Visit
1428 North Rampart StreetNew Orleans, LA 70116About
Summary
The Voodoo Spiritual Temple, founded in 1990 by Priestess Miriam and Priest Oswan Chamani, is a dedicated space for traditional West African spiritual practices in New Orleans. Learn more about its mission to educate and dispel misconceptions around Voodoo. The temple offers consultations, rituals, and a gift shop with handmade spiritual items, including local and African-made goods.
Details
The Voodoo Spiritual Temple, established in 1990 by Priestess Miriam Chamani and her late husband Priest Oswan Chamani, is a cultural and spiritual hub in New Orleans. It is the only formally established temple in the city focused on traditional West African Voodoo and herbal healing practices. The temple's mission is to provide spiritual services that meet the needs of all people, helping them fulfill their divine purpose. It has served locals and visitors for over 30 years and has extended its influence globally, including connections to the African Priesthood of Senegal and a temple in Russia.
The temple offers a range of services, including spiritual consultations, African bone castings, weddings, baptisms, and rituals. It also hosts educational programs, workshops, and seminars. Visitors can explore the gift shop, which features handmade Voodoo dolls, gris-gris, oils, herbs, and other spiritual items. The temple is open six days a week, with flexible hours, and can be contacted via phone or email for appointments. More details on services and contact information are available on their site.
Priestess Miriam, who continues to lead the temple, is known for her extensive knowledge and experience in Voodoo. She has appeared in numerous documentaries and articles, contributing to the global understanding of Voodoo practices. The temple also serves as a cultural center, offering insights into the history and traditions of Voodoo. Learn more about the temple's history.
From Faith Near Me
The Voodoo Spiritual Temple in New Orleans offers a dedicated space for traditional West African spiritual practices, blending education, ritual services, and cultural preservation. Visitors can expect a welcoming environment for consultations, workshops, and exploring handmade spiritual goods. Its global connections and Priestess Miriam’s expertise underscore its role as both a spiritual hub and cultural center.
Pros
- Provides spiritual consultations, rituals, and educational workshops rooted in West African traditions
- Gift shop features handmade spiritual items and African imports
- Operates six days a week with flexible hours and direct contact options
- Serves as a cultural center with global connections to Senegal and Russia
- Led by Priestess Miriam, a respected figure in Voodoo education and practice
Cons
- Visitors may need to confirm availability beforehand, as hours can vary
- Spiritual guidance style may not align with all seekers’ expectations
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Heather Hepplewhite5 months ago
I was so looking forward to visiting here because I’d heard the wonderful voodoo lady who is now very old and wise resided there. She has been in New Orleans forever. Her reputationis excellent. Unfortunately when I arrived there it was closed. It might be a good idea to telephone first to see if they’re open. It’s not always the case and it’s because she might be resting 🙏🏻 I wanted to learn as much as I could and she would’ve been fantastic because of her wealth of knowledge. It was quite a walk from my hotel to find it. I’m giving it five stars simply because I’ve heard from so many people she is absolutely fantastic
- AJ Lux3 months ago
Truly a special place. This isn’t some flimsy attraction or tourist trap style museum this is actually an incredible authentic voodoo shop and a holy place for folks practicing West African diasporic religion (aka Voodoo) to get consultations and advice. It’s the real deal and demands respect, so if you’re open minded and curious about these special traditions that helped make New Orleans what it is… this is definitely a place to pay a visit and support. You’ll find many local handmade goods as well as gifts from Africa here as well.
- Maria B5 months ago
I just had one of the most open, honest and respectful conversations with Priestess Miriam. This was a phone call, and not in-person. I gained so much personal insight as a result and look forward to her continued spiritual guidance. Will definitely continue seeking her counsel.
