Hello fellow peers! As you may know, witches are present in a multitude of modern-day sources of literature and storytelling. These mystical figures of sorcery and magical potions may seem to be mere entertaining tales, but this is not the case. There is a significant and profound history hidden amidst the depictions of stark black cauldrons and pointed hats. There is no better woman to delve into this supernatural paradox with other than the Voodoo queen herself, Marie Laveau. Marie is believed to have been born and raised by a wealthy Creole (a person of mixed European and black descent) plantation owner, Charles Laveau. Marie was raised with an ardent educational and religious background, as she attended mass every day as a devout Catholic. She married carpenter Jacques Paris, a free person of color who was part of large Haitian immigration to New Orleans. This Haitian Revolution allowed the roots of Voodoo practice, along with other African-based cultural practices, to flourish within the community of New Orleans. Soon after discovering a curiosity in these traditional African practices, Marie began to devote her time to Voodoo.

For the years that followed her time in New Orleans Marie began to establish a prominent name for herself in the world of witchcraft. She studied her craft with Doctor John, an infamous Voodoo doctor with immense knowledge on sorcery and spirit possession. Although it was commonly practiced in New Orleans, Voodoo had gained an ominous and shunned reputation. Through her revolutionary combination of Voodoo beliefs and Catholic traditions, she emerged to levels of powerful recognition within her community. Not only did this action spark a widespread involvement in Voodoo practice, but it also made such affiliations accessible to the upper-class individuals of New Orleans as well.

Marie rapidly came to dominate as the most powerful Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, leading rituals and ceremonies held at the Maison Blanche, also known as the White House, for secret voodoo meetings. She spent her time reading fortunes, imparting love advice, and curing various ailments. Admirers near and far praised Marie for her saintly nature, for she was responsible for nursing individuals both spiritually and physically. Marie Laveau died on June 15, 1881, at the age of 86. Her tomb is decorated with hearts, pentagrams, and beautifully written poetry. Marie was and continues to be a prominent figure of New Orleans culture. She has notably shaped a significant lifestyle prevalent in New Orleans Voodoo, specifically in aiding connections with nature and spirits. Voodoo is more than witchcraft; it is the foundation on which New Orleans has built its unique identity.

Witches throughout history have been able to fundamentally influence the way in which people behave and interact with their surroundings. Marie is a great example of this power, for she has influenced thousands of individuals for the better. In her witchcraft, she taught the importance of meaningful relationships with nature, spirits, and ancestors. This continues to be a universal concept that lies within each one of us. That is, to seek truths of our own individuality that lie beyond our present reality. Marie has conveyed powerful wisdom to New Orleans: a tenacious spirit and a good nature make all the difference.