New Orleans Spirits & Spells: Witchcraft, Voodoo, and Ghost Tour

Discover the Haunted and Mystical Side of New Orleans with Spirits & Spells Tour

The New Orleans Spirits & Spells: Witchcraft, Voodoo, and Ghost Tour offers an engaging 2-hour journey through the city’s darker, enchanted past. Priced at $29 per person, this walking tour is a highly recommended experience with a perfect 5.0 rating from 288 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate. It departs from Hex, a shop that sets the tone for a mystical adventure, and takes visitors through iconic spots in the French Quarter, including the LaLaurie Mansion and the Old Ursuline Convent.

This tour stands out because of its focus on witchcraft lore, voodoo traditions, and haunted locations, along with a rare opportunity to join a real coven for a group spellcasting ritual. The 2-hour experience is designed to be accessible for most people, with leisurely walking and engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides. While the tour is packed with fascinating stories and historical insights, note that children under 13 are not suitable for this experience.

Key Points

• Affordable and Popular: At just $29, this tour delivers a wealth of stories, history, and mystical experiences, with many bookings made 19 days in advance.
• Expert Guides and Rich Narration: The guides are praised for their knowledgeability, personality, and ability to blend history with spooky tales.
• Unique Stops and Experiences: Highlights include a spellcasting ritual at Hex, a visit to LaLaurie Mansion, and exploring the Voodoo Authentica shop.
• Historic and Cultural Insights: Learn about European witchcraft, folk magic, and the inspiration for “AHS: Coven” with stops that reveal the city’s magical history.
• Special Access and Rituals: Gain exclusive entry to a witches’ temple and participate in powerful group spells that add an authentic mystical touch.
• Highly Rated: With 288 positive reviews and praise for Jamie, the tour guide’s storytelling style, this experience is consistently described as entertaining, informative, and fun.

Starting Point at Hex and Its Mystical Atmosphere

The tour begins at Hex, a shop located at 1219 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, which serves as the perfect gateway into New Orleans’ haunted and mystical lore. At this spot, visitors can witness a spellcasting ritual in a real Witches’ temple and explore a hidden brick courtyard with a magical fountain. This initial stop sets an authentic tone, making the experience feel immersive from the very beginning.

The admission to Hex is free, and the rituals performed here add a layer of genuine mysticism that many find captivating. The shop’s ambiance and the opening ritual anchor the tour in truthful witchcraft traditions, not just sensational stories.

Exploring the Old Ursuline Convent Museum and Its Magical History

Next, the tour visits the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, where visitors learn about the miracles created through women working together and the power of women healers in New Orleans’ history. The site offers a glimpse into female resilience and mystical healing practices, with 15 minutes allocated for this stop.

This location highlights how women played a pivotal role in the city’s spiritual and healing traditions, contrasting the darker tales with empowering stories of female mystics and miracle workers. The free admission allows visitors to absorb these stories without feeling rushed.

The Connection Between Mary Oneida Toups and the Inspiration for “AHS: Coven”

On Chartres Street, the tour tells the story of Mary Oneida Toups, a real-life coven leader whose witchcraft practices served as the model for “American Horror Story: Coven”. In 10 minutes, visitors explore how her magical practices and coven influenced popular culture, bringing historic witchcraft into modern storytelling.

This stop deepens understanding of local witch legends, showcasing the real people behind the stories. It offers a balance of history and pop culture, making the experience both informative and entertaining.

Ghosts and Hauntings at Muriel’s Jackson Square

Following, the group visits Muriel’s Jackson Square, where the guide shares tales of the restaurant’s resident ghost. In 15 minutes, visitors learn about how the eatery pays homage to its spirit, blending culinary culture with supernatural tales.

This stop illustrates how ghost stories are woven into everyday life in New Orleans. The haunted history of Muriel’s adds a personalized ghost story to the city’s many haunted landmarks, making it a favorite for those interested in local spirits.

