Sometimes, it feels like the stories passed down by our abuelitas hold more power than anything we see in modern life. Whether it’s lighting a veladora (candle) for protection, brushing an egg over a loved one to ward off mal de ojo (evil eye), or turning to a curandera for healing, Brujería and Folk Healing remain deeply rooted in Latinx culture. Yet, so much about them is misunderstood—often dismissed as superstition or worse, demonized.
But Brujería and Folk Healing are more than misunderstood—they’re part of a vibrant, spiritual lineage tied to love, resilience, and culture. This post dives into the magic of these practices, breaking down their history, beliefs, and modern relevance. If you’re curious about this misunderstood spirituality—or want to reconnect with it—this guide is for you.
A Glimpse into the Past
Brujería (witchcraft) isn’t some trendy hashtag; it’s an ancient and sacred practice. Its origins trace back to a blend of Indigenous, African, and European influences that collided in Latin America during colonization. This cultural blend created something unique—a spirituality that honors the earth, the ancestors, and the elements while adapting to the social and spiritual needs of the time.
Indigenous peoples of the Americas already held rich spiritual systems, rooted in the natural world and deeply tied to their communities. When African enslaved peoples were brought to Latin America, they carried their own spiritual traditions like Yoruba, which later influenced practices like Santería and Palo. European colonizers introduced Christianity, resulting in a mix of Catholic saints with traditional deities and rituals.
The result? Brujería became an expression of resistance for marginalized groups. While colonizers worshipped in grand churches, enslaved and Indigenous peoples prayed to their own spiritual figures, often secretly, while blending them with Catholic iconography.
Understanding the Beliefs and Practices
At its core, Brujería is about balance—between the physical and spiritual, the past and present. It’s not about “casting curses” or stereotypes from movies. Instead, it’s about practices that connect the practitioner to their spirit guides, ancestors, and the energies around them. Here are just a few key elements of Brujería and Latinx Folk Healing:
- Honoring Ancestors
The connection to ancestors is central. Altars are built with offerings like photos, candles, flowers, and food to honor and seek guidance from those who came before us.
- Herbal Healing
Brujería intersects with folk medicine. Herbs like ruda (rue), manzanilla (chamomile), and copal are used for everything from cleansing a space to soothing physical ailments.
- Spiritual Cleansings
Known as limpias, these rituals are meant to cleanse the body and spirit of negative energy. They might involve herbs, eggs, or even smoke from burning sage or copal resin.
- Talisman Making and Divination
Amulets, such as red bracelets with ojo de venado (deer’s eye), are used for protection. Divination tools like tarot cards or reading coffee grounds help seek answers and guidance.
Prayers often call upon spiritual figures for protection and blessings, be it Catholic saints or Orishas depending on one’s tradition.
Misconceptions and Stereotypes
Despite its beauty and complex history, Brujería has long been misunderstood. Hollywood and mainstream narratives often depict it as “evil” or “dark magic,” erasing its true meaning as a source of healing, empowerment, and connection.
The colonization that birthed Brujería also stigmatized it. Colonizers saw Indigenous and African practices as “savage” or dangerous, pushing this narrative for centuries. And here’s the thing—those biases still linger today.
When people hear “witchcraft,” witch trials and broomsticks might come to mind. But Brujería is far removed from those images. It’s not about controlling spirits or practicing some sinister art. It’s about restoring balance, intention, and protecting yourself, your family, and the greater community.
Why Brujería is Still Relevant Today
Given its roots in healing, resilience, and adaptation, it’s no surprise that Brujería and Folk Healing remain relevant in today’s world.
- Cultural Reconnection
For many young Latinx folks, rediscovering Brujería is an act of reclaiming their heritage. It’s about rejecting forced assimilation and honoring the ways of their ancestors.
- Modern Stressors
With the fast pace of modern life, Brujería offers a way to slow down and reconnect with nature and spirit. Practices like limpias provide comfort and grounding in stressful times.
- Wellness in Spirituality
Brujería is aligned with the wellness movement, focusing on mindfulness, natural remedies, and spiritual self-care—all things people today crave.
And with social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, a new generation of brujxs and healers is emerging, sharing their knowledge and reclaiming this sacred tradition.
Healing and spirituality don’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. Be open, stay curious, and take the time to understand the layers of these beautiful practices.
Discover the Magic in Your Roots
Brujería and Folk Healing are more than just practices; they’re about connecting—with yourself, your ancestors, your culture, and the larger energies of the universe. Whether you see it as spiritual, cultural, or both, it’s a tradition worth understanding and preserving.
Next time you light a candle or reach for an herbal remedy, pause for a moment and think of the generations before you who walked this path too. The magic lives on—because of them, and now, because of you.
