Voodoo Spiritual Temple, New Orleans
Inside the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, New Orleans. Photo
Jon Connell.
Location map and aerial view of Voodoo Spiritual Temple. For a larger interactive view, see our New Orleans Map.
The Voodoo Spiritual Temple is a more authentic experience among the touristy voodoo shops around New Orleans. Founded in 1990, the temple provides a wide range of voodoo services and welcomes inquisitive visitors.
History
The Voodoo Spiritual Temple was founded in 1990 by Priest Oswan Chamani and his wife Miriam with an emphasis on traditional West African spiritual practices. After Priest Chamani's death in 1995, Priestess Miriam assumed leadership of the temple.
Today, the Voodoo Spiritual Temple combines multiple traditions, including the Belizan Vodou practiced by Oswan Chamani and the Black Christian Spiritualist movement into which Miriam was ordained before her marriage.
What to See
The main room of the temple is full of altars, overflowing with offerings. Next door is a Cultural Center and Gift Shop, which sells voodoo ritual items made by Priestess Miriam herself, a CD of her chants, and other supplies. Available services include consultations, bone readings, weddings, blessings, and special rituals for healing and love. One of the missions of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple is to dispel misinformation about Voodoo, so respectful visitors are welcomed.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Voodoo Spiritual Temple |
| Location: | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Category: | Temples |
| Faith: | Indigenous |
| Denomination: | Voodoo |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1990 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 29.961416° N, 90.067321° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | 828 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
| Phone: | 504-522-9627 |
| Website: | www.voodoospiritualtemple.org |
| E-mail: | voodoospiritualtemple@hotmail.com |
| Hours: | Usually open daily, but hours are irregular. |
| Cost: | Free; donations welcomed. |
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Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Voodoo Spiritual Temple - official website
- Voodoo - Frommer's New Orleans
- Center Profile: Voodoo Spiritual Temple - The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Article last updated: 10/25/2009.
