Brujas: The Magic and Power of Witches of Color

by Lorraine Monteagut

"Brujas, Witches of Color are ancestral magical beings and the world we live in has tried to silence our voices. . . . This book is such a beautiful tribute to the different stories and experiences we go through as brujas. . . . Amplify the voice of Witches of Color by reading their stories." — Juliet Diaz, author of Witchery and Plant Witchery

There is a new kind of witch emerging in our cultural the bruja . Witchcraft has made a comeback in popular culture, especially among feminists. A growing subculture of BIPOC witches, led by Afro-Caribbean immigrants, Indigenous Americans, and other witches of color, is reclaiming their ancestral traditions and contributing their voices to the feminist witchcraft of today. Brujas chronicles the magical lives of these practitioners as they develop their healing arts, express their progressive politics, and extend their personal rituals into community activism. They are destigmatizing the “witch” of their ancestries and bringing persecuted traditions to the open to challenge cultural appropriation and spiritual consumerism. Part memoir, part ritual guide, Brujas empowers readers to decolonize their spiritual practices and connect with their own ancestors. Brujas reminds us that witchcraft is more than a trend—it’s a movement.

Genres: Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Witches, Latinx, Spirituality, Magic, Religion

304 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not finish. The book starts out strong, but weakens, especially in the White Witch chapter. The author seems to be suffering from a heavy dose of guilt for having white skin. I wish someone had told her, or that she would acknowledge, that it was NOT okay for someone to tell white members of a multicultural conference that they had no right to be there. That person was wrong. It is simply not a given that minorities with white skin necessarily have more "colonizer blood." Obviously they have more privilege, but they are no less their heritage because of it.

It's obvious that the author is very confused by how others see her and insecure in herself, and it makes the selection of narratives (several of which involve her being taken advantage of and abused) hurtful instead of healing. This book has the potential to really mess with others who are similarly lacking confidence in themselves.

Actually, why write a book supposedly about witches of color when all you do is constantly remind the audience that you are not one and don't feel like you belong anywhere? Write a book about inclusive white witches then ^^

[Cat Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite read for this year so far! I honestly had so much fun learning from this book. I love that Lorraine Monteagut shared her real life experiences because it definitely made me feel seen even though it was about her. She is white passing but she did a great job sharing the spotlights to those more deserving. I gathered a lot more resources and wisdom now vs when I started. Yes spirituality is for everyone but a lot of the mainstreamed stuff is appropriated and I always had issues with that. This book helped me work through it. Now I know what I felt was valid and definitely will be moving forward with researching.

[Tara Lush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting nonfiction book. It gives a great overview of various inclusive spiritual and magical practices, interviews with Black and brown practitioners, and lots of resources. While I enjoyed all of that, I thought the author’s narrative of her own life was extremely well-done and inspiring.

[Elizabeth Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is seriously a must read for anyone for anyone born to immigrant parents. I am not going to lie like most Latinas that grew up with. Super religious parents the word bruja was always a bad thing. Part of me stayed away from this book for so long, it sat in my pile of “have to read” for about a month because I did not want to read it publically (i read a lot in front of my conservative family), after not being able to put the book down and feeling validated I did not care anymore. For as long as I could remember I have wondered where I fit in the in between. I have felt unseen and like I did not have the words to describe what I felt or what I was looking for in my spirituality. For the longest time on my journey I still hid who I was and felt like I did not belong. I cried reading this book I healed (started to) reading this book, but most importantly I felt seen. I am not one to write all over a book but this book, this book will make you think and answer questions you did not know you had. You will relate to the author yet feel like she is writing your story yet at the same time you will learn new things. Definitely a book I will be gifting to all the brujas/brujos/brujx in my life. Not many books in my collection do i feel the need to carry with me everywhere but this book lives in my bag so I can reference it! By far one of my favorite books and it was definitely that book that was hard to put down even on breaks at work I was pulling it out! Part of me wants a second copy since I wrote all over my copy!

[Krystle C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. The title drew me in and I was ready for the magic and power of brujas of color. I didn't get this. It felt really awkward to read the authors thoughts on being "white" and not having the "right" to call on African ancestor. This book felt YUCK at times and made me super uncomfortable.

I'm happy you acknowledge your white skin but if you have Cuban and Colombian Blood you are still a WOC. You are entitled to all the plights and privilege's that come from being a WOC. Your skin color does not dictate your bloodline. If you descend from Africans you are as much African as you are a Spaniard from Spain.

