Island of Salvation Botanica

So glad I found this place! Lots of candles to choose from at very reasonable prices. I initially just went to get some products, but I was able to schedule a last minute walk in reading with Fatima. It was by far the best reading that I’ve ever gotten! She was accurate, honest, warm and friendly. The time flew by so quickly that I ended up extending the reading for an additional 30 minutes. The shop has such a nice genuine vibe and Fatima has such an awesome gift that I will definitely be planning plenty of visits to this shop in the future!

I had a reading with Fatima she was nice and positive. I received a reading from her but I wished she touched on more on my issues that had bothered me for a long time. I mentioned the issues but she did not elaborate.
I expressed my issues in this area but she did not really advise on what to do to improve it. I felt like a lot of issues were not touched on. She stated for me to call her with any questions. I called her for a remedy for a long ongoing problem I am dealing with to see if I could purchase something from the Botanica. No call back or text.

Omg!!! I got a wonderful psychic and tarot reading from a reader there named Fatima. She was FANTASTIC!!! Everything that she said resonated with me and was accurate! I’m truly impressed because I’ve had numerous readings over the years and I can honestly say this is the BEST ONE EVER!!! She didn’t even ask me anything other than my name! She was available by appointment and walk in but I suggest making an appointment because I just walked in and I waited for her for 3 hours (my friend had seen her prior and said it was worth the wait) because there were other people who booked appointments before me, but the owner of the shop Sallie said that sometimes you can walk right in and be seen.

My husband and I LOVED our visit to this shop and I had the best reading I’ve ever had!
First, the reading. Jeff (or perhaps spelled Geoff?) gave me a 30-​minute reading for $ 60 that consisted of visions and tarot. Jeff has three visions which he then intuitively interprets. Then he does a tarot reading and answers questions.
My husband is a complete skeptic about this sort of thing. I’m sure when Geoff told us he has visions that my husband was probably thinking a sarcastic, «okay.» But when Geoff began describing his visions my husband was convinced immediately. They were just such an undeniably close depiction of the state of my life, personality, goals, and challenges I need to overcome. And although the visions are rather abstract, they were by no means vague. I am a bit skeptical myself of some psychics/​tarot readers, etc but I am 100% certain based on my reading that Jeff has the ability to tap into some kind of talent to sense important things about the energies and circumstances surrounding people.
His interpretations of the visions were very insightful, and he was able to unlock even more meaning when he read my tarot cards. I’d witnessed my friend’s tarot reading the night before in the French Quarter and the reading I received from Geoff was completely different. He explained things so much more thoroughly and was able to come up with some very specific meanings. He had lots of helpful suggestions that made a lot of sense to me.
When Geoff used the cards to answer a specific question for me, we were stunned by how accurate and relevant the reading was! It was seriously amazing. And I loved the way he did it, laying out cards for the «if I do» and the «if I don’t» to compare the outcomes and considerations.
Another thing I liked about Geoff is that he is very honest and kind. He is not pushy or salesy in any way. And he doesn’t hold back from saying what he feels the cards are saying or what he thinks. I’ve noticed some readers don’t want to say anything too bold, powerful, or specific for fear that they will get it wrong and be discredited. If Geoff stumbles across something he can’t make sense of he just shrugs and says, «oh well. It happens.» and acknowledges we can’t always tell what everything means and kind of chuckled like he was truly delighted by how mysterious the universe is. This struck me as a very refreshing, healthy, and truthful attitude — and a stark contrast from the other readers I’ve met with.
While at the shop, we also procured a chicken foot made by Sallie Ann and a healing amulet for my dad. Geoff offered guidance in selecting these items but without ever being salesy and he answered lots of questions we had. We had lots of fun learning in the shop and perusing the many interesting and authentic items.
If you’re looking to get a taste of some New Orleans magic, I highly recommend you visit this shop. My husband and I were both amazed when we left and gushed about our visit for the rest of the day. We left feeling very good and positive, which we so appreciated.
The cab ride from the French Quarter was super quick and cost like $ 5. So worth the trip. You should DEFINITELY GO!!!

Madeline gave me a very accurate and insightful reading. The shop includes many needful things. Definitely will go back.

Meh. It’s ok. A little hard to breath in there but they were friendly. Their Daiwa’s and flying animals were over-​priced.

This place was wonderful. The shop was closing in 30 minutes and he stayed to read for the both of us (30 min readings each) It was incredibly accurate measure of what was going on in our lives. He was kind and truthful. From the start he tells you what you can expect from the reading. DEFINITELY give this place a try.

On our visit to NOLA last week, we were fortunate to be put in touch with Casey through a mututal aquaintance. Sadly, the lovely Miss Sallie Anne was not there but Casey was wonderful.
I had asked to be put in touch with someone who had genuine psychic ability and who could give me a reading of some sort. Hence the meeting with Casey and the tarot card reading which is the first one I’ve ever had.
Their shop is lovely, spotlessly clean and part art gallery, pharmacy, spritual supplies and much more. This shop seems to be only for those who are seeking a genuine supplier of authentic voodoo and other religious materials.
I have a Day of the Dead Altar in our home and I found many wonderful things to add to my altar. I was deeply impressed but equally as bummed that we have nothing like that here in San Diego.
Btw, although Casey told me a couple of things that were incorrect, she hit everything else on the nose without knowing anything about me or my family and without me giving up any information.
If we lived closer, I would be there often. If you see this review Casey, thank you for our insight on my life and challenges!

