Creole Moon is the website of author and artist Denise M. Alvarado. It houses Creole Moon Publications and Alvarado's Magickal Apothecary. Both aspects of the website serves as an important resource for information related to New Orleans Voudou, hoodoo, Southern rootwork, Catholic conjure and folk magic, offering original books and authentic products reflective of a Southern spiritual lifestyle.
Get to know me and my work better through reading the information on this page. Instead of just writing a few paragraphs myself, I have included news, reviews, articles and podcasts for your entertainment. Enjoy! Social & Community Responsibility
RECYCLE. REUSE. REPAY. I love our Mother Earth and show it by reusing and recycling or packaging material. I purchase earth-friendly packing products and packing supplies I receive in other shipments. This may mean your box won't always look brand new and that would be because it may not be! Very little goes to waste. When purchasing supplies I am conscience of finding recycled or recyclable materials whether it is to be used for my office and warehouse, product labeling or for packaging materials. Even some of my products are created from recyclable materials and what would otherwise be considered "kitchen waste." Biodegradable leftover food goes into my gardens and orange peels and egg shells are dried and crushed into powders, for example. Repaying refers to paying it forward; engaging in environmentally-friendly and community conscious activities out of principle. Whenever possible, if a member of the online conjure community or local community is in need of financial support, I do my best to contribute. This year, I have advocated for Papa Joe Fisher's Prayer House by spearheading a fund drive, provided financial support and media coverage for the Marie Laveaux Shrine in New Orleans, as well as helped individuals with their various needs. In the past I have partnered with Mercy Corps to raise money for the earthquake in Haiti. I do this because others have shown me incredible generosity and helped me through hard times just because they could - out of principle and the generous nature of their characters. These individuals have been and remain my beloved role models.
UPHOLD TRADITION. I commit to handcrafting all products with mindful intention and the most appropriate methods possible as was taught to me by my mother, father and grandmother, thereby upholding sacred ancestral traditions. This translates into quality over quantity and careful construction over the immediate gratification mindset. As my mother used to say: "Excellent things come to those who are willing to wait." That said, I do my best to maintain timely shipments and items that require additional time for creation are noted in their product descriptions.
RELIABLE CULTURAL INFORMATION. I am committed to providing the most authoritative EDUCATIONAL information possible on this website and by extension, all of my websites. You won't find ignorant, unresearched statements here such as "Red brick dust came from the Skeleton Key" or "New Orleans Voodoo came from Haiti." In addition to a growing Knowledge Base and list of Tutorials, every product page will soon be accompanied by an educational article about the cultural and historical use or role of the materia medica in Southern Conjure. My books and articles are always referenced and if a bit of information provided is based on oral tradition or an original conjure it is made known. If I am relating information based on personal experience or opinion, I will tell you. That is my guarantee.
ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS. Many of the products we sell are eco-friendly. You can easily spot these items by the green eco-friendly icon on the product page and paying attention to the ingredients and items used (and reused) to create the products. What does eco-friendly mean? Eco-friendly literally means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment. Examples of eco-friendly practices utilized by Creole Moon is collecting rainwater, utilizing road kill and naturally deceased animals for animal parts (under no circumstances are any animals killed or sacrificed for the purpose of product creation, down to the tiniest insects), growing our own herbs and plants, using leftover materials to stuff dolls, reusing paper grocery bags for petition papers, harvesting only what is needed for product creation and personal use. These eco-friendly activities may seem small, but if everyone did whatever they could in their own neck of the woods, it would amount to something great. You can engage in eco-friendly habits or practices as well by being more conscious of how you use the resources around you and purchasing products from companies with eco-friendly practices.
VOODOO GREEN (TM). Making truly eco-friendly products prevents contributions to air, water and land pollution. At a minimum, the product is non-toxic. Other eco-friendly attributes include the use of sustainably grown or raised herbs, plants and roots, produced in ways that do not deplete the ecosystem. My gardens are all organically grown without toxic pesticides or herbicides. Products made from recycled materials contain glass, wood, paper, metal or plastic reclaimed from waste products and purchased from thrift stores and made into something new. Biodegradable products break down through natural decomposition, which is less taxing on landfills and the ecosystem as a whole. An example of a Voodoo Green (TM) product is my Bayou Swamp Ju Ju (TM) dolls, which are made from leftover muslin scraps from other projects, dyed with leftover coffee grounds or tea leaves (which then go to the gardens), and stuffed with fabric scraps and organically grown herbs and flowers.
