Southern Breeze 2007 Fall Issue

Archaic cemeteries create vast cities of the dead, A 48 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m an entire mythology unique to New Orleans and celebrated by the Voodoo religion, local ghost hunters, and curious onlookers alike. And what became of the murderous Carter brothers? They were captured and executed via electric chair in 1936. Over the next year police reports showed more than 22 prowler break-ins with descriptions of the two brothers. Not ghostly figures but in human form. Their tombs were opened a year after their burial to find two empty coffins. Could these bloodthirsty vampires still be stalking the French Quarter today looking for their next meal? New Orleans also holds a large population of those who follow the Voodoo religion, a practice that subscribes to a supreme god served by Lwa (or loa), spirits from dead people. There are hundreds of spirits; some heal, some are caretakers, and others are a bit more disturbed. Hauntings and magic spells come from a saucier who according to Sallie Ann Glassman, a New Orleans Voodoo Priestess, has nothing to do with the Voodoo religion. Sallie Ann presides in ceremonies that call and coax the spirits from the dead reclaiming their souls for communicating and guidance. She admits it takes a lifetime of training to learn how to recognize, enhance, and direct the energy in a particular movement, and to get the mind and body in the same place at the same time. “Anybody participating will feel the effects of it,” says Sallie Ann, referring to people who attend these ceremonies. “They (the Lwa) continue to communicate with the living through ceremonies, dreams, and possession trances where they actually borrow a person’s body temporarily and talk through it, do healings…eat and dance…manifesting in the character of that person.” In her book, Voodoo Vision, Sallie Ann provides people with basic training, a metaphysical approach to make a spiritual connection which can be applied to their own personal family spirits. The Voodoo religion encourages commune with the dead, rallying the spirits to bring peace and tranquility. “I believe it’s perfectly natural,” says Sallie Ann. “Something that we have forgotten how to do.” So do you believe in ghosts? Before you answer that question, come on down to N’Awlins and slither inside the shadows of the French Quarter or stroll alongside raised tombs in the St. Louis Cemetery. I’m sure the Carter brothers would love to show you some bloodthirsty bars and Madame LaLaurie will be glad to read you a ghastly bedtime story. http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Fall Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Accessories Coastal Calendar Storefronts: French Flair in Fairhope Sweet Dreams: Smooth Sailing Art of Living: The Colors of Hope Fixtures: Shake It Up! Live Here: Filled to the Brim Our Backyard: Just Add Water Make Yourself at Home: Open Invitation Pierless Pleasures Always Biloxi Spirited Away Reef Madness Louisiana Love Cheers: Fall Freeze Dish: Java Servers Reader Services Chef's Table: The Kid Inside Let's Eat: Cornbread, Catheads, and Calas Last Bite

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