What do you think?
Rate this book
American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic
A practical, hands-on guide to Mexican-American folk magic.
American Brujeria is about the fascinating blend of American and Mexican folk magic currently practiced by those living in the US but whose roots are steeped in Mexican culture. The author, who has named this tradition “American brujeria,” explores this magical system, while also offering practical advice on using it. American brujeria is a living, vital tradition that -- while it shares things in common with other folk magic traditions, such as American Conjure—also features its own unique traditions, as well as familiar ones, such as the veneration of saints, both canonized, such as Guadalupe, and folk saints like Santa Muerte.
American Brujeria includes stories from Mexico (folk saints, the story of Guadalupe), the influence of Catholicism, the art of limpias (spiritual cleansings), spell casting, oil crafting, praying the rosary (in English and Spanish), making an altar to Guadalupe, using novena candle magic, crafting protective charms from saints’ medals, and more.
American Brujeria is about the fascinating blend of American and Mexican folk magic currently practiced by those living in the US but whose roots are steeped in Mexican culture. The author, who has named this tradition “American brujeria,” explores this magical system, while also offering practical advice on using it. American brujeria is a living, vital tradition that -- while it shares things in common with other folk magic traditions, such as American Conjure—also features its own unique traditions, as well as familiar ones, such as the veneration of saints, both canonized, such as Guadalupe, and folk saints like Santa Muerte.
American Brujeria includes stories from Mexico (folk saints, the story of Guadalupe), the influence of Catholicism, the art of limpias (spiritual cleansings), spell casting, oil crafting, praying the rosary (in English and Spanish), making an altar to Guadalupe, using novena candle magic, crafting protective charms from saints’ medals, and more.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2021
196 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 4, 2022
It's a decent not hard to follow book, but I found myself very disappointed by how heavily it leaned on Catholicism without really looking at where else a lot of our practices come from. If you have conflict with the Catholic church or are not a praticing Catholic this is absolutely not the book for you.
May 14, 2021
Excellent book! 🙂
I purchased this as a Latina who grew up in America with parents who didn't.
As a practitioner who never learned about my own culture's magick, this was extremely interesting and satisfying.
The beginning of this book spoke to me in a way that made me feel seen.
This book is full of information and I loved every second of it.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to practice Latinx folk magick or are simply curious about the different types of folk magick out there.
I purchased this as a Latina who grew up in America with parents who didn't.
As a practitioner who never learned about my own culture's magick, this was extremely interesting and satisfying.
The beginning of this book spoke to me in a way that made me feel seen.
This book is full of information and I loved every second of it.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to practice Latinx folk magick or are simply curious about the different types of folk magick out there.
May 23, 2021
Most of the book is specific rituals and spells and practices to keep away evil, which was less interesting to me. But there were two parts of this book that I found very fascinating. First, that they placed their practice as central to their Catholic faith. The connection of spells and Christianity is pretty antithetical to what you see in white American protestant/evangelical religions. So it was really interesting to hear about Christian magical practices, and seeing the magic positioned as coming from saints or even more so from Virgin Mary. I knew Mexico and Mexican Americans had a unique relationship to Mary, but it was great to hear the history of the Virgin of Guadalupe from the author and see how much Mary fueled his spiritual magic. The practices don't interest me that much, but it's a fascinating folk anthropological experience!
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2021
DNFing this at 25% because this isn't what I had hoped it was. I was wanting to read a book about Mexican folk Magic/ culture and not a literal how-to folk magic book. This would be great for those who want to learn the practice but not what I was expecting.
January 9, 2023
Not the book for those who currently don’t either believe or practice Catholicism. It’s on me to believe this book was more about the roots of our ancestors and not how they adapted colonization. It’s very heavy leaning towards god being the all mighty. Not what I was expecting.
September 25, 2021
A decent overview of the practice of brujeria in Mexico. My only qualms is how overtly Catholic it comes across, with little to no recognition of the indigenous roots of brujeria.
