“I’ve always seen and felt things I couldnt explain.
Brujeria is a calling,” says Montoya.
“Personally, I don’t believe that it’s something you should get into because of curiosity.
(White sage smudging and the use of palo santo are two practices that are often appropriated.)
Montoya says she wasn’t initially interested in the esoteric modalities of brujeria.
She says this life-changing encounter sent her down this spiritual path.
“It allowed me to tap into myself and learn more about connecting with a higher power.
But Santeria and Palo are my religion and a big part of my life.”
The Stigmatization of Brujeria
Much like other types of witchcraft, brujeria has been stigmatized for centuries.
They used [the term] brujeria to demonize traditional folk and indigenous practices.
Religious indoctrination was brutal from the start.
This is why a lot of practices survived through colonization.
And yet, elements of brujeria are often appropriated by the same practitioners who call it black magic.
“Elements of brujeria that are practiced today are stolen by those same practitioners.
Young millennials and Gen Z, though, are done hiding their practice.
To change the negative narrative that surrounds brujeria.
“Learning to ground, cleanse, and protect our energy is essential in wellness.”
“Weve taken the term back.
We just are, everything else is determined by how we decide to live.
It does us all a disservice to carry on like black and white distinctions are realistic or useful.”
In more ways than I can count.”
Modern Brujeria Practices
Ortiz emphasizes that brujeria is not a “one size fits all” practice.
Different cultures and practitioners have different influences that go into the creation of their rituals.
“This work has helped me to strengthen a connection that has always been there.
Its all about embracing the continuation of the relationship, including the way it has transitioned.”
“Learning to ground, cleanse, and protect our energy is essential in wellness.
“When I started doing limpias regularly it transformed my mental and physical health.
We have to look at ourselves and our energy holistically.
When I wasn’t tired and isolated my relationships improved, my sleep improved, my intuition improved.
“Cleansing our energy will allow us to find our inner voice and intuition.
It is a gateway to self-empowerment.”
She notes that ancestry goes beyond people and can be anything from land to specific herbs.
Ortiz emphasizes the importance of connecting with one’sownancestral practices when you begin this spiritual journey.
“Every culture has some form of mysticism.
Instead of trying to claim the practices of others, do that work with your own.”
Santiago echoes the importance of one’s ancestors in her practice, especially as a form of wellness.
My practice is a part of my daily routine.
It’s something that comes naturally every day.”
Ortiz agrees, urging brujitxs to be respectful and seek out the guidance of elders.
“Their knowledge is worth more than gold.”
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