Mexican Sorcery: A Practical Guide to Brujeria de Rancho

by Laura Davila

Spell work, spiritual cleansing, herbal magic, how to protect against the Evil Eye, and cast, break, and avert hexes and curses.

Mexican witchcraft, or brujeria, has long been an integral part of traditional Mexican culture that permeates all strata of social hierarchy, ethnicity, or level of education.

“Brujeria de Rancho” refers to brujeria as it is practiced in the rural areas of Mexico. There, the brujos de Ranch offer their healing and divinatory powers, acting as advisors, and even meting out justice through the use of cursing and hexing for people who are often not able to pay lawyers’ fees.

Davila, a practicing bruja de Rancho and for whom this is a multi-generational family tradition brings this tradition to light in this comprehensive guide to Brujeria and Hechiceria (sorcery), presenting the beliefs and practices to today’s readers. The tradition includes a component of folk Catholicism that will be accessible to Pagans, non-Catholics, and practitioners of Hoodoo and Conjure. Topics included in the book are spell work, cleansings (limpias), herbs, talismans, how to protect against the Evil Eye, and also how to cast, break, and avert hexes and curses.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Magic, Latinx, Religion, Spanish Literature, Spirituality

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Ramona Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there have been many books published on brujería in the past few years as magic has become more and more popular, there has yet to be a book published in English on Mexican brujería and hechicería by a Mexican author -- until now. This book contains the wisdom of the Rancho served up with a generosity of spirit, warmth, and a realness that only Davila can bring to the table.

My favorite parts of this book were learning more about her personal family history and how it informed her practice. Sometimes the spells are even presented with two versions, one from each of her grandmothers, and seeing the variations between the two is fascinating and informative. Through Davila's work, we are getting to experience five generations of magic that is deeply connected to the earth, to spirits, and the One Being, whatever you want to call it. I also really enjoyed the chapter on working with the Saints, and I'm awaiting a horseshoe from my beloved so I can get to work on a San Martin Caballero talisman to help bring fortune and luck into my life!

It is also a profoundly important book to me as my family comes from the same area of Mexico as Davila's, and I know my grandmothers were also connected to this tradition. I can't believe how fortunate I am to not only have this book in my life, but my Dad has also been anxiously anticipating its release, and I bet he's listening to the audiobook right now.

[Luna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a huge No for me. First of all it was extremely catholic!! I was expecting this book to be about decolonized Mexican brujería. I was looking forward to learning more about indigenous Mexican magic, instead, it felt like I was back at catecismo all over again! lol The majority of spells in this book invoked Jesus and the saints with the exception of the chapter on Satan. 👀 Respectfully, I am no longer catholic and I want nothing to do with that religion. lol 🤣
I only took in the info that was relevant to me and left what was not.

[Sal · Rating 2 out of 5]

definitely do not listen to as an audio book. this book includes spells, which makes audio a bad experience.

[The Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

muy católico

te dice qué hace, pero no cómo ser

[Michael Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My journey with 'Mexican Sorcery' by Laura Davila (Daphne La Hechicera) began with its captivating Audible version, where the vivid narration brought the essence of Brujeria de Rancho to life. This auditory experience was so enthralling that it deepened my connection with the book’s content, painting a picture that truly supplements the text.

Each chapter of Davila's book offers an unflinching look into traditional Mexican witchcraft, deeply rooted in cultural practices and daily life. Her unapologetic approach to subjects often considered taboo in mainstream witchcraft is refreshing. Davila dives into these topics without hesitation, treating them as integral parts of life and the craft, empowering readers to make informed choices in their magical practices.

From practical spellwork to sacred encounters, Davila's work is an immersive experience. She integrates Catholicism with traditional magic and provides enlightening insights into working with spirits. Her portrayal of spellwork, including sympathetic magic and sacramentals, showcases a raw and real side of witchcraft often veiled in other texts.

What sets this book apart is its honesty and straightforward presentation of the craft. Davila provides the facts, leaving ethical decisions in the hands of the practitioner. It's this aspect of 'Mexican Sorcery' that I found most compelling.