August 6, 2021
This book felt like a gift from my grandmothers! There is practical information but it’s all wrapped in meaning, explanation, and even humor that makes this so much more than simply a reference book. If you’re just getting started or have been practicing Mexican American folk magic your whole life, Cross guides you through the basics in a way that allows for you to enter in where you are. This is the book I have been asking for, but didn’t think would ever exist. While it’s best to read it in its entirety first, I’ll certainly be referencing it from now on too.
May 27, 2021
This book is kind of hard for me to rate. I think that as a primer to Brujeria, especially in how it's adapted and evolved from (specifically) Mexican Brujeria, it's very successful. It's easy to read and understand, it's super inclusive both for LGBTQIA+ plus practitioners and "no sabo" kids and I think it does a good job at stressing what is appropriate and inappropriate especially in regards to cultural appropriation for people outside of the latinx community who wanted more insight into Mexican American practices.
Where I think it's a little less successful is that it largely comes off as 'all brujeria is protection and cleansings' and I think leaves little resources for those of us, especially LGBTQIA+ people, who may have religious trauma regarding our treatment by the Catholic church itself and our communities who still want a practice that centers around our culture. I kept reading waiting for some info on how some communities have addressed this and go with more of a Magia based practice, which is really common in a lot of areas of South Texas, or that there are some aspects of Curanderismo that center Mexica deities. Even just a brief mention would have been nice to give people who may have picked this up looking for a cultural connection and felt excluded from the Catholicism another place to start further research.
Where I think it's a little less successful is that it largely comes off as 'all brujeria is protection and cleansings' and I think leaves little resources for those of us, especially LGBTQIA+ people, who may have religious trauma regarding our treatment by the Catholic church itself and our communities who still want a practice that centers around our culture. I kept reading waiting for some info on how some communities have addressed this and go with more of a Magia based practice, which is really common in a lot of areas of South Texas, or that there are some aspects of Curanderismo that center Mexica deities. Even just a brief mention would have been nice to give people who may have picked this up looking for a cultural connection and felt excluded from the Catholicism another place to start further research.
May 21, 2021
This was not the book for me, but that’s on me, not on the book. I should have read the description, not requested just because the title sounded interesting. I was expecting to read a sociological/anthropological/historical examination of American Brujeria, not a how to guide. Again, 100% not the book’s fault. In light of this, I’ve given it the star rating I think it merits based on what it sets out to do, not based on my enjoyment.
For those who are interested in learning more about this topic in a practical sense and are in search of guidance in their own folk magic work, I think this book is an excellent introduction and reference guide. This is especially true if the reader is looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history behind these traditions and understanding why various tools and ingredients are used the way they are.
For those who are interested in learning more about this topic in a practical sense and are in search of guidance in their own folk magic work, I think this book is an excellent introduction and reference guide. This is especially true if the reader is looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history behind these traditions and understanding why various tools and ingredients are used the way they are.
May 25, 2021
I completely misinterpreted the purpose of this book and was hoping it would be more about the history and evolution of Mexican Folk Magic and culture, as opposed to a how to book on how to practice it. The parts of it that did give insight into how folk magic came to be was fascinating, but that was a very small portion of this book. In all honestly, I only enjoyed the last couple of chapters where Cross finally discussed the importance of Vicks VapoRub (a literal staple in all Mexican households), common uses for scissors, altars, etc. Had the history and practice of folk magic been more balanced, it might've drawn me in more.
It's not a bad book, but it just wasn't the book for me. No need to worry about me putting hexes on any of you anytime soon. ;)
It's not a bad book, but it just wasn't the book for me. No need to worry about me putting hexes on any of you anytime soon. ;)
October 24, 2021
Honestly, I loved the sentiment and ideas behind this book but the content failed the match the drive that the introduction had in it. There were so many moments I wished the author could gone a little more in-depth with, but instead it felt a little lacking.
