Quick Specs
- Author: Denise Alvarado
- Publisher: Weiser Books
- Subject: New Orleans Voudou, Hoodoo, folk saints, spiritual history
- Best for: Practitioners and historians interested in New Orleans magical traditions
The Secret Spiritual History of New Orleans
Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints by Denise Alvarado is a guided tour through the spiritual underbelly of New Orleans, one of the most magically significant cities in the United States. Alvarado is both a scholar and a practitioner with deep personal roots in New Orleans Voudou. She draws on oral histories, newspaper archives, and her own practice to tell the stories of the figures who shaped the city’s spiritual landscape.
The book profiles both historical figures and spiritual entities, including Voudou practitioner Marie Laveau, the legendary Doctor John Montenee, trickster spirit Papa Legba, death deity Baron Samedi, and folk hero Jean St. Malo. Each chapter documents where these figures came from, how their influence has persisted, and how they manifest in contemporary New Orleans practice. Catholicism, Chaos magic, and modern witchcraft all enter the conversation, reflecting the genuinely syncretic nature of New Orleans spiritual culture.
Why This Book Matters
New Orleans has a long history of African-derived religions and spirituality in the United States. Its Vodou history is layered with West African, Catholic, Caribbean, and indigenous traditions. Alvarado’s book is a detailed account of that history for general readers, sharing details that even long-time locals may not know. It functions as both a historical reference and a practical primer for anyone wanting to understand the roots of New Orleans magic before working within those traditions.
How to Use Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints
How to read and work with this guide to New Orleans spiritual traditions.
- Read the Historical Profiles as Foundation
Alvarado's chapters on Marie Laveau, Doctor John, and other historical figures provide cultural grounding that makes the spirits and folk saints chapters meaningful. Reading these biographical sections first builds a factual foundation throughout.
- Use the Spirit Profiles as Devotional Reference
Each chapter on a specific spirit or folk saint covers character, areas of influence, and how they are approached in New Orleans Voudou. Use these as reference when preparing to work with a spirit, setting up an altar, or choosing offerings.
- Cross-Reference with Alvarado's Other Works
Alvarado has written extensively on New Orleans Voudou and Creole folk magic. This book pairs well with her other titles and with primary sources on Marie Laveau. Multiple Alvarado texts build a more complete picture of the tradition overall.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I stock this book because Denise Alvarado writes about New Orleans Voudou from the inside. She doesn’t flatten or sensationalize, she documents. Voudou and hoodoo are living traditions, and I offer this book as an entry point, not a substitute for learning from practitioners and community. It’s a title I recommend to anyone drawn to New Orleans spiritual history. Browse my books collection for more titles on Voodoo, Hoodoo, and folk magic traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. Alvarado profiles historical figures and spiritual entities using documented sources while explaining how each is approached in contemporary practice. Practitioners and history readers alike will find it useful and well-grounded.
Yes. Marie Laveau is a central figure, covered as both a historical person and a spiritual presence in New Orleans Voudou. Alvarado draws on newspaper accounts and oral histories to give a nuanced portrait of Laveau.
The book covers figures including Papa Legba, Baron Samedi, Annie Christmas, Black Hawk, Jean St. Malo, St. Expedite, and plague saint Roch. Each chapter explains the figure's origins, role in New Orleans spiritual life, and modern practice.
Yes. Alvarado explains cultural and historical context throughout, making the book accessible to readers new to New Orleans Voudou. She does not assume prior knowledge, so newcomers get solid grounding while experienced practitioners find depth.
Thank you for this Great Book of Information
Good history will recommend