I lived right down in the heart of what they called Hoodoo land, in the same block as Marie Laveau. She was a Hoodoo queen and was nice and good and did lots of charity work. I was between 9 and 11 then and used to run errands for her. She sent me to the drug store to buy bergamot and incense powders.
—Cecile Hunt, 1940
Unearthing Marie Laveau's predilection for bergamot was like stumbling upon the Arkenstone hiding in the vast treasure of Smaug's lair. Okay, I am exaggerating. But as I dove deeper into the rabbit holes of New Orleans Voudou and Hoodoo while writing the Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire, the magickal allure of bergamot beckoned me. I wondered, what did Marie Laveau believe was so special about bergamot? I have used the herb and essential oil for years but never thought much about it until writing the book. I did not realize that bergamot was such an important part of the Laveau Voudou materia magica.
In the realm of Hoodoo, bergamot reigns supreme as a multifaceted herb with both magickal and medicinal properties. Its vibrant citrus scent dances through the air, weaving a spell of enchantment that captivates the senses and stirs the soul. From love spells to purification rituals, bergamot's versatility knows no bounds, making it a cherished ingredient in the practitioner's toolkit.
One of the most renowned uses of bergamot in Hoodoo is its role in love magic. Associated with the essence of passion and romance, bergamot is believed to kindle the flames of desire and ignite the spark of love. Whether sprinkled in a gris gris under the pillow or served as a tea brewed into a powerful love potion, bergamot has the ability to draw soulmates together and deepen the bonds of affection.
But bergamot's influence extends far beyond matters of the heart. In the realm of prosperity and abundance, this humble herb shines as a beacon of financial blessings. With its innate ability to attract wealth and success, bergamot is often incorporated into money-drawing spells and rituals. From anointing candles to dressing mojo bags, bergamot infuses each gesture with the energy of prosperity, paving the way for abundance to flow freely into one's life.
In addition, bergamot is revered for its purifying properties, making it a staple ingredient in rituals of spiritual cleansing and protection. As you inhale the essential oil, negative energies are banished, and the soul is uplifted with a sense of clarity and renewal. Whether used in sacred space cleansing or personal purification baths, bergamot serves as a potent ally in the journey toward spiritual enlightenment and empowerment.
On the medicinal front, bergamot boasts a plethora of health benefits that have been cherished for centuries. From soothing digestive woes to alleviating stress and anxiety, bergamot's healing touch is a balm for the body and mind. As an herbal infusion or essential oil, bergamot offers a myriad of therapeutic uses, promoting overall wellness and vitality.
In the realm of New Orleans Hoodoo, bergamot is more than just an herb; it is a symbol of empowerment, transformation, and divine grace. With its potent blend of citrusy sweetness and mystical allure, bergamot invites us to embrace both its magick and medicine.
