Mexican folk magic, also known as curanderismo, is a traditional healing art that has its roots in ancient indigenous cultures. It is a blend of Native American spirituality and Catholicism, reflecting the cultural synthesis that occurred during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. In Mexican folk magic, curanderos or curanderas are the healers who practice this form of spiritual healing. They use various techniques such as herbs, prayers, rituals, and divination to treat physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. One of the main beliefs in curanderismo is that illness is often caused by a disruption in the balance of energy in a person's body or soul. Herbs, called hierbas, play a significant role in Mexican folk magic.
Herbs, called hierbas, play a significant role in Mexican folk magic. Different plants are believed to possess specific healing properties and are used in various forms, including teas, ointments, and baths. For example, rue is often used for protection against evil spirits, while rosemary is believed to bring good luck and cleanse negative energy.
American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic (Paperback)
A practical, hands-on guide to Mexican-American folk magic.
American Brujeria is about the fascinating blend of American and Mexican folk magic currently practiced by those living in the US but whose roots are steeped in Mexican culture. The author, who has named this tradition “American brujeria,” explores this magical system, while also offering practical advice on using it. American brujeria is a living, vital tradition that -- while it shares things in common with other folk magic traditions, such as American Conjure—also features its own unique traditions, as well as familiar ones, such as the veneration of saints, both canonized, such as Guadalupe, and folk saints like Santa Muerte.
American Brujeria includes stories from Mexico (folk saints, the story of Guadalupe), the influence of Catholicism, the art of limpias (spiritual cleansings), spell casting, oil crafting, praying the rosary (in English and Spanish), making an altar to Guadalupe, using novena candle magic, crafting protective charms from saints’ medals, and more.
About the Author
J. Allen Cross is a practicing witch of Mexican, Native American, and European descent whose craft was shaped by his Catholic upbringing and mixed family culture. Living in his home state of Oregon, he works as a psychic medium and occult specialist for a well-known paranormal investigation team out of the Portland metro area. When he’s not investigating, he enjoys providing spells and potions to his local community, exploring haunted and abandoned places, working as a consultant for other workers and investigators, and of course writing about witchcraft. Follow him on Instagram at @oregon_wood_witch.
Praise For…
"J. Allen Cross has done an extraordinary job at providing us with a book filled with rich invaluable information about our culture and magical traditions. He has done a superb job at sharing this information with genuine heartfelt authenticity, love, and respect, which makes it an absolutely delightful read! Gracias!”
— Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., author of Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo
“J Allen Cross opens a box of secrets and spells, deeply linked to the culture, myth, history, and blood of his ancestors. American Brujeria explores folklore as well as history, and guides readers through spells and rituals. Learn how to do a “ limpia ” in the morning, afternoon, night, or anytime you are drinking your cafe con leche .”
— Elhoim Leafar, author of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags and Manifestation Magic
“A landmark book that blends the living traditions of folk magic, culture, and modern spiritual belief, American Brujeria is cross-cultural and deeply impactful. J. Allen Cross has made sure that this work will be accessible to not only this generation but future generations, as well. The magic is potent, raw, and real. Each page had me more excited and energized than the last.”
— Temperance Alden, author of Year of the Witch
“In American Brujeria , J. Allan Cross finds a way to explore the heritage and practices of Mexican folk and spiritual traditions by building on their foundations and making them approachable to American (and beyond) audiences, searching for the magia (magic) and wisdom of their own culture. We need more authors of color like Cross to illuminate these rich and time-honored practices.”
— Alexis A. Arredondo and Eric J. Labrado of City Alchemist, authors of Magia Magia: Invoking Mexican Magic
“A treasured volume packed full of magic and deeply steeped in the history and lore of J. Allen Cross’s rich culture, American Brujeria is packed full of folk stories, saints, and spirits alongside prayers, spells, baths, floor washes, and cleansings. A much needed and long-awaited guide that is sure to be a foundation for young witches while still providing deep knowledge and practices for advanced practitioners, Cross’s dedication to his path and culture comes across beautifully in this book, which is sure to be an instant classic.”
— Annwyn Avalon, author of Water Witchcraft and The Way of the Water Priestess
“A much-needed book, American Brujeria serves a community -- Mexican Americans -- who find themselves trying to find spaces where they fit. It combines aspects of Mexican Brujeria with various American magical influences, including even Puerto Rican Espiritismo. It’s a great place to start if you find yourself in this twilight space and need to know where to begin. American Brujeria offers a great foundation. as well as various practices which a reader can engage in to begin this wonderful journey. Beautifully written and something any reader is sure to enjoy.”
