Voodoo. How much of its mysterious traditions are hokey hype and how much is genuine religious practice? There’s no better place to find out for yourself than in New Orleans, where the legend, kitsch, and reality of Voodoo collide.

Here’s a list of 7 of the city’s most famous voodoo shops — mostly in or nearby the city’s super accessible French Quarter —for you to explore. But when you do, just keep in mind that for many people, Voodoo is a living religion and a major part of their lives. As when visiting any religious site as a tourist, be sure to do so respectfully and with an open mind; it’s easy to tell the tourist traps apart from the real deal the instant you enter an establishment. Most shop owners and employees, as well as many practicing local folks, would be more than pleased to discuss their beliefs with you, so long as you approach them politely and without judgment.

Now get out there and start exploring!

Erzulie’s Voodoo Shop

“Honoring the Great Vodou Goddess of Passion, Pleasure and Prosperity” since 1999, Erzulie’s Voodoo Shop offers handcrafted spiritual products and services for all “seeking genuine spiritual assistance and guidance.” Putting a 21st-century spin on all things Voodoo, Erzulie’s has an iPhone and Android app, so you can start planning out your visit as soon as you’ve booked flights to New Orleans. Seriously cool!

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Island of Salvation Botanica

Owner and “initiated Vodou priestess” Sallie Ann Glassman is one of the best known and highly revered voodoo practitioners in town. Whether you’re visiting her shop for a reading or a healing, to pick up a few intriguing candles, or to simply browse the esoteric shelves, you’ll soon realize that the Island of Salvation Botanica is among the city’s most popular for religious locals.

Marie Laveau House of Voodoo

Image via Flickr – CC by SA 2.0 – Ken Lund

Kitschy souvenirs in the front, spiritual advice and palm readings in the back – Marie Laveau is one part tourist trap, one part museum and one part shrine — and 100% New Orleans! Whether you’re looking to learn about Louisiana’s most famous Voodoo practitioner, Marie Laveau, find out about your future, or add to your collection of talismans and charms, the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo is well worth a visit.

Mystic Tea Leaves

“A professional authentic establishment for the psychic arts” with a teacup galleria featuring more than 800 teacups from around the world, several of which are autographed by the celebrities, Mystic Tea Leaves is your one-stop shop for “tarot-tea-voodoo,” where the wacky and the esoterica blend to cast a memorably enchanting spell.

Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo

Image via Flickr – CC by 2.0 – Brendan Riley

Just around the corner from Marie Laveau’s Bourbon Street mecca, Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo offers a more relaxed yet just as fascinating opportunity for occult shopping and psychic readers. Also, the name of this shop is intriguing, are we right?

Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Cultural Center & Collection

Providing a “complete line of locally handmade” Voodoo dolls, gris-gris bags, potion, oils, and more, alongside spiritual work and consultations by an “experienced team of in-house practitioners,” Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans is also home to the annual Voodoo Music + Arts Experience.

Voodoo Spiritual Temple

 

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A post shared by Priestess Miriam Chamani (@voodoospiritualtemple) on Sep 8, 2017 at 12:20pm PDT

Established in 1990 by Priestess Miriam and Priest Oswan Chamani, the Voodoo Spiritual Temple‘s main focus is on “traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices.” Located near the historic Congo Square, services here include consultations, rituals, potions, tours, and lectures to “touch the soul of all people.”

Have you explored New Orleans’ rich voodoo culture? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!