Learning the Historic Significance of Voodoo at Voodoo Authentica

At Voodoo Authentica, visitors gain insights into Voodoo’s roots in New Orleans. During the 4 pm tour, guests can enter a real Voodoo supply shop and learn about Voodoo practices and symbolism. The stop lasts 10 minutes and is essential for understanding how Voodoo is celebrated and misunderstood in the city.

The shop’s atmosphere and the stories shared demystify Voodoo’s cultural significance, moving beyond stereotypes to respectful education. This site is a highlight for those curious about spiritual practices associated with voodoo.

The Dark Side of the French Quarter: Malevolent Spirits and Ritual Murders

The tour then ventures to 735 Ursulines Ave, where the dark history of the French Quarter is revealed. The 15-minute stop details malevolent spirits and brutal ritual murders that serve as warnings about calling spirits you cannot control.

This segment offers a cautionary tale about spiritual hubris and the danger of rituals gone wrong. The location’s grim history enriches the haunting atmosphere pervasive in the district, making it a compelling part of the tour.

The Haunted LaLaurie Mansion and How to Repel Negativity

The LaLaurie Mansion remains one of the most infamous haunted sites in New Orleans. During a 15-minute visit, the guide recounts the true story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie’s atrocities and discusses ways to dispel negativity.

This location is notable for its disturbing history and supernatural reputation. Visitors learn practical tips for spiritual protection, which many find empowering, especially after hearing about the mansion’s haunted past.

The Group Spell and Rituals in a Witches’ Temple

The tour culminates in Hex’s Witches’ Temple, where visitors participate in a group spell. This interactive ritual involves casting a spell together, creating a powerful communal experience. Guests also get to walk around a magical fountain in the hidden brick courtyard.

Participation in the spellcasting ritual is a unique highlight, providing authentic engagement with witchcraft practices. The exclusive access and hands-on nature of this part of the tour set it apart from typical ghost walks.

The Role of Jamie as a Guide and Storyteller

Throughout the tour, Jamie receives high praise for her knowledge, personality, and ability to blend humor with serious stories. She is described as welcoming, professional, and enthusiastic, making the experience both informative and lively.

Many reviews emphasize Jamie’s credibility, noting her background as a practicing witch and her respectful approach to local traditions. Her storytelling keeps the group engaged and ensures that complex topics like witchcraft and voodoo are accessible and respectful.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to enjoy the experience. It operates near public transportation in the French Quarter, starting from Hex on Decatur Street. The group size is limited to 26, ensuring a personal experience.

Booking typically occurs about 19 days in advance, reflecting the tour’s popularity. The duration is approximately 2 hours, and the mobile ticket system makes access convenient. Since the tour is not suitable for children under 13, parents should plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts on the Spirits & Spells Experience

The New Orleans Spirits & Spells tour offers a compelling mix of history, legend, and mystical rituals. Its focus on authentic witchcraft and Voodoo traditions, combined with visits to iconic haunted sites like the LaLaurie Mansion, makes it ideal for those interested in the hidden stories of New Orleans.

Guided by a knowledgeable and charismatic leader, the tour balances entertaining storytelling with respectful education on spiritual practices. The participation in a real spell and exclusive access to a witches’ temple are unique features that add to its appeal.

While it might not suit children under 13, this experience is perfect for adults seeking a spooky, cultural, and mystical exploration of the French Quarter. For a well-rated, affordable, and engaging journey into the supernatural, this tour delivers a memorable slice of New Orleans’ magical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Hex, located at 1219 Decatur Street.

What is included in the experience?
Guests enjoy exclusive access to a witches’ temple and participate in a group spellcasting ritual.

Is there any age restriction?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 13 years.

How much does it cost?
The tour is $29 per person.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible by public transport?
Yes, it is located near public transportation.

What stops are included?
Stops include Hex, Old Ursuline Convent, Chartres Street, Muriel’s Jackson Square, Voodoo Authentica, 735 Ursulines Ave, and the LaLaurie Mansion.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The spellcasting ritual, authentic voodoo insights, and stories from a practicing witch guide make it a unique experience.

How many people are typically in the group?
The maximum group size is 26 travelers.