My own personal distaste of the book is the amount of religion is tied into the craft. As a Mexican-American myself I was hoping for something for a little more decolonized, but that’s just a preference and warning to whoever is looking to read this book themselves. It’s not my favorite, but it isn’t the worst either.
My own personal distaste of the book is the amount of religion is tied into the craft. As a Mexican-American myself I was hoping for something for a little more decolonized, but that’s just a preference and warning to whoever is looking to read this book themselves. It’s not my favorite, but it isn’t the worst either.
Read
December 28, 2025Wasn’t for me. Wanted something a little more Anthropological I guess. Probably should have read more about the book before going in, so that’s on me.
What would have been cool is more indigenous ways of knowing and magics. Instead what we get are Catholic spells channeling Saints or something. Sorry I don’t know Catholicism. But now I know slightly more! So that’s still a plus.
What would have been cool is more indigenous ways of knowing and magics. Instead what we get are Catholic spells channeling Saints or something. Sorry I don’t know Catholicism. But now I know slightly more! So that’s still a plus.
August 8, 2023
I will raise my hand and admit that this book was not what I expected or wanted it to be and that MAY be coloring my perception of the book. I was hoping that it would be a sort of catalog of various practices in Mexican American curanderia and brujeria with explanations or histories of the practices, where they came from and what they might be based in. I wasn't necessarily expecting a scholarly work, but maybe something more along the lines of a reporter's thorough investigation into the subject.
What I got instead was a very small taste of that. There is some genuinely interesting knowledge to be found here, and for any first generation American of Mexican descent like myself, reading someone talk about the power of Vick's Vaporub, limpias (both herb and egg-based), and novenas was validating in a way I don't often see. To that end, I'm glad that this book exists for the generations that will likely not grow up speaking Spanish, but still won't be fully accepted by white American society; this is their culture if they want it.
Unfortunately, most of the book reads mostly like a recipe book, and in many sections it is exactly that. So for someone seeking a deeper knowledge of these practices beyond "I prefer X herb to X herb because of X" this was a pretty big let down. The author's ruminations on the practice of praying to or otherwise invoking Santa Muerte was by far the most interesting part, as it had some genuine insight beyond the bare bones of what the magic was going to be used for and how to do it. In that same portion of the book, the author also briefly touches on cultural colonialism and some well reasoned statements on why non-Mexican American persons should think on participating in these practices beyond "I am drawn to it."
I just happened to be reading Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth alongside this one, and it truly enhanced my appreciation for Cross's work here. Campbell would be proud and excited to see how modern Mexican American folk magic has grown, evolved, and adapted to suit the world it lives in rather than stubbornly clinging to the past. I do not believe I can say that I believe in magic in a literal sense, but like Campbell, I have a strong belief in the power of ritual, symbolism, and mythology, and while it is not the more serious or scholarly work I was hoping for, Cross's book still fills an important niche in literature.
What I got instead was a very small taste of that. There is some genuinely interesting knowledge to be found here, and for any first generation American of Mexican descent like myself, reading someone talk about the power of Vick's Vaporub, limpias (both herb and egg-based), and novenas was validating in a way I don't often see. To that end, I'm glad that this book exists for the generations that will likely not grow up speaking Spanish, but still won't be fully accepted by white American society; this is their culture if they want it.
Unfortunately, most of the book reads mostly like a recipe book, and in many sections it is exactly that. So for someone seeking a deeper knowledge of these practices beyond "I prefer X herb to X herb because of X" this was a pretty big let down. The author's ruminations on the practice of praying to or otherwise invoking Santa Muerte was by far the most interesting part, as it had some genuine insight beyond the bare bones of what the magic was going to be used for and how to do it. In that same portion of the book, the author also briefly touches on cultural colonialism and some well reasoned statements on why non-Mexican American persons should think on participating in these practices beyond "I am drawn to it."
