Marie Laveau: African Spirituality Beliefs and Practices

By Monique Joiner Siedlak

Marie Laveau: Life of a Voodoo Queen introduces you to the legendary Marie Laveau, affectionately known as the Voodoo Queen or the Pope of Voodoo of New Orleans.

Her life and work cemented her place in history beginning in the mid-1800s. She just may be the most influential practitioner of the magical arts.
This book details her remarkable life and legacy and shares how she came to be known as the reigning queen even to this day.

You'll discover information about her perspective about religion, her young life, her parents, her life before she became infamous, her Voodoo practices, and everything in between.

By the time you read the final page, you will know everything there is to know about her. You'll have a full understanding of how to set up an altar. You'll have in-depth knowledge about her charity work, ceremonies, rituals, and ultimately her funeral and legacy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oshun Publications, LLC
• Release date: Sep 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781950378869

Monique Joiner Siedlak

Monique Joiner Siedlak is a writer, witch, and warrior on a mission to awaken people to their greatest potential through the power of storytelling infused with mysticism, modern paganism, and new age spirituality. At the young age of 12, she began rigorously studying the fascinating philosophy of Wicca. By the time she was 20, she was self-initiated into the Craft, and hasn’t looked back ever since. To this day, she has authored over 35 books pertaining to the magick and mysteries of life. Her most recent publication is book one of a Wiccan series entitled “Jaeger Chronicles.” Originally from Long Island, New York, Monique is now a proud inhabitant of Northeast Florida; however, she considers herself to be a citizen of Mother Earth. When she doesn’t have a book or pen in hand, she loves exploring new places and learning new things. And being the nature lover that she is, she considers herself to be an avid animal advocate. To find out more about Monique Joiner Siedlak artistically, spiritually, and personally, feel free to visit her official website at www.mojosiedlak.com

Book preview

Marie Laveau

Marie Laveau

Life of a Voodoo Queen

Monique Joiner Siedlak

Oshun Publications

Marie Laveau: Life of a Voodoo Queen © Copyright 2021 by Monique Joiner Siedlak

ISBN: 978-1-950378-86-9

All rights reserved

The content contained within this book may not be reproduced, duplicated or transmitted without direct written permission from the author or the publisher.

Under no circumstances will any blame or legal responsibility be held against the publisher, or author, for any damages, reparation, or monetary loss due to the information contained within this book, either directly or indirectly.

Legal Notice

This book is copyright protected. It is only for personal use. You cannot amend, distribute, sell, use, quote or paraphrase any part, or the content within this book, without the consent of the author or publisher.

Disclaimer Notice

Please note the information contained within this document is for educational and entertainment purposes only. All effort has been executed to present accurate, up to date, reliable, complete information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaged in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. The content within this book has been derived from various sources. Please consult a licensed professional before attempting any techniques outlined in this book.

By reading this document, the reader agrees that under no circumstances is the author responsible for any losses, direct or indirect, that are incurred as a result of the use of the information contained within this document, including, but not limited to, errors, omissions, or inaccuracies.

Cover Design by MJS

Cover Image by [e-mail]

Published by Oshun Publications

www.oshunpublications.com

Books in the Series

African Spirituality Beliefs and Practices

Hoodoo

Seven African Powers: The Orishas

Cooking for the Orishas

Lucumi: The Ways of Santeria

Voodoo of Louisiana

Haitian Vodou

Orishas of Trinidad

Connecting With Your Ancestors

Blood Magic

The Orishas

Vodun: West Africa’s Spiritual Life

Audiobooksnewsletter

Contents

Introduction

1. The City of New Orleans and its Ties to the Transatlantic Slave Trade

2. Deities, Spirits, and the Divine

3. Marie’s Early Years and Personal Life

4. Career, Children and Jean Louis Christophe Galpion

5. Marie’s Life as a Priestess

6. Marie Laveau’s Followers

7. Death, Legacy, and What She Left Behind

8. Voodoo Amulets, Dolls, and More

9. Her Rivals and Other Voodoo Priests

10. Petitioning and Forming a Bond With Marie Laveau

11. How to Build an Altar

12. Places of Spiritual Significance and Voodoo Tourist Attractions

Conclusion

References

About the Author

More Books by Monique

Introduction

There is much debate about the life of Marie Laveau and her matriarchal relationship with Voodoo. Many people wonder whether or not her life was fact or fiction. She is a prominent figure in American history, infamously depicted as the woman who dances with a snake. If you look at portraits depicting her, you will see a woman of color, clad in white and with a material wrapped around her head, almost looking like a metaphorical crown. She was regal despite being wrought with controversy.

Mysterious and ominous, her life was disputed and wrought with rumors and gossip. Not only was she a person of color, but she was also descended from a mix of cultures. From French to Native American, Marie’s most prevalent and notable heritage she displayed was that of her West African roots. West Africa is where our story begins. It starts with the Africans being shipped away and trafficked due to the slave trade that dominated the mid-17th century.

Marie would never have arrived in New Orleans if it wasn’t for the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its historical consequences. In the following few chapters, we will explore a complex timeline that will follow, as closely as possible, the effects of assimilations and African Diaspora. These quick yet simple overviews will be invaluable to understanding the political climate Marie Laveau grew up in. As well as serve as an exciting background for the woman who most likely changed the face of Voodoo for good.

Voodoo is a complex belief system where myths and legends rarely can be explored at their fullest capacity. This book is about the woman who boosted the religion into the mainstream and cannot be discussed without some history. It’s crucial to set the scene, essential to dissect the tiny and large details like that make up the path of Voodoo, Marie, and the historical roots of the Queen of Voodoo herself.

Sit back, relax and take a trip from the dark past to the events that created the now vibrant and beautiful Crescent City that birthed the now infamous Marie Laveau.

One

The City of New Orleans and its Ties to the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade was a historical event that shook the world.