News and Reviews
Serious Conjure: A Preview of the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook by Denise AlvaradoHere’s the dope. Denise Alvarado is a true hoodoo mamba home girl who burned hi-octane conjure in New Orleans where she grew up, and on visits to relatives on the Mississippayous, where she was formally introduced to the Voodoo/hoodoo path. Called by the spirits and taught conjuration by family members, she was working the goofer from five years old. That’s some serious heat. Denise is no pretender. She’s for real. She fixes the formulas, raises the spirits, calculates the mathematics, and works wonders at the old dirt track crossroads.
Sporadic tumblings on the African Diaspora in the Americas
Conjure woman from Washington County Georgia and great grandmother of [“Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly”] artist Inga Kimberly Brown. Brown writes, "I met a new artist friend, Denise Alvarado and she has published a new book of articles and art that have much to do with our relative Voodoo, [what] we call Hoodoo and Root Work. As to my knowledge some of my Grandmother’s definitely lived by this old tradition and practiced it. Some of them did not. When Denise saw a picture of one of my Great Grandmother’s she asked if she could use the picture of my Grandmother Marie Steel in her new journal “Hoodoo and Conjure Quarterly” I said yes and stated that “my Grandma Marie would have loved it I’m sure”. Inga’s grandma Marie represents so much of what southern hoodoo is all about. She was black and Cherokee Indian, and that cigar…
Interviews and Podcasts
COAST TO COAST WITH GEORGE NOORYSpiritual Warfare/ Creole Voodoo, Tuesday - July 29, 2014
In the first half of the show, Dr. Robert Bennett spoke about his research into spirituality, demon possession, spiritual warfare, exorcism, and paranormal phenomena & lore. In the second half of the show, New Orleans-born author and spiritual advisor Denise Alvarado talked about spells and the practice of Creole Voodoo. Describing different offshoots, she noted that Voodoo is actually a religion brought over from Africa, while Hoodoo is the practice of the magical aspects of Voodoo, without the religious association. Voodoo translates as "spirit of God" or "mystery" and is mostly about healing, she said, adding that African Voodoo's primary emphasis is on ancestors or gods/goddesses, with Creole Voodoo being a regional variation. Hoodoo "conjure workers" use what they call doll babies (what most people think of as "voodoo dolls"), whereas Voodoo practitioners use altar dolls that are like vessels that will hold particular spirits which are petitioned in rituals, she continued. Alvarado detailed a case where she successfully helped a man attract a woman into a relationship by using a doll created in the woman's likeness, which he was instructed to interact and talk with. She also described a Voodoo magic object called a gris-gris, in which different herbs and curios are blended together into a packet, which a person wears or carries to achieve a desired effect. Voodoo is a lifestyle and mindset involving having a good relationship with your spirits and ancestors, and believing that they're going to come through for you when you need them, she explained. For more, check out two videos she sent us illustrating an old Hoodoo ritual. Download and listen (note you must be a subscriber in order to access this video, unfortunately): http://www.coasttocoastam.com/show/2014/07/29 BAYOU CITY CONJURE RADIO
Episode #7 January 18, 2012 08:43 PM PST
Catch our enlightening and educational interview with Denise Alvarado, publisher of Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly. Download and listen: Bayou City Conjure Radio interview with Denise Alvarado THE CHURCH OF MABUS RADIO
Denise Alvarado: The Voodoo Doll Spellbook
Download and listen: Denise Alvarado: The Voodoo Doll Spellbook NEW WORLD WITCHERYPodcast 32 – Voodoo Hoodoo with Denise Alvarado
This episode looks at the particular practices of Voodoo and Hoodoo around New Orleans. We have an interview with Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook author Denise Alvarado, several excerpts from folkloric and magical texts, and even some music. Download and listen: New World Witchery – Episode 32 OLD STYLE CONJURE
Momma Starr and the radio crew will host Denise Alvarado proprietor, artist, and creative director of Creole Moon, and known practitioner of the “Hoodoo Voodoo” tradition commonly associated with the New Orleans area. She will be discussing her specialized form of Voodoo/Hoodoo practices as well as her contributions as an author and teacher. Tune in for a very exciting and interesting discussion over many topics and whatever comes up.