I just happened to be reading Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth alongside this one, and it truly enhanced my appreciation for Cross's work here. Campbell would be proud and excited to see how modern Mexican American folk magic has grown, evolved, and adapted to suit the world it lives in rather than stubbornly clinging to the past. I do not believe I can say that I believe in magic in a literal sense, but like Campbell, I have a strong belief in the power of ritual, symbolism, and mythology, and while it is not the more serious or scholarly work I was hoping for, Cross's book still fills an important niche in literature.
March 22, 2021
“J Allen Cross opens a box of secrets and spells, deeply linked to the culture, myth, history, and blood of his ancestors. American Brujeria explores folklore as well as history, and guides readers through spells and rituals. Learn how to do a “limpia” in the morning, afternoon, night, or anytime you are drinking your cafe con leche.”
-- Elhoim Leafar, author of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags and Manifestation Magic
-- Elhoim Leafar, author of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags and Manifestation Magic
September 14, 2021
Interesting information conveyed in a concise and often humourful manner, yet too focused on current-year forced moral sensibilities which takes away from the timeless, ancient aspects of the practices described within.
June 2, 2021
A fascinating glimpse into Mexican American folk magic.
January 16, 2022
I'm surprised by how meaningful I found this book. I cried with happy memories of my family.
December 13, 2022
DNF. Maybe… I’m not as witchy as I thought, because this did not jive with me at all.
May 21, 2021
I received a free ARC of this audiobook by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have a passion for studying North American folklore and folk magic as a historian. Each type comes from a different immigrant group (unless it was practiced by the Native Americans) and have roots going back hundreds of years. It’s fascinating to look at the similarities and differences between practices and I like to try and trace back the roots. Wiccanism is relatively new, having been created in the 20th century, and I personally want to learn about what generations have believed and passed down.
Brujería and the lesser known term curanderismo are magical folk traditions from Mexico, which are practiced alongside Catholicism (however I don’t believe brujería is a term used solely in Mexico and is used across the Latin American world), but when referring to brujería in the United States it is in reference to the Mexican iteration. Cross made it distinctly clear however that the US brujería is no longer quite the same as the Mexican version and warns about going to Mexico and loosely throwing around terms when speaking to native Mexicans. You might not get the reaction you’re looking for. In general I have a lot of respect for how Cross approached this book. He states at the beginning that his intention in writing this book wasn’t to try and convert Neo-Pagans to adopt brujería, but instead it was to provide a guide for those of Mexican descent interested in exploring this side to their culture. He doesn’t gate-keep brujería to only those with Mexican heritage but does warn about the difference between respecting a culture’s practices and politely incorporating certain aspects into your faith versus cultural appropriation. This book was definitely not written with the Tik Tok brand of witchcraft in mind. It’s about the traditions of brujería as it’s practiced in the US and certain warnings are interspersed throughout the book but especially about trying to venerate Santa Muerte, which has become a popular spirit to call upon in the last decade within some Neo-Pagan circles.
I went into this book with zero intention of practicing brujería (first I’m not mexicana nor am I Catholic). Cross makes it clear that it’s impossible to practice brujería without being Catholic. The Church, Saints, Bible, and Holy Trinity are such a foundational part of the practice that to try and cut those aspects out would be disrespectful. Instead I went into this book knowing a little about brujería, having grown up in a city with a strong Mexican immigrant culture, but wanting to expand my knowledge. I was a little disappointed that Cross didn’t dig deeper into the potential roots of brujería and how it differs from other forms of Latino folk magic but I don’t fault him for that. Instead he created a great beginner’s guide crammed full of information for anyone ready to dive into brujería. He goes into detail about almost all aspects of the practice and with American Brujería at hand I believe anyone who wanted to incorporate brujería into their lives would be able to with very little difficulties. I left the book with a strong understanding of the practice and a respect for the role it’s played in the lives of Mexican-Americans.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and although it was very well narrated, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook if you intend to use American Brujería as an educational guide. With all the information included within this book, you’d want a physical copy so you could quickly find the exact floor wash recipe you’re looking for or uses for hyssop ( I use these two instances as examples) quickly. Audiobooks do not make the best reference books. But if you’re like me and have no intention of practicing brujería then the audiobook is great.
