Pio Trevino, also known as Don Pedrito, was a Mexican-American known for his reputation as a witch. Born in 1881 in Laredo, Texas, Trevino was believed to possess supernatural powers, including the ability to heal and foretell the future. Many people sought his help for various ailments and problems. Trevino's knowledge of witchcraft was passed down through generations, with his family believed to have practiced the craft for centuries. He became well-known in the area for his ability to communicate with spirits and perform rituals to bring about positive outcomes in people's lives. One of the main aspects of Trevino's witchcraft was his use of herbs and plants for healing purposes.
In order to determine whether La Llorona is haunting the house, and the level of power she’s exerting, for instance, he rubs unbroken chicken eggs along the doorways of Anna’s home. When done, Rafael cracks one open to reveal black gook inside—but then other eggs used in the ceremony begin to spin and explode, spraying blood.
La Llorona is a legendary character very familiar in Mexico and much of the Latin world, a ghost condemned to walk the earth because of her horrific sins. Even though La Llorona is hunting them, they muster up their courage to deal with the monster, even when the adults in their lives are inconveniently unconscious.
One of the main aspects of Trevino's witchcraft was his use of herbs and plants for healing purposes. He believed in the power of nature and used it to create remedies for ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, and even more serious illnesses. People would come to him seeking these remedies, and he would prescribe them based on his knowledge of herbal medicine.
REVIEW: “The Curse of La Llorona”
I’m not sure how it happened, but somehow I had not realized that “The Curse of La Llorona” was considered a part of the Conjuring universe? Clearly someone wasn’t paying attention. And it’s funny because I’m generally a fan of the tethered horror franchise specifically the two proper “Conjuring” films. The side movies have been inconsistent but still entertaining.
“The Curse of La Llorona” was the sixth installment in the ever-expanding Warner Bros. horror-verse (there has been a seventh film since). It also marks the feature film directorial debut for Michael Chaves who is also directing next year’s “The Conjuring 3”. The film is based on the actual Mexican folktale of The Weeping Woman. According to the legend a mother drowned her two children and then herself in a jealous rage after her husband left her for a younger woman. As a result she is cursed and her spirit roams the earth looking for children to replace hers.
Following a brief introduction to the legend, the movie sits down in 1973 Los Angeles. The often underrated Linda Cardellini plays Anna, a widowed mother of two and a child services case worker. She’s asked to do a welfare check after the children of a client (Patricia Velasquez) are reported missing. Once there, Anna finds the two kids locked in a closet and their distraught mother who claims she is protecting them from La Llorona.
I won’t spoil how it happens but La Llorona switches her sights to Anna’s children (played by Roman Christou and Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen). The rest of the film features Anna getting a grasp of the terror they’re facing and protecting her kids from the violent apparition decked out in billowing white lace and with a ghoulish ashy face that could have been copied and pasted straight from “The Nun”.
“La Llorona” is frustrating mainly because it starts out pretty strong. It puts its pieces in place through a nifty setup with real horror potential. But then it does what the weaker of the Conjuring spin-offs do – leans way too heavily on obvious horror movie conventions. You know, jump scares, squeaky doors, wide-eyed people slow-walking through a dark house at night (just turn the lights on people).
There is a brief but neat appearance by a someone who links this film to another from the franchise. But we also get a character who feels off from the first moment we meet him. Raymond Cruz plays this excommunicated priest turned shaman who Anna seeks out for help. The character has the personality of a plank of wood and his dry, monotone dialogue doesn’t help. He adds to the overall generic feel of the film’s second half. And again, what a shame. “La Llorona” gets off on the right foot and Cardellini does what she can. But it’s yet another Conjuring installment built on a promising idea but with execution that feels all too familiar.
Another facet of Trevino's witchcraft was his ability to foretell the future. Many people would seek his guidance for important decisions or to gain insight into their own lives. He would use various methods, such as reading tea leaves or interpreting dreams, to provide predictions and advice. While Trevino was highly respected by many in the community, there were also those who viewed his practices with skepticism and fear. Some believed that his powers came from dark forces and that he was using witchcraft for evil purposes. However, Trevino always maintained that his intentions were pure and that he used his abilities to help others. In conclusion, Pio Trevino, also known as Don Pedrito, was a Mexican-American healer and witch who was revered for his supernatural powers. He used his knowledge of herbology and divination to heal people and provide guidance. While some doubted his practices, many sought his help and believed in his abilities. His legacy as a witch continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Beyond: Pio Trevino's Controversial Experiments"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I found "Pio Trevino Witchcraft" to be quite disappointing. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and hard to connect with, making it difficult to become invested in their journeys. Additionally, the pacing was extremely slow, which made it even more challenging to stay engaged. Unfortunately, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Brian - 1 star - "Pio Trevino Witchcraft" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing was dull and lacked any depth or originality. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises or twists. The dialogue was cheesy and forced, making it hard to take the characters seriously. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and will not be giving it a second read.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Pio Trevino Witchcraft" but ultimately, it fell flat for me. The story felt predictable and unoriginal, like a recycled version of countless other witchcraft-themed books. The writing style was mediocre at best, with flat descriptions and lackluster character development. There were some moments of potential, but they were overshadowed by the overall lack of creativity. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and unique read.
4. David - 1 star - "Pio Trevino Witchcraft" was a chore to get through. The narrative was confusing and difficult to follow. The author seemed to jump from one idea to another without any clear transition or cohesion. The characters were forgettable, and their motivations were poorly explored. I found myself constantly having to reread passages to try and make sense of the story, but it was a futile effort. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time on this book.