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Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints: A Guide to Magical New Orleans

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A magical mystery tour of the extraordinary historical characters that have defined the unique spiritual landscape of New Orleans

New Orleans has long been America’s most magical city, inhabited by a fascinating visible and invisible world, full of mysteries, known for its decadence and haunted by its spirits. If Salem, Massachusetts is famous for its persecution of witches, New Orleans is celebrated for its embrace of the magical, mystical, and paranormal. New Orleans is acclaimed for its witches, ghosts, and vampires. Because of its unique history, New Orleans is the historical stronghold of traditional African religions and spirituality in the US. No other city worldwide is as associated with Vodou as New Orleans.

In her new book, author and scholar Denise Alvarado takes us on a magical tour of New Orleans. There is a mysterious spiritual underbelly hiding in plain sight in New Orleans, and in this book Alvarado shows us where it is and who the characters are. She tells where they come from and how they persist and manifest today. Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints shines a light on notable spirits and folk saints such as Papa Legba, Annie Christmas, Black Hawk, African American culture hero Jean St. Malo, St. Expedite, plague saint Roch, and, of course, the mother and father of New Orleans Voudou, Marie Laveau and Doctor John Montenée. Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints serves as a secret history of New Orleans, revealing details even locals may not know.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2022

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About the author

Denise Alvarado

44 books174 followers
Independent 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

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5 stars
88 (29%)
4 stars
115 (38%)
3 stars
80 (26%)
2 stars
17 (5%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Amber.
365 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2022
Highly recommend the audiobook to experience authentic accents. If this doesn't make you want to experience the American treasure that is New Orleans, you might want to confirm that you're in your coffin.
Profile Image for Heather.
792 reviews46 followers
March 28, 2022
What a fascinating read! I had no idea that much of voodoo history was tied into Catholicism. I plan on reading more of Alvarado's work.
Profile Image for Ericka Jade.
496 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2023
Interesting and quick read. Some references to American Horror Story Coven where the author corrected some things that were in the tv show.
Profile Image for BurgendyA.
390 reviews26 followers
August 13, 2023
This book was truly captivating and outstanding. I am so glad that I've read & listen to the audio. Totally loved learning about the traditional-folklores of the old voodoo spirits,hoodoo Saints & the New Orleans history, legends, prayers, and traditions. This is the first book of Denise Alvarado that I've read and I admit that she has written it beautifully. Her writing was amazing and definitely kept her readers amazed with each tales of the Saints and deities. Also, explaining clearly of the African, Caribbean, and Afro-Cuban roots of Santeria. As well as explaining how the Hoodoo Saints & tales are infused into the Roman Catholicism.

This is the book that must be read by all. Or even listening to the audio book. I would highly recommend doing both. I rate this book with two thumbs up and ten stars that it deserves.

Profile Image for Erin.
32 reviews
July 8, 2022
This is the second book by Alvarado that I have loved! I particularly appreciate how misrepresentation in media is called out. Every subject in this book is fascinating and presented in such a way that I always want to learn more!
Profile Image for Tikidoll.
28 reviews
May 13, 2023
The audio book is great! I really enjoy all of Denise Alvarado’s books that I have read. This one covers the main figures that populate the spiritual landscape of New Orleans. Lots of fun stories and background info. No spells if that is what you want though.
Profile Image for Brianna.
380 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2023
Lots I didn’t know before! Makes me even more interested in seeking out more info on voodoo and New Orleans spirituality.
Profile Image for Zev.
772 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2022
I thought this was going to be a lot more Voodoo 101 than it was, so that's on me. The title does what it says--clear and engaging introductions to voodoo and hoodoo figures fill this book, and descriptions of New Orleans throughout the years are sprinkled in. Stores and historical sites are painstakingly discussed, to my delight. The author is open about her connection with it all, and often mentions things that function as real-life examples and transitions between subjects from a writing standpoint. It was well-done. Voodoo and hoodoo -themselves-, in the ways I thought they would be, aren't necessarily discussed here, and the author explains why without alienating readers. She mentions other books she's written sometimes, but it's never to brag. It's a simple, "I wrote a book that explores this more if you're interested."
WARNING: I AM AN OUTSIDER TO THIS CULTURE WHO IS CURIOUS. I DO NOT PRACTICE IT, NOR DO I INTEND TO. IF I SAW IT, I WOULD NOT UNDERSTAND. IF I WERE SOMEHOW INVITED TO SOEMTHING, I WOULD WONDER WHAT I'D SAID TO PRESSURE THE PERSON INTO INVITING ME, AND FEEL BAD. I AM ABOUT TO NOTE THINGS IN AN INSENSITIVE MANNER DUE TO SUCH.

I was shocked to find out about halfway through the book just how deeply entrenched Catholicism is into voodoo. I genuinely and mistakenly thought voodoo could be done without Catholic influences (saints, big candles in glass, praying to Jesus), but they appear inseparable. The phrase "folk Catholicism" is mentioned and I have no clue what that is. I've heard the phrase "trad Cath," but that's in a different context and I don't quite understand that one either. Sometimes people mix up voodoo with witchcraft, and uh, no. Totally different things, especially now that I've read the book. Voodoo, for example, does not appear to use or endorse blood magick. Certain branches of witchcraft are fine with people sticking their fingers or using menstrual blood for some rituals. No one is pressured to do so.

Somehow I thought snakes in relation to voodoo would be more discussed, but this is a book about -figures- of voodoo and hoodoo. I was surprised to read that over the years, different sites that are important to voodoo in New Orleans are often vandalized or partially destroyed, to the point that several sites are now inaccessible without a tour guide. I've wanted to visit New Orleans in the off-season (not Mardi Gras. Maybe Halloween!) for awhile and this gave me a much clearer image of what visiting it might be like. I want to eat everything I can, visit dozens of occult shops, and go on a boat at sunrise. I used to think I'd be an obnoxious tourist, but after reading about sites being vandalized and how tourists can be such assholes, I think I am much more likely to just be an annoying tourist. I'm glad I realized that. This book is quite thorough, and I learned a lot. I'm glad I got to read it! I hope it's widely read and discussed.
Profile Image for Tanja.
276 reviews29 followers
August 21, 2022
Rezension zu „Voodo Saints - Sins of Fear“ von B. B. Stiffers

„Hol nicht das Schlimmste aus mir heraus“, dringt gierig aus seinem Mund. Und diese Gier, die ich jetzt in seiner Stimme höre, ist es, die mich mutifer und auch dümmer werden lässt. „Vielleicht holst du das Leben aus mir hervor“ - Pos. 2748

Das Buch beginnt schon super spannend, mit Marcelinas Reise zu den Plantagen. Sofort hat mich die ganze Atmosphäre eingenommen und ich konnte mir alles bildlich und genau vorstellen. In meinem Kopf und laut den Beschreibungen ist es einfach super schön. Ich war sofort gefesselt von der Geschichte und der Umgebung, dass ich kaum aufhören konnte zu lesen.
Und als auch noch Beat und die anderen zur Geschichte auftauchten, war ich komplett gefangen. Beat ist einfach Sex in Person, das merkt man, ohne ihn auch viel zu kennen. Ich kann gut verstehen, wieso Lina so auf ihn abfährt. 🥵
Evan im Gegenzug konnte ich überhaupt nicht leiden. Er ist natürlich lieb und nett zu anscheinend verantwortungsbewusst, genau das, was Lina ihrer Meinung nach braucht, aber er ist mir überhaupt nicht geheuer und ich hab überhaupt nicht verstanden, was Lina alles zugelassen hat. Natürlich glaube ich und weiß, dass er und diese Beziehung zwischen ihnen eine große Rolle spielen (siehe das Ende 🤯), aber ich habe mich trotzdem so geärgert. Ich wollte mehr Beat!

Diese Anziehung zwischen den Beiden war einfach göttlich. Und Linas Schlagfertigkeit habe ich so geliebt! Ich hoffe, dass im zweiten Band auch Billie eine größere Rolle spielt, sie hab ich wirklich gerne gemocht!

Außerdem gibt es hier die Voodo-Thematik, die mich auch total umgehauen hat und von der ich bisher nichts wusste. Natürlich kennt man die typischen Voodo-Puppen, aber das ist alles so viel mehr!
Ich bin wirklich durch die Seiten geflogen und hatte das buch innerhalb von zwei Tagen fertig gelesen! Und das heißt schon was!

Dementsprechend erhält das Buch von mir 5/5 Sterne! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Damien.
271 reviews57 followers
April 22, 2023
I'm disappointed. While it is occasionally informative, one has to take every chapter with a grain of salt, as well as a dash of cayenne for good measure. I was tempted to pick it apart piece by piece but soon realized that it wasn't worth the bother.
Although one thing stuck out--- why was Pere Antoine friends with the famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau? Simple. She was a good Catholic girl. I'm guessing that he baptized her as a baby, and gave her first communion. He officiated over her marriage to Jacques Paris when she was a month shy of becoming 18 years old. She helped nurse wounded soldiers of the Battle of New Orleans in her early teens. No doubt she probably also accompanied him at an early age to assist with other general acts of Catholic charity, as the legend goes, long before she was ever considered for the role of Voodoo Queen. It is omitted details like this that make the book a bit weak and/or questionable.
All the same, if New Orleans Voodoo is your area of interest and study, for now this book deserves a place on your bookshelves. At best, I can only hope that Miss Denise can improve her writing style, get a book dealer contract that will allow her a more serious attempt at historical literature, and that she edits it properly and more carefully for a future classic. To this end, I wish her the best.
Profile Image for Tom Schulte.
3,420 reviews76 followers
December 3, 2025
I honestly judged this one by the cover -- I assumed it would be shallow fairly tales of the type bound together for tourist keepsakes.

However, the history and legend here about Papa Legba, Jean St. Malo, Saint Roch, and, of course, the mother of New Orleans Voudou, Marie Laveau, although refreshingly brief giving space to the lesser known luminaries delved into here.

I especially liked the debunking of the tour guide song and dance about St. Expedite's statue being misidentified from a misconstrued crate stenciling. I also really enjoyed the history of Doctor John Montenée, whence the singer apparently took the name.

The result is a magico-realist history of New Orleans and the region. Characters like Annie Christmas are explored as powerful caricatures if more legend than fact. Black Hawk, comes across stronger for fact that balances his legend, much of which is contrary to the own real person's beliefs and views. Infact, it makes me want to read Life of Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak: Dictated by Himself.
519 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
I read this book with my Audible trial.

Brief Summary: This book explores the lives and impact of several key figures in the Voodoo and Hoodoo religious practices of New Orleans. Each individual's biography and spiritual practices are discussed in this book as is the historical development of Voodoo and Hoodoo practice in New Orleans.

Thoughts: I read this book because I really enjoyed Alvarado's work on Madame Leavue. Alvarado's writing makes the history and magical practice accessible to those unfamiliar with the topic in addition to treating each subject with care and respect. I greatly enjoyed that each individual was given their section and how Alvarado was able to integrate the spoken and written records of these individuals' lives to form their biographies. This book was incredibly interesting from both a historical, religious, and anthropological perspective.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history or religious practices.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Profile Image for Laurie.
103 reviews
January 4, 2024
What to say about this book?

There are some good stories in here, but this is a book that is desperately in need of an editor to shape it up and cut out spurious stories. You really can't get away with text that includes sentences like "he ran away like a little bitch" or "I wish I could remember where I heard it from, but ..." and expect to be taken seriously.

But the most annoying thing? The chapter on Marie Laveau - one of the most fascinating of New Orleans residents - is an advertisement for another of the authors books. Seriously - it begins with something along the lines of "there are enough books out there on Marie Laveau - including my own book (insert title) - so here are a few anecdotes". The book I bought is trying to hussle me to spend more money on the authors books!

In the end, it's an interesting enough book if you want something for the flight, but there are probably better books out there on New Orleans folklore.
Profile Image for Sonia Lockler.
21 reviews
April 2, 2024
WOW!! I've always been fascinated and not more than a little intimidated by the aspects of Voudou, Hoodoo, and New Orleans practices. This book was so informative and well written. I'm still intimidated, but I feel like I have a bit of a better understanding of the system of beliefs. Denise Alvarado writes in such a way that these saints, spirits, and Queens are brought to life right before my eyes. I am so excited to share this book with everyone! I think we have found our next book group read.
Profile Image for Donna.
238 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2022
Wish I could give it another half star. It's very interesting. I had no idea how entwined voodoo and the Catholic religion were/are. The author includes lots of references if you want to delve more deeply. For example, www.crossroadsuniversity.com - "an innovative cultural learning program that is dedicated to the observation and preservation of the folk magick traditions of the American South".
110 reviews
November 2, 2022
I received a free copy in exchange for a review. I found this to be a good primer on the New Orleans Voodoo practitioners and spirits. Each chapter covers a different person or spirit, some rooted in fact and based on actual people, and some more mythological. It gives a great starting point for more research and includes footnotes and reading sources to continue your research. My only criticism is that each chapter is so short.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
738 reviews
August 6, 2023
Interesting; the author tried to tread a line between dispassionate scholar and practitioner and wasn't entirely successful in my opinion. I rather wish she'd picked one side or the other. The most successful part of the book for me was the last section on the Catholic saints and their incorporation into the religious melting pot: there she was concise and presented information in a clearer fashion.
Profile Image for Katie.
263 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2024
3.5
This has a lot of good information, but the writing is all over the place. There are parts that are lyrical, some casual, some more academic. The information itself did not flow well at times. It was a bit hard to follow. However, as I said, there is a lot of good information and, as someone who was simply striving to better understand the religion, this was a good introduction.
Profile Image for Pat.
303 reviews
September 12, 2024
This was a very good background on New Orleans history and culture without the Hollywood exaggeration. I feel like I can better appreciate the music & history and legends of the place. I have a better understanding of Voodoo, and was also surprised at how much of the religion incorporates the Catholic faith. Now I just need to go there and soak in the rich culture.
Profile Image for Layla, the Witch next door.
67 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2022
Denise is truly knowledgeable in the Voodoo religion. Having read several of her books, she has not only educated me but also taught me respect for this rich tradition. This book is no exception. A beautiful collection of stories about the pioneers and mysterious stars of Hoodoo and Voodoo.
Profile Image for Caylie Ratzlaff.
844 reviews33 followers
June 23, 2022
I enjoyed this picking it up without really knowing much about it. I decided to pick it up on libby because it sounded interesting and I've been reading a lot of YA that's influenced by Voudou and Santeria. I really appreciated how this book really made the connections to Catholicism as well.
Profile Image for Joshua Byrd.
111 reviews43 followers
November 18, 2022
This read slightly too much like a big Wikipedia article in places, but there moments of brilliance. The interactions between cultures and myths were fascinating. Especially the blending of Catholicism with Voodoo and Hoodoo practices.
Profile Image for Eva.
Author 9 books28 followers
February 15, 2023
I loved this book as much as I did Denise Alvarado's others, especially her book about Marie Laveau; there's a lot of great information about figures that were not familiar to me in addition to those that were; great guide for fans
Profile Image for Denver Jones.
393 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2023
This was definitely not a book I would recommend to any BookClub. However, it did have its good side. Read like a textbook in the Occults 101. Definitely an introduction to who’s whom and what you may ask of them. Possibly a classroom or one on one read if it strikes your fancy.
Profile Image for Fae.
91 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2023
Love it, will definitely add to my shelves.

This book is based on experience living in New Orleans + research and first hand accounts. It notes the overlap between cultures and religions, and how they influence each other.
Profile Image for Wendy Eskew.
74 reviews
July 21, 2024
This was such an interesting and well written book! I enjoyed it very much. I have always been fascinated with Voodoo but didn’t really understand it. The author did a fantastic job explaining things without losing the mystery. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Ella.
1,784 reviews
January 18, 2025
I think I wanted something a little less faux-folksy and a little bit more informative for someone who’s interested in folk Catholicism and comparative religious, but not super up on the history of Voudou/Vodou and other associated belief systems.
Profile Image for Frank Allen.
101 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2022
The Mystique of New Orleans

Denise Alvarado brings the history, tales and legends of the Voodoo, Witch, and Hoodoo luminaries of New Orleans to vivid life.
Profile Image for MJ.
231 reviews18 followers
September 7, 2022
This was incredibly interesting and accessible
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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