Overall I rate American Brujería 4 out of 5 stars and wouldn’t be surprised to discover in a few years if was considered one of the premiere starting guides into brujería/curanderismo available to those wanting to explore these traditions.
I have a passion for studying North American folklore and folk magic as a historian. Each type comes from a different immigrant group (unless it was practiced by the Native Americans) and have roots going back hundreds of years. It’s fascinating to look at the similarities and differences between practices and I like to try and trace back the roots. Wiccanism is relatively new, having been created in the 20th century, and I personally want to learn about what generations have believed and passed down.
Brujería and the lesser known term curanderismo are magical folk traditions from Mexico, which are practiced alongside Catholicism (however I don’t believe brujería is a term used solely in Mexico and is used across the Latin American world), but when referring to brujería in the United States it is in reference to the Mexican iteration. Cross made it distinctly clear however that the US brujería is no longer quite the same as the Mexican version and warns about going to Mexico and loosely throwing around terms when speaking to native Mexicans. You might not get the reaction you’re looking for. In general I have a lot of respect for how Cross approached this book. He states at the beginning that his intention in writing this book wasn’t to try and convert Neo-Pagans to adopt brujería, but instead it was to provide a guide for those of Mexican descent interested in exploring this side to their culture. He doesn’t gate-keep brujería to only those with Mexican heritage but does warn about the difference between respecting a culture’s practices and politely incorporating certain aspects into your faith versus cultural appropriation. This book was definitely not written with the Tik Tok brand of witchcraft in mind. It’s about the traditions of brujería as it’s practiced in the US and certain warnings are interspersed throughout the book but especially about trying to venerate Santa Muerte, which has become a popular spirit to call upon in the last decade within some Neo-Pagan circles.
I went into this book with zero intention of practicing brujería (first I’m not mexicana nor am I Catholic). Cross makes it clear that it’s impossible to practice brujería without being Catholic. The Church, Saints, Bible, and Holy Trinity are such a foundational part of the practice that to try and cut those aspects out would be disrespectful. Instead I went into this book knowing a little about brujería, having grown up in a city with a strong Mexican immigrant culture, but wanting to expand my knowledge. I was a little disappointed that Cross didn’t dig deeper into the potential roots of brujería and how it differs from other forms of Latino folk magic but I don’t fault him for that. Instead he created a great beginner’s guide crammed full of information for anyone ready to dive into brujería. He goes into detail about almost all aspects of the practice and with American Brujería at hand I believe anyone who wanted to incorporate brujería into their lives would be able to with very little difficulties. I left the book with a strong understanding of the practice and a respect for the role it’s played in the lives of Mexican-Americans.
I listened to this book as an audiobook and although it was very well narrated, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook if you intend to use American Brujería as an educational guide. With all the information included within this book, you’d want a physical copy so you could quickly find the exact floor wash recipe you’re looking for or uses for hyssop ( I use these two instances as examples) quickly. Audiobooks do not make the best reference books. But if you’re like me and have no intention of practicing brujería then the audiobook is great.
Overall I rate American Brujería 4 out of 5 stars and wouldn’t be surprised to discover in a few years if was considered one of the premiere starting guides into brujería/curanderismo available to those wanting to explore these traditions.
October 13, 2021
American Brujeria is a moving and practical guide to modern Mexican-American Folk Magic.
J. Allen Cross has created not only a practical guide on how to utilize novenas, get in touch with your ancestors, and begin working with the various santos - but also for how to better respect your heritage if you come from a Latinx background where some might have been lost along the way. Every step of the way Cross is aware of what might have been lost over time - whether indigenous origins or simply through assimilation - and takes pains to allow the reader a chance to reconnect.
