Spirits of New Orleans - Voodoo Curses, Vampire Legends and Cities of the Dead

EXCERPTS
Recently I returned back to my "roots," to the great state of Louisiana and spent some time in one of my favorite places in the world, the French Quarter of New Orleans. One never runs out of things to do and experience in NOLA, (short for New Orleans, Louisiana). Truly, it is captivating, a veritable feast for all of five senses as well as the sixth sense.
The best way to describe how I feel in this city would be to use the word, "charmed." New Orleans is many things to many people, but for me, it's charming and embodies a spirit, a joy for living (joie de vivre) that is expressed throughout the city.
The last time I had been able to visit the city was four months before Katrina hit and I had no idea how the vibe of the city would feel after having going through such a horrific experience. My heart was thrilled to see that the great lady was holding her own with a state of grace, while still undergoing major renovations on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes.
I traveled around parts of the city by riding the streetcars, taking in each neighborhood and the smell of jasmine in the air, enjoying the stunning architecture, and chuckling at the sight of mardi gras beads still hanging from the boughs of trees. As the streetcar delivered me near the French Market, the smell of beignets and chickory coffee coming from Cafe du Monde further lifted my spirit. Yes, I sighed with relief, New Orleans has been through the worst and still she stands, proud, strong and vibrant.
It is my sincere belief that New Orleans is 'charmed'. Charmed by the artists and musicians as their music and art spill into the streets touching the soul at the core with its beauty, charmed by the chefs who tantalize our taste buds in sweet rhapsody with their culinary delights, and charmed by the people who are kind, good natured, and some of the most loving and joyful people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
A Charming Entrance
The entrance to the Court of Two Sisters restaurant in the French Quarter is the perfect place to reconnect with the rich cultural treasures in New Orleans. The restaurant offers the most delightful courtyard in which to enjoy a meal. In the courtyard, the trees have interlocked and connected creating a natural canopy over the courtyard, bringing the space alive with sunlight peeking through the leaves, highlighted by the presence of a bubbling fountain.
The daily jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters is the perfect respite from an evening spent on Bourbon Street and the accompanying strolling jazz trio lifts the heart. You begin to wonder, 'Is there any other way that one should ever dine? The overall effect creates a feeling that one has just stepped into a painting. The scene is filled with old world charm, caught in a moment of boundless spring, and highlighted by the tinkle of laughter coming from guests sitting at crisp white tablecloths enjoying private moments. Stepping into this courtyard, one walks back in time and the city around you no longer exists. This is the enchantment of the courtyards designed in New Orleans, where homes were built with the courtyard in the middle so that residents could enjoy a protected and peaceful atmosphere.
The name Court of Two Sisters originates from the previous owners, two Creole sisters named Emma and Bertha Camors. Their shop was here on Royal Street and they made their living providing women in New Orleans the best gowns, gloves, perfumes and other fashions. The two sisters (born in 1858 and 1860) spent their entire lives together and according to the history reported by the restaurant, were buried side by side in 1944 at St. Louis Cemetery #3 in New Orleans.
While the charm of the two sisters and their courtyard are delightful on their own, there's true magic to be found at this location. Located at the entrance of the restaurant on Royal Street, are 'charm gates', given to the two sisters by Queen Isabella of Spain. These gates were blessed with magic and are reported to be lucky if you touch them and of course, the first thing I had to do was place both hands firmly upon them to tap into the energy. At first touch, the iron was cold, but quickly warmed to my hand. Closing my eyes, I was swept away by the energy of the gate and all of the people who had visited her over the decades. There is a presence connected with the gate, that might best be described as the gate keeper, a energy being of such attached to the iron.
Enchanted items like the charm gate are best shared with others. As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words and so I d like to share the charm gate with you. Place your hand on the charm gate photo below and allow the charm and magic to pass through to you. Your adventure has just begun. May the magic of New Orleans and the blessings of Queen Isabella fill you with great luck!
Kala's tips on how best to enjoy The Court of Two Sisters:
Best enjoyed in spring, fall or winter, summer is too hot and muggy to enjoy sitting outdoors
Try drinking a Sazerac here from the bar, one of the oldest cocktails in New Orleans
It's a buffet, and unless you're from Louisiana, you may not recognize some of the dishes prepared. It's ok, be adventurous, you might like something new and if you don't, that's ok too, there's plenty to sample.
Have someone take your photo while you are touching the charm gate, this way you ll have the image to connect with and tap into the energy any time you d like.
Save room for bananas foster, a must have!
"

