The village witch of Lawrence, Kansas has long been a subject of curiosity and folklore in the local community. Believed to possess supernatural powers and a deep knowledge of ancient rituals and remedies, the village witch has become an enigmatic figure that both fascinates and frightens the residents. Very little is known about the origins of the village witch, and there are many conflicting stories and legends surrounding her. Some say she is a descendant of Native American healers, while others believe she is an immigrant from Eastern Europe who brought her witchcraft practices with her. Regardless of her origins, one thing is for certain – the village witch is deeply connected to the land and its history. Her knowledge of natural remedies and healing practices has made her an important figure in the community.
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They are destigmatizing the witch of their ancestries and bringing persecuted traditions to the open to challenge cultural appropriation and spiritual consumerism. Brujas chronicles the magical lives of these practitioners as they extend their personal rituals to larger self-care and activist movements and use their services to empower young people of color.
Her knowledge of natural remedies and healing practices has made her an important figure in the community. People seek her out for everything from mysterious ailments to love potions, and she is said to have an uncanny ability to predict the future. It is not uncommon to find locals lining up outside her cottage, hoping for a chance to receive her guidance or assistance.
Brujas: The Magic and Power of Witches of Color (Paperback)
Witchcraft has made a comeback in popular culture, especially among feminists, and there is a new kind of witch emerging in our cultural consciousness: the bruja . Brujas chronicles the magical lives of these practitioners as they extend their personal rituals to larger self-care and activist movements and use their services to empower young people of color. The bruja represents the new “witch” of the United States, a practitioner who melds ancient tradition with new technologies and mirrors the diversity and activist spirit of today’s youth. Brujas reminds us that witchcraft is more than a trend—it’s a movement.
Brujas follows this movement from its historical practices to its current manifestations. Through profiles of bruja practitioners who make their living offering magical products and services, author Monteagut examines the conflicts that have arisen as spiritual traditions are appropriated and commodified. Brujas also delves into the historical practices from which brujas borrow to provide readers with information and resources to begin their own spiritual practices and businesses. Above all, the bruja movement is about empowering people to find the healing magic in their own lives and to imagine a happier and healthier world.
About the Author
Lorraine Monteagut is a Cuban-Colombian writer born in Miami, Florida. She holds a PhD in communication from the University of South Florida, where she began her research on bruja feminism and the reclamation of ancestral healing traditions. Inspired to the spiritual life by her great grandmother, who was an espiritista in Cuba, she facilitates astrology workshops and moon circles in her local community in Tampa, Florida. She loves hiking, gardening, and backyard beekeeping.
Praise For…
"Captivating, inspiring, and filled with tangible magick, Brujas offers a much-needed perspective that showcases the beautiful diversity of what it means to live a mystical life. Lorraine expertly weaves tantalizing narratives infused with love and hope, while guiding readers on a journey through often ignored histories, all while helping them establish a magickal practice that honors their own lineages and ancestors. A must-read for any witch." — Gabriela Herstik , author of Inner Witch , Bewitching the Elements , and Embody Your Magick
“This is an essential read for our community! This book approaches brujeria in such an inclusive and healing way.” — Valeria Ruelas , The Mexican Witch, author of Cosmpolitan Love Potions
"More of this please! Brujas, Witches of Color are ancestral magical beings and the world we live in has tried to silence our voices. There is a rise happening, a roar thundering through our veins and the world will hear our voices louder than they can ever imagine. This book is such a beautiful tribute to the different stories and experiences we go through as brujas. Lorraine is one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met and her passion to bridge us together is apparent in this must-have book! Amplify the voice of Witches of Color by reading their stories." —Juliet Diaz , author of Witchery and Plant Witchery
"A necessary book that explores how brujas, no longer maligned, are in the midst of a huge comeback. The author explores their roots while recognizing the importance of their traditions and the cultural significance of witchcraft." — Boston Globe
"Important, informative, beautifully written, well researched, fun to read, practical, and mesmerizing— Brujas will leave you spellbound. Highly recommend." — Amanda Yates Garcia , author of Initiated: Memoir of a Witch
" Brujas explores the liminal spaces between worlds: between the seen and the unseen, between identities and roles, between borders. Through her own family’s immigration from Cuba and the narratives of witches of color, Monteagut shines a light on the violent past and present for those who live in the in-between state. Blending memoir, narrative, history, and guidance, Brujas will inspire your personal magical journey and your spiritual activism. Brujas is an act of reparation : Monteagut restores our connection to our ancestors, the land, ourselves, and to one another. Whether you’re new to magical work or a long-time witch, Brujas is an absolute must read. It will open your heart and deepen your practice." — Melissa Carroll , editor of Going Om
" Brujas is a book much needed in the magical canon. It weaves together memoir, practice, and many fascinating voices of the incredible brujas working today. Every witch, bruja, activist, and academic interested in reconnection with the self and creating the next world needs to read this book." — Sarah Faith Gottesdiener , author of The Moon Book
"This is a spellbinding book— a magical, elegant study of the powerful and fierce movement that challenges capitalism's encroachment on spirituality, human rights, and the environment." —Ben Montgomery , author of A Shot in the Moonlight: How a Freed Slave and Confederate Soldier Fought for Justice in the Jim Crow South
"A love letter to the ancestors , matriarchs past and present, and the new generation looking to connect." — Booklist
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Social Science / Feminism & Feminist Theory
- History / Latin America
- Kobo eBook (October 4th, 2021): $2.99
- Hardcover (October 5th, 2021): $26.99
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- MP3 CD (October 5th, 2021): $24.99
"This is a spellbinding book— a magical, elegant study of the powerful and fierce movement that challenges capitalism's encroachment on spirituality, human rights, and the environment." —Ben Montgomery , author of A Shot in the Moonlight: How a Freed Slave and Confederate Soldier Fought for Justice in the Jim Crow South
Yet, the village witch is not without her skeptics. Some view her as nothing more than a charlatan, exploiting the beliefs and fears of others for personal gain. But for those who have experienced her powers firsthand, there is no doubt about her abilities. The village witch of Lawrence, Kansas has become a symbol of the community's unique blend of tradition and modernity. In a world dominated by technology and science, the presence of an ancient witch adds a touch of magic and mysticism to the otherwise ordinary lives of its residents. Whether one believes in her powers or not, there is no denying the allure and intrigue that surrounds this enigmatic figure..
Reviews for "The Village Witch's Grimoire: Unveiling the Book of Spells from Lawrence, Kansas"
1. Jane - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "Village witch Lawrence Kansas." The writing was repetitive and the plot felt haphazardly thrown together. It lacked originality and the characters were one-dimensional. I found myself struggling to finish the book because it just didn't hold my interest. I expected so much more from the author's previous works, but unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.
2. Mike - 2/5 - As someone who enjoys fantasy novels, I was excited to read "Village witch Lawrence Kansas." However, I found it to be underwhelming. The world-building was weak, and the magical elements felt forced and inconsistent. The pacing was uneven, with slow and repetitive sections that made it difficult to stay engaged. The characters lacked depth and the romance subplot felt forced and unrealistic. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - "Village witch Lawrence Kansas" did not meet my expectations. The writing style was unimpressive and lacked depth. The plot was predictable and didn't offer any surprises or twists. The characters were forgettable and lacked development, making it hard to feel invested in their journey. I was hoping for a captivating and immersive read, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling fantasy tale.