Even witches are affected by Covid-19. This spunky shop is open, sometimes, and you can call them, between noon and 6, sometimes, and you can order cool stuff like spells and gris-gris and even have readings on the phone or by zoom. Candles, ouija boards, bath salts (not sure what it accomplishes!) and other doodads that will induce an altered state. Lady Mimi Lansou presides here with other various wiccans, warlocks and occult-minded hes, shes and theys. Like so many of the culture bearers here in New Orleans, from the Mardi Gras Indians to the musicians to the burlesque queens, the spirits-obsessed have had a tough time of it. So, schedule a reading, pop by in case the shop is open, and have some fun. As they say, "We are perpetual students of the occult sciences. We seek knowledge by experience and invite all to explore the ancient mysteries of our known Universe." This shop was established "to provide useful tools for both the beginner and advanced worker of Ritual Magick" From cauldrons to gris-gris, potions to altar implements, these witches can help.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: From its central French Quarter location to its other-worldly mission, this shop is a gem.
Beth's expert tip: Best to call or email first to schedule a reading as current hours are erratic.
Intuition is the domain of priestess Catherina Williams, a practitioner of the psychic arts for close to five decades. Need a little something-something from the other side? She can help, offering sessions in everything from tarot cards and tea leaves reading to a dive into the Voodoo arts. And that's not all. A veritable laundry list of clairvoyant arts is available: Vedic astrology, aura/chakra, Creole bone reading, crystal ball gazing and a personal favorite: pet readings. Explore one on one or book a party. What's for sure is this is a real surreal experience in New Orleans.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: Intuitions is worth a stop if your interest leans to the occult.
Beth's expert tip: If you're in town with some pals, ask about their chakra /reiki cleansing parties featuring reiki therapy for all guests.
Rev. Zombie's Voodoo shop shares ownership with Marie Laveau's and is a little more on the novelty side, walking the fine line between authentic Voodoo shop (with dolls, masks, lucky charms, etc.) and selling kitschy souvenirs. People interested in both demographics can find what they are looking for while falling under the spell of the shop's particular brand of spiritual aura. If you're looking for something beyond the typical souvenir, this is the place for dolls, potions, amulets, books and all matter of spiritual supplies. There are also displays of gris-gris (Voodoo charms), potions and memorabilia pertaining to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: Centrally located in the French Quarter, this shop is long-established and it's got the goods.
Beth's expert tip: There is usually a psychic in the back if you're looking for some Voodoo insight, seems that there is no firm schedule, so call ahead or take your chances.
This go-to spiritual shop in New Orleans East is stocked with candles, house-made oils, soaps and baths, incense, perfumes, gris-gris bags, palm oil and herbs. Self-described as an "orisha-centric" botanica, which means the Santeria deities are honored with in-house altars, Treadway staff can also help you make your own. Family-owned and operated, Treadway Botanica is the passion of Mambo Treadway, whose mission is education and connecting people to their spirituality While teaching people to tap into their own spiritual power through the use of High-quality spiritual candles, oils, baths, and other tools. You can order products and a consultation online.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: This diverse little shop is a fine stop if you're venturing out of the French Quarter.
Beth's expert tip: Located in New Orleans East, this shop is a good choice if you're wandering off the tourist track.
The pandemic shuttered this iconic French Quarter shop, moving all retail sales online through the well-organized e-commerce site. But the shop, with its elaborate altars, is still used for private rituals, private spiritual services and wholesale distribution. Psychic readings are available seven days a week, also scheduled online. Since it opened in 1999, Erzulie's Authentic Voodoo has concentrated on authentic, handcrafted Voodoo spiritual products and personalized services. As Zoom options increasingly replaced in-person interactions in the past few years, the chance to meet with a variety of practitioners associated with Erzulie's opened up a world, or maybe that's an otherworldly, array of options.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: From her online presence to her personal readings by phone, Erzulie's appeals to the Voodoo curious.
Beth's expert tip: This is a virtual shop with goods available online but private consults are available.
Voodoo Authentica is run by practitioners of the art of Voodoo. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Voodoo Authentica sells Voodoo dolls, potions, oils and gris-gris bags (a type of Voodoo amulet). Since the owners are skilled in the practice, they also offer rituals, readings and consultations. Whether or not you believe in this ancient practice, a reading delivers entertainment and intrigue for sure. The shop is like a temple, offering private rituals, consultations, special events services, a variety of Voodoo dolls, Gris Gris bags, spells and potions. Definitely worth a stop for the curious, the shop's been a fixture in the Quarter since 1996.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: The shop's central location in the French Quarter makes this an easy stop for the curious.
Beth's expert tip: If you're interested in rituals, readings and spiritual consults, the shop's team of spiritualists can oblige.
New Orleans Voodoo is one of the oldest and most distinct centerpieces of its culture, and the Island of Salvation Botanica offers a unique window into the history and ideology behind the practice. The proprietor of this vibrant establishment, Sallie Ann Glassman, is one of the few American-initiated priestesses of the Haitian Vodou order. A wide variety of Voodoo novelties are available here, many of which have been handcrafted by Glassman herself. The shop carries a small but thorough amount of spiritual supplies, plus a good selection of books, including tomes by the owner, who aims to make a believer out of you.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: This Voodoo shop is also a cultural stop at the Healing Center just across from St. Roch Market.
Beth's expert tip: Owner Sallie Ann Glassman does psychic readings but she's not always at the shop - best to call ahead to book.
If you're searching for authentic Voodoo shops in New Orleans, pay a visit to the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, which was established by Priestess Miriam Chamani in 1990. In addition to perusing the cultural gift center for offbeat items, visitors regularly have an opportunity to hear a short message from Priestess Miriam herself and take a tour of the temple grounds. Located near Congo Square, the temple has been featured on PBS and in a slew of films and TV shows. Services include consultations, rituals, potions, tours, and lectures with a focus on traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices. Priestess Miriam sells her own line of healing oils.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: This temple claims to be the only "formally" established spot in New Orleans focused on traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices.
Beth's expert tip: Priestess Miriam offers special wedding blessings, certainly a novel bachelorette present.
Prepare for an otherworldly experience at this teeny tiny French Quarter landmark with its oddball displays of gris-gris (Voodoo charms), potions and all kinds of memorabilia pertaining to Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, a 19th-century priestess and one of New Orleans' most colorful characters. Ask about scheduled rituals and guided tours to spiritually charged haunts. And yes, love potions, spells and Voodoo dolls are for sale. Marie Laveau's tomb is said to be in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, but you'll need a guide to get in because Laveau's fans had a habit of regularly defacing her grave.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: Part museum part gift shop, this is a good place to visit for Voodoo-related keepsakes.
Beth's expert tip: The entrance to the shop is free if you want to check it out before booking a tour.
There's more to Voodoo than pin cushions and dolls. Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of the religion and the woman who helped revive it in the city at this store that triples as a museum and shrine. You'll find a mix of kitschy souvenirs upfront and a spiritual advisor in the back, who performs readings just by feeling your pressure points. Whether you're a believer or not, Marie Laveau's is a spot that's uniquely New Orleans. Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo and Reverend Zombie's Voodoo Shop are centrally located in the French Quarter. Locals, tourists and the strangely curious have enjoyed the stores since Marie Laveau's first opened in 1988.
Recommended for Voodoo Shops because: This voodoo shop takes the practice beyond seriously, so no cutting up.
Beth's expert tip: You'll need a guide to visit Marie Laveau's (purported) grave at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.