The Mexican witchcraft lifestyle is a fascinating and unique cultural practice that has been passed down through generations. It encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and rituals that are deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and Catholicism. Witchcraft, or "brujería," holds a prominent place in Mexican folklore and spiritual customs. It is believed that witches, or "brujas" and "brujos," possess supernatural powers and can communicate with the spirit world. They are considered healers, diviners, and protectors against evil spirits. One of the most distinctive features of Mexican witchcraft is the use of herbs and plants in rituals and spellcasting.
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Valeria Rules is such a powerful and authoritative voice in the brujeria world and their guide is all encompassing and inclusive, with careful descriptions of spells, crystals, and terminology as well as cautions against racism and appropriation. From shopping at botanicas and yerberias, to casting spells, to interpreting tarot readings, Valeria has today become one of the foremost practitioners of brujeria in the US.
One of the most distinctive features of Mexican witchcraft is the use of herbs and plants in rituals and spellcasting. These traditional remedies are used for healing, cleansing, and protection. Each herb has its own specific properties and is carefully chosen based on its medicinal qualities and associations with different deities or saints.
The Mexican Witch Lifestyle - by Valeria Ruelas (Hardcover)
"Discover the vibrant culture of brujeria and embrace your own inner witch with this essential guide to spellcasting, spirit worship, tarot, crystals, and all the other elements of this increasingly popular lifestyle"--
Book Synopsis
Discover the vibrant culture of brujeria and embrace your own inner witch with this essential guide to spellcasting, spirit worship, tarot, crystals, and all the other elements of this increasingly popular lifestyle.
A modern Mexican bruja is a powerful person, one who reads the tarot and performs spellwork and rituals of devotion to their spirit guides and deities. Brujeria, which translates as witchcraft in Spanish, is a unique form of spirituality that blends core elements of Afro-Indigenous beliefs. Having originated in Mexico, brujeria is now practiced in Latinx communities across the world.
Valeria Ruelas was raised living every aspect of the brujeria lifestyle. From shopping at botanicas and yerberias, to casting spells, to interpreting tarot readings, Valeria has today become one of the foremost practitioners of brujeria in the US. And as part of her daily practice, she seeks to bring the intense wisdom, harmony, and spirituality that comes with living this bruja lifestyle to her followers and returning power and ancestral magic to those whose agency has been lost.
Within these pages, Valeria provides you with an expert's introductory handbook for all the aspects of brujeria, including,
-Respectfully shopping at a yerberia or botanica
-A complete guide to common crystals
-Essentials for your altar
-A introduction to tarot
-Spells to bring luck, love, and good fortune
-The secrets of Santa Muerte
Comprehensive and inspiring, The Mexican Witch Lifestyle is the perfect guide for anyone curious to learn more about this vibrant culture of witchcraft.
About the Author
Valeria Ruelas is a gay Chicana/Indigenous, Bruja/brujx, renowned witchcraft author, tarot reader, artist, and spiritual teacher. She was born in Delicias, Chihuahua, and is an Aquarius sun, Cancer moon, and Sagittarius rising. She/they is a trailblazer in the witchcraft community and has shared brujeria in an outspoken and uplifting way with the world, first through an appearance on "Viva Latino" on Spotify as their first ever celebrity tarot reader and then through her/their first book Cosmopolitan Love Potions. Cosmopolitan has also named her one of the most influential witches in the world and she is a regular writer for their witchcraft content. She/they is also the owner of an online witchcraft store TheMexicanWitch.com and creates most of the witchcraft products for the site herself and is currently working on designing a tarot deck which will highlight Mexican heritage. Valeria lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Within these pages, Valeria provides you with an expert’s introductory handbook for all the aspects of brujeria, including,
-Respectfully shopping at a yerberia or botanica
-A complete guide to common crystals
-Essentials for your altar
-A introduction to tarot
-Spells to bring luck, love, and good fortune
-The secrets of Santa Muerte
Another integral aspect of the Mexican witchcraft lifestyle is the use of altars and sacred spaces. Every household typically has an altar dedicated to a particular saint or deity, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or Santa Muerte. These altars serve as a focal point for prayers, offerings, and rituals, and are believed to attract positive energies and divine blessings. Mexican witches also place great importance on spiritual cleansing and protection. They believe in the existence of "mal de ojo" or "evil eye" – a malevolent force that can cause harm or misfortune. To ward off this negative energy, witches often use amulets, charms, and protective symbols, such as the "ojo de venado" or "deer's eye." The Mexican witchcraft lifestyle is deeply intertwined with traditional celebrations and holidays. For example, during the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), witches may create elaborate altars and offer prayers to honor their deceased loved ones. In addition, the celebration of the Day of the Innocents (Día de los Santos Inocentes) involves pranks and mischievous acts, which are believed to have magical and protective properties against evil spirits. Overall, the Mexican witchcraft lifestyle is a rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and rituals that reflect the country's vibrant cultural heritage. It represents a unique blend of indigenous practices and Catholicism, creating a spiritual path that embraces the mystical and promotes healing, protection, and connection with the divine..
Reviews for "The Spiritual Journey: Embracing the Mexican Witchcraft Lifestyle"
1. Emily - 1/5 - I found "The Mexican Witchcraft Lifestyle" to be extremely misleading and offensive. The book promised to provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of Mexican witchcraft, but instead, it presented a distorted and sensationalized version of the practices. The author's lack of understanding and respect for the subject matter was evident throughout the book. As someone interested in learning about different spiritual practices, I was deeply disappointed with the shallow and exploitative approach taken by the author.
2. Liam - 2/5 - "The Mexican Witchcraft Lifestyle" fell short of my expectations. While the book touched on some interesting aspects of Mexican witchcraft, it lacked depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The author seemed more focused on catering to Western stereotypes and folklore rather than delving into the authentic practices and beliefs of Mexican witches. I was left wanting more accurate information and a deeper exploration of the subject.
3. Sarah - 1/5 - I regret purchasing "The Mexican Witchcraft Lifestyle" as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misrepresents an entire culture's spiritual practices. The author seems more interested in capitalizing on the popular trend of witchcraft without conducting proper research or understanding the traditions they claim to showcase. This book is nothing more than a shallow and offensive attempt at profiting from cultural appropriation, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking genuine insights into Mexican witchcraft.
4. Michael - 2/5 - As someone with a genuine interest in exploring different spiritual practices, I was disappointed with "The Mexican Witchcraft Lifestyle." The book failed to offer any credible sources or authentic accounts of Mexican witchcraft. Instead, it relied heavily on sensationalized stories and unsubstantiated claims, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. This lack of credibility undermined the overall value of the book, leaving me questioning its accuracy and legitimacy as a reliable resource.