Table of Contents
Introduction: Spanglish xiii
The Importance of Being "In Between" xv
What Is American Brujeria? xviii
How Are American Brujeria and Traditional Brujería Different? xix
The Word Brujo/a/x xx
Wielding History xxii
Can Non-Mexicans Use This Magic? xxiii
Chapter 1 The Basics 1
The Concepts 3
The Tools 10
Chapter 2 La Iglesia 17
Working in the Church 18
Prayers 23
Holy Medals 27
Chapter 3 La Virgen 33
The Story of Cuauhtlatoatzin 35
The Symbols and Mysteries of Coatlaxopeuh 38
The Implications of Coatlaxopeuh 39
Setting Up a Guadalupe Altar 42
Praying the Rosary 46
Rosary Magic 54
Chapter 4 Las Velas 59
Saints or Intentions? 61
A Brief Overview of Colors and Intentions 63
Fixing or Dressing Your Novena 66
A Note on Proper Filling 69
Burning Your Novena 70
Seeing the Signs during the Burn 72
Reading the Glass 76
Novena Spells 79
Chapter 5 Los Santos 89
Working with Saints 90
Mexican Folk Saints 95
Catholic Saints 100
Chapter 6 La Muerte 117
The Open Arms of Santisima 118
A Word of Caution 121
Getting Acquainted with Death 123
The Colors of Death 124
Chapter 7 Limpias 127
Who Should Call Themselves a Curandero? Who Should Give Limpias? 128
Herbs and Plants 129
Preparing for the Limpia 130
What's God Got to Do with It? 138
Sahumerio 139
Barridas 140
Baños 146
Fire Limpias 154
The Session 156
Limpias and Children 157
The Law of Replacement 158
A Note of Caution 160
Chapter 8 Hechizos 163
The Art of Spellcasting 163
Magical Timing 166
Herbal Allies 169
Crafting Your Own Oils 172
Bibliomancy 177
La Brujería de Vicks VapoRub 178
Red Ribbon 183
Scissors 185
Mama Ruda 186
Water Glass Magic 187
Garlic, Horseshoes, y Másl 190
Night Protection 192
House Protection 193
Combat Magic 195
Chapter 9 Los Antepasados 203
Building an Ancestor Altar 203
Working with the Ancestors 205
Common Questions 208
A Prayer for the Liminal 211