Cross offers traditional prayers in both English and Spanish, and even offers pronunciation guides for traditional names of people like Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. This nod to history and the importance of it was especially moving for me.
Cross does not pull punches when it comes to the reality of the difficulties posed with people working with Santa Muerte, nor does Cross claim to offer a complete guide by any means. There is care taken to the importance of learning the craft from those within one's community - and the importance of community in general. This is a living tradition, and as such, it needs to be lived to be fully understood.
Great introduction to American Brujeria, although I would still love to read a more sociological/anthropological take on it as well in the future.
J. Allen Cross has created not only a practical guide on how to utilize novenas, get in touch with your ancestors, and begin working with the various santos - but also for how to better respect your heritage if you come from a Latinx background where some might have been lost along the way. Every step of the way Cross is aware of what might have been lost over time - whether indigenous origins or simply through assimilation - and takes pains to allow the reader a chance to reconnect.
Cross offers traditional prayers in both English and Spanish, and even offers pronunciation guides for traditional names of people like Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. This nod to history and the importance of it was especially moving for me.
Cross does not pull punches when it comes to the reality of the difficulties posed with people working with Santa Muerte, nor does Cross claim to offer a complete guide by any means. There is care taken to the importance of learning the craft from those within one's community - and the importance of community in general. This is a living tradition, and as such, it needs to be lived to be fully understood.
Great introduction to American Brujeria, although I would still love to read a more sociological/anthropological take on it as well in the future.
May 22, 2021
American Brujeria is part history book, part guideline, and all very interesting. I really appreciated how the author openly discussed how different cultures in Latin America while focusing on Mexican traditions.
If you want to learn more about Mexican gods and saints, this the book for you as it digs into the best saints to pray to versus the most popular. It's clear the writer did a ton of research with the Mexican-American community when putting the book together. You can hear the histories and folklore throughout the sections.
In fact, there's a section about La Santa Muetre, or Lady Death, and how it's important to know all facts before praying to a saint that may take more than a practitioner may want to give. Good warnings while also pointing to better options for what's being requested. Cross also mentions how to maintain a safe altar, including cleansing rituals.
I really appreciated the narrator and pacing speed of the book. Easy to listen to and digest when doing chores around the house. Easy five star with based on all the elements and introduction points mentioned.
If you want to learn more about Mexican gods and saints, this the book for you as it digs into the best saints to pray to versus the most popular. It's clear the writer did a ton of research with the Mexican-American community when putting the book together. You can hear the histories and folklore throughout the sections.
In fact, there's a section about La Santa Muetre, or Lady Death, and how it's important to know all facts before praying to a saint that may take more than a practitioner may want to give. Good warnings while also pointing to better options for what's being requested. Cross also mentions how to maintain a safe altar, including cleansing rituals.
I really appreciated the narrator and pacing speed of the book. Easy to listen to and digest when doing chores around the house. Easy five star with based on all the elements and introduction points mentioned.
July 8, 2021
American Brujeria by J. Allen Cross is a fascinating look into the art of Mexican-American folk magic. Cross gives a brief history about Mexican-American folk magic and then jumps into a step-by-step guide to spells, candle magic, and more. So much is packed into this book that readers will be astounded.
Steeped in Catholic traditions, “American Brujeria” is a melting pot of Christian beliefs and magic. Growing up Catholic myself, I recognized many familiar tropes from the faith: praying the rosary and novenas, stories about saints and martyrs, and revering Mary the mother of Jesus. I knew nothing about this particular brand of folk magic and I highly recommend reading about it.
I would have liked to see more of the history of Mexican-American folk magic included in the book, rather than delve into a how-to of magic. However, Cross wrote the book with a specific vision in mind. I do not practice magic, but those who are interested will find American Brujeria helpful and insightful.
