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The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire: Rituals, Recipes, and Spells for Healing, Protection, Beauty, Love, and More
The first guide and spell book for modern witches on how to bring the renowned Marie Laveau's spiritual heritage to life.The Marie Laveau Voudoo Grimoire is a 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.More than just a collection of spells, The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire contains tips and recommendations for improving one’s spell-crafting skills and living a magical, spiritual life. The author draws upon her own Creole heritage to bring this unique and regional style of magic to the greater public in a clear and accessible way. Formulas Alvarado teaches readers everything from stone, root, and bone magick to ritual oils and spells for healing, protection, love, beauty, banishing, and much more.
240 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2024
24 people are currently reading
2660 people want to read
About the author
Denise Alvarado
45 books174 followersIndependent scholar, ritual artist and prolific author of Southern folk magic, spiritual traditions and culture. I create art and describe my life experiences as a Creole woman growing up in the Hoodoo capitol of the World, New Orleans, Louisiana. That said, my life experiences are by no means limited to New Orleans as I have been all over the world and currently call Arizona my home.
Please visit my website: Creole Moon
Please visit my website: Creole Moon
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 27, 2025
4/5
A thoughtful book on an interesting topic.
This book was full of interesting history and I loved that it included pictures! It was a great touch that added to the overall book.
It's written in a clear and inviting manner and the information is cleanly laid out (pictures, charts, etc.). The author does include her own "Author Notes" for some sections, which was nice to have her own views but not always ones I agreed with. She says smudging is fine as long as you're respectful and not making it a "meme".
I'll always believe smudging is closed practice and there's so many other things to cleanse with instead of white sage. Just because some people think it's open doesn't mean it is. The most important thing is to be mindful of the history. I loved the information and history in this, but I wouldn't start calling myself a practitioner of voodoo as it's closed (from what I understand) and I have zero ties to anything related. To each their own. This is a rich book and people will always be curious and want to know more and peek behind closed doors.
I would recommend it. It's interesting and there's so much inside. Always be mindful and respectful when it comes to these things. You'll definitely learn lots!
I'm glad I found this at my library! I would happily buy this for myself.
A thoughtful book on an interesting topic.
This book was full of interesting history and I loved that it included pictures! It was a great touch that added to the overall book.
It's written in a clear and inviting manner and the information is cleanly laid out (pictures, charts, etc.). The author does include her own "Author Notes" for some sections, which was nice to have her own views but not always ones I agreed with. She says smudging is fine as long as you're respectful and not making it a "meme".
I'll always believe smudging is closed practice and there's so many other things to cleanse with instead of white sage. Just because some people think it's open doesn't mean it is. The most important thing is to be mindful of the history. I loved the information and history in this, but I wouldn't start calling myself a practitioner of voodoo as it's closed (from what I understand) and I have zero ties to anything related. To each their own. This is a rich book and people will always be curious and want to know more and peek behind closed doors.
I would recommend it. It's interesting and there's so much inside. Always be mindful and respectful when it comes to these things. You'll definitely learn lots!
I'm glad I found this at my library! I would happily buy this for myself.
February 17, 2024
I listened to The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire through audiobook and Adenrele Ojo's narration of is outstanding.
The book, a perfect blend of fun and information, serves as a practical guide for modern witches. The author, drawing from Creole heritage, introduces New Orleans-style magic with clear and accessible instructions. From stone, root, and bone magick to ritual oils, the book provides valuable insights for spell-crafting and magical properties for household items. You can tell the author really did her research for Marie Laveau and does a wonderful job explaining the traditions and practices associated with her.
Thanks to NetGalley for access to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The book, a perfect blend of fun and information, serves as a practical guide for modern witches. The author, drawing from Creole heritage, introduces New Orleans-style magic with clear and accessible instructions. From stone, root, and bone magick to ritual oils, the book provides valuable insights for spell-crafting and magical properties for household items. You can tell the author really did her research for Marie Laveau and does a wonderful job explaining the traditions and practices associated with her.
Thanks to NetGalley for access to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2024
This is a very informative and detailed book. The author has done a very good job with their research and presents the information in a clear, easy to follow manner. It is written in a way that will keep you engaged and eager to learn more.
The narrorator does a good job of speaking clearly and keeping a steady pace.
Would recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Tantor Audio and Denise Alvarado for a copy of the book. All opinions are of my own.
The narrorator does a good job of speaking clearly and keeping a steady pace.
Would recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Tantor Audio and Denise Alvarado for a copy of the book. All opinions are of my own.
