Erzulie’s Authentic Voodoo

Really cool little shop in the French Quarter. Nice and friendly staff.

I really wanted to like this store, but the constant reminders to not touch anything made me wonder how I’m supposed to buy anything. In light of the signs on everything, I kept my hands to myself, both out of respect and because I don’t feel like being reprimanded. There was one thing in particular I would have liked to purchase, but I simply won’t if I can’t inspect it first. I understand it’s store policy, and I respect that, but I did choose to buy some items at another store because of those policies. The store was gorgeous and the items were clearly unique.

No thanks. Staff incredibly rude. The second I walked in the door I was told not to touch anything (before I even tried) before I was even greeted. When I did find something I wanted to look at I was told if I wanted to buy it, they would get it down for me. Well, I don’t know if I want to buy it until I get a good look, now do I? When my friend tried to make an offering to the altar, he was told to leave it at the register and they would place it for him. They operate this place as though they take the practice seriously, ok fine, but don’t be rude. An offering is personal, if we can’t place it, fine, but give it to someone else to place? No. And as far as not being able to touch anything because the wares sold are used on altars, two things: first, if I want to buy a piece, I want to hold it and see if it speaks to me. Second, I definitely don’t want the rude employees’ bad vibes all over it. No thanks. I’ll go to Marie’s. Way nicer staff and way friendlier vibe. It’s all touristy anyway, and is only as serious as you make it or take it. You sell dolls made out of polyester fabric and puffy paint for $ 65 a pop, which I can’t even touch unless I’m buying. Let’s not get too high and mighty, ok?

I won’t say that I do or don’t believe in the power of this practice. That said you can’t deny the power that this space holds. At least stop by to learn something.

I’m not a huge Voodoo person. There are definitely folks out there who are way more knowledgeable about this type of thing than I am. Even so, I definitely appreciate the Voodoo culture as it pertains to New Orleans and I do respect the practice.
As soon as we walked on the door, a very nice lady explained what everything was and how it worked. She pointed to the oils and told me that they had some that were already open, if I needed to sample them before buying. After thanking her for her help, I walked around and got a feel for the place. There are all kinds of nice things you can buy such as healing stones, oils, herbs, Voodoo dolls and candles. On this particular day I was looking for a prayer candle, but unfortunately they didn’t have what I was looking for. Not their fault at all, I stopped in here just on chance to see if they would have it.
Like others have said, you can get readings in the back of the store, but I’m not really sure what all that entails. I’m sure there is someone who could fill in the details of that a little better.

The store smelled great from all of the candles. Had a lot of boxed spell kits. This was the only shop we visited in New Orleans that we were told to leave our drinks by the door.

I bought a bar of soap in Erzulie’s pre-​Katrina that was the most wonderful scent EVER. The girl who was working there at the time was gracious and helpful in assisting me in finding exactly the right item. I have returned several times post-​Katrina in hopes that they would have the same item, and, not only is the help rude and indifferent, they have never restocked this soap or anything even close. Don’t think I’ll be going back in there.

I have been a visitor of this shop every since I was only 18 years old and I’d basically spend every other birthday shopping the French Quarter and finding spiritual or occult goods to add to my tantra practice. As a healer and psychic I value well made spiritual items and oils that serve a healing purpose. When I lived here for two years this has been one of my favorite voodoo shops in the Quarter to frequent… simply just to relax with my dog and get a good vibe. I recently made a very valuable purchase. About a few weeks ago I asked Nicole if she had any pure perfume oils I could use to attract more abundance and love to my practice. She let me open up a few bottles and I told her it was important for me to also be in love with the scent not just the «use». I love sweeter smells like vanilla and lavender oils and she pointed me towards her special blend of Love and attraction attar oil. I am IN LOVE with this oil. I use it to meditate and empower my sense of self love. Attraction oils are not simply FOR ENTERTAINMENT purposes only and this one has been an addictive part of my daily and nightly ritual to help me heal my heart chakra and be a better healer to my clients who seek me for self healing and tantra yoga. If you are at all sensitive to aromatherapy you will really appreciate the fact that these scents are very uplifting and mine that I chose is very sensual. A client of mine noticed I was wearing a feminine fragrance and he said I smelled delicious and I smiled and said THANK YOU! I believe these oils enhance your own body’s natural fragrance. I certainly feel loved and protected when I dab just a little behind my ears and wrists. There are many annointing oils to choose from and I think you should pick the one that calls to you and you won’t be wrong (ever). Nicole is very soothing and when ever I do stop into visit I love learning more about the Loa and discussing how they call in certain spirits into all the oils and magical items in their shop. My dog especially loves coming into this store and I think if you are called into making even just a brief visit out of curiosity you should choose at least one oil that screams out your name. Wishes and manifestation work through a strong sense of self love and self worth. Oils create this feeling of either calming your energy or shifting your energies so you can be a better you. I love the compliments I receive and people always tell me I smell sweet! I won’t complain!

