Voodoo Cruise Exhibit Sinks To A New Low

There are a lot of myths, misconceptions, and downright crap perpetuated about the religions of New Orleans Voodoo and Haitian Vodou. These fallacies are helped by mainstream media and most recently the evil beast of tourism. It is very disappointing to see “Halloween” themed events like the one taking place at the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor in California. The famous ship itself was created in 1930 in Scotland and this month has become an event space for Halloween. The happening will be taking place from October 2 to November 2. According to their website “Emerging from the swamps is a horrific and powerful creature, the Voodoo priestess.” Who writes this stuff ? It is very disrespectful, to call a woman who functions as a political, social, economic leader and counselor, a creature. Would they have written this about Margaret Thatcher (who in my opinion was scarier than any Voodoo woman I ever met. ) “Emerging from Downing Street is a horrific and powerful creature…the Prime Minister.” The thing that disturbs me the most probably is the fact the the Voodoo and Vodou religions are more wild and wonderful than most of these people will ever bother to find out. The commodification of the religion has been in place for centuries, weird Voodoo dolls and cheesy curses keep many a huckster in business. Unfortunately, it appears there is very little end in sight.

One slight glimmer of hope however, came from a decision last month in Florida. Universal Studios, I would like to say, made a more responsible “Voodoo” choice this holiday season. In an article featured in the Orlando Sentinel a Voodoo “Human Sacrifice,” has been removed from this years Halloween festivities for the theme park. The offending scene, stereotype and all can be seen here: Tom Schroder, Universal Orlando’s spokesperson said it was a “creative decision” to remove the scene from their ‘Bayou of Blood.’ Let’s hope all people responsible for these kinds of displays become more respectful in the future.

Obviously these things are not about real life. Seeing is believing however, and when most people have images that look like the demented maniacs found in television, film, and these theme attractions, how are they supposed to form a different truth. The most famous New Orleans Voodoo Priestess was Marie Laveau. There have been none like her before or since. She was known for helping the poor and homeless, and for popularizing an ancient and powerful religion. Learn more about her in my post The Real Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. There are plenty of authentic events to attend this Samhain season. My own Voodoo house is hosting an Ancestor Feast on October 26th in Brooklyn, email us at [email protected] for more information. In New Orleans Priestess Miriam of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple is hosting a Voodoo Ball and an open house with prosperity lecture check the website for details. Please do your best to make respectful and responsible choices this time of year for yourself and others. Help us spread the word about the good, the bad, and the ugly this season by sharing this, just click on the buttons below and I promise some Voodoo magick will happen! Many blessings!