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Island of Salvation Botanica in New Orleans

To: alt.religion.orisha,alt.religion.voodoo
From: catherine yronwode 
Subject: Re: Island of Salvation Botanica in New Orleans
Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2001 05:18:36 GMT

Sean Williams wrote:
> 
 [snip]

> About three years ago, I was looking for a couple of books and a
> friend said that the Isle of Salvation [Botanica in New Orleans] 
> may have them in stock,so I dropped by. When I went in the store,
> my first sight was Sallie [Glassman, the proprietor], renting out 
> duplicated VCR tapes to people that live in the neighborhood,these
> were current releases like the ones you would get at blockbuster and
> not having anything to do with Voodoo. While I was waiting around 
> for her to finish up with the tape rentals, I picked up a thumb 
> sized Elegua and was looking at it. When her customer left,she 
> proceeded to tell me that if I bought it, I should place it close to 
> my front door and give it offerings and candles!
> 
> UM....ok????? Since when does a Mambo have anything to do with 
> Elegua? Why was she telling me how to give offerings to a 
> figurine,thats all it was!
> 
> I told her I was looking for a book on Palo and she shared her views
> on the subject as well as some views on some of the Palero's that
> visit her store to get herbs occasionally. They werent positive.
> 
> I am not stating that "Other Stores" in and around the quarter are
> superior. Those stores are tourist traps,but the one thing those
> places do is present that fact up front. How could you think 
> anything else while being surrounded by "Born Again Voodooist" 
> bumper stickers????
> 
> I may be alone in my opinion and that is OK by me. I would like to
> point out that if you were clausterphobic,the Ilse of Salvation may
> not be the ideal place for you to visit,my bathroom is bigger than 
> the place.
> 
> I am not stating Mambo Sallie doesnt provide a valid service to 
> people either.
>
> When you come to New Orleans,Gumbo is something that should be tops 
> on your list of experiencing,why not stop by the Isle of Salvation 
> and get some Spiritual Gumbo while your at it? After that,why not 
> stay at the Oshun sweet at a hotel in the quarter,Sallie has invoked 
> the spirit of Oshun into this room for the hotel owners and it 
> boasts alot of benefits for ones love life...????
>
> After that why not go to an authentic Voodoo drum ceremony and be
> surrounded by middle aged yuppies who have soaked in patchouli for
> days and are wearing Boa Constricters and beating plastic drums?

 Whew! 

Couple of questions:

Wasn't it Ava Kay Jones who started the boa constictor dance thing in
New Orleans? I certainly say a video of her doing that in a back yard
somehwre in the city. Has this boa constrictor dance now become common
with others who rpactice syncretic voodoo / santeria in NOLA, such as
Sallie and/or Priestess Miriam? 

Also, could you explain a little more about the Voodoo ceremony
dedication of this Hotal Suite to the Orisha Oshun by Sallie? Was this a
joke? Serious? What hotel? When? It sounds nutty as all get-out. 

Thanks for any clarifications. 

cat yronwode 

Hoodoo in Theory and Practice -- http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodoo.html

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