Summary of "Ava Kay Jones: The Voodoo Priestess of Football" – The Moth Podcast

Introduction

In the episode titled "Ava Kay Jones: The Voodoo Priestess of Football," released on January 31, 2012, The Moth presents a captivating and unconventional story that intertwines the realms of sports and spirituality. Ava K. Jones, a self-proclaimed voodoo priestess from New Orleans, shares her unique experience of using traditional spiritual practices to influence the outcomes of NFL games, specifically focusing on her involvement with the New Orleans Saints.

Setting the Stage: Ava K. Jones and Her Role

Ava begins by challenging the stereotypical perceptions of American football, emphasizing that beyond the physical prowess and strategic maneuvers lies a deeper, spiritual dimension. She introduces the concept of a "grigri bag" (voodoo charm) as a talisman that holds the potential to sway the fortunes of a football team.

"You may think that the great American sport of football is all about speed and muscle... But I'm here to tell you tonight that there is such a thing as the spirituality of football." ([02:32])

Ava establishes her credibility by recounting her rise to prominence as a voodoo priestess within the NFL landscape, particularly through her association with the New Orleans Saints during a challenging period in their performance history.

The Voodoo Ritual at the Superdome

Ava narrates a pivotal moment in December 2000 when the Saints, struggling with a 34-year playoff drought, sought her assistance for a miraculous turnaround in the Superdome. She describes the Superdome's construction over an ancient cemetery, attributing the team's poor record to the unrested ancestors.

"The Superdome was built upon an ancient cemetery. And, you know, it's really not cool to go plop a sports facility on top of somebody's ancestors." ([02:52])

Equipped with her dance troupe, drummers, dancers, a pet constrictor named Esprit, and spirits (a fifth of Gordon's dry gin), Ava performs a series of rituals on the 45-yard line of the stadium. She invokes deities such as Damballa, the voodoo serpent God, and Marie Laveau, paying homage to the spiritual roots of New Orleans voodoo.

"I took out a speaker... I'm dancing this dance for Damballa... pouring this gin right at the 45-yard line." ([03:10])

The atmosphere within the Superdome becomes electrifying as Ava engages with the 67,000-strong audience, chanting blessings and holding up her grigri bag to signify the activation of their "mojo."

"Ashe, Ashe, Ashe." ([03:35])

Impact on the New Orleans Saints

Ava's ritual seemingly catalyzes a remarkable shift in the Saints' performance. She recounts a dramatic moment where a key Rams player fumbles the ball, leading to the Saints securing their first playoff victory in over three decades.

"But we know why. I mean, this good player with the Rams fumbled the ball, and they're hearing it. He's fumbled. They're winning." ([08:15])

Buoyed by this success, Ava continues to nourish the spiritual momentum by making additional offerings at Congo Square, a historically significant site for African American spirituality. Her relentless devotion and public displays earn her widespread recognition, including features in major media outlets like Time magazine, HBO, ESPN, CNN, and The New York Times.

"This was just the best. And this is how I became the voodoo priestess of the NFL." ([11:50])

Ava's Reflections and Aftermath

Despite her initial triumph, Ava reflects on the transient nature of success. She acknowledges that the Saints' newfound prowess was not permanent, implying that external factors and internal team dynamics continued to influence their destiny.

"As the world turns, sometimes what's on top of the world has to come down." ([12:30])

Ava humorously ties her spiritual endeavors back to her personal beliefs, balancing her voodoo practices with her Catholic faith. Her story underscores the intricate interplay between tradition, belief, and the unpredictable nature of sports.

Conclusion

Ava K. Jones' narrative offers a mesmerizing glimpse into how spirituality and sports can intersect in unexpected ways. Her tale of performing voodoo rituals to uplift the New Orleans Saints not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder the unseen forces that might influence real-world events. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflection, Ava leaves the audience with a memorable account of faith, culture, and the quest for victory.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "There is such a thing as the spirituality of football." – Ava K. Jones ([02:32])

• "The Superdome was built upon an ancient cemetery. And, you know, it's really not cool to go plop a sports facility on top of somebody's ancestors." – Ava K. Jones ([02:52])

• "Ashe, Ashe, Ashe." – Ava K. Jones ([03:35])

• "This was just the best. And this is how I became the voodoo priestess of the NFL." – Ava K. Jones ([11:50])

• "Sometimes what's on top of the world has to come down." – Ava K. Jones ([12:30])

Reflections

Ava's story is a testament to the power of belief and the lengths to which individuals will go to support something they are passionate about. Whether one views her actions as genuine spiritual interventions or as a colorful narrative embellishment, the impact of her story resonates, highlighting the human desire to connect, influence, and find meaning in the outcomes of endeavors as significant as professional sports.