Please don’t hex me Bc of this review but I went in there and saw nothing but boxed potions. The place had no character. Nobody said a thing to me. I’m only giving it a 2 because of the reviews I read online. I must have missed something…

Erzulie’s was the only voodoo shop in the Quarter that felt positive and authentic (vs. being a curio souvenir shop that the rest seemed). Treat the shop – and the staff – with the proper respect they deserve and you’ll come away with a great experience as we did. Nicole, in particular, was a wonderful and knowledgeable resource to help us find just the right products to help with our respective needs. Erzulie’s is the real deal. Highly recommend.

My visit to erzulies was beyond amazing. The person working treated both me and my boyfriend with respect and helped me find what I was looking for and respected my budget. I’m not very knowledgeable on voodoo at all but have been dealing with some hard times lately and went seeking help. She asked me specific questions and seemed to get right at the heart of what I was looking for without me even knowing what I was looking for. The whole atmosphere is welcoming and warm. Everything was perfectly explained from what the different products do ritually and their meaning to the benefits of using pure ingredients on skin. All in all I’m very glad I visited.

Although I am not from New Orleans, I do visit at least one time each year from Detroit, and I must say this shop is one of the best. Before even discussing the product let me just say the client service is phenomenal both in and out of the store. Any e-​mail is responded to and the workers are very knowledgable.
At first I was weary when we were told not to touch the items, but once you see them and realize how unique and hand crafted they are it is easy to see why. The fragrances are out of this world; I bought one for myself as well as my two sisters. If anything screams Erzulie Freda it is the décor of this place. From the glitter outside to the perfect altar inside you can tell this place is one of a kind. I urge anyone to check this store out because there is something for everyone here.

I want to like it, I keep trying, unfortunately I’ve been turned off to many times. Is this a boutique tourist trap or a spiritual supply store? I’m not sure. I’ve been in there plenty of times over the years, but I can’t seem to relax enough or bring myself to buy anything in here even when I’m working with loa Erzulie at home on my altar. Although it’s beautiful in there, love the glitter on the sidewalk, the attitude seems very cold and fake like they are trying very hard to be pleasant and the sales people breathe down my neck interrupting conversations I’m having with my friends, answering questions I did not ask them but maybe were rhetorical and part of a personal conversation with my friend. I’m not a tourist. I find it’s very annoying and I feel as though I just can’t breathe or get a moment of peace to center myself after coming in from outside. It’s like BAM! You are on constant watch. For what I am not sure. For the same price you could get a consultation with many vodou practitioners and they would not even hear of you spending that much for supplies. Less is more, or so I find from the other stores. Some of the prices are the highest I’ve ever seen even online, but the packaging so fancy and over the top that it feels inauthentic and like I’m back in the West Village of Manhattan. If you like that sort of thing, great. I understand these traits are a component of the loa Erzulie herself, but then I cannot justifying spending $ 70-​$ 100 for something I can get at any other vodou store in NOLA for $ 5-​$ 50 and get better personal service. Just my two cents. I would love to get to know the place better, unfortunately, I’m just not that comfortable there.

First off, you’re right, I didn’t spend $ 777, I spent just under $ 700. Which by the way is no small change. And don’t assume, I do know other ppl that have done rituals with you and they had mixed reviews as well. DON’T TRY TO DEFEND YOURSELF WITH LIES.
I ordered 3 kits not 2. (shows how much you know about your customers. I was happy that I was getting help not necessarily with the quality of it all. Like i said before, the voodoo doll i got was two pieces of cloth sewed together and a magic marker for a face. For $ 127, wouldn’t you expect more?
The offerings for Erzulie that you state in your pamphlet are as follows: «Cookies or sweet treats.» NOT VERY COMPREHENSIVE… no one told me that I had to buy an app as well or read the WHOLE WEBSITE searching for the answers. It would be nice if that information was given to you.
I don’t appreciate you insinuating that I did not do my research, I DID. That is how I came to have a problem with your establishment. None of what I say here is false. I did say that you answered my emails but they were mostly one line answers that were very vague. YOU were very friendly, not your other workers.
After paying all that money you expect me to just walk away and not ask for help? That I paid for? And there is no way that I emailed 8 times a day, THAT IS FALSE! If there was a day where there were that many emails in a day its called a CONVERSATION because of how vague you were.
I have found a legit hougan who has shown me the way and I am under his guidance and protection.
You are very irresponsible in the way you handled this situation. You need to have more care for the people who come to you. This may be about money for you but to some of us, this is our lives.
Instead of saying «Blessings», be the blessing.

Please don’t be fooled by the shops smaller size. The shop is filled with wonderful items ranging from seven dollar small bottles of oil to 45 dollar statues and everything in between. Lots of beautifully made small viles of amazingly scented oils containing trinkets and passages written inside for your use. They also had an extensive selection of different handmade soaps with different scents, ingredients and purposes. They also had lots of bath salts and perfumes all with special ingredients for special purposes. I did not get the feel that I was in a tourist trap type of voodoo shop, it felt like a genuine store for those who enjoy to practice. My only complaint was that I did not bring more money. It’s an absolutely beautiful store with absolutely charming employees!

I have used Erzulie’s products off and on since ¹⁹⁹⁹⁄₂₀₀₀ and am always impressed with Anna’s (owner) commitment to high-​quality, attention to detail and respectable customer care. This dedication is instilled in her staff, who are always knowledgeable, friendly and timely. Throughout the years, I have used various products, this time around I got, the Cosmic Cleanse Goat Milk Soap, the Love, Passion, Beauty and Healing Peace and Calming Oils and the Love & Passion Candle.
I was excited when I got my box in the mail, and all the products arrived in exemplary condition shortly after I placed my order. I did not use any of the products as a part of a ritual or spell. Since the products are already ritualized, they can also be used regularly as you would normally use them for the product to affect changes. I highly recommend reading through Erzulie’s FAQ section on the website for more details. The website’s FAQ provides clear and easy to understand information, description and definitions.
Cosmic Cleanse Soap — The hand-​made soap bar is huge, lasts a long time and smells great. The bar itself is gorgeous with a fun marbleized effect. I loved looking it at. Made with pure organic goats milk, soothing cocoa butter and a delicate combination of essential oils such as, lemongrass, tulsi, tree oil, jasmine (to name a few of the awesome ingredients) the Cosmic Cleanse Soap provided both aromatic and healing properties that promoted calm, nourished my skin and had a cleansing effect.
Love, Passion, Beauty and Healing Peace and Calming Oils — I decided on which to wear each morning depending how I felt and the roller ball applied the oils smoothly and gives a great way to control the amount I would use. The scents are derived from essential oils and are not overpowering, so my friends didn’t smell me before they saw me. The scents last throughout the day and I did not need to re-​apply. I cant wait to finish either bottles so I can get the stone that is added to help to help enhance healing vibes.
Love & Passion Candle — I use the candle at night to help unwind, and re-​energize for the next day. The scent is a light floral with a hint of spice. The candle burns cleanly and did not spatter or smoke.
I always enjoyed visiting the Root Queen at her original location but have not been back to New Orleans in quite sometime to visit her current location. I am sure the current location is as mesmerizing, warm and beautiful as the previous location. The moment I walked into her store I felt the positive energy, as staff warmly greeted me. I look forward to visiting again the next time I am in NOLA.

PURELY BEAUTIFUL, CREATIVELY POSTIVE ENERGY — in all ways! Listen: I live in Los Angeles, where there is a quasi-​spiritual/​psychic-​type of shop or service around every back alleyway. I’ve even been employed at one of the more popular ‘spiritual’ chain stores out here as well and can testify to how fake most of those people, the so-​called mediums & their retail stores are. It was depressing & rightly could make one very untrusting about the entire philosophy of any alternative spiritualism.
However, when I discovered Erzulie’s years ago & their wonderful products, it was like the mothership had finally brought me back home. The friendly & very supportive staff exudes such a caring vibe that is truly both a pleasure and also a rarity to experience during these fast-​paced-​hurry-​up-​and-​get-​out-​of-​here-​so-​I-​can-​shove-​the-​next-​customer-​out-​of-​the-​door times that we live in…
Anna, the ‘Root Queen’ and proprietress of Erzulie’s, is also absolutely the real deal. As stated above, I’ve met so many charlatans that am now usually quite jaded about people who claim that they are any kind of spiritualist. But not Anna — in fact, she doesn’t claim that at all when you meet her. Not only is she humble, obviously caring & friendly but she is incredibly well-​versed in spiritual knowledge of many diverse kinds — not just Voodoo (although that is obviously her area of expertise & deep wisdom)
These qualities also infuse her shop & products with a lovely feeling of ‘all are welcome’. And the perfume oils… the perfume oils! Being an obsessive perfumista who even had the luck & grace to make a journey to Grasse, France (the mecca of perfumery) and toured some of the world’s finest perfumeries, I can absolutely say that Anna’s creations are of the highest order — truly amongst the finest I have ever encountered. Not an exaggeration. It is immediately obvious the attention to detail that is exacted, as well as her use of the highest quality ingredients. This is in addition to the blessings & personal, loving energy put into each and every creation that she literally hand-​crafts herself.
I’m serious — you can almost literally *feel* the positivity that starts to glow & warm upon your skin when you apply them. I don’t mean to sound all cheesy (hey — I’m a heavy metal singer — for me to even write about these subjects in such a way means that this is some seriously bad-​ass stuff, you know?!) The perfumes & oils are indeed, my favorite items because not only are they absolutely INCREDIBLE smelling (OH, the compliments you shall receive, I swear, and also how lovely you will feel whilst enjoying their intoxicating bouquets) but they last & last & last & last… unlike so many other supposed ‘sacred oils/​perfumes’ that I have purchased from differing retailers and/​or brands (designer brands, even), whose scent fades within a couple of hours of application.
If you really crave a warm & welcoming environment to shop in — in addition to the highest of high quality products & absolute integrity within the spiritual community: your expectations will be surpassed at Erzulie’s. Heck: if you live in New Orleans and are having a bad day, just stop in to soak up the extremely healing vibes alone. Your senses, body & spirit will absolutely thank you for doing so.

One of my favorite places to visit in New Orleans! Used to visit the store all the time, and now that I no longer live there I order online. Staff is very knowledgable and always answers all my questions. The store itself is beautiful and has actual alters! The products are simply amazing. Great kits, and oils but the soaps are the big draw for me. I have very sensitive skin and can hardly tollerate anything with fragrance. But these soaps are so amazing and high quality that I can use them, smell great and not break out.
Highly recommend a trip to this unique place, unique even by French Quarter standards, and perhaps even get a reading from one of the very knowledgable and talented staff.

This place is like stepping into a whole different world! One minute, you’re walking down a sunny street, debating on popping into Pat O’Brien’s across the street, the next minute you’ve stepped into a voodoo world. I love how there are so many interesting things crammed in here that you must walk a little slower to take it all in and also not knock anything over. There are candles, cards and things I don’t even know the names for. It was hard to decide on small gifts for people, but I think this would be a great place to spend some time and learn a few things.

It’s very off-​putting to be in a shop where you literally CANNOT touch a single item on the shelves. The caretaker was on constant «repeat» as people walked in, «please do not touch those items» over and over and over. Listening to the constant drone of it was painful and annoying. We learned early that everything in the store is off limits, so we kept our hands to ourselves — but having to listen to the non-​stop reprimanding was just uncomfortable in a shopping environment.
How about putting all of the «no touch» items in display cases where access requires the shopkeeper? Or maybe REALLY BIG, colorful signs on *each and every case* stating «DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING» (the current signs are very ambiguous and tiny).
I appreciate that the items are sacred, and ritually made. But this is after all a retail storefront, not a Voodoo Temple, yes? I found other (just as authentic) shops where the proprietors not only encouraged photos, but allowed handling of the merchandise (noting it would not be «defiled» by such handling). Yes, it is possible to be BOTH authentic AND friendly — and acknowledging that photo taking does not «steal the mojo» from whatever magic you have manifested.
Yes, there are other cheesy/​touristy voodoo doll shops in the Quarter which are quite lame –but there are also heartfelt, true ones nearby that do not have a laundry list of restrictions in order to shop there.