Voodoo Authentica

Questions: (Answers Below)

(1) Who is Marie Laveau?

Answer:

(1) The Great Mam'zelle Marie Laveau was believed to have been born in New Orleans in 1794 - she died on June 15th, 1881. A free woman of color, as well as a quadroon (African, Indian, French and Spanish), she became the most famous and powerful Voodoo Queen in the world - so powerful that, by the 1830's, she was widely known as the Pope of Voodoo. Marie was a hairdresser by trade, privy to the secrets of the wealthiest New Orleanians. She was also a selfless nurse who ministered to those stricken with yellow fever during the epidemic. Due to the fact that she was a devout Catholic who attended mass every day, Marie gained the respect of the Priests & received permission to perform her Voodoo rituals right behind St. Louis Cathedral! It's clear that throughout her very long and colorful life, she wore many hats, which gained her the love, respect and in some cases, the fear, of the masses. It is undoubtedly her role as Voodoo Priestess which brought the Great Mam'zelle the most fame during her life and which, to this day, brings people from all over the world to ask for special favors at her tomb in St. Louis #1 Cemetery (Basin Street). Marie Laveau's tomb is frequently covered with rosaries, flowers, coins, and various other offerings. Tourists and curiosity seekers aren't alone at the Great Marie's tomb. Authentic Voodoo practitioners still perform rituals there to pay respect to their most beloved Ancestor & patron.

The Famous "X"
Ritual Legend has it that you should place the side of your right foot against the bottom of her tomb, make three "X" marks with red brick found nearby, place your hand over the marks, close your eyes (while focusing on your wish), and rub your foot against the tomb three times. Leave 7 shiny pennies on the tomb ledge. When your wish has been granted, return with an offering and circle your "X" marks so those who visit will know of the Great Mamzelle's powers! Good Luck and Many Blessings!!!

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