February 26, 2024
"Many a day I saw Marie Laveau come to Congo Square. She would walk straight in and not speak to anybody. She came with her black serpent, which she carried in a box. She would put the serpent by the fountain, dance around it for a while, then pick it up, put it back in the box and leave without saying a word to anyone.” --Breaux, 1939; The Marie Laveau Grimoire
Genre:
Grimoire
Non-Fiction
Legendary & Historical Figures
Spirituality & Religion
Occult
Creole Magic
Folk Magic
Indigenous and Folk Practices
Tribal
Themes:
Grimoire/ Spell Book
Voodou Queen Marie Laveau
Resiliencey and Strength
New Orleans Voodou 🐍
Holistic Healing
Manifestation
Creole Curses and Remedies
Free Woman of Color (1800’s)
Catholicism & Voudou
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire, by Denise Alvarado, (an impressively knowledgeable author who was born and raised in the rich Creole culture of NOLA and has several works on Marie Laveau), is so much more than a Grimoire written in the style of Laveau Voudoo; it’s also a comprehensive tribute to Laveau’s legacy as a free woman of color, born in 1801, who charmed the inhabitants of New Orleans, Louisiana, with her magical essence and charisma. I loved the combination of historical facts with Laveau’s healing arts, beauty potions, Voudou charms, uncrossing and protection, and tips to aide in one’s spiritual well-being. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the importance of cleanliness and how clutter leads to stagnation; kitchen witchery; and keeping a harmonious home.
From this read, I feel like I have a much better understanding of the infamous and extremely misunderstood Voudou Queen of New Orleans. I was shocked and fascinated to learn she was a devout Catholic whose cultural-based Voudou is her own creation — a blending between the two practices. She prayed on rosaries, recited Psalms, but also held secretive ceremonies over cauldrons that may or may not have included animal sacrifice (not currently practiced in contemporary society) made healing and harming charms, like Gris Gris, and hosted seances to attract spirits and make contact with the dead.
She was a business-woman and boss-witch in her own right. Not only did she heal the sick with her abundant knowledge of herbs and ointments for a fee, she also catered to rich white women, as a Beautician/Hairdresser. As the women gossiped openly and freely with Laveau present, she saw another business opportunity: charging for their silence. Interesting tales about Laveau kept me turning the page; I had to know more about this legendary woman.
I admired her and her people’s strength and resilience in face of being women of color, forced to cover their African hair under Spanish rule. Women like Laveau turned their hair wraps into fashion statements, and now, some women still wear hair wraps, in honor and tribute to their ancestors. I just loved how they collaboratively did this, flaunting it, even. Good for them. 👏
👏
Alvarado beautifully wrote a comprehensive book on NOLA Voudou rituals, recipes, spells, and the life and legacy of Marie Catherine Laveau, Voudou Queen, in a clear and easy to understand Grimoire, rich with Folk Magick and Creole / Nola culture. Highly recommended to fans of historical figures, Voodoo/Hoodoo/Laveau Voudou, Marie Laveau, and self-help books for improving one’s spiritual and magikal life.
Full Review: A Well Read Woman Blog dot Word Press dot com
Genre:
Grimoire
Non-Fiction
Legendary & Historical Figures
Spirituality & Religion
Occult
Creole Magic
Folk Magic
Indigenous and Folk Practices
Tribal
Themes:
Grimoire/ Spell Book
Voodou Queen Marie Laveau
Resiliencey and Strength
New Orleans Voodou 🐍
Holistic Healing
Manifestation
Creole Curses and Remedies
Free Woman of Color (1800’s)
Catholicism & Voudou
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire, by Denise Alvarado, (an impressively knowledgeable author who was born and raised in the rich Creole culture of NOLA and has several works on Marie Laveau), is so much more than a Grimoire written in the style of Laveau Voudoo; it’s also a comprehensive tribute to Laveau’s legacy as a free woman of color, born in 1801, who charmed the inhabitants of New Orleans, Louisiana, with her magical essence and charisma. I loved the combination of historical facts with Laveau’s healing arts, beauty potions, Voudou charms, uncrossing and protection, and tips to aide in one’s spiritual well-being. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the importance of cleanliness and how clutter leads to stagnation; kitchen witchery; and keeping a harmonious home.
From this read, I feel like I have a much better understanding of the infamous and extremely misunderstood Voudou Queen of New Orleans. I was shocked and fascinated to learn she was a devout Catholic whose cultural-based Voudou is her own creation — a blending between the two practices. She prayed on rosaries, recited Psalms, but also held secretive ceremonies over cauldrons that may or may not have included animal sacrifice (not currently practiced in contemporary society) made healing and harming charms, like Gris Gris, and hosted seances to attract spirits and make contact with the dead.