— Hector Salva, author of The 21 Divisions: Mysteries and Magic of Dominican Voodoo
“J. Allen Cross, your book is pure magick, and could only have been written by you. I am grateful that you’re spreading the knowledge of the magickal part of our ancient culture with respect, honor, and love and also for reminding us – the people ‘in between’-- of the strength, charm, power, and pride that is our ancestors’ legacy. When I read your book, it produced in me a limpia of my soul and reinforced my spirit with passion and courage to keep on spreading our Brujeria. You did a remarkable job researching our ancestral magick. This is a must-have book in the personal library of every serious student of magick.”
— Martha Ileana Moran Gonzalez. founder and director of Witchmart, High Priestess, and proud Bruja
“Bravo for American Brujeria by J. Allen Cross. This book is a folkloric gem, a magical treasure-trove, and a wisdom-window into some of the time-honored practices of Mexican Brujeria, and his own Mexican American Brujeria. Cross is a beacon of cultural competence and respect in this well-written, sincere, insightful, and practical book. It offers historical context, cultural education, applicable and relevant recipes, potent magical and healing workings, and culturally unique lore. To all this, he adds a unique gem indeed - sound ethical advice for interested potential practitioners who are not of Mexican descent on how to honor and respect the tradition, its culture, and the ancestors.”
— Orion Foxwood, author of Mountain Conjure and Southern Rootwork
“ American Brujeria de-mystifies Mexican-American folk magic and makes it accessible to anyone wanting to get in touch with their magical heritage, as well as those interested in this beautiful magico-religious practice. J. Allen Cross' wonderfully rich book explores the history and bridges the generational and cultural gap between Mexicans and their Mexican-American descendants. American Brujeria serves as a comprehensive guide for beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners wanting to reconnect to their roots. An excellent tribute to this powerful tradition.”
— Mary-Grace Fahrun, author of Italian Folk Magic: Rue's Kitchen Witchery
" American Brujeria offers a good look into a culture that I feel many folks outside of that culture don’t understand. I especially love the part about the only person the devil fears is a grandmother-- it makes me think of my mother-in-law who blessed us every night before we went to sleep at her house. American Brujeria opens the door for outsiders to look in and to be able to feel the power of Mexican American culture through the works provided here. This is a great book that will help many”
— Starr Casas, author of Old Style Conjure
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft
- Social Science / Ethnic Studies / American / Hispanic American Studies
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies
- Religion / Wicca
- Kobo eBook (April 30th, 2021): $18.95
- Compact Disc (April 6th, 2021): $34.99
- MP3 CD (April 6th, 2021): $24.99
"J. Allen Cross has done an extraordinary job at providing us with a book filled with rich invaluable information about our culture and magical traditions. He has done a superb job at sharing this information with genuine heartfelt authenticity, love, and respect, which makes it an absolutely delightful read! Gracias!”
— Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., author of Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo
In addition to herbal remedies, curanderos and curanderas perform various rituals and ceremonies to help restore balance and harmony. These rituals may include the use of candles, incense, prayer beads, and sacred objects. These objects are believed to have spiritual power and the ability to connect with higher forces, enabling the curandero or curandera to communicate with the divine and facilitate healing. Divination is another important aspect of Mexican folk magic. It involves the use of various methods, such as reading the patterns of smoke or the interpretation of dreams, to gain insight into a person's current situation and future prospects. This is often done with the purpose of identifying the root cause of an ailment and determining the appropriate course of action for healing. Mexican folk magic is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs. It is a holistic approach to healing that considers the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected elements and addresses the underlying spiritual causes of illness. While it operates outside the realm of Western medicine, it is widely practiced in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, often complementing modern medical treatments. In summary, Mexican folk magic, or curanderismo, is a traditional healing art that combines indigenous and Catholic beliefs. It involves the use of herbs, rituals, and divination to restore balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Curanderos and curanderas play a vital role in providing spiritual healing to individuals seeking a holistic approach to wellness..
Reviews for "The Mythology and Folklore behind Mexican Folk Magic"
1. Ashley - 2/5 stars - The concept of "Mexican folk magic" intrigued me, but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The author seemed to rely heavily on stereotypes and clichés, painting a superficial picture of Mexican culture. The characters lacked depth and felt like caricatures rather than authentic representations. Overall, I was disappointed with the book and would not recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Mexican folk magic" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style was choppy and lacked coherence. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, and I found myself bored throughout most of the book. The author failed to engage the readers emotionally, and as a result, I couldn't connect with any of the characters. I would advise readers to steer clear of this book.
3. Emma - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Mexican folk magic," but it ultimately fell short. The author's portrayal of Mexican culture felt superficial and stereotypical, lacking depth and authenticity. The story lacked a clear direction and failed to hold my interest. While there were some interesting moments, they were overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the book. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful exploration of Mexican folklore.
4. Jason - 2/5 stars - "Mexican folk magic" seemed promising at first, but it quickly became evident that the author had not done their research. The cultural inaccuracies and misrepresentation were glaring, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, leaving me confused and disengaged. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.