I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the physical book in addition to the Audible version. This beautiful tome is jam-packed with spells, rituals, and wisdom, making it an essential addition to any witch's library. 'Mexican Sorcery' stands as a testament to the depth and diversity of witchcraft, inviting readers to embrace their power within and explore the rich tradition of Brujeria de Rancho.

[Sylvia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mexican Sorcery is one of the most valuable books I have added to my collection in years. Laura Davila writes with clarity, depth, and lived experience, grounding everything in her family’s multi-generational tradition of brujería de rancho. This is not abstract theory. It is practical knowledge you can put into use immediately, written by someone who genuinely carries the lineage. What impressed me most is how complete the book feels. It covers spell work, limpias, talismans, and protections against the Evil Eye, while also teaching how to cast, break, and avert curses. The sections on herbal magic are especially detailed, showing how plants are used in ways deeply tied to Mexican culture and tradition. I have already incorporated several of the limpias into my own practice with incredible results. Another strength is how accessible Davila makes the material. While rooted in folk Catholicism, the practices can be adapted for Pagans, non-Catholics, and practitioners of other folk traditions like Hoodoo and Conjure. The respect for the tradition shines through, and the way she contextualizes brujería in rural Mexican life gives the work a depth that feels both educational and empowering. I'm definitely going to buy her other book!

[Demmy Van Heilsing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davilas wisdom is that of a pomegranate. There were so many seeds that make up her magical experiences and practices; She happily shares them with us.

“Mexican Sorcery: 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘫𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘥𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰” is a book you will grasp to, to finally make sense of your bi-cultural spiritual desires. In this book Davila opens her heart, shares her experiences, and her vast knowledge. She makes magic relatable.
Parts of my myself were found in here. Reconnected & reconciled.

Brujas de rancho are not one dimensional. We thrive from the land, from our ancestors, our connection with our community and our experiences. We thrive out of lack. Laura Davila knows her shit. She’s not some self-prophized ego maniac taunting you with toxic positivity. Each chapter of this book provides history or testimony of these practices.

Her spells utilize easily accessible supplies that are affordable and reliable. She sugar costs nothing. There’s no “light magic” only. Her spells cater to the oppressed whose only options are their faith and the power in what they can do. This book will bring that kind of power and healing for the next generation of Brujas.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this author via Instagram when someone else I follow reposted her second book. Bring a completist, I decided to get both books and read them in order, even though there is no indication that this is required or helpful. This first book is an easy to read/follow guide on how brujería is utilized in the ranchos de Mexico, specifically in the north eastern region. I appreciated the level of detail and explanation for why things are done a certain way but it was also clear that there is so much more she was unable to include in the book, like history and context that would have bogged the book down. However, as someone who is more interested in the history and context than the spells, I would love to read a book by this author that only goes into that stuff.

I would recommend this book to someone interested in learning more about Mexican witchcraft, it’s not meant to be a sole source but it does have interesting information to round out other readings or teachings.

[S. Faxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conversational style of Davilla's writings made me feel like I was there with her, either in the kitchen or in the graveyard, learning and observing at her side. I love how she defined every term and provided sound warnings to readers about doing their proper research before starting any of the described activities, for both scientific and spiritual reasons.

I would recommend this for people who want to learn more about the practices and traditions of brujas. This is not a cutesy spell recipe guide; this book contains spells that show the balance of light and dark, which I found absolutely fascinating and very educational!

[Karla Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Coming from a long line of brujas de rancho, Laura Davila resisted this tradition when she was young. But when she and her family immigrated to (what is known as) the US from Mexico, she knew she must face her destiny and embrace the legacy of her grandmothers. Brujeria de rancho is an ancient practice of rural Mexico that fuses pre-Hispanic sorcery and colonial Catholicism into a sacred spirituality rooted in ancestral folk magic and resistance. As rural peoples faced exclusion, poverty, violence, and colonialism, they fought back from the depths of their souls with Brujeria.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has SO much information in just a brief amount of pages. I would often read this in just 4-5 pages at a time because the author kept it concise yet informative. This is the perfect book for anyone who Mexican heritage and wants to read more about incorporating it into their practice. I am thankful that the author shared parts of their practice with us so that we could learn from it. This will remain as a reference book for many, many years to come - seriously, you should the number of tabs I have in it!

