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[[File:Maria-Lionza-Ritual.png|200px|left]]
[[File:Marie Laveau.jpg|200px|left]]
'''[[African diaspora religion]]s''' are a number of related beliefs that developed in the Americas as a result of the Atlantic Slave Trade. These belief systems are derived from traditional African religions mixed with influences from the more widespread organized religions. However, unlike [[Abrahamic religion]]s, African religions are not idealizations; instead, they seek to come to terms with reality.
'''[[Marie Laveau]]''' was a Louisiana Creole practitioner of [[Voodoo]], herbalist and midwife who was renowned in New Orleans. Her daughter, Marie Laveau II,  also practiced rootwork, conjure, Native American and [[African diaspora religion|African spiritualism]] as well as Louisiana Voodoo.


Because there are so many varied African diaspora religions and such diverse groups who contributed to their development, it is difficult to generalize about their beliefs and rituals. In addition to the religious syncretism of these traditions, many also incorporate elements of [[Christianity]], including reverence of Catholic [[saint]]s. Other major influences include: Native American religions, [[Spiritualism|Spiritism]], and [[shaman|Shamanism]] (sometimes including the use of [[recreational drug|entheogens]]).
Laveau started a beauty parlor where she was a hairdresser for the wealthier families of New Orleans. Of Laveau's [[ritual magic|magical]] practices, there is little that can be substantiated, including whether or not she had a snake she named Zombi after an African god, whether the [[occult]] part of her magic mixed [[Christianity|Roman Catholic]] [[saint]]s with African spirits and Native American [[Spiritualism]], or whether her [[divination|divinations]] were supported by a network of informants she developed while working as a hairdresser in prominent white households. She excelled at obtaining inside information on her wealthy patrons by instilling fear in their servants whom she either paid or cured of mysterious ailments.


'''([[African diaspora religion|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Marie Laveau|Full Article...]])'''

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