Today we’d like to introduce you to Absolem Yetzirah.
Hi Absolem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Path to Founding the Shop:
The Initial Spark (2009): My journey into Voodoo began when I visited a Voodoo priestess in New Orleans named Priestess Miriam Chamani of the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, which deeply shifted my spiritual path.
Spiritual Initiation (2011): After studying the religion and its West African and diaspora roots, I was formally initiated into Voodoo.
Product Manufacturing: Before establishing the brick-and-mortar storefront, I worked out of a small two bedroom apartment on Chartres St in 3rd Ward, producing authentic spiritual waters, condition oils, and tools.
Opening the Storefront: I eventually established Absolem’s House of Voodoo in a Hundred year old home on Polk Street in Houston, Texas. It stands as the only dedicated Voodoo shop in the city, providing spiritual readings, handmade mojo bags, candles, and a safe, inclusive community space.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. I faced a combination of deep-rooted cultural stigma, a lack of local representation, and the strict demands of traditional initiation while building Absolem’s House of Voodoo. As the founder of Houston’s first and only dedicated Voodoo shop, my major hurdles included:
Overcoming Pervasive Stigma: Voodoo is widely misunderstood. I had to push past deeply ingrained, mainstream misconceptions that falsely equate the religion with “evil black magic” or curses. I focused heavily on educating the public to show it as a tradition rooted in healing, family lineage, and community care.
Navigating a Religious Vacuum: Unlike New Orleans, Houston lacked a formal, established Voodoo community when I set out to build my practice. Opening the city’s very first shop meant starting completely from scratch without a local blueprint or built-in, visible market.
Rigorous Spiritual Commitment: Becoming a respected practitioner required years of strict study, travel, and intense dedication. I spent years learning under various elders and underwent a highly demanding traditional initiation in 2011.
Scaling from Small Manufacturing: Before establishing my permanent two-story brick-and-mortar storefront on Polk Street, I operated as a supplier to a local shop called Pixie’s Intent. Transitioning from a product manufacturer to opening a physical haven and community space required slowly building a loyal client base over nearly two decades.
We’ve been impressed with Absolem’s House of Voodoo, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolem’s House of Voodoo is Houston’s only dedicated Voodoo shop, known for housing a shrine to Marie Laveau, offering hand-blended spiritual products, and serving as an inclusive community gathering space.
Specialties and What It Is Known For
Handmade Curios: We sell custom spiritual oils, Gris Gris, prepared glass candles, herbs, roots, stones, powders, and mojo bags.
Spell Work and Readings: We provide professional psychic readings, bone readings, and custom spell casting by trained practitioners.
Education and Rituals: We host workshops (like Voodoo doll making) and outdoor fire-cleansing rituals during full moons.
What Sets It Apart in Houston
Authentic Tradition: Our business is run by an active Voodoo Hougon (priest) Absolem Yetzirah, offering legitimate traditional practice rather than novelty items.
Home-Like Vibe: We are located inside an unassuming residential-style house in the East End/EaDo area (4023 Polk St), designed to feel warm and welcoming like a grandmother’s home rather than spooky or commercial.
Inclusivity: We explicitly operate as a safe, welcoming, and community-focused space for all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community. I (Absolem) identify as a Bisexual Monaguia (Karankawa Two Spirit)
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I feel that empathy and a dedication to helping people heal has been the foundation of my works success. I often compare my spiritual practice to my past career as a social worker, listening and guiding people are key.
Core Approach
Listening First: I help my clients by understanding their true problems.
Radical Acceptance: I treat everyone who visits the shop with respect regardless of background.
Guiding Wisely: I always advise clients to seriously weigh the consequences of their actions rather than just fulfilling requests blindly.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: AbsolemsHouseOfVoodoo
- Facebook: Absolem’s House of Voodoo
- Youtube: Absolem’s House of Voodoo
