Upon my arrival in New Orleans, I was told by a coworker that I had to go to the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and find Marie Laveau's grave. She said that I had to take two dimes with me, shiny and new. Then, using only matter I found at the site, I was to inscribe three Xs on the mausoleum. I was to introduce myself to the Voodoo Queen and humbly ask for her blessing. Once that was done, I was to leave the dimes at the base, in praise and offering. She told me I had to do this, that is was an imperative ritual for moving to the city, and the only way to ensure that New Orleans would embrace me and keep me safe from harm.

I did as I was told, I walked up through the French Quarter, across Rampart Street, and past the police station that once a slave auction ho...

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