She was a business-woman and boss-witch in her own right. Not only did she heal the sick with her abundant knowledge of herbs and ointments for a fee, she also catered to rich white women, as a Beautician/Hairdresser. As the women gossiped openly and freely with Laveau present, she saw another business opportunity: charging for their silence. Interesting tales about Laveau kept me turning the page; I had to know more about this legendary woman.
I admired her and her people’s strength and resilience in face of being women of color, forced to cover their African hair under Spanish rule. Women like Laveau turned their hair wraps into fashion statements, and now, some women still wear hair wraps, in honor and tribute to their ancestors. I just loved how they collaboratively did this, flaunting it, even. Good for them. 👏
👏
Alvarado beautifully wrote a comprehensive book on NOLA Voudou rituals, recipes, spells, and the life and legacy of Marie Catherine Laveau, Voudou Queen, in a clear and easy to understand Grimoire, rich with Folk Magick and Creole / Nola culture. Highly recommended to fans of historical figures, Voodoo/Hoodoo/Laveau Voudou, Marie Laveau, and self-help books for improving one’s spiritual and magikal life.
Full Review: A Well Read Woman Blog dot Word Press dot com
March 6, 2024
5 stars.
Audiobook well read by the narrator.
This book is a true witch's treasure. While my own lineage is Ukrainian, and I am invested in maintaining my own ancestral practices, I do like to hear how different cultures approach kitchen witchery, spellcraft and the like. I picked this (audio)book up simply for interest's sake - and am so glad that I did.
The amount of clear, concise wisdom in this book is amazing. So many books of this kind are simple and shallow, owing to the current popularity and 'Instagram-ability' of witches. This book, however, is written by a practitioner with decades of experience, who pays homage to the rich history of this tradition.
Everything is so well explained, and there is a true wealth of information within these pages. Whether you are interested in the history of New Orleans' spellcraft, the difference between Voodoo and Houdou, kitchen witchery, homemade beauty secrets, or even traditional New Orlean's cooking - this book has it all.
I had so much fun listening to this audiobook, and now plan to pick up a physical copy of this book so that I can make some of the yummy recipes and try out some of the self-care and incense.
Huge gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher, Tantor Audio, for an AudioARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Audiobook well read by the narrator.
This book is a true witch's treasure. While my own lineage is Ukrainian, and I am invested in maintaining my own ancestral practices, I do like to hear how different cultures approach kitchen witchery, spellcraft and the like. I picked this (audio)book up simply for interest's sake - and am so glad that I did.
The amount of clear, concise wisdom in this book is amazing. So many books of this kind are simple and shallow, owing to the current popularity and 'Instagram-ability' of witches. This book, however, is written by a practitioner with decades of experience, who pays homage to the rich history of this tradition.
Everything is so well explained, and there is a true wealth of information within these pages. Whether you are interested in the history of New Orleans' spellcraft, the difference between Voodoo and Houdou, kitchen witchery, homemade beauty secrets, or even traditional New Orlean's cooking - this book has it all.
I had so much fun listening to this audiobook, and now plan to pick up a physical copy of this book so that I can make some of the yummy recipes and try out some of the self-care and incense.
Huge gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher, Tantor Audio, for an AudioARC, in exchange for my honest review.
March 4, 2024
I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book! It's a practical guide to both voodoo and hoodoo, with homage paid to the wonderful Marie Laveau. In this grimorie, the author is very detailed with instructions and provides great examples of when and how to go about using certain spells. I appreciate the excerpts and quotes the author included, giving us an even better understanding of New Orleans-style voodoo as well as of Marie Laveau!
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this book in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 29, 2024
Being a pagan, I have always been interested in the magickal workings of people around the world. And the Louisiana Voodoo community has really had me intrigued. There are too many times in the media, that you see Voodoo and other magickal practices being demonized. I was ecstatic to see find this book that allowed me to take a look at the life of Marie Laveau and learn about her practices.
Adenrele Ojo did a superb job at the narration. There were a few times though that were a little tedious to get through though. I think that was mainly due to it being a list of herbs and their magickal properties. So, it was read more like a bulleted type of list. But I really can't see any way around that scenario happening.
There was so much to unpack in this book. The was a lot of great research done on Marie Laveau. This was done through Marie's diaries, newspaper articles and even interviews with some of her contemporaries. Of course, the interviews were done decades ago by other people than the author. However, being able to hear actual quotes from people who truly knew Marie was incredible.
