title: The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook
author:  Kenaz Filan 
description: Kenaz Filans new book is quite simply the best book on New Orleans Voodoo I have ever read. It is extremely well researched detailing spirits, practitioners, and rituals, that are well known in the Crescent City, but which have never been covered in a book like this before. Kenaz takes great pains to show that Voodoo of New Orleans is a unique system of magic distinct from, but with relations to both Haitian Vodou and Hoodoo, and provide a much needed window into the ever evolving magic of Americas most occult city. (<i>Jason Miller, author of Protection &amp; Reversal Magick: A Witchs Defense Manual</i>)<br /><br />To understand a spiritual practice one must understand both the history and culture in which it flourished. In <i>The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook</i>, Kenaz Filan begins with the critical eye of a historian before investigating New Orleans Voodoo as both a spiritual science and religion. He strips away myth and fallacy, leaving us with fact, and gives us an insiders view of the faiths deepest mysteries. It is the first book Ive read by an experienced houngan dealing with one of the Souths most enduring, powerful legacies. This volume is a welcome addition to both the casual historians and active practitioners library. (<i>Ochani Lele, author of Diloggn Tales of the Natural World, Teachings of the Sater</i>)<br /><br />A winning blend of urban and religious history from famed New Orleans Vodou priest Filan. . . . A unique supplementary travel guide for anyone planning a trip to NOLA or readers interested in the citys rich voodoo tradition. (<i>Kirkus Reviews, August 2011</i>)<br /><br />Well researched, well written, and a delight to read, I highly recommend this to readers who want to understand how and why New Orleans voodoo is different from the island varieties. (<i>FacingNorth.net, October 2011</i>)<br /><br />One reviewer said The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook?is quite simply the best book on New Orleans Voodoo I have ever read. I would amend that to,?its the best book on New Orleans and Voodoo Ive ever read. (<i>Psychic-Magic, November 2011</i>)<br /><br />Plenty of practical prayers and recipes follow, as well as instructions for divination, candle-workings and concocting magical oils, etc. Overall, this is a wellresearched and highly engaging read. (<i>Frater Puck, Behutet Magazine</i>)<br /><br />Filan does an excellent job in presenting good information, and offering caveats for the rest. And while the Handbook is not a spell book, the information provided on the spirits, saints, oils and candle magick, plus the best explanation of what a voodoo doll is (and isnt), is a wonderful entry into this work for anyone who wishes to pursue it further. Fun and informative, <i>The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook</i> is a great resource for anyone interested in this style of magick, or whos planning a magickal vacation in the Crescent City (<i>Leni Hester, Witches and Pagans Magazine, October 2012</i>)<br /><br />I recommend <i>The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook</i> for those who want to learn more about the culture and beginnings of the spiritual tradition.  (<i>Pagan Book Reviews, August 2013</i>)<br /><br /><i>The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook</i> is about so much more than Voodoo. Using Voodoo as the lens through which the city of New Orleans is viewed, Kenaz Filan weaves a tale equal parts history, tourist guide, and introduction to Voodoo as unique as the city itself. Filan touches on topics as diverse as the evolution of race relations within the city and the proper use of ritual oils. If you are planning a visit to the city or just want a fresh perspective on a fascinating American city, pick up this book. (<i>Witches Almanac, December 2013</i>)
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  ### Barbara Hambly
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  **Barbara Hambly**
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Mary Ann
  
  
  
  
  
  Special thanks to those, in New Orleans and elsewhere, who have helped me with
  this book: to Paul Nevski of Le Monde Creole; to the Staff of the Historic New
  Orleans Collection; to Tim Trahan of Animal Arts in New Orleans; to Priestess
  Miriam of the Voodoo Spirit Temple; to Greg Osborn of the New Orleans Public
  Library; to Adrian and Victoria; to Kate Miciak; to Diana Paxson; and always,
  to George.
  
  
  TERMINOLOGY OF VOODOO Since voodoo terms were originally transliterated from
  various West African languages through creolized French, spelling is a matter
  of guesswork. I have in most cases used the modern Haitian spellings and names
  as found in Metraux's Voodoo in Haiti, the starting point of much of my
  research.
  
  
  The shape and structure of voodoo in Louisiana in the 1830s is something that
  can 