A closer look
Marie Laveau didn't just practice magic; she understood the power of a vertical monopoly. As the reigning Voodoo Queen of New Orleans in the 19th century, she held terrifying public rituals in Congo Square with snakes and chanting. But behind closed doors, she was a highly paid consultant for wealthy white politicians and businessmen who bought her gris-gris bags to win elections and court cases. She basically turned dark sorcery into a premium, high-ticket consulting agency for the corrupt elite.
