Witchcraft traditions have a long and rich history in Latin America, blending elements of indigenous beliefs with Catholicism and African spirituality. These traditions, often referred to as brujería or magia, are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the region and continue to thrive today. One of the key features of Latin American witchcraft is its syncretism, or the blending of different religious beliefs. Many practitioners combine elements of indigenous shamanism, such as the use of herbs and sacred rituals, with Catholicism. This is a result of the forced conversion of indigenous peoples during the colonial period, where they were often required to adopt Catholicism but were able to continue their traditional practices in secret. Another important aspect of Latin American witchcraft is its connection to the natural world.
Another important aspect of Latin American witchcraft is its connection to the natural world. Nature is seen as a source of power and wisdom, and witches often use plants, animals, and other natural objects in their spells and rituals. This belief in the interconnectedness of all things is deeply ingrained in indigenous and African cosmologies, and has been passed down through generations.
Rooting Contemporary Latinx Witchcraft Narratives in the Latin American Past
Witchcraft has gained popularity in recent years in popular culture, rehashing old narratives about womxn of all races and magic. In this piece I connect the resurgence in these narratives to the case of Latinx and non-white womxn. For example, Alexandria Ocasio Cortéz has been accused of witchcraft by Dave Kubal, president of the Religious Right group Intercessors for America. Kubal stated during a monthly prayer call, “It’s been widely publicized that there is a coven of witches that cast spells on President Trump 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This particular coven is found in the southern portion of New York City.” Kubal's rant harkens back to narratives that have demonized non-White womxn of Latin American origin such as AOC for centuries. Practices demonized as witchcraft have also been a source of power for marginalized identities as much as the idea of witchcraft has been used as a label to diminish their power.
The roots of witchcraft for Latinx women dates back to the colonial period beginning with the arrival of Columbus to the "New World" and ending with the revolutionary wars against Spanish rule in the 19th century. Two types of witchcraft had been identified by the Inquisition: Brujería was an accusation that identified and stigmatized Afro-descendents in the New World. Spanish inquisitors imagined sects of witches gathered to practice "diabolical idolatry". Hechicería on the other hand was an accusation levelled at individuals that pertained to the use of spells and remedies. Widespread amatory magic was included in the term. In colonial Latin America witchcraft and sexual desire manifested Black female and mulatta agency to participate in hybrid cultural practices. Paula de Eguiluz, who appeared before the Inquisition multiple times in the 1620s and 1630s, and continued to enjoy a successful career as an herbal healer throughout her life, is one famous example. The main character of the Netflix series "Always a Witch" is named Carmen de Eguiluz no doubt in reference to the famed Paula.
Image from the Netflix series "Always a Witch" depicting the main character, Carmen de Eguiluz, a fictional Black witch in Cartagena, Colombia who travels through time to save her white lover. Courtesy of: Author.
Mulattas were a subset of Black and African colonial subjects the Inquisition in the New World forbade from intervening with the supernatural, an activity common amongst African fortune tellers and healers as well as other practitioners of African religions such as Paula de Eguiluz. Mulatta women were especially feared because of their racial ambiguity and the sexual desire they provoked. The Mexican myth of the mulata of Córdoba is a legend dating back to the sixteenth century in Veracruz about a mulatta woman who never aged. According to legend the mulatta was a witch who flew over the towns roofs, had pacts with the devil and bewitched her enemies.
The mulatta de Córdoba myth was relatively tame compared to some cases in the legal archive. Even if Colonial courts trivialized women's influence, on the local level these practices were considered a threat to established order. As explained by historian Julio Caro Baroja in The World of the Witches, belief in magic, most often associated with women, blended with beliefs about objective reality until the period of Enlightenment. One example occurred in 1733 when a mulatta slave, Manuela Bocanegra, enacted revenge on her master, a priest, after he had scolded her for having sex with a painter. A wound in the shape of female genitalia appeared on her master's bottom shortly after the scolding. Her master believed Manuela had used magic to cause the wound. Manuela had in effect turned him into a kind of slave and re-gendered him as a woman. Ironically, her master unwittingly went to another mulatta for help, not realising she was probably working with Manuela Bocanegra to bewitch until much later.
Right wing narratives such as Kubal's undoubtedly tie back to colonial examples such as Manuela Bocanegra. Race and gender are intersecting identity categories that still have an exceptionally antagonistic hold on the white male psyche, even if most of us no longer believe magic is real. The idea that these women are witches is not merely a form of oppression but also evidence of their resistance in the past and the present.
Protection and healing are common motivations for practicing witchcraft in Latin America. Witches are often sought out for their abilities to ward off evil spirits, protect against sorcery, and provide remedies for physical and spiritual ailments. Many people turn to traditional healers and witches when modern medicine fails to provide a solution, trusting in their ancient knowledge and ancestral wisdom. Despite being stigmatized and persecuted throughout history, witchcraft traditions in Latin America have persisted and even gained popularity in recent years. In some countries, such as Mexico, there has been a resurgence of interest in indigenous practices, including witchcraft, as people seek to reconnect with their roots and reclaim their cultural heritage. In conclusion, the witchcraft traditions of Latin America are a vibrant and dynamic part of the region's cultural heritage. Combining indigenous, African, and Catholic influences, these practices have evolved over time but continue to hold deep significance for many people. Whether seeking protection, healing, or a connection to the natural world, witches in Latin America play an important role in their communities and provide a link to the past..
Reviews for "The importance of community in Latin American witchcraft traditions"
- Jennifer - 2 stars - I was really excited to learn about the witchcraft traditions of Latin America, but I found this book to be extremely lacking. The information was very surface level and didn't go into enough detail about the different practices and beliefs. I also found the writing to be quite boring and dry, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and don't feel like I learned much from it.
- Carlos - 1 star - This book was a huge letdown. It promised to explore the rich and diverse witchcraft traditions of Latin America, but it only scratched the surface. The information provided was very basic and lacked depth. I expected to learn about the different rituals, practices, and beliefs, but instead, I was left with vague descriptions and generalizations. I would not recommend this book to anyone who wants to truly understand the witchcraft traditions of Latin America.
- Maria - 2 stars - I was hoping for a comprehensive exploration of the witchcraft traditions of Latin America, but this book fell short. While it touched on some interesting aspects, it lacked the depth and detail I was looking for. The book also seemed biased and made sweeping generalizations about the practices and beliefs of different cultures in Latin America. Overall, I didn't find this book to be very informative or engaging.