Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook

I am surprised I never wrote a review sooner but it's about time. I realized today that even years later I refer to this book again and again more than any other. As someone who's from New Orleans and who's taken a few of Ms Alvarado's classes she has become someone I trust as a teacher and a woman of high integrity. Her authenticity comes through not only in her work but in her teaching style. While I was reading some of the reviews though I unfortunately ran across some really nasty comments but I'm not surprised. There is a lot of back stabbing going on and these in particular are coming from the West coast and it makes you wonder how they can boldface claim formulas belong to a particular person yet in the same breath complain that these formulas are not authentic. Which is it? The traditional formulas from New Orleans that were passed down through families are what they are, and they certainly aren't owned or made better by someone who's not from there. These are real, honest formulas. I have to say I have had two very intense life changing experiences from her work with St. Expedite and my altar devoted to my ancestors and I attribute that to the details she gives. Her classes are much more in depth and personal as you would expect but this is an excellent reference book full of knowledge and information and I'd be at a huge loss without it. <3 <3 <3

I have the original Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook but heard this one had additional info. And it does! More info on the origins of voodoo, spells, baths, oils, etc. If you need to add a book on voodoo to your collection, I highly recommend this one! You will not need any other book on voodoo! The intro by Doc Snake is incredable. The additional spells and more info on herbs, oils and baths is fantastic. There are also quick reference charts on the Saints and also info on Saints. This is something I've always looked for and love this condensed version. And if you want more from Denise, get her magazine and other books. She is very knowledgeable on voodoo and is a practioner herself so she knows what she is talking about! I am now a big fan of Denise's and plan on also purchasing the Kindle version of the Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook so its with me all the time.

The authors of "Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook" have definitely "swept the house clean" with this book. The history alone that is so thoroughly yet simply explained makes this book a must have even if you are not interested in Voodoo or Hoodoo as a practice. For the novice, I would highly recommend this as the first book you read. The authors just give the facts to you straight! No word is waisted. A great place to start your journey. A great reference to go back to over and over again for the novice, "seasoned", indigenous religion buff, or the just plain curious. Never judge a book by its cover! This book is a must have.

I don't know where to start I'm very happy I brought this book it's full of information. Denise Alvarado outdid herself. What I like most about this book is that she went into alot of detail, I love everything about this book I have received it on yesterday I just can't put this book down. Basically you have to have understanding and know how to comprehend. When I was trying to decide if to purchase this book are not, I was reading these reviews and one said there isn't no such thing as VoodooHoodoo she never put these words together. She explains Voodoo and Hoodoo by going into detail on each. This is a wonderful book and it gives alot of information and will inspire you to make your own oils. Me myself personally I love this book thank you Denise Alvarado for taking time out to write this book.

I love this book

I have seen this book many many times, yet never bought it because while I do practice Hoodoo, I have nothing to do with Voodoo; I figured it would be a waste. I finally bit the bullet since I figured if I wasn't a fan, I could always return it. I am absolutely no beginner to Hoodoo & Conjure, but I would certainly recommend this to someone who is. I am only giving it 4 starts due to the fact that since I personally have nothing to do with Voodoo, I have no knowledge of it so I can't say for sure whether what the author says in the portion where she talks about the Loa & such, is true or not. For example, saying that New Orleans Voodoo is non initiatory; especially since I have heard that a lot of people apparently do not approve of this author. Nonetheless, it was really interesting to learn a little bit about the religion. In the first part of the book she goes slightly in dept about Loa, their synchronicities, etc. which for me was pretty much useless, but for others it seemed very easy to understand as far as a light touch on the subject goes. I really love the fact that the author made a table explaining which Saint is synchronized with which Loa, however I did want to point out that, sadly just like other books I've read, the entry about my most Holy Saint Death, Santa Muerte, is not accurate. So then the seed is planted, for questioning the validity of all the other information about the spirits mentioned in this book. I love that the author included some tables on candle uses, spells for days of the week, herb correlations, etc. granted it's a very limited amount, but still useful. This book has quite the selection of recipes for floor washes, oils, powders & the like, which I am always a big fan of in books. However, aside from the first reason I mentioned as being part of why I gave 4 stars, the other reason is simply because it's not necessarily a spellbook. It does have spells in it, but that's not all this book is & honestly it doesn't have nearly as many spells as it does recipes. It's more of an introduction to what the author calls "New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo" rather than an actual spellbook. Not very useful for an experienced practitioner, but very nice for beginners. Another thing I didn't really like about the book was being that I actually own a copy of "The Voodoo Doll Spellbook" which is another title written by Denise, I did see some spells that were put in here that were also mention in the voodoo doll book; it's not too many repeats, but it was still kind of a disappointment. All in all, I'm glad I bought the book...it's just not really a spellbook per se. Either way, if you're checking out this book & you're a beginner, I would definitely recommend it. But please fact check everything, because sometimes I found myself thinking "well that doesn't sound right" when reading it.

As a modern day witch and hoodoo voodoo practitioner. I strongly advise you to invest your money in this beautifully written book. For anyone who practices the craft this is one book that will guide you. The fact that its just shy of 300 pages tells you that its depth is very real. Very easy to follow and most herbs, spices, and materials are easy to obtain.

Initially I bought the book because I wanted more ideas for magical oils and it has so much more than that. I haven't finished the actual book yet, but I'm over 100 pages in and she is very informative and it's an enjoyable book.