Priestess Claudia Williams has been making gris-gris bags in the New Orleans Vodou tradition for decades. In the course of this presentation she will teach the difference between gris-gris, juju and mojo along with a few other terms used so often in the context of Vodou practice in New Orleans.
The term “Gris-Gris” is generally considered to have its origins in Africa. The term got altered to some extent when the Europeans brought West African slaves to the new world. Now, the origins of the word are not always believed to be clear. What is “gris-gris?” Is it related to “juju?” And what is that? Do either of these things have to do with “Mojo?” Yes! And if you attend this presentation you will learn the answers to these and other common questions about New Orleans Vodou magick. Particularly where gris-gris is concerned.
Understanding the words and what they have come to mean in the Western world will help people understand what real New Orleans Gris-Gris is all about. Once that is in proper context, the real fun can start. Attendants will learn how to make their own gris-gris bags for all around good luck, blessings, health, love and protection. If there is too large a group, people will be able to watch her construct one as she explains all she is doing and why and also answers questions people may have. The main ingredients may be simple, but some of the items traditionally put in any New Orleans Vodou style gris-gris bag may surprise people. Priestess Claudia will show everyone the proper fabric and yarn, the appropriate colors and all items which should go inside and on to a gris-gris bag for general good luck. Once that is understood, the group will then talk about how to customize gris-gris bags for themselves and eventually clients. Once the basic rules are known, the next step is learning about embellishing the bags and making truly outstanding, beautiful and most importantly—POWERFUL gris-gris bags: prepared, ready to sell or custom made. Those attending will also learn the best ways to customize a ready made bag and the proper ways to bless them. The different sizes of gris-gris bags, how each size is best used as well as the proper ways to carry or wear them will be discussed. In addition, people will learn the other ways these wonderful bags are most usefully employed. This class should be a lot of fun, but make no mistake, those who take part will leave with a new or far greater awareness of these remarkable talismans and the many ways they can be used to make people's lives better