Download and listen: Old Style Conjure is back! With Denise Alvarado LIVE ON THE Para-X Network 8 PM EST NOVEMBER 14, 2011
Denise joins Andrieh Vitimus and Jason Cowell to discuss her experience as an expert and author in the New Orleans Voodoo-Hoodoo tradition.
Download and listen: Episode 31: Guest Denise Alvarado New Orleans Vodoo PARANORMAL ODYSSEY PODCAST
49 - Denise Alvarado/Zombies Part 3 Jul 16 13 · 65 minutes
The Mighty Ants Lipanovic and Bo Luellen trek across America talking paranormal, ufology, and crpytozoology with researchers in each state, as well as talk to noted authors, tv personalities, and distinguished speakers on those same topics. On this episode, Denise Alvarado talks about her deep understanding of Voodoo Hoodoo, and gives us the inside scoop on the creation of a Ju Ju Zombie. DENISE ALVARADO (VOODOO AND HOODOO) ON OCCULT SCIENCE RADIO
Denise Alvarado, who was born and raised in the Voodoo and hoodoo rich culture of New Orleans. She has studied mysticism and practiced Creole Voodoo and indigenous healing traditions for over 30 years. She is an ordained minister and a highly trained psychologist, spiritual advisor, and cultural consultant. Denise Alvarado is a Native American healer with experience in dream interpretation, tarot, and a number of the healing mystical arts.
NEW ORLEANS STYLE VOODOO with Denise Alvarado
Denise Alvarado of Planet Voodoo fame is coming to Keep it magic to talk about her latest publications; The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook and the Hoodoo Almanac 2012.
Denise's has a treasure trove of books on hoodoo and magic available on her site and on Amazon.com and has impressed me with her tenacity to make magic happen by self publishing 9 of the 10 titles. Join Storm and Jacki as they talk to Denise about making magik happen New Orleans style. "Keep It Magic" is sponsored by Coventry Creations HEX EDUCATION with Christian Day and Lori Bruno
Voodoo Dolls with Denise Alvarado - Feb 02, 2012
Join hosts Salem Warlock Christian Day and Salem Witch Lori Bruno as they welcome Denise Alvarado, author of the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook. "Voodoo Hoodoo" is the unique variety of Creole Voodoo found in New Orleans. The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook is a rich compendium of more than 300 authentic Voodoo and Hoodoo recipes, rituals, and spells for love, justice, gambling luck, prosperity, health, and success. Cultural psychologist and root worker Denise Alvarado, who grew up in New Orleans, draws from a lifetime of recipes and spells learned from family, friends, and local practitioners. She traces the history of the African-based folk magic brought by slaves to New Orleans, and shows how it evolved over time to include influences from Native American spirituality, Catholicism, and Pentecostalism. She shares her research into folklore collections and 19th- and 20th- century formularies along with her own magical arts. Download and listen: Voodoo Dolls with Denise Alvarado DENISE ALVARADO (VOODOO HOODOO SPELLBOOK)
Join Mackenzie Knight as she talks with Denise Alvarado about her new book, the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook.
Download and listen: Denise Alvarado: The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook PAGAN PERSPECTIVES
The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook with Denise Alvarado
Join me for this Special show with Denise Alvarado. We will be discussing her new Book The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook. we will delve into what voodoo is and how it has developed over the centuries. Download and listen: The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook with Denise Alvarado LIVE PARANORMAL HISTORY RADIO
The Wicked Domain on liveparanormal.com with Guest Denise Alvarado
Join Alex Matsuo as she talks to voodoo and hoodoo expert Denise Alvarado, author of various books as well as an expert in the realm of voodoo and hoodoo. Download and listen: The Wicked Domain with guest Denise Alvarado WITCHTALK (ON THE BLACK CHAIR)"Voodoo Hoodoo" is the unique variety of Creole Voodoo found in New Orleans. The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook is a rich compendium of more than 300 authentic Voodoo and Hoodoo recipes, rituals, and spells for love, justice, gambling luck, prosperity, health, and success.
Cultural psychology expert and root worker Denise Alvarado, who grew up in New Orleans, draws from a lifetime of recipes and spells learned from family, friends, and local practitioners. She traces the history of the African-based folk magic brought by slaves to New Orleans, and shows how it evolved over time to include influences from Native American spirituality, Catholicism, and Pentecostalism. She shares her research into folklore collections and 19th- and 20th- century formularies along with her own magical arts. Denise Alvarado is going to tell us "why we pin the doll" and all about Hoodoo Voodoo and her new revised edition of her book. Download and listen: Why do we pin the Doll - Hoodoo Voodoo with Denise Alvarado |
“Here's the dope: Denise Alvarado is a true hoodoo mamba home girl who burned hi-octane conjure in New Orleans where she grew up, and on visits to relatives in the Mississippi bayous, where she was formally introduced to the Voodoo/hoodoo path. Called by the spirits and taught conjuration by family members, she was working the goofer from five years old. That’s some serious heat. Denise is no pretender. She’s for real. She fixes the formulas, raises the spirits, calculates the mathematics, and works wonders at the old dirt track crossroads.” -Doktor Snake, author of Doktor Snake’s Voodoo Spellbook
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PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Denise Alvarado is a New Orleans born, native Creole raised in the unique culture of New Orleans, Louisiana and has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over four decades. She has a M.S. in Professional Psychology from Walden University and a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Northern Arizona University. An independent researcher, Denise is founder of the American Rootwork Association and a member of the American Anthropological Association and the Association of Indigenous Anthropologists as well as several special interest groups including Anthropology of Childhood and Children Interest Group (ACCIG), Digital Anthropologies Interest Group (DAIG), and Interest Group on NGOs and Nonprofits (IGNN). She is Editor in Chief of Hoodoo & Conjure magazine, Gumbo Ya Ya and the Journal Of American Rootwork, as well as a series of books that focus on folk magic traditions from the American South.
Denise lives the life she writes about and researches, giving her a unique participant observation perspective to her work. Want to know more about Denise M. Alvarado's professional credentials? Continue reading about me... SOME OF THE COMPANIES I HAVE WORKED WITH
PREMIERE ISSUES | Hoodoo & Conjure Quarterly:
Editor-in-Chief/Founder : Denise Alvarado Art Director : Denise Alvarado BECOME A PATRON
You can support my efforts to provide you with high quality environmentally-friendly and community conscience products by becoming a Sweet Tea and Conjure patron. For as little as $1.00 a month, you can be part of an exclusive group of people who receive product samples and sneak previews of new books. I solicit your feedback for product improvement, and create products you request. Your support also allows me to continue to provide free information sites such as Voodoo Muse, the free online magazine of Sweet tea and Conjure, and Conjuredoctors.com, an information site about famous and not-so-famous rootworkers, and conjure doctors in history. Your support also helps me to maintain my gardens which require an extensive amount of work here in the High Deserts of Arizona. I can only do these things through your generous support. For more information, please visit patreon.com/denisealvarado.
PUBLICATIONS (Partial List)Alvarado, Denise
In press Conjuring Black Hawk. Prescott Valley: Creole Moon Publications. Alvarado, Denise 2013 The Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite. Prescott Valley: Creole Moon Publications. Alvarado, Denise 2014 The Voodoo Doll Spellbook: A Compendium of Ancient and Contemporary Spells and Rituals. San Fransisco: Weiser Books. Alvarado, Denise and Carolina Dean and Alyne Pustanio 2014 The Hoodoo Almanac 2014 and 2015. Prescott Valley: Creole Moon Publications. Alvarado, Denise and Carolina Dean and Alyne Pustanio 2013 The Hoodoo Almanac 2013 Gazette. Prescott Valley: Creole Moon Publications. Alvarado, Denise and Carolina Dean and Alyne Pustanio 2012 The Hoodoo Almanac 2012. Prescott Valley: Creole Moon Publications. Alvarado, Denise
2011 The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook. San Fransisco: Weiser Books. Alvarado, Denise 2014 Ritual Offerings in New Orleans Voudou. In: Leitch, A, ed. Ritual Offerings. Nephilim Press, 147-179. Alvarado, Denise 2014 Gris Gris Lamp for Dr. John Montanee. In Martinie, L. ed. Dr. John Montenee: A grimoire. New Orleans: Black Moon Publishing, 133-138. Alvarado, Denise 2014 The Superposition of Dr. Jean: A handwriting investigation. In Martinie, L. ed. Dr. John Montenee: A grimoire. New Orleans: Black Moon Publishing, 160-172. Alvarado, Denise 2010 The Native American Wellness Scale (NAWS): An Intertribal Quality of Life Measure for Indigenous Populations. Ph.D. dissertation, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Walden University. |
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