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Veneration Rites of Curanderismo

Invoking the Sacred Energy of Our Ancestors

Foreword by Luis J. Rodriguez
Published by Bear & Company
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

A guide to connecting with your ancestors and healing your lineage

• Shares traditional veneration rites and practices to connect with your ancestors, including limpia rites, trance journeys, energy work, and sacred gardening

• Explores ancestral altar-making practices, sacred tools for altars, and how to invite your ancestors to take an active role in intervening on your behalf

• Describes the deification process of esteemed ancestors and how this opens access to special powers for those sharing that ancestor’s lineage

Exploring the diverse and dynamic ancestral veneration rites of the ancient Mesoamericans as well as those practiced in contemporary curanderismo, Erika Buenaflor shows how we can draw from these traditions to reconnect with our ancestors, deepen our healing journeys, and shape our lives. She explains how ancestors contain sacred energy that can continue in their direct physical heirs, be reborn in the landscape at sacred sites, or manifest in other beings that inhabit the same lands. She describes the deification process for esteemed ancestors and how this opens access to special powers for those sharing that ancestor’s lineage.

Buenaflor examines the ancient sacred offerings and ceremonies used to ensure ancestral aid, guidance, and intervention as well as the ancestors’ well-being and comfort in the afterlife. Bringing the knowledge into the present day, she shares numerous veneration rites and healing practices to strengthen your bonds with your ancestors, including limpia rites, ritual craft-making, trance journeys, shamanic breathwork, energy work with past and present lives, sacred gardening, and ancestral altar-making. She introduces you to Nepantla spirituality, the path of reclaiming sacred liminal space, and shows how you can heal your ancestral lineage and reclaim your esteemed ancestors, those who anchor you with a feeling of belonging to something greater, divine, and beautiful.

Whether you are able to create a long and detailed family tree or have no knowledge of your grandparents or even parents, this book offers many ways to connect with your spiritual forebearers, heal your lineage, and receive spiritual aid as you reclaim your ancestors and welcome them into your life.

About The Author

Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., has a master’s degree in religious studies with a focus on Mesoamerican shamanism from the University of California at Riverside. A practicing curandera for over 20 years, descended from a long line of grandmother curanderas, she has studied with curanderas/os in Mexico, Peru, and Los Angeles and gives presentations on curanderismo in many settings, including at UCLA. She lives in Tujunga, California.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Bear & Company (September 5, 2023)
  • Length: 216 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781591434979

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Raves and Reviews

“Once again Erika Buenaflor brings us a useful, powerful, and gamechanging modern look at ancient wisdom. This book not only helps us cultivate a walkable bridge between ourselves and our ancestors, it provides much-needed rituals around the important transitions of death, dying, and grief. Every practitioner interested in ancestral work, regardless of their cultural background, needs a copy of this book.”

– J. Allen Cross, author of American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic

“The wisdom of the ancestors vibrates from the pages of Erika’s book and infuses the reader with warmth, comfort, and the feeling of coming home to ourselves. Brimming with fascinating history, heartfelt stories, and accessible exercises, Erika seamlessly weaves a pathway for us to reconnect and reclaim the strength and power of those who came before. Erika is a knowledgeable and trusted maestra and offers us a tender and steady hand to help lead us to the full and joyous lives we are meant to live. This book is a rare gift, Erika is a gift, and we are all better for it.”

– Robyn Moreno, curanderismo practitioner and author of Get Rooted: Reclaim Your Soul, Serenity, and S

“Ancestral veneration rites are an ancient form of healing, blessing, spiritual interaction, and renewal. Erika not only offers spiritual guidance and wisdom but also shows ancient techniques and methods for the revival of these rites. Erika’s experiences, deep knowledge, and love for our ancestors and future generations to come shines through every page.”

– Laura Davila, author of Mexican Sorcery: A Practical Guide to Brujeria de Rancho

“This book nourished my spirit like a healing broth of bones and herbs. I immediately felt the urge to strengthen my own practice with the rites and rituals brought to life within its pages.”

– Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, author of Earth Medicines: Ancestral Wisdom, Healing Recipes, and Wellness Ri

“Erika’s well-wrought teachings, rituals, and instructions, much of which were taught to her by elders and curanderx, but also from extensive study, are antidotes to the various physical, mental, emotional, cultural, and spiritual ailments we’ve endured for over five hundred years.”

– Luis J. Rodriguez, best selling author and award-winning novelist

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