Veterinarians are called on to serve animals and sworn to provide the best possible care to the world's creatures. Voodoo rituals, complete with animal sacrifices, likely do not rate highly with the veterinary community, but New Orleans Voodoo is about more than black cats and rooster talons.
The history of Voodoo dates back more than 200 years, when slaves arrived in New Orleans from West Africa. They brought with them an ancient religion that spanned more than seven centuries. Recent estimates claim that 15 percent of New Orleans' current population participates in some form of Voodoo practice.
New Orleans Voodoo is a hybrid of spiritual and cultural belief systems influenced by Africa's ancient Voodoo religion, Haiti's Vodou religion, healing practices taken from Native American culture, folk magic of Europe, and Catholicism. "Voodoo" means "spirit" or "mystery." Believers accept the existence of one god, and follow powerful spirits who are responsible for life's daily matters in the areas of love, family, happiness, wealth, and revenge.
Marie Laveau is often regarded as the "matriarch" of New Orleans' brand of Voodoo. Born of a wealthy Creole plantation owner and his Haitian slave mistress around the turn of the 19th century, Laveau was introduced to Voodoo by various "practitioners" of a popularized Voodoo that emphasized curative and occult magic with what seemed to have a decidedly commercial aspect. Laveau's occupation as hairdresser to New Orleans' elite allowed her to obtain inside information on her wealthy patrons by instilling fear in their servants, upon whom she used her powers to "cure" mysterious ailments. She used this information to gain political clout within the city and state. Historians suggest that Laveau was the first person to mix her occult magic with Roman Catholic beliefs, combining saints with African spirits and religious concepts. In doing so, she fostered much of the foundation of New Orleans' Voodoo that is still prevalent today.
If you're interested in learning more about the history of Voodoo in New Orleans or the often misunderstood current trends or practices, the Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans, Cultural Center & Collection is a good place to start. Located in the historic New Orleans French Quarter at 612 Dumaine Street, the center provides authentic ritual entertainment, a complete line of Voodoo dolls and crafts, Voodoo spells, spiritual work, and consultations. The center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can be reached at (504) 522-2111.
