This past July 15th Mambo Sallie Ann Glassman and La Source Ancienne Ounfo held the ninth annual Hurricane Protection Ceremony on behalf of the city of New Orleans.

The ceremony is held every year, including 2005, which saw the most devastating natural disaster ever to strike the US in the form of Hurricane Katrina’s swipe at New Orleans. Mambo Sallie Ann credits the powerful intercession of Erzulie Dantor and Our Lady of Prompt Succor for saving the city, and reminded everyone present that the storm’s last minute turn was not only miraculous but was the only thing that spared the city annihilation. Even the failure of the levees, Mambo stated, can be seen as significant in alerting us to the weaknesses in the environment around us. Knowing this, she said, we could proceed to repair and prevent in the future.

The crowds of 50 plus gathered this night at Achade Meadows Peristyle, 3319 Rosalie Alley (off of Rampart, between Piety and Desire).

With them they have brought a hodgepodge of significant offerings: white candles and flowers for the Holy Mother; Barbancourt Rum, Florida Water, candles, daggers, dolls dressed in red and blue with gold trim or calico prints, spicy black beans, peasant cakes, unfiltered cigarettes, fried pork, white crème de menthe.

Asking those present to honor the protectresses with offerings, Mambo Sallie Ann also stated that the Loas have spoken to her in many ways since Katrina’s strike and that the spirit world is entreating all of us to be more mindful of the natural world surrounding us. Erzulie Dantor This Voudou ritual is specifically designed to summon the protection of the spirit world against the devastating hurricanes that often plough in from the Gulf of Mexico. It is dedicated to the Catholic Lady of Prompt Succor and to Ezili Danto, the Vodoun Lwa of Storms and Passion. Manbo Sallie Ann begins each ritual with a description of the powers of each intercessor describing how, in years past, the Catholic priests of local churches adjacent to the Mississippi River would bring out a blessed statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to literally face down the threatening hurricane and turn it in its path, keeping the city safe.

Ms. Sallie Ann Glassman is the author of Vodou Visions, published by Random House in May, 2000, which has received acclaim from Vodou practitioners around the world. She is co-creator and artist for The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot, published by Destiny/Inner Traditions, and is the illustrator of The Enochian Tarot, published by Llewellyn.

Erzulie Dantor, on the other hand, is delighted by storms and the mayhem they can cause, however, if she is appeased with offerings and ritual, she will divert the storm's fury and protect those who acknowledge her power. Neither intercessor should be taken lightly, says Mambo Sallie Ann, and especially if Dantor is called it is wise to leave her offerings in thanks for her appearance and continued protection.

Just as in ceremonies past, the beautiful singing, drumming and dancing is designed to call Dantor, a powerful, fiery Loa, from across the Abyss to be present among us.

Asking her intercession and protection for this season, the vodusi and spectators offered numerous kinds of gifts including bottles of rum, cigars, candles, dolls, and even works of art – all significantly connected to Hurricane Katrina.

Following this, Mambo Sallie Ann bends down to the ground where she begins to draw in corn meal the intricate and powerful "veve" -- the otherworldly symbol that in this world is the mirror of the power of the spirit world. As she draws, pinching out the corn meal, her devotees will sing and circulate bottles of blessed water in which the audience is invited to wash their hands.

Manbo Sallie Ann and her devotees begin the ceremony by calling first upon Ellegua, or Papa Legba as he is affectionately called in the old Kreyol, to meet them at the crossroads between the worlds and to open the way that they may celebrate and honor the intercessors in both the physical and spirit worlds. A mock battle between the emissaries of the spirit world and the Manbo ends in the Mambo's victory and for a brief time she becomes the bridge between the worlds.

Fireworks and dancing marked the arrival of the Loa among the celebrants as doves were released to carry blessed intentions through the hot July night and into the world of Spirit.

SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE REAL ONLY VOODOO HURRICANE RITUAL IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISANA 2006 THEY ARE LOCATED HERE FROM MIKE.

As Hurricane Season 2006 unfolds, many are nervously watching the Gulf and the Atlantic for signs of the next killer storm. Many who gathered with Mambo Sallie Ann this night expressed a guarded confidence that Dantor had accepted the offerings meant for her and this year, as last, would extend a powerful hand to lend the city aid.

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