- GadSammit5 months ago
"Priestess" Miriam is certainly a character I'd never willingly select again, lol. I'd come in to ask a few questions about Mét Kalfou, a lwa who's critical in the Petwo rites of Haitian Vodou - she claimed she'd never heard of him. She then proceeded to ramble about any & everything except Vodou, lol. Greatest hits: - "You have an entity on you that smells like shit." - "You've never lost anything, stop acting like you have." - "You're running around tryna do too much to support yourself." - "Nothing that happens to you in this life matters." - "If I was your mama, I would've put you out years ago." - "I put my son on the street at 7 years old for wetting the bed, he needed to grow up." - "Black folks just love courts, don't they!?" (In response to a man who'd called her as she instructed after a court date, with her not answering the first time she'd instructed him to call; her response: 'Maybe I just wasn't meant to be reached at the time.') She then suggested I visit the actual temple, so I did. I played Vodou music, danced, and left cigarettes anywhere I could. The spirits took hold of me & I felt a lot better - until she came in claiming I was "bringing evil energy into the temple & I had no right to leave offerings and dance with them." She even smudged after I was done, lol, claiming she had to "rid the temple of the entity that I'd brought in." Absolutely nuts, lol. The couple of good things were she did give me the last bite of her sandwich, and I WAS able to make her laugh quite a bit; but that seems like a rare occurence & I was wearing conjuring oil from my Hoodoo mom. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Do not waste your time here. Spiritualists: you'll be gaslit the entire time & leave feeling way too amped up and affected for your own good. Spectators: service is rather sour from the front desk & you can tell nobody actually wants to be there. Voodoo Authentica (went there afterwards to cleanse my energy) truly is a better choice, and it ain't far away!
- Rowena McBride3 years ago
It’s been a few years since I had the pleasure of coming and visiting this amazing temple but I can’t wait to return! Priestess Miriam was so kind and knowledgeable and made my experience so calming and pleasurable! If you’re looking to really learn about Voodoo then this is THE place to go!
- Lakeysha Daiyu5 months ago
Oh my god! I didn't do anything but call this 82 year old women for help. Ibtole her my dog was missing and he was the most important thing in the world to me. That my dog helped me get through a DV relationship and I just wanted him back. This lady told me I was selfish and self centered for wanting my dog back and she ain't have time for me. I didn't do anything to her I wasn't even rude after she was rude with me unprovoked.like you don't know where I am mentally. Where do you getcoffvthreating people like that again unprovoked because I want my dog back I didn't ask for help with anyth i Ng else. Just called and asked what services she provide and was met with that. She didn't tell me about a single service. Is this a real place or do they just spend all day rage baiting people.
- Debra Pearlman6 months ago
This woman so so rude, mean, and extremely condescending. I came to her for help. She told me my rape didn’t matter and made me who I am today. And told me I was never abused. Child protective services would definitely disagree. She rambled TOO MUCH about her personal life and how young people were entitled. The amount of inaccurate information she spilled out was insane. There was no truth to most of the things she said. The man at the register was extremely rude and such a mean person as if I was nothing. I honestly cannot believe I was excited to see her. I cried after I left. I felt horrible. I will never forget how bad she made me feel and I will never be back. I do not recommend her and I would give her 0/5 stars if I could.
- Rhonda Brackett2 years ago
This temple is a place I visit off and on when in the New Orleans area... throughout the years, I have stopped many times at her temple... although spread out as I do not live in the area... I always enjoy seeing her... and know she has been helpful to many... this visit I sensed she is very concerned about many issues of the day, and her energy seemed different... The Voodoo Spiritual Temple is a one of a kind place and worth a visit if you are in the area...
- Measured Takea year ago
Visiting the Voodoo Temple in New Orleans was an absolute honor and a magical experience. I had the privilege of meeting Priestess Miriam, and the connection was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. The temple itself is steeped in beautiful, rich history, and you can feel the positive, uplifting energy the moment you walk through its door. The atmosphere is truly special, and being there was an absolute blessing. I look forward to returning and deeply recommend anyone who is seeking a meaningful and spiritual experience to visit this incredible place.
- Firestar M.3 years ago
Finally got a chance to stop and visit. going in ,I was trying to check out everything in the little shop. The couple seemed really nice ,till I asked a question about two of the products. Asked if i can use it to help/assist with the issues. The priestess was a bit rude with assumptions of my issue and cutting me off, not really listening. Hopefully next time we can both listen a little better 🫶🏽
Services and facilities
Services
- Spiritual Consultations
- African Bone Castings
- Weddings
- Baptisms
- Rituals
- Educational Programs
- Workshops
- Seminars
Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Cultural Center
- Herb Apothecary
- Botanica
Connect
- Phone
- (504) 943-9795
- Contact page
- Open contact page