The author does say that she did not find Marie's actual grimoire. Instead, between the research that she had done, information regarding to Voodoo practices from Marie's time and the author's own Voodoo practices, she was able to conceptualize how Marie would have practiced and what recipes she may have used.
There is one major drawback to the audiobook. There are some great recipes, invocations, and instructions that would really be great to have in order to refer back to at a later date. I highly suggest getting both the audiobook as well as the physical book (or ebook). This way you can listen to the story behind the legend via the audiobook and have the other book as reference material if you are wanting to incorporate some of these practices into your own magickal workings.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an open and honest review.
Adenrele Ojo did a superb job at the narration. There were a few times though that were a little tedious to get through though. I think that was mainly due to it being a list of herbs and their magickal properties. So, it was read more like a bulleted type of list. But I really can't see any way around that scenario happening.
There was so much to unpack in this book. The was a lot of great research done on Marie Laveau. This was done through Marie's diaries, newspaper articles and even interviews with some of her contemporaries. Of course, the interviews were done decades ago by other people than the author. However, being able to hear actual quotes from people who truly knew Marie was incredible.
The author does say that she did not find Marie's actual grimoire. Instead, between the research that she had done, information regarding to Voodoo practices from Marie's time and the author's own Voodoo practices, she was able to conceptualize how Marie would have practiced and what recipes she may have used.
There is one major drawback to the audiobook. There are some great recipes, invocations, and instructions that would really be great to have in order to refer back to at a later date. I highly suggest getting both the audiobook as well as the physical book (or ebook). This way you can listen to the story behind the legend via the audiobook and have the other book as reference material if you are wanting to incorporate some of these practices into your own magickal workings.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an open and honest review.
February 20, 2024
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire serves as an introduction to Hoodoo, Voodoo and the queen herself Marie Laveau. This book is a brilliant mixture of a history lesson, and a classic spell book.
While I read this more out of curiosity than any real desire to complete any of the spells included, I had a lovely time learning about all things Marie Laveau. My intrigue with New Orleans Magic started with an obsession with the tv show The Originals, and I’m happy to finally have some actual knowledge about the topic.
For the simply curious reader as myself, the audiobook serves perfectly, and the narrator Adenrele Ojo is the perfect narrator for this book. Anyone who might be interested in actually using some of the spells, recipes and rituals within this book would benefit from having the physical book, as it would be helpful to be able to look up a certain recipe a little easier.
This is definitely a must have grimoire both for those practicing Hoodoo and Voodoo, but also for any others practicing magic. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough!
Big thanks to Netgalley, Tantor Audio, and the author Denise Alvarado for allowing me to listen to an Audio Arc of this book.
While I read this more out of curiosity than any real desire to complete any of the spells included, I had a lovely time learning about all things Marie Laveau. My intrigue with New Orleans Magic started with an obsession with the tv show The Originals, and I’m happy to finally have some actual knowledge about the topic.
For the simply curious reader as myself, the audiobook serves perfectly, and the narrator Adenrele Ojo is the perfect narrator for this book. Anyone who might be interested in actually using some of the spells, recipes and rituals within this book would benefit from having the physical book, as it would be helpful to be able to look up a certain recipe a little easier.
This is definitely a must have grimoire both for those practicing Hoodoo and Voodoo, but also for any others practicing magic. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough!
Big thanks to Netgalley, Tantor Audio, and the author Denise Alvarado for allowing me to listen to an Audio Arc of this book.
September 2, 2024
For someone who might be interested in getting into the practice of Voodoo, this is a good book to start. I was reading it to get a better understanding of the practice and I did get a lot of really good information. I learned a lot (had NO clue there was so much overlap between Voodoo and Catholicism) and enjoyed gaining a better understanding of Voodoo's history. I also appreciate that the stereotypes of Voodoo (it's the devil's work - Voodoo practitioners don't believe in the devil; people and animals are sacrificed - true for animals at one point, but no longer part of the practice) were debunked. I've only read books by Alvarado so I feel like an alternative perspective or two would be beneficial, but I feel like this is a good resource for those who are learning and/or considering the practice.
February 21, 2024
#TheMarieLaveauVoodooGrimoire #NetGalley
I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the early copy of this audiobook.
When I first went in, it wasn't what I expected. I expected some historical scenarios of Maria Laveau to be seen in different areas, as we have the same story here in the Philippines, but she's called Maria Labo.
