and Objects D’Art Vodou Side 2. Jewel Encrusted Sacred Heart. for Erzulie-Freda, the Spirit of Love. Exclusively at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans.
About Haitian Vodou, Vodou Beliefs and the Vodou Religion By Vodou Priest, Hougan Kay Aboudja & Erzulie’s Voodoo
About Haitian Vodou, the Vodou Religion, Vodou beliefs and Vodou FAQ’s answered at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans! An excellent, academic primer about Haitian Vodou, the Roots of Vodou, Vodun and the most commonly asked questions about the Vodou Religion written by Hougan Aboudja and Anna, the owner Erzulie’s Voodoo and is copyrighted. Our beloved Hougan Aboudja was one of the most knowledgeable Vodou Priests on the Orthodox Haitian Vodou Tradition ever. Over the years, we have come to the conclusion that Houngan Aboudja was indeed a walking encyclopedia on the often misunderstood, mysterious and complex Vodou Religion. Feel free to request permission to duplicate any part of this publication, or simply link back to this page if you wish to use our content.
For those with more in-depth Vodou religion or spiritual questions, learn what a Psychic Reading and Spiritual Consultation with an initiated Vodou practitioner can bring into your spiritual session with this helpful article on what our spiritual services can do for you.
If you visited Erzulie’s Voodoo Shop in the French Quarter over the past 20+ years, you will more than likely have met him on the famed “Voodoo Couch” clarifying and correcting the many misconceptions people debate and discuss in the store! We thank Hougan Aboudja for his devotion, time, expert knowledge and filling in every blank possible on Haitian Vodou. We miss you dearly since you departed to be with God and the Lwa, and pray you rest in peace.Continue reading “About Haitian Vodou, Vodou Beliefs and the Vodou Religion by Erzulie’s Voodoo”→
Voodoo in New Orleans & History of Louisiana Voodoo ~ A Glimpse into the History of Voodoo in New Orleans
Voodoo in New Orleans and the Roots of Louisiana Voodoo by Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans. In honor of Erzulie’s flagship store in the French Quarter, we are proud bring you this introduction to Voodoo as it is practiced in New Orleans. Note the spelling of the word Voodoo in this section versus our articles on Haitian Vodou. This is to reflect the American influence on Voodoo in New Orleans.
This overview of New Orleans Voodoo is not intended to recount the vast history of New Orleans, such history would fill volumes. Instead, we wanted to provide an educational overview on with the roots, myths, magic, and legendary practitioners who influenced the distinct New Orleans Voodoo tradition, which is still practiced today. To learn more about the Vodou Religion, Vodou Beliefs and History of New Orleans Voodoo, browse our vast collection of educational Voodoo articles prepared by caring, initiated Vodou practitioners at Erzulie’s. Learn what a Psychic Reading and Spiritual Consultation with an initiated Voodoo practitioner can bring into your spiritual session with this helpful article on what those spiritual services can do for you. Alafia from all of us at Erzulie’s in New Orleans!
Magical hexing Voodoo and Witchcraft herbs used in Voodoo Spells, Witchcraft Spells and darker Magical rituals and spells. Discover the darker side of magical herbs & how to use them in Voodoo Spells, Witchcraft Spells and Herbal Ritual Magic. Below you will find a few of our favorite hexing herbs, banishing and reversing herbs and for darker ritual magic. Learn about the dark side of Herbal Lore used in Love Spells, Witchcraft Spells, Voodoo Spells and Casting Magical Spells with this excellent primer on herbal magic so graciously provided by the famed Lady Elaine, Kitchen Witch & Witchcraft Practitioner Extraordinaire!
To learn more about Herbs, Magical Herbs and Herbs used in Vodou Rituals, Voodoo Spells or Witchcraft Magic, click here to read morefascinating articles written by highly experienced, initiated Vodou Practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo in New Orleans! If you wish to learn more about the Vodou path and spiritual tradition, or have spiritual questions you would like to discuss with an expert, feel free to book a Spiritual Consultationwith one of our highly experienced, caring and initiated Vodou practitioners at Erzulie’s Voodoo of New Orleans. Please scroll down to see the entire Herbs of the Dark Arts Glossary in alphabetical orders for your convenience.
Love Spells, Voodoo Spells & Magical New Orleans Voodoo Spells ~ The Truth About Casting Love Spells, Voodoo Spells or Magical Spells.
Considering casting your own love spells, Voodoo spells or authentic New Orleans magical love spells? It is not recommended until you do some much-needed preparation and thought. A love spell, Voodoo Spell or any magic spell or ritual for that matter, should not be done in a casual, offhand manner. Nor at the height of a extreme emotions.
Love spells and magic spells often go awry when we cast them in the heat of the moment or on an emotional whim. When we do not take the time to think about what we want to do, then we get in over our heads and have all kinds of unforeseen problems. Our experts can explain in greater detail how this energetic scenario harms or impedes your outcome during your spiritual consultation.
