Witchcraft in the Southwest: Spanish and Indian Supernaturalism on the Rio Grande

by Marc Simmons

"Occasionally a truly remarkable book appears-one that takes a topic in need of discussion, thoroughly researches it, and presents credible results in a fascinating and extremely well manner. Witchcraft in the Southwest is such a volume, and as such, is a must for all readers, be they scholars, students, or others. . . . The volume devotes equal time to Spanish and Indian supernaturalism along the Rio Grande. Opening with a succinct review of the meaning and evolution of witchcraft in Europe and Spain, Simmons establishes the existence of many similar beliefs among native inhabitants of the New World. Moving chronologically to Spanish colonization, the author vividly conveys Spanish reactions to Pueblo life and religion, the fears of witches and other supernatural forces that plagued Spanish colonists. . . . Emphasizing the beliefs and nature of witchcraft rather than the actual mechanics (which are secret), he follows Hispanic communities into the late 19th century. . . . Readers learn how witchcraft fits into the Pueblo world view and how it compares and contrasts with European and Spanish varieties in such areas as motivation, types, powers, beliefs and means of acquisition. . . . Simmons' study provides a needed overview and one that is carefully based on available ethnohistorical documents and credible anthropological data."-American Indian Quarterly A professional historian, author, editor, and translator, Marc Simmons has published numerous books and monographs on the Southwest as well as articles in more than twenty scholarly and popular journals.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Horror, Religion, Folklore

184 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1980

Reviews

[Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is good material in the book, but the reader should be aware that Simmons tackles the subject from the Western and colonialist's perspective--newspaper articles, US court trials, and outsiders that were accepted into the various tribes in the Southwest. By page 16, it's already the mid-1500's when Europeans are exploring the New World, and, given the notes as well as the bibliography in the back of the book, very few sources that the tribes would consider a form of documentation of their own history were used to establish the evolution of their beliefs. Another consideration is that on occasion, Simmons seems unimpressed by the people he's studying; example: "Many Indians, prone to flights of imagination, lived in constant terror of being conjured, a state that not only affected their psychic equilibrium, but proved dangerous to all person with whom they came in contact since they recklessly fastened their suspicions upon relatives, friends, and strangers alike." p.83. It's also difficult to determine whether or not the term witchcraft is just a substitution for religion when describing the beliefs of the natives; especially since the rituals and practices of the natives closely resembled Europeans' conception of witchcraft and therefore deemed it anti-Christian.

The last few chapters are devoted to some of the native's folk-lore; specifically, on Montezuma, healing and herbalism. Like many of the Greek and Roman gods, Montezuma was neither completely benevolent or malevolent--representing both black and white magic (this concept is fantastically explored in The Devil: Perceptions of Evil from Antiquity to Primitive Christianity). There's also mention of a baby eating snake entity. As for healing and herbalism, Simmons mentions that both practices are in direct conflict with Christian theology along with the concept of death.

Lastly, I think the viewpoint Simmons on witchcraft itself ironic. "For the Apache and Navajo, supernatural phenomena emanating from the mysterious well of witchcraft disturb the order of the universe and render precarious the lives of men. Disruption of the social equilibrium and development of individual trauma and anxiety that spring from this belief erode the harmony which the Indian continually seeks with his surroundings and place him at a serious disadvantage in adjusting to the world. Persons dedicated to witchcraft are, therefore, among the most monstrous enemies of mankind" page 146. This is ironic because he mentions earlier in the book the witch craze in Europe was problematic, yet, it is not the problem of the so-called witch, but the problem of those calling others witches and condemning them for it--Christian or otherwise. Witches didn't kill 60,000 people in the 1500s and 1600s, those accusing others of witchcraft did (https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au...).

[K Kriesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I'd been looking for forever!!
To be clear: this is not a beginner's book, anyone going into this without basic knowledge of practices and beliefs in the SouthWest, as well as general history of the area, will be very lost. Citations and sources are excellent; this book will have a space on my bookshelf for many many years.

The only reason I don't give this 5/5 stars is because occasionally the author writes disrespectfully of Natives, both of individuals and of Nations. This doesn't appear intentional, which doesn't really make it any better.

[Sandra O'Briant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readable, not academic. Validated many of the stories I'd been told growing up in Santa Fe, some of which appear in my novel, The Sandoval Sisters' Secret of Old Blood. Of particular note, is Simmons' claim that Nambe was the seat of much witchcraft. www.thesandovalsisters.com

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marvelous secondary reference book for both the student of culture and delver into mysteries, secondary in the sense that it correlate many primary references (accounts written by either observers or participants)into a single volume. While the accounts should not be taken as empirical truths, they do accurately show the mindsets of those who practice witchcraft, believe themselves to be the victims of witchcraft, have observed the effects of witchcraft, or attempted to fit native practices into an existing framework of beliefs.

Marc Simmons tackles first the most difficult aspects of an admittedly nebulous subject: What is witchcraft? Who are the witches? How does that which has been termed "witchcraft" among the Indians of Southwestern North America relate to that which had been traditionally called "witchcraft" in European and derivative cultures? Though his answers or suggestions will not please all, especially those who have "skin in the game" because of cultural preconceptions or ideologies, it may not be very much off the mark -- the diverse accounts allow the reader to form a general idea of what might have existed before, during and after the clash of three cultures (Indian, Spanish & Anglo). And he may not be far amiss in suggesting that what existed among the paleo-Indians, and was later termed witchcraft by the Church, was akin to the wiccan and Celtic traditions which existed among cultures from Europe to the Orient, which was also labeled witchcraft by the Church. In doing so, he is expanding the "Old Religion" thesis of Margaret Murray and extending it to the New World.

