The Magic of Marie Laveau | Denise Alvarado

Marie Laveau may be the most influential American practitioner of the magical arts; certainly, she is among the most famous. She is the subject of songs, films, and legends and the star of New Orleans ghost tours. Her grave in New Orleans ranks among the most popular spiritual pilgrimages in the US. Devotees venerate votive images of Laveau, who proclaimed herself the “Pope of Voodoo.” She is the subject of respected historical biographies and the inspiration for novels by Francine Prose and Jewell Parker Rhodes. She even appears in Marvel Comics and on the television show American Horror Story: Coven, where she was portrayed by Angela Bassett.

Author Denise Alvarado explores Marie Laveau’s life and work―the fascinating history and mystery. This book gives an overview of New Orleans Voodoo, its origins, history, and practices. It contains spells, prayers, rituals, recipes, and instructions for constructing New Orleans voodoo-style altars and crafting a voodoo amulet known as a gris-gris.

About the Author

Denise Alvarado (1960) was born and raised in the rich Creole culture of New Orleans, Louisiana. She has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over four decades. She is the author of numerous books about Southern folk traditions, including the The Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite, The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook, the Hoodoo Almanacs, Workin' in da Boneyard, Hoodoo and Conjure New Orleans, Crossroads Mamas 2015 Spiritual Baths for Every Occasion, the Voodoo Doll Spellbook, Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual and more. Her provocative artwork has been featured on several television shows including National Geographic'sTaboo, The Originals, and Blue Bloods. She is a rootworker in the Louisiana folk magic tradition, a spiritual artist, and teacher of southern conjure at Crossroads University, crossroadsuniversity.com. Visit her websites: creolemoon.com and patreon.com/denisealvarado for a little sweet tea and conjure. 

About the Author

Sarah Lariviere is an author whose debut novel, The Bad Kid (Simon & Schuster), was an Edgar Award finalist. In her new YA series, Riot Act (Knopf, 2024), punk rock meets Orwell’s 1984 when a group of theater kids take on a political regime. "This fast-paced dystopian thriller will get a standing ovation from theater kids and punk rockers alike" (Kirkus). Her novel Time Travel for Love and Profit (Knopf) was reviewed as "reminiscent of A Wrinkle in Time" (Kirkus) and named a YALSA Amazing Audiobook 2022.

Sarah studied theater at Oberlin College and earned a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College in New York City, where she specialized in casework with children and families. Sarah lives in Los Angeles, where she is inspired by experimenting in her wild gardens, painting, and listening to her son play the electric guitar. She is the former Program Director at Arion Press, publisher of fine limited-edition artist books.