[Allison Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got into this bc I've been interested in my heritage/ancestral work. Definitely the most relatable witchy read I've come across! And probably my most favorite
Acknowledgment of brujeria as rebellion and a response to the injustices of the catholic church- but also seeing how catholicism is intertwined spiritually with craft/ritual is very validating as someone with a complicated relationship with religion (catholicism is sooo ritual)
I love the emphasis on the casualness of brujeria de rancho thus making the practice seem more accessible and realistic

[Melanie González · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I appreciate how Davila shares stories from her own family and community to show how brujería de rancho works, as well as research into history, corridos about brujas. I also appreciated the social justice aspect to brujería, and how Davila goes into how poverty and those experiencing domestic violence have influenced brujería. I highly recommend and I hope there's another book because there is so much to learn!

[Bill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not into Mexican Sorcery/Witchcraft, but this book kept grabbing my attention on various bookshelves. Though I am not into curses and the such I am very impressed with the detail given to the history and spells throughout the book. Also the appendix and glossary are better than those I find in most books. You can tell this really is a passion for the author and that they wanted people to enjoy it as well.

[Marina Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible and thorough review of Mexican folk magic, pulling no punches on merciless love spells, curses, and other darker sides of the practice. Unlike many books on folk magic and/or witchcraft, explanation and historical relevance is provided for correspondences. Tools of the trade and their significance is highlighted, and responsible disclaimers are given for more dicey areas. Excellent book, I have been recommending it to everyone interested in the subject.

[Alexis Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be highly informative and captivating. It filled a void in my ancestral understanding, particularly regarding my late abuela, with whom I had a distant relationship. Discovering that she practiced some of the traditions presented in the book brought a deep sense of connection. Although I believe the formatting could have been improved, I truly appreciated the wealth of knowledge it offered. I extend my gratitude to the author for writing such an enlightening book.

[WhiteRaven Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brujeria de Rancho is a journey through the teachings, methods, and beliefs of this amazingly intricate magical system. Born from suffering and struggle, born from the necessity for justice in the heart of the Mexican ranchos.
It is in the most practical way that the author delivers her teachings, making this book impossible to put down.
As I say is just simply delicious.
10 out of 10

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so well written, I felt like the author was teaching me so much. However, she interspersed it all with stories from her own life that gave the book a personal touch I greatly enjoyed. As a person with lost Latin heritage, I love that she opened this up for everyone.

[Baroness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook was pleasantly interesting and informative.

[Susieq_reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had interesting insight. Skipped over all the spells.

[Joyce DeVore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A keeper for sure! Love all the practical and magickal tidbits!

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read, I thought it was written well and organized well. I will probably be keeping this as a reference book.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read, I love it! Full of wonderful information on Mexican brujería, hechicería, and folk magic.

[Halaecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me so loudly and beautifully! There were so many "coincidences" between myself and the author's story (age, Mexican state/area of origin, tribal ancestry) that I knew I was meant to read it and read it right now (beginning ancestral work, growing into my craft).
I saw so much of my family in the author's portrayal of her own family magick and ways of living that was so gratifying; I was not able to really experience those things myself having mostly grown up in white suburbia.
I love that the author includes sizable sections on the darker aspects of brujería/brujeria de rancho. Other books I've read have only hinted at or given a very brief mention of working with dark entities and/or hechizos (Santa Muerte being the only exception).
The ancestral sections were especially helpful for me, as I am just starting that particular part of my journey in my craft. Working with Lenten traditions was a very helpful chapter as well.
The author's writing is down to earth, concise, and pulls no punches. She is frank and honest and gives great examples of simple spells and rituals that can mostly be done with things round the home, specifically the kitchen!
I am very grateful to Ms. Davila for this excellent, practical, and accessible text. ¡Muchas gracias!

[Cynthia Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but not quite the book for me. It crossed some of my personal boundary lines.