Steeped in Catholic traditions, “American Brujeria” is a melting pot of Christian beliefs and magic. Growing up Catholic myself, I recognized many familiar tropes from the faith: praying the rosary and novenas, stories about saints and martyrs, and revering Mary the mother of Jesus. I knew nothing about this particular brand of folk magic and I highly recommend reading about it.
I would have liked to see more of the history of Mexican-American folk magic included in the book, rather than delve into a how-to of magic. However, Cross wrote the book with a specific vision in mind. I do not practice magic, but those who are interested will find American Brujeria helpful and insightful.
May 16, 2021
As a thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media, I write this honest review of J. Allen Cross's " American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic.” This audiobook narrated by Cynthia Farrell added an understanding to the nuance that is Mexican American culture. This was done by adding annunciation to the words spoken in Spanish and adding a vocal and clear tone throughout. The audiobook was enjoyable for me, so much that I purchased the book to follow along. There are some areas in the book that need to be seen visually as in the names of folk saints, color associations in candles, and more. I commend the author on encompassing over 212 pages worth of information into this novel. The book offered history, context, and instruction for those interested in the practice of Mexican American Folk Magic. This novel adds to those interested in the anthropologic study of Folk faith in Mexican Americans. Overall, I cannot recommend this book for those interested in Mexican American culture, or who have an interest in practices of Folk Faith around the world. I give this book a strong 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads and highly recommend it.
May 13, 2021
American Brujeria is a book of recipes – for lack of a better word – for how to perform various acts of magic in the Mexican American tradition. I was not familiar with Mexican American folk magic prior to reading this book, and I enjoyed learning about it. I would probably recommend reading it as a physical book rather than listening to the audiobook, though. If you are planning to practice any of this magic, a physical book would make it easier to look up references as you need them. In addition, the narrator for the book was pretty dry. I actually went back and double checked after starting the book to make sure it was a real person narrating and not a synthesized voice.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
September 12, 2022
I've been reading some fantasy novels from latinx authors that are either set in the US or Mexico and several had magic based of off a mixture of Catholicism and the pre-colombian Mexican civilizations. Cross is a practitioner of one of the magic types and describes how it is done, along with cautioning non-believers not to mess with it. There was a fair amount on materials, saints and rituals along with some cultural information. It was an interesting read.
May 13, 2025
I’ve listened to J. Allen Cross in podcasts for years and just finally picked up the book, and it was as incredible as I knew it would be. I feel like I learned so much, even about things I won’t be incorporating into my own practice. I especially appreciated the realistic way he explains rituals and correspondences. Highly highly recommend to anyone interested in practicing or learningMexican-American folk magic.
July 23, 2025
I always like an opportunity to learn more about my people’s folk magick.
I dislike the anti-dragon tales spread by the church and thought the Santa Muerte chapter came off a little preachy. Not a ton a stuff I will bring into my own practice as I don’t vibe with Catholicism but still some good info if you’re looking to connect more with Mexican American culture and their healing magicks.
I dislike the anti-dragon tales spread by the church and thought the Santa Muerte chapter came off a little preachy. Not a ton a stuff I will bring into my own practice as I don’t vibe with Catholicism but still some good info if you’re looking to connect more with Mexican American culture and their healing magicks.
June 21, 2024
This definitely is staying on the shelf! I understand the need to acknowledge folk-catholicism but i struggled seeing lords prayer in this one .
August 30, 2023
I’m only in the introduction and already the author claims to have coined the term “American Brujería.” I’m already disappointed because I was hoping that this book would actually be about Brujería but sounds like it’s going to cover the Pinterest friendly version of it. And this guy has already blamed his abuela for not passing on their culture. I’ll update this review as I go
January 31, 2024
Though I don't care to practice any of these rituals, it was a interesting read. Growing up a Mexican-American who grew up baptist, I have little understanding on many of the practices mentioned in the book, but I saw them being done by family members or friends. It gave me understanding as to why Mexicans practice certain rituals. In addition, there was historical context explanation behind each ritual.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews