posted March 23, 2009 02:44 PM         

Is it evil? Can it be used for good? Do you have any personal experience with it?

posted March 23, 2009 05:35 PM         

I know of a love ritual that can be performed for a couple that "entwines their souls forever," and it got me wondering if this is a bad thing to do... like would it interfere with karma, or would the decision to have the ritual performed be part of a couple's karma?

From my very limited (and recent) experience, voodoo seems very loving and intentional when used for good.

I'm not interested in taking it up myself, but I am fascinated with those who do.

posted March 23, 2009 05:53 PM         

I lived in New Orleans for a number of years and was really intrigued (initially). Did the whole Marie Leveau tour thingie, which was cool....but don't get sucked into the illusions of the voodoo magic advertisements. Read up on the history first. It's pretty rich and diverse.
The slaves in New Orleans had to work their butts off and fight really hard to be able to practice their own religion, and Congo Square was basically where they met up on Sundays. Along the way, Catholicism became mixed with Voodoo when it was brought in by the slaves, so it morphed and changed.
There used to be a high priestess called Miriam - voodoo priestess - in New Orleans. She did a bone reading for me, it was kind of silly. She got some stuff right, but was off. Still, she's a nice woman, and a very intriguing figure. See if she's around, and if she is, pay her a visit. She's not in the best area of town, so be careful. She's an expert on Voodoo, and had a cool house. This was like 10 years ago, so I have no idea if she's even there or alive anymore or what.

posted March 23, 2009 06:00 PM         

Voodoo/Voudoun is NOT a 'loving' practice necessarily. They might try to 'sell' you that to make it seem more palatable, but it's VERY GRAY. One of their main goddesses is one of Chaos and Change....that should tell you how sweet they are
There's definitely a dark element, but it's not bad. It's not 'good' either. Just is.

I just found Priestess Mariam's page/The Voodoo Temple: http://www.voodoospiritualtemple.org/

more info: http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/6157/VoodooInfo.html

posted March 23, 2009 06:31 PM         

I just found Miriam's link last night and added it to my list of things to do. We're not going until October, so I'll miss the Jazz Fest.

I'll be there for three days-- as a former local, what would you suggest as must dos?

posted March 23, 2009 07:02 PM         

Garden District and Uptown there's a ton of places (I have friends working at) that you should try if you get the chance. Try Herbsaint, Lilette (amazing French/Italian bistro...kind of upscale), De Longpre wine bar (great wine and tapas), and this place: http://www.uglesichs.com/ for traditional New Orleans cuisine ...wonderful food.