Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo: Limpias Espirituales of Ancient Mesoamerican Shamans

by Erika Buenaflor M.A. J.D.

A tutorial on the ancient practice of limpias to heal the mind, body, and soul

• Offers step-by-step instructions for the practice of limpias, shamanic cleansing rituals to heal, purify, and revitalize people as well as physical spaces

• Examines different types of limpia ceremonies, such as fire rites for transformation, water rites for cleansing and influencing, and sweeping rites for divination

• Explores the sacred stories behind limpia rituals and traces these curanderismo practices to their indigenous roots

Exploring the essential tools and practices of Mesoamerican shamans and curanderos, specifically the ancient Yukatek Maya and Mexica (Aztec), Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., provides a step-by-step guide for conducting the most common practice within limpias . These practical and incredibly effective shamanic cleanses heal, purify, and revitalize people and spaces with herbs, flowers, eggs, feathers, fire, and water. They are also powerful tools for self-empowerment, spiritual growth, soul retrieval, rebirth, and gracefully opening up pathways for new beginnings.

Drawing on her 20 years’ experience as a curandera and her graduate studies focused on Mesoamerican shamanism, the author traces modern curanderismo practices to their indigenous roots. She explores the sacred stories behind limpia rituals and examines different types of limpia ceremonies in depth, such as fire rites for transformation, water rites for cleansing and influencing, and sweeping rites for divination. She outlines how limpias work holistically to enable one to let go and cleanse the body, mind, and spirit of limiting beliefs, traumas, and broken stories; heal acute and chronic illnesses such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety; and revitalize and activate sacred spaces by renewing their essence and clearing negative energies. She explains the healing properties of the plants used in limpia rites and how to perform the medicinal chants used by the curanderos. In addition, the author details how the practice of platicas , heart-straightening talks, supports limpia rites by encouraging one to vocalize their needs as they eject traumas and unwanted energies from the body, setting the stage for self-awareness and healing.

Sharing the story of her own complete healing from a catastrophic injury with limpias as well as inspirational testimonies from others who have experienced limpias, the author provides a personal and thoroughly practical guide to the ancient shamanic method of limpias to promote healing and personal transformation in our times.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, History, Health, Magick, Latinx

216 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2018

Reviews

[Andrea]

This is a great book, well-researched, well-organized, quite comprehensive and detailed description and process of the rituals should one want to recreate it themselves (there are some rituals that she encourages the reader to do on their own) and even some simple augury included. As a Filipino, I wish such a reference for ancient Filipino healing traditions was available in this way!

I was initially drawn to the book in hopes of finding an answer to why curanderos make melodic swishing and swooshing sounds. I did not find the answer in the book, but I did find the subject matter very interesting. For my personal context, I've participated in plant medicine ceremonies so I am familiar with some of the rites, which also drew my interest.

From this perspective, I'd also like to note the similarities between our healing traditions -- the incorporation of Catholic patron saints, the Virgin Mary in candle-based limpias; the use of eggs for limpias and to identify ailments (I've also read about a similar ritual done in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore); the similarity between amaranth bread as the embodiment of the gods and the Eucharist.

[Mona Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well-researched book on cleansing rites of Curanderismo. I am familiar with curanderas and the various rituals as I grew up in a Mexican American neighborhood.

The history behind the rituals fascinated me even though I remember some of it from college studies because there was much more information dedicated to ancient practices. The background of rituals in Mesoamerica, by the Mexica, and various other tribes is explained and well-documented. This book presents a rich history of information and helps people to understand the use of herbs, candles, and rituals.

Besides specifying the various cleansing (limpia) rituals, there are step-by-step instructions on how to conduct the various rituals.

I found myself wanting to read more.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became interested in the topic when my fiance told me about the limpias he grew up with. I wasn't expecting so much in this small book - it not only goes into the Mesoamerican history of Curanderismo and the spiritual practices of the Mexica and Maya people, but also goes into limpias practices themselves. I was recommended this book by someone who regularly practices limpias and other traditional rituals

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of curanderismo is explained in decent detail between the larger original peoples of the Mesoamerican area and I found that very interesting. I found it objective, and I would have really loved more contemporary cultural connections to the historical practices. It almost goes there when the book gives history on how the Spanish priests wrote many of the codices that give us information today. Even still, I found myself making the connections on my own, and that was fun and maybe more relevant for my journey.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched with incredibly useful instructions on how to perform a limpia, along with an interesting, yet somewhat dense story of Mesoamerican Shamans. I have never been curious about Curanderismo, but after this book I will pick the next lne about the topic I can find, even better if from the same author.

[MaggiCat Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly well researched, you can see the care and love that went into every word. Informative and enlightening, some of these practices will be things I take into my own pagan practice. A wonderful read for anyone wanting to expand their horizons in self-help, mysticism, and the Mexica-Yucatán Maya spirituality.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I ended up gifting it to my mom. I was raised in a household that performed limpias regularly. It was an interesting experience reading about our culture in a more positive light.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I feel validated in so many ways! There were things I already knew but I did not know the depth of them. I also learned new things as well! For example, bird feathers? Woah! It makes total sense though! Also the barridas! Reminds me of how back in Guatemala, people would sweep not only the inside of their homes but the outside parts around it as well!
I’m Guatemalan and I love how we not only have insight into the Mexica but also Maya in both the Mexican and Guatemalan region! Growing up my parents would mention how they had to learn about the Popul Vuh in school! Seeing it being referenced in this book was pretty cool as well!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible and exactly what I was looking for! In addition to detailed instructions on how rituals are performed (towards the end of the book), the bulk of this book spends time explaining the roots of these modern practices based on ancient Mayan rituals and beliefs. Very informative and helps steep the practice in the tradition and ancestral knowledge.

[Lola Dova · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book! I am interested in starting a holistic/ healing/ spiritual career and found this book exactly what I needed to start my search and journey! Loved every about it and looking reading all her books!

[Susieq_reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm trying very hard to like this authors books. i am just not getting anything from them or resinate with them. i feel like i have already learned all of this from other more older books and curanderos.

[V. Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book with so much research and applicable information. Def recommend for folks who want to more deeply understand cleansing rituals.

[Sonia Sein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will recommend this book to anyone that's interested in learning about different healing techniques. This is the reason I read thisbook.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!

It truly honors our roots and help us make the connection of how all that we know as common practice ties down to our ancestors and their beliefs.

A true work of love ❤️‍🔥

[John Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book talks a lot about Minan Shamanism and the authors personal history with Shamanism. It's great!

[Kassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, instructive and respectful. A valuable resource for anyone in the process of reclaiming their own land based Indigenous American spirituality.

[Alicia Cuadra-Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful wealth of information and practical tools.

[Aaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounded in history, tradition, culture

This book comes from a deep wellspring of history, culture and tradition, bringing the lived experience of Mesoamerican cultures to the modern world, while retaining some of the significance. The examples from texts and personal practices makes it interesting, as does the background history and context.

[Teo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource. It is amazing. The research and practicality provided in this tome are priceless. I highly recommend this book to those who wish to know more about the practice of Curanderismo and wish to enrich themselves spiritually. Buenaflor has gifted us with an amazing representative of true wisdom and her courageous undertaking does not go unnoticed by our community. She manages to tow the line (a delicate balance) as she keeps our traditions alive. I am indebted to her humility and charity. She is a hero!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book, full of history. Limpia was not something I was familiar with but was very well researched. It is full of history and rituals. Healing and cleansing your body and space was a big part of this book. I enjoyed reading about it but some are not practical for all readers. Thank you for allowing me to read this book. I recieved this book from Net Galley for an honest review.