I absolutely love Sallie Anne. She really is a healer and one of the most warm, pure lights in this world. I had the immense opportunity to have a crystal ball reading done by her today and she is amazing. I also had a reading done this past summer by Casey, whom is also very talented. These women are genuine intuitives and will help those who seek it.
Her shop radiates a positive energy the minute you walk through the door. Please leave negativity outside and proceed with an open mind. The prices are extremely reasonable and your patronage allows them to do the wonderful work they do.
If you ask for advice, take it, it really works.
Now, if you’re one of those skeptics looking for a laugh, save the trip and stay in the French Quarter. If you’re not sure whether you believe in voodoo, but are willing to respect others that do, please visit the Island of Salvation, Sallie Anne may be able to point you in the direction you need.

yay, this is now down the street from my house. what a great spot to peruse voodoo. its located in the healing center, which will be opening in august, and supply the neighborhood with groceries, yoga, gym, and more.
there are PLENTY of things to look at in the window, and once inside? even more. Sallie is a very positive woman, with all kinds of information. you can get a reading, you can have a talisman made, you can buy incense, candles, incarnations of many things. lots of art. lots of love, and lots of voodoo.
there are so many tourist trap voodoo shops, and this one? isn’t of the tourist trap kind. its the real deal, and its not overpriced, or BS. its the simple haitian voodoo that she’s known for.
lots of bottles, lots of masks, lots of flags, and all of it, explained if you ask. you can get a reading, and if you do? I would call in advance to book it. you can pick up books, symbols, and more. Sallie is more than happy to help you on your voyage into voudou.
wanna learn something new? come to the Isle of salvation botanica, and get your herbs on.

We had a great time in here. Mambo Sallie Ann was there and such a nice lady. I felt welcomed as soon as we entered her new shop. We bought a chicken foot for protection, A money wash and several candles. She had some very cool looking dolls that are handmade by a local. She also had a huge selection of herbs. Next time I’m back home, I’m going to call in advance to do a reading with her. You will love this place.

Sweetie and I are such big fans of Sallie Ann Glassman, the Mambo who runs Island of Salvation. She has done a couple of custom peices for us and we love to shop here when we come to NOLA. She is a Mambo in the Haitian tradition of Vodou, not the New Orleans Voodoo tradition. Any way, she has a great selection Haitian Vodou flags that are so gorgeous. We bought an altar bottle and some candles. She has a great selection of herbs and other goodies for the practioneer. Well worth the short drive over from the Quarter.

make the visit, take it all in. if you want an appointment, better call a few days in advance to make sure she can take you. otherwise, she can do phone consults if you wish.

New Orleans Birthday Trip = Vodou in the Bywater Area
After being throughly disappointed in the French Quarter at the «fauxdoo» tourist and trinket shops, I finally got a proper apothecary recommendation for my new crossdressing gay goth friend.
Selection:
Manbo Sallie Ann is one of just a handful of initiated Haitian Vodou leaders in NOLA. As a priestess, she’s in charge of her own society called La Source Ancienne, but as a shopkeeper she has the largest selection of herbs I’ve seen in a long time. I finally found the Valerian I was looking for, and quite a few other things.
There is a wide selection of both handmade and factory-​made candles in all shapes and sizes, as well as botanical oils and incense in just about every flavor imaginable. Traditional art and items are abound, anything from gris-​gris bags and spirit sticks, to painted candleholders and statues. If you’re looking to deck out and alter or just stock a pantry, this should be your first stop.
Most of the standard supplies are very reasonably priced, as are the books (of which there are a lot). Some of the more ornate and individual items can range in price, but if you’re in the mood for something premade, the items you’ll need won’t take a lot out of your pocket. If you want something special, just ask. They’re always making things to order, and while it might cost you some, you’ll know it’s authentic.
In addition to my herbs, I picked up a glass evil eye hand and a few candles. In all honesty, it was a shame I hadn’t properly taken the time to plan all the supplies I might have needed. It makes me wish I lived in New Orleans, because for anyone looking for magical components, or even if you’re just making potpourri, this is one stop shopping.
Venue:
When I found out it was on Piety Street, I couldn’t help but smile. Such a perfect place for the store I was looking for. If you’re a tourist and only visiting to drink your ass off, the Bywater Area might scare you a bit. Most of this area was damaged during Katrina, but, unlike the Lower 9^th Ward, has withstood and built itself up again. Still, it’s not exactly an eye-​pleasing area like the French Quarter, but it’s authentic. Think lower middle class residential area, that’s what it is.
The shop itself is easily recognizable. It’s vibrantly painted outside with symbols and portraits of Loa and Bondye. Manbo Sallie Ann herself runs the shop mostly, and was there when we went in. It’s a calming atmosphere, and though the space is small-​ish, it’s packed full wall to ceiling with anything you could want. Herbs line one wall, books another. Tables and shelves are filled in logical categories: candles and incense over here, tarot next to books, crafts all on one wall.
There’s also a private room for readings and other services that the manbo herself will perform. Just remember, this is true Haitian Vodou, not Hoodoo or even New Orleans Voodoo. Don’t come looking for dolls to stick pins into or hexes to perform. You will find some Catholic and African influences – which are almost unalterably intertwined nowadays – but this is true Vodou, so treat it with respect, and you’ll leave the shop happier than when you came in.