The white witch chapter threw me all the way off and I finished the book just because I was almost through at that part. I did appreciate you uplifting people in practice and sharing stories and your path, I wish you just kept the self loathing to yourself (or out of the final edit).

[Deborah Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very educational. Talked a lot about how to support Black and Brown communities highlighting queer people and those identifying as brujas (obvi). This is the first book I’ve actually annotated and underlined stuff!

[Janai · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was super interesting and I wish more folks had this on their radar.

[Julissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard read. I was excited to learn more about Brujas and magic and power and it was a lot of hardship, trauma, and unclear messages regarding the topic. I greatly enjoyed the stories, but I didn't understand how they all related to the topic at hand. The author also adds a lot of their own trauma in almost every chapter with no real tie to the topic. I really wanted to love this book but it just didn't read well for me even if I like hearing stories about my culture.

[pumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

more of a shopping guide than much else, really. cute, though!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the insight and subject matter. I did find the structure a little hard to follow or “loose,” so to speak, perhaps because I read it on kindle, I had trouble keeping the stories straight or identifying who was speaking/whose story was being shared. Also, c/w for SA and abuse.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit longer than I thought it would to read this, I'm not sure why. Maybe it wasn't the right time to read this. Then again, maybe it was meant to be read at this pace. I'm not going to say it captured my attention immediately, but I did enjoy the way she weaves in her personal experience and that of other Brujas of color. I especially enjoyed and appreciated how she broke each chapter up and explained the importance of all the zodiac signs. That had to be my favorite part and then, of course, suggestions of how to find and/or start your journey into this wonderful life.

Overall, although I did appreciate the stories, Dr. Monteagut shared how it melted into each chapter, I think I was hoping for something more. I'm not sure what. Overall, I do believe that all the stories that she shared were a great depiction of the history of the practice of this wonderful craft. Some chapters resonated with me while others did not, but the wonderful thing about that is that I did take something from each chapter with me. I think aside from the zodiac signs section, the other thing that made me enjoy this one a bit more was the resources she shares for following others who practice on social media. What a great way to guide and share such great people who just maybe will continue to teach us something new along the way!

[Kalisto Nanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorraine Monteagut’s Brujas: The Magic and Power of Witches of Color is an inspiring book that dives into the history, culture, and magic of witches of color. Through personal interviews, research, and personal experience, Montegut has created a vivid picture of the power and resilience of witches from African, Caribbean, and Latinx backgrounds. The book begins with a look at the historical roots of witchcraft in the African Diaspora. Montegut delves into stories about the power of African healers who used their magic to fight against colonialism. She also explores how aspects of this spiritual practice have been absorbed into other cultural practices such as Santeria or Vodou. Overall Brujas: The Magic and Power of Witches of Color is an informative and empowering book for readers interested in exploring witchcraft from an Afro-Caribbean perspective. It is full of insightful stories about magical traditions that have remained strong throughout centuries despite oppression from mainstream society. This book will leave you feeling inspired by the courage and strength shown by individuals who embrace their magical heritage while challenging negative stereotypes around witchcraft today!

[Karla Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

REad the full review at https://www.spiritboundpress.com/lite...

Independent scholar and writer Lorraine Monteagut has written this well-researched and endlessly readable book exploring brujas and other witches of color to shine a light on their power, brilliance, and wisdom. Weaving stories of her own life and ancestors with lessons learned, Monteagut also includes brief sketches of other brujas and magical practitioners, our own Juliet Diaz among them.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is impossible to put down! The author’s spiritual journey is achingly authentic and poignantly unexpected. She takes the reader on a quest, not only to truly know herself, but to meet countless women of strength and spirit that are rising up to reclaim the idea of witchcraft and reforge it into a vehicle for self-care, healing, and renewal. Beautiful and Brilliant!!!

[Keegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Now, I see Spanglish as a spellwork of sorts, a rejection of two colonizer languages in favor of something in between, something my own."

"Every couple of decades, the witch syncs up with feminist movements. In the 1960s and '70s, the witch was rebranded as a symbol of women's rights, antiestablishment politics, and environmental stewardship. In the late 1990s, the witch embodied a segment of a generation of teens pushing the boundaries of fashion, sexuality, and mental health awareness. In the 2010s, as a new intersectional feminism emerged, so did the new witch. She stands at the borders of complicated racial, class, and gender identities. She's a reflection of the feminism of these times, always shifting in response to political, social, and environmental problems."

"The weeping woman contains multitudes. She is the Aztec goddess Cihuacoatl, the 'Serpent Woman,' who was associated with midwifery; she was terrible in appearance but also the protector of babies and women who died in childbirth. She is Kali, the fierce Hindu goddess who destroys man for his greed and betrayal. She is Lilith, the one who chose exile rather than remain confined in paradise to the will of man. She is the powerful river orisha, Oshun. She is Santa Muerte, the personification of death and hope. The weeping woman is the goddess that embodies the power of the feminine will, in all its forms.
Such feminist reinterpretations of La Llorona abound, resisting the notion of the spiteful or incurably mentally ill woman. Is La Llorona a bogeyman thirsty for more casualties, just a scary bedtime story to keep us in line? Or can she be reimagined as an Indigenous protectress of the land and the womb against colonization, as she did not allow the White man to claim what was hers?"

"What if we were taught that our illness is not a detriment but a sign that we have so much more to offer? What if we are not sick but are in fact responding to a sick system that is no longer designed to care for the majority? What if we lived in a world where we don't have to rush to identify ourselves as one thing? I don't know what that world would look like, but I do know that it would strain, or even break, the capitalist colonial system that has only valued us by our production or consumption."

"I imagine a world without insecurity, where everyone has what they need, where each person is a creative force. We've relegated creativity to artists of specific mediums, as if there were no creativity in treating a patient or conducting lab research. Or as if our day jobs were all the defined us."

"What if revolution is not a fight? What if it's an opening to more and more love?"

"Well, 'magic' is a tricky word too. And words matter. They are spells, so we better know what we mean by them. Words like 'witchcraft' and 'brujeria' have been used to dehumanize and discount Indigenous and African people during times of slavery. They've been used by those who erroneously believe that the African connection to nature and ancestors is somehow more 'supernatural' than, say, the Catholic belief in saints. If we use those words without knowing better, we cast bad spells, strengthen centuries-old oppression and exploitation."

"During COVID-19, self-care spending has skyrocketed, and influences make self-care look trendy. 'Self-care is not selfish' is a common meme. Except it sometimes is. To many Indigenous communities, the same products and practices that are now being consumed en masse were never a trend--they were necessary for survival."

"That's where the public worship of Santa Muerte started, in Tepito, Mexico, on Halloween in 2001. A woman called 'Dona Queta,' born Enriqueta Romero, set out a life-size statue of Santa Muerte, the skeleton saint. This was highly taboo at the time as her image had always been occulted behind the Virgin of Guadalupe and Catholics still associate her true form with evil.
This is what we do with death, because we fear it so. We associate it with evil, and we push it to the margins. It is a sign of our privilege to do this. For those who live closer to death, she cannot be ignored, and rather than being a fearful image, Santa Muerte is a comforting constant.
The worship of Santa Muerte has become the fastest growing new religious movement in the Americas, though it's condemned by the Vatican. This has not stopped many people from converting from Catholicism or carrying on a hybrid sort of worship of both the Virgin Mary and Santa Muerte. In contrast to the leadership of both the government and the clergy in Mexico, the movement's leadership has female devotees at its highest levels. In a country where the disappearance of people at the hands of the cartels and trafficking of women is commonplace, these women leaders risk their own safety to relay Santa Muerte's message of protection and hope."

"The fetishization of Voodoo images has created stereotypes and misinformation that persist today. Voodoo is erroneously associated with evil dolls and zombies. Priests and priestesses have become 'witch doctor' caricatures associated with the devil. But in traditional African religions, folk magic was distinct from witchcraft. It referred to any means of influencing fate through natural orders and was considered a part of traditional healing."

"There's a lot of rhetoric out there about 'getting back to normal,' but for many people, things haven't been normal for a while. If this virus has taught us anything, it should be that the way we were living is unsustainable, and we have to change the way we think about business. For all the progress we think we've made as a society, for all the ways we think we've protected ourselves from the harsh reality of the world out there by accumulating material wealth, we are still a part of nature, and Mother Nature is showing us just how hard the stuff of evolution can be."

"To Indigenous communities, it's not just that retail chains are profiting from this but also that they're perpetuating the notion that Indigenous cultural practice are trendy, when in the past they were banned by government measures, like Canada's Indian Act, which gave the Canadian government authority to dictate the practices of Native peoples and is still in effect today. These trends can also be detrimental to the environment. The mass mining of crystals and gemstones, which often leads to water contamination, soil erosion, and land degradation, is an example of the hypocrisy of a consumer-driven spirituality."

"I wonder if it's in my blood, to keep moving, to never settle. We are a family of exiles and immigrants, after all, of people always on the edge of some frontier. Maybe it's why the wilderness renders me so vulnerable. To my grandparents, the woods had human eyes and human dramas. The woods are where the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia lived, armed insurgents ready to kidnap their children. The woods are where Fidel Castro strengthened his army before striking their town and starting a revolution that pushed them from their homes forever. The woods aren't a safe place. The woods aren't for recreation. The woods are the difficult past."

[Karen Armendariz · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 stars] Brujas explores issues of female and cultural identity, heritage, and power through stories of women connected to the ancient and modern traditions of brujería, or witchcraft.

What stands out in Brujas is the sense of empowerment that runs through the narrative. The brujas are not just passive figures of mysticism, but active agents of change and resistance, reclaiming their power in both subtle and overt ways. Their practices, beliefs, and connections to the earth serve as symbols of resilience and strength, and the novel encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship to power and tradition. The novel is as much about the internal conflicts of the characters as it is about the external forces they face, and the blend of magical and mundane keeps the narrative engaging.

I am giving the book 3.5 stars because, while I appreciated the depth of the story, some chapters felt a bit drawn out and could have been condensed to maintain a tighter narrative flow. Additionally, the structure could have been improved by grouping the chapters thematically. This would have helped create a clearer sense of cohesion and made it easier to grasp the central themes and ideas that ran through the book. A more organized structure might have enhanced the overall understanding of the book’s key messages.

[Angélica Lomax · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book thinking it would be a “how to” guide on decolonizing your spirituality, with history mixed in for context on our ancestral roots. In reality it was more of a memoir that provided a lot of awesome resources for further research. It was good, just not what I was wanting. Cheesy but vulnerable and inspiring.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the spiritual universe - for white folks to reflect on their spirituality, its connections to indigenous and African practices, and how to be allies through activism; and for folks of color on the process of healing generational trauma and connecting to our ancestral wisdom.

This author is very open about being mixed and this book did not shy away from discussing the difficulties of having both colonizer and colonized blood, as well as the responsibility of that privilege. (As a mixed person, this hit hard).

My favorite thing about this book is the guides and affirmations at the end of each chapter, which discuss alters and zodiac signs. Monteagut also shouts out other brujas and activists to use as resources, as well as podcasts and other books.

[Ash Brower · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was beautiful poetic but also raw and real. Definitely CW for violence, trauma and sexual trauma.

I particularly loved how the author wove her stories through the book with others along with all the informative content and community building. It really felt like an invitation (call to action really) to DO a something, not just “be witchy” as is the current trend, but do the heavy work, the shadow work and the activism. It was a firm but compassionate explanation that not everything belongs to everyone but we CAN find our lane and support each other. She gives incredible practical advice for any practitioner, and insight into why some of us just aren’t entitled to take what we want. I appreciate it so much and felt like I was being given a huge gift reading the stories and knowledge.

Really lovely and compelling work.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

Framed by the 12 signs of the Zodiac and their meanings, the author takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery through history, ritual, and contemplation to embrace the brujeria path listing several annotated resources online, with recommendations for digital, and personal sites to gaining further information, and supplies ends each chapter. This as a means to empower people in Diaspora from their traditions, particularly women.

The text is filled with anecdotes from the author's life, and others, discussing their own experiences exploring these traditions, as well as, historical events and how they fuel one's practice with inspiration.
Aries Spark Initiation
Taurus Builder Altar
Gemini Messenger Connecting
Cancer Mother Protection
Leo Ruler Sanctification
Virgo Healer Libations to Land
Libra Lover Self Care
Scorpio Shadow Ally Work
Sagittarius Visionary Journal
Capricorn Authority Resources
Aquarius Seer Practice
Pisces Dreamer Share

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

While things that have to do with spirituality, astrology and such don't really call to me, I truly enjoyed that this book is a mezcla of memoir, history and decolonization practices. The history and cultural significance of brujas in communities of color was fascinating, especially since the concept of brujas is much more expansive and encompassing than the North American and European concept of witch. The author also posits the practice of Santeria as a resistance movement, going back to indigenous and community based practices, rather than focus on the religions of Europe which were forced unto the people of the Caribbean and Central/South America. Each chapter includes a historical anecdote, a specific practice and further resources. Religion as resistance. Fascinating! Recommended for the curious and those seeking spiritual alternatives.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came upon this book in a library display during Mexican American month. Overall, I'm having a hard time having faith in general in my life so I had to push through a lot of skepticism to hear the book. For that reason I think there were parts of it that just didn't resonate with me, but I appreciate how much research went into it and the incredible number of resources it provides to follow up and keep exploring. I've never really listened to podcasts before but there are a number suggested in the book I am going to look into now, along with books and online resources. I'm hoping surrounding myself with the resources mentioned will help me reopen myself to a spiritual world and maybe it will be fate that caused me to stumble across this book.

[Katie Barefoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Brujas is a work that weaves together historical nonfiction, memoir, guidebook, and a progressive call to action. The author beautifully outlines that healing brokenness, self care, and being mindful are all types of their own magic. Being in touch with yourself, your environment, and being unapologetic in the pursuit of your own happiness through personal rituals is not only empowering, but affirming. The author also speaks to the power of ancestors and the continuation of their power through our lives, which I found beautiful. I would recommend this book for anyone to read!

[Heather Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I came across this book!! It had so much for me to digest and work through. Questions to ask and new perspectives to think about. Most notably, it got me thinking about how the intersections of my heritage create a picture that could never be entirely one or the other. I knee that culturally, but somehow never fully digested the impact on my spiritual traditions and the many places they come from and the best ways for me to learn those I have no personal experience with so that they don't remain lost. I may not be a bruja or witch but this book still made me feel seen in so many ways.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

My self-guided policy is that if I read a book all at one time then it is an automatic five star rating. So be it.

TW for multiple (maany) violent incidents. "Incidents" seems like far too passive a word. #MeToo

It felt like a privilege to be a reader of this book. Thank you for writing it and sharing your and your Ancestors' stories.

I also find myself craving stories and lived experiences from the COVID period. They are raw and open wounds, and yet relatable in too many ways. With gratitude for your vulnerability and generosity of spirit.

[Rachel Kool · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book! Thank you thank you Lorraine for writing this 🙏🏽

For me as a mixed race brown skinned woman who one side is also a descendant of colonizers, I have struggled how this can co-exist within me. I am still trying to not apologize for being brown in this white world, but piece by piece I am finding and embracing my true me. Thanks to Poeta Godess and her beautiful drawings and poetry, she pointed me to you and I read your book. It has given me extra power within. I understand more of my own magick now. That its not crazy.
Again thank you! 🙏🏽❤️💫

[Kevin Worcester · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this one. brujas is a powerful and much-needed look at witchcraft from the perspective of witches of color. lorraine monteagut dives deep into how brujas are reclaiming their traditions and using them to build community and heal. it’s part memoir, part ritual guide, which keeps it personal but also gives practical advice. loved how she challenges spiritual consumerism and emphasizes the importance of honoring our roots. some parts felt a little repetitive, but overall, it’s an inspiring read for anyone interested in decolonizing their spiritual practice.

[Rubesdee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25

Part practical handbook, part retelling of inspirational, informative and community building stories around brujas of color! A great read especially, if like me you are piecing together what it means to be a interested and sensitive to a spiritual practice that seems close, yet distant all at the same time. It explores intersectionality between different experiences, cultures, practices, and ideologies while telling the stories in an easily digestible and accessible way. Excited to start putting some of the practical instructions into practice.

[Juley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute I spent reading this book. I felt so sad it came to an end. I wish I owned my own copy. I borrowed it from my local library. It was a powerful piece in validating my place within my practices and how I relate to the world. Thank you very much for writing it. There were only like 3 typos I clocked in the whole book. one of which, was a misprint error not a real true mistype.
again, great. loved this.
will warn readers:
mentions DV, SA, Generational Trauma, medical trauma, gaslighting, death

[Lauren Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on my first spiritual journey and made it approachable to beginners while also weaving both a personal and historical story that is new to others. I also appreciated how the author helped to educate me about my spot in this community as an advocate and ally. I love all of the zodiac information and step by step instructions on how to get in touch with my spiritual self, this is a must read!!!

[Hector · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories of personal journey always interest me because they provide a lens of the world I might not otherwise know. This particular spiritual journey is made all the better by research and adjacency. I still hesitate because it is a (presented as) white face speaking of a deeply personal Black and brown experience, but I do appreciate the author’s self-awareness and reminders of what privilege brings to the story. I’m the end, I wish her well.