In New Orleans, anyone can practice Voodoo. There is no formal religious initiation rite, no rigid orthodoxy, and there are no standard ways to worship. Voodoo is a fluid, adaptable, syncretic, and inclusive spiritual and religious practice that embraces the hearts of all people, no matter their race, creed, or origin. The loa, spirits, or mysteries, all terms used to describe the divine archetypal spiritual forces of Voodoo, are ever-changing, manifesting in infinite ways according to the filter of a given culture and geographic location.

Because New Orleans was a major port where multiple cultures converged, the influences on New Orleans Voodoo are very diverse and different. For example, there are Cuban-inspired Santeros, Haitian-initiated Mambos and Hougans, Obean rootworkers from the West Indian islands (i.e. Belize, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic), followers of the Spiritualists Churches, Hoodoos who incorporate spells and superstitions, and followers of the Yoruba tradition of Nigeria. New Orleans Voodoo is also influenced by Native American spirituality and herbalism. For example, the famous Indian Chief Black Hawk is considered a Voodoo Saint and is often included in ritual work.

While New Orleans Voodoo is largely influenced by the Vodou religion of Haiti, it is not the same. Sound confusing? I suppose it can be. I have made every attempt to present the information here so that you can easily put into practice what you read, should you desire to do so. Once you know the basics of Voodoo and Hoodoo, you can then begin to work intuitively by creating your charms, spells, and magic.

The Voodoo Hoodoo is meant to provide authentic formulas that are Southern in origin. My influences are Louisiana (New Orleans in particular) and Mississippi in origin and this work reflects those influences. It is not meant to be a complete course, as African-based folk magic is much larger than in New Orleans. And, I doubt much of what it means to be a hoodoo can be accomplished through reading and coursework alone. Voodoo and hoodoo as it is experienced in New Orleans is a living, breathing culture. However, I have provided some of the basic information to get you started. It is up to you to put it into practice… or not.

The following sections introduce some key concepts that I consider to be essential to the practice of Voodoo Hoodoo. You should have a working knowledge of this information before working the candles or attempting any charms or works, so take your time and read it carefully.