As I read more, I am liking it. As a Scorpio, I always believe in the supernatural, such as seances, rituals, and the like. The audiobook recounted detailed information about them, from the ingredients and powders to be used up to how the rituals should be done.
I am rating this 3 stars as I have learned a lot from consuming it and have noted down some information that I believe will be useful to me in the future.
I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the early copy of this audiobook.
When I first went in, it wasn't what I expected. I expected some historical scenarios of Maria Laveau to be seen in different areas, as we have the same story here in the Philippines, but she's called Maria Labo.
As I read more, I am liking it. As a Scorpio, I always believe in the supernatural, such as seances, rituals, and the like. The audiobook recounted detailed information about them, from the ingredients and powders to be used up to how the rituals should be done.
I am rating this 3 stars as I have learned a lot from consuming it and have noted down some information that I believe will be useful to me in the future.
February 29, 2024
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire by Denise Alvarado is such a detailed, immersive read. I really enjoyed the audiobook and I look forward to getting a hardcopy to reread. The rich history of the Voodoo queen was amazing and I loved how much research the author put into all aspects of the book. I really loved hearing the stories about Marie's legacy and her daily life and beliefs. The practical aspects of the book and the witchy tips are very useful and interesting as well. I like that everything is set out for easy use and research. I think this book is a great addition for any one interested in Voodoo history or practices.
February 29, 2024
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire by Denise Alvarado is such a detailed, immersive read. I really enjoyed the audiobook and I look forward to getting a hardcopy to reread. The rich history of the Voodoo queen was amazing and I loved how much research the author put into all aspects of the book. I really loved hearing the stories about Marie's legacy and her daily life and beliefs. The practical aspects of the book and the witchy tips are very useful and interesting as well. I like that everything is set out for easy use and research. I think this book is a great addition for any one interested in Voodoo history or practices.
February 26, 2024
The Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire, by Denise Alvarado; the audio book really impressed me. I have a large magickal library, but I have never had an audio book. I've got to say I'm impressed. Denise Alvarado is one of the most well known experts in the practice of Hoodoo and New Orleans Voodoo. This audio book is an amazing tool, it's so full of what, how, why, and when. There are so many tips and recipes. This audio/book belongs in every witches library.
February 27, 2024
#NetGalley #TheMarieLaveauVoodooGrimoire
This book is very insightful for anyone who's interested in getting into Voodoo and for the people who have an interest in learning more about Marie Laveau and her craft. It's cohesive for beginners and has some insightful recipes for practicing witches/Vodouisants.
This book is very insightful for anyone who's interested in getting into Voodoo and for the people who have an interest in learning more about Marie Laveau and her craft. It's cohesive for beginners and has some insightful recipes for practicing witches/Vodouisants.
February 27, 2024
#NetGalley #TheMarieLaveauVoodooGrimoire
This book is very insightful for anyone who's interested in getting into Voodoo and for the people who have an interest in learning more about Marie Laveau and her craft. It's cohesive for beginners and has some insightful recipes for practicing witches/Vodouisants.
This book is very insightful for anyone who's interested in getting into Voodoo and for the people who have an interest in learning more about Marie Laveau and her craft. It's cohesive for beginners and has some insightful recipes for practicing witches/Vodouisants.
August 19, 2025
The kind of well-researched book clearly produced by being a lifelong student of something. Loved all of the New Orleans and voodoo history incorporated, as well as the written accounts of the real Marie Laveaus life.
September 27, 2024
Premier livre que je lis en anglais et il valait vraiment le coup
Très très intéressant et exactement sur le sujet que je cherchais.
Très très intéressant et exactement sur le sujet que je cherchais.
September 19, 2025
Deceiving title. If you are looking for a Marie Laveau Grimoire this is not it. The Author could have just called it her own Grimoire and I could have saved my money.
October 15, 2025
incredible
December 12, 2024
I find Voodoo so mysterious and fascinating, so it was very interesting to read this book about it's history, beliefs and traditions. Adding in the historical tidbits about priestess Marie Laveau was wonderful, as it really set the tone and atmosphere for the "recipes" and spells sections.
January 7, 2025
I bought this book in anticipation of a trip to New Orleans—I always like to immerse myself in the culture, as a way of getting more out of visiting a new place—& was not disappointed. It is a very practical guide to voodoo, hoodoo & conjuring, devoid of any of the overly mystical & occult trappings that so attract & entertain the more salacious dabblers. It was very obvious that the author, Denise Alvarado, has true affection for Marie Laveau & voodoo culture, which contributed to my enjoyment in reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews