Photo/Brendan Riley
Voodoo. How much of its mysterious traditions are hokey hype and how much genuine religious practice? There’s no better place to find out for yourself than in New Orleans, where the legend, the kitsch and the reality of Voodoo collide for a fascinatingly spooky gumbo.
Here’s a list of six voodoo shops around the city’s French Quarter for you to explore.
Erzulie’s Authentic Voodoo
807 Royal Street, 70116
“Honoring the Great Vodou Goddess of Passion, Pleasure and Prosperity” since 1999, Erzulie’s Authentic Voodoo offers handcrafted spiritual products and services for all “seeking genuine spiritual assistance and guidance.” Putting a 21st century spin on all things Voooo, Erzulie’s has its own app for iPhone and Android. Find out more at erzulies.com.
Marie Laveau House of Voodoo
739 Bourbon Street, 70116
Kitschy souvenirs in the front, spiritual advice and palm readings in the back – Marie Laveau is one part tourist trap, one part museum and one part shrine … and all 100% New Orleans! Whether you’re looking to learn about Louisiana’s most famous Voodoo practitioner, Marie Laveau, find out about your future or add to your collection of talismans and charms, Marie Laveau House of Voodoo is well worth a visit. Official website is voodooneworleans.com.
Mystic Tea Leaves
638 1/2 Royal Street, 70130
“A professional authentic establishment for the psychic arts” with a “Tour the Tea Cup Gallaria” featuring more than 800 teacups from around the world with several “autographed by the stars,” Mystic Tea Leaves is your one stop shop for “tarot-tea-voodoo” where the wacky and the esoterica blend to cast a memorably enchanting spell. Visit Mystic Tea Leaves online at frenchquartervoodoo.com.
Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo
723 St Peter Street, 70130
Just around the corner from Marie Laveau’s Bourbon Street mecca, Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo offers a more relaxed yet just as fascinating opportunity for occult shopping and psychic readers. Reverend Zombie shares its website with Marie Laveau at voodooneworleans.com.
Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Cultural Center & Collection
612 Dumaine Street, 70116
Providing a “complete line of locally handmade” Voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags, potion, oils and more alongside spiritual work and consultations by an “experienced team of in-house practitioners, Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans is also home of the annual Voodoofest every October 31st. This year’s fest marks 15 years of Halloween fun with free events from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m with a closing ancestral ritual ceremony. Discover the online world of Vood Authentica at voodooshop.com.
VooDoo Spiritual Temple
828 North Rampart Street, 70116
Established in 1990 by Priestess Miriam and Priest Oswan Chamani, the VooDoo Spiritual Temple’s main focus is on “traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices.” Located near historic Congo Square, serves here include consultations, rituals, potions, tours, and lectures to “touch the soul of all people.” Find out more at voodoospiritualtemple.org.
This post was originally published on the CheapOair blog.
