Marie Laveau : The Queen of Conjure; The Pope of Voodoo
Marie Laveau proclaimed herself Pope of Voodoo and few would argue. Voodoo priestess, spirit medium, diviner, philanthropist, community leader and spell-caster, she is credited with formalizing and establishing the tradition of New Orleans Voodoo.
Marie’s own personal spiritual blend of Hoodoo, Haitian Vodou and Roman Catholicism profoundly influenced New Orleans Voodoo and eventually the entire world of magic and mysticism. Her influence cannot be overstated. She is sometimes credited as the inspiration for the Spiritual Churches of New Orleans, however others greatly resent any association with magical traditions like Voodoo and Hoodoo.
Marie’s life and death are cloaked in mystery. She was born a free woman of color in New Orleans of mixed African, European and Native American ancestry. Her date of birth is variously given as 1783, 1794 and 1801. By approximately 1850, Marie Laveau was recognized as the leader of the New Orleans Voodoo community. She worked from her home, at 152 Saint Ann Street, offering personal consultations and leading rituals. Her cottage was demolished in 1903. The site is now 1020–1022 Saint Ann Street.
The spelling “Voodoo” is used to delineate the New Orleans-style branch of the spiritual tradition other wise spelled “Vodou” or “Vodoun”.
Marie (or at least her name) pops up constantly in popular media. She is the subject of countless novels and several biographies: some thoughtful; others sensational. In life, she was a courageous, sharp, intelligent, compassionate woman who ministered to the poor and ailing and actively worked to rescue slaves.
Marie was magically long-lived in the nature of an alchemist or Taoist adept. According to legend, when Marie got old, she entered the waters of a lake, submerged and reemerged as if she were decades younger. She essentially shed her skin in the manner of the snakes with which she is so closely associated. Devotees considered this proof of her power.
Skeptics, however, believe this was how she surreptitiously retired and passed power to her daughter, also named Marie who continued her mother’s practice. Some believe Marie Laveau died on June 15, 1881. Others believe she never died but kept regenerating herself and her power. Thus there may be one eternal Marie Laveau or a secret multi-generational dynasty of powerful priestesses. Some consider that Marie has now ascended to the status of a lwa. She is sometimes counted among the Ezili family of spirits.
Marie continues to protect devotees She is traditionally invoked for practical matters especially healing and legal assistance but she can also be requested to serve as a spiritual guide, especially for those seeking to learn and practice Vodou (whether Haitian or New Orleans.)
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Mamzelle Marie Laveau; the Widow Paris; Marie Glapion
MANIFESTATIONS:
Many claim to have seen apparitions of Marie in New Orleans, either in the form of a woman, a snake or a large dog.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Altar images are available; she is usually envisioned as a tall, regal woman wearing a turban or Creole-style head wrap.
COLOURS:
Blue, white, pink
NUMBERS:
3, 7
SACRED SITE:
Her grave in New Orleans’ oldest cemetery, St Louis Cemetery Number One; there is some controversy as to exactly which Marie is buried here, mother or daughter. The tomb is inscribed Marie Glapion, which may be the married name of the mother or the maiden name of the daughter. Traditionally people knock on the tomb three times to request Mamzelle’s attention or draw three Xs in red brick or chalk on the tomb. (Marking the tombstone is sometimes vehemently discouraged by cemetery authorities.) Offerings are left at her grave. Some believe that another tomb nearby, also marked with Xs, is Marie’s true grave.
Long-standing rumors suggest that the Marie buried in the grave commonly attributed to her is really High Priestess Marie Comtesse, the late 19th century Voodoo Queen known as La Comtesse. If so, then La Comtesse seems willing to perform miracles even under another spirit’s name.
OFFERINGS:
Pilgrimage to her grave, seven dimes; seven sterling silver charms or beads; red anisette; absinthe; flowers; candles; salt water; hair ornaments and hair dresser’s supplies and tools; Creole food; gifts inspired by Voodoo and/or Roman Catholicism
SEE ALSO:
- Agoussou
- Black Hawk
- Blavatsky, Helena
- Eight Immortals
- Ezili
- Fairy, Green
- Hidden Company
- Ma Gu
- Ma Zu
- Pleasant, Mary Ellen
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.