The pre-Conquest world is represented by pueblo tales handed down from generation to generation, so while they are certainly not a verifiable record they do represent what the Indians themselves thought of the people who came before them, the great priests and the wielders of supernatural powers. With the Conquest, first by the Spanish, then the Americans, we have actual eyewitness accounts of things seen and done, what the Church and civil authorities did to witches, and what the Indians themselves did to those they suspected of malicious witchcraft.

In bringing the subject of native witchcraft into the 20th Century, Simmons brings in results of modern studies, newspaper and police records, and statements by people of his acquaintance, those these are often second- or third-hand accounts. Taken as a whole, they indicate a strong tradition of supernaturalism (which covers witchcraft, ghosts and herbal lore) amongst the native people, beliefs which are so strong that they have resisted centuries of conversion attempts by Catholic, Protestant and Mormon missionaries, inroads made by non-native cultures and government, and the inexorable march or science and technology. I was left with the impression that when our civilization has joined others in the dust (past Indian civilizations included) these folk traditions of ghosts, supernatural powers and were animals might survive into the future, more or less unchanged.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a mixed bag. The author is covering a lot of ground, and in doing so, must necessarily condense, omit, and gloss over complex traditions and belief systems. The greatest benefit is the collection of stories used to illustrate various aspects of the beliefs surrounding witchcraft (and what earns my "stars" in this rating). Unfortunately, most of the text reads as a dry reporting of beliefs and stories: some people think this, and here's a story that relates to that. There's no central thesis to carry us through, no building or progression toward a significant insight, and no particular perspective through which to read all of this (which is why protestations against the author seem out of place to me). A useful reference as a source among many for someone conducting research, but not a great read in itself.

[Sandra Ramos O'Briant]

Readable, not academic. Validated many of the stories I'd been told growing up in Santa Fe, some of which appears in my novel, The Sandoval Sisters' Secret of Old Blood. Of particular note, is Simmons' claim that Nambe was the seat of much witchcraft. www.thesandovalsisters.com

[Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nonfiction work about witchcraft and supernatural beliefs/traditions in the southwest. I learned quite a bit about the beliefs of witchcraft in the southwest from the Spanish to the indigenous people that inhabit the Rio Grande and other areas of New Mexico including the Navajo and Zuni. I thought that there was quite a bit that was glossed over but I greatly enjoyed the first hand accounts that were included. The book had numerous resources, which would benefit a reader that would like to learn more about witchcraft in the southwestern United States. I will also like to say that this is not a beginner's book, one should have some knowledge of the geography and history of the southwest prior to reading Simmons' book. ⭐⭐⭐1/2

[Faith Merchant campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when Christian Europeans discover native cultures that use rituals, herbal medicine, face paint and tribal dances?

They call them witches and their ancient culture witchcraft, of course. Because everything, including ancient cultures, revolves around their own beliefs.

The author takes you on a historical journey of the "witches" in the Rio Grand, their healing remedies, their practices and closely held beliefs, and of course persecution from the loving kindness of crusaders.

I learned some things that I'm not probably supposed to know about plants that are native to my area! Great read.

[Sara Giacalone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and not very scholarly (in that this is really just a collection of stories and myths, mostly from word of mouth filtered thorugh European views - court and curch records and early explorers and settlers), and it's worth noting that it was published in 1974 - so not very current at all. I enjoyed reading about the myths and legends around New Mexico and the Rio Grand, an area I'm extremely interested in. Much in this to dispute, especially every word written about Montezuma. Still, enjoyable reading.

[Frank Haug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, some of it problematic for different reasons, but still, reminds me of some of the stories I heard as a kid. Also, of course when I finished reading about how witches turn into owls and fly around, the next day, day before halloween, I was driving home at night and hit an owl. yikes

[Bryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but outdated in language and content

[ana* · Rating 1 out of 5]

NEVER read this piece of racist trash!!! This author/researcher doesn't give his subject a bit of compassion. He writes about witches and curanderas in "the Southwest" (all of the subjects live in New Mexico) without any respect for their craft (!), healing powers, and often benevolence. He specifically states that his book is dedicated to special women in his life are "not witches." He better have garlic around his bed.

[Xarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the spiritual aspect of modern Native American tribes and the history of native religions when combined with modern religions.

Modern-day tribes, while converted to new religions, still practice and believe in aspects of past religions, religions their ancestors practiced.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot of the written history of Spanish Christian culture meets Indigenous culture. This books anecdotes became numorous and I eventually started skimming to finish it.

[Trent Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was in interesting book. Lots of stories about those accused of witchcraft. I didn't know the potion business was so big in The Southwest!! Marc Simmons is one of my fav writers.

[CD]

At one point I thought I might write the next great horror book and I would use this as my background research. It is very interesting. Turns out, I like reading more than writing.

[Ernest Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading for Aztláni western research.