List of contents

Introduction: Embracing the Spirit and Spirits of New Orleans Chapter 1: The Grande Dame City of the Dead—St. Louis Cemetery #1 Chapter 2: Who’s Haunting the Garden District? Chapter 3: Tread Carefully When Walking Down the Haunted Pirates Alley Chapter 4: Ghostly Harem Dancing for the Sultan at the Gardette–LePrete House Chapter 5: Marie Laveau—The Legendary Queen of Voodoo Chapter 6: The Haunted Archway and Other Legends of Congo Square Chapter 7: The Horrors Still Live at LaLaurie House Chapter 8: The Casket Girls of the Old Ursuline Convent and Other Vampire Lore Chapter 9: Guests in Spirit Still Attend the Quadroon Balls at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel Chapter 10: Ghostly Carriage Rides at the Old French Opera House on Bourbon Street Chapter 11: The Monk Who Saved the Children at the Place d’Armes Hotel Chapter 12: A Loving Legacy at the Cornstalk Hotel Chapter 13: The Deathly Portal of Thirteen at Canal Street and City Park Chapter 14: Jean Lafitte’s Infamous Pirate Bar Chapter 15: More Than 200 Years of Spirits at the Napoleon House Chapter 16: Gourmet Ghosts Love Antoine’s and Arnaud’s Restaurants Chapter 17: The Enchanted Charm Gate at the Court of Two Sisters Chapter 18: Gunshots and Ghosts at the Beauregard–Keyes House Chapter 19: Celebrate Jazz and Mardi Gras with the Spirits at Hotel Monteleone Chapter 20: Cold Lonely Nights Lead to the Ghost of the Broken-Hearted Octoroon Mistress Chapter 21: The Legend of St. Louis Cathedral and Pere Antoine’s Alley Chapter 22: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Saint Expedite Chapter 23: The Resident Ghosts of Yesteryears and Pat O’Brien’s Chapter 24: The Ghost Children of the Andrew Jackson Hotel Chapter 25: The History and Mystery of the Baroness and Her Pontalba Apartments Visiting the Haunted Sites Bibliography About the Author

About the author

Kala Ambrose is a noted inspirational speaker, author, psychic, wisdom teacher, medium, and host of the Explore Your Spirit with Kala radio show. Her teachings are described as discerning, empowering, and inspiring. Whether she’s speaking with world-renowned experts on the Explore Your Spirit with Kala radio show, writing about empowering lifestyle choices, reporting on new discoveries in the scientific and spiritual arenas, or teaching groups around the country, fans around the world tune in daily for her inspirational musings and lively thought-provoking conversations.
Kala is the author of four books, including the award-winning 9 Life Altering Lessons: Secrets of the Mystery Schools Unveiled, Ghosthunting North Carolina, The Awakened Aura: Experiencing the Evolution of Your Energy Body, and Spirits of New Orleans: Voodoo Curses, Vampire Legends, and Cities of the Dead.
A highly interactive psychic and wisdom teacher on a mission to educate, entertain, and inspire, Kala writes for The Huffington Post and presents workshops nationally on the mind/ body/spirit connection, including auras and energy fields; business intuition; haunted history; and wisdom teachings at the Omega Institute, John Edward Presents Infinite Quest, the Learning Annex, Lily Dale Assembly, and DailyOM.

Summary

Join ghost hunter Kala Ambrose on an exploration of the magic, the mystery, and the supernatural happenings of the Crescent City.

New Orleans is formed into the shape of a crescent, which is believed by many to form a sacred chalice that holds and stores energy. This reportedly makes it a unique area in which magic—and supernatural phenomena—are magnified. New Orleanians love their city so much that some of them stick around even after they should cross over to the Great Beyond!
Since childhood, author Kala Ambrose has seen and felt ghosts and restless spirits. Now a ghost hunter, Kala serves as your travel guide, exploring the history of the city and taking you to 39 haunted places, where you might see or hear these ghostly residents for yourself. In Spirits of New Orleans, the author leads you to haunted homes and alleys; to cemeteries and hotels; to restaurants, bars, stores, and any other place where people have reported paranormal experiences.
Each entry includes

• a historical overview of the haunted place
• the story of ghostly happenings in that place
• advice on visiting the place yourself—if you dare

From the grave of Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau to the discomfort and dread patrons felt at the LaLaurie House, from the ghostly monk a Place d’Armes to the ghosts of giggling children at the Hotel Monteleone, you’ll embark on a unique and enticing journey into the haunted history and magical ceremonies of New Orleans. Prepare to be introduced to supernatural rituals and practices that can help you understand and embrace the cultural significance of the beliefs, superstitions, legends, and lore in this singular city. Happy ghost hunting!

Product details

• Authors: Kala Ambrose, Ambrose Kala
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 27.09.2012
• EAN: 9781578605095
• ISBN: 978-1-57860-509-5
• Weight: 269 g
• Illustrations: B&W photos throughout, Maps
• Series: America's Haunted Road Trip; America's Haunted Road Trip
• Subjects: Guides > Spirituality > Ancient knowledge, ancient cultures; Travel > Travel guides > North and Central America; New Orleans, BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Unexplained Phenomena, BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Supernatural (incl. Ghosts), Ghosts and poltergeists, Travel and holiday guides, TRAVEL / Special Interest / Haunted & Unexplained