Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo: Limpias Espirituales of Ancient Mesoamerican Shamans

I was glad Erika wrote this book. I'm a client of hers and a student, and have taken many notes at her classes. I was happy to have all the limpia rites and instructions in a handy book form that I could grab and refer to instead of my notes. As I read through her book, I did take further notes as I like to do when I read books; writing down things that really resonated with me and the page number, to go back over for further contemplation.I enjoyed how the book was organized, how Erika reviewed the historical background for all the rites before explaining how she's integrated what she's learned into her own practice. I also appreciated how she shared her personal experiences, travels and education that further enhanced her teachings. Reading about all these things gave me a greater appreciation for the limpias she's performed on me and also gave me more confidence to perform cleansing rites of my own and on my home.The instructions Erika provides are clear, straightforward and the tools and ingredients are pretty easy to obtain. I also liked how there are repeated references in the book where to refer back to a particular page that tells you how to perform a step, such as how to charge water or perform the white fire.Parts of the book that really resonated with me were how Erika encourages us to make a connection with the plants we work with and how everything has its own soul essence. Also how she stresses the word is sacred, being mindful of your words because you create with your word. The candle work section (fire limpias) and water limpias section were favorites of mine as I love working with candles and water is such a precious element, and readily available.After reading the Sweeping chapter I wanted to buy all new brooms! I always feel better sweeping around my front and back doors, but now I'm going to do it in a more mindful manner. Many of the herbs Erika listed under the sweeping chapter were already favorites of mine like rue, rose and rosemary. Reading about their attributes reminded me of why I was attracted to them and renewed my faith in their powers.I liked the multiple incense blend options in the Sacred Spaces chapter to use for home and space cleansing. I've done the white fire and it is very powerful. The section on creating, activating and vivifying sacred space inspired me to choose a special area in my home that I will be working with as instructed in Erika's book. The quincunx is my favorite shape to work with, and there are many examples in this chapter how to use it.Reading through Erika's book reminded me how she always encourages us to work with grace, love, gentleness and gratitude. I can see this reminder continually in the way she writes as well. I look forward to her forthcoming books!

I do work as a Bruja and Curandera (depending on what is needed and who I am talking to) and this author completely nails the information she covers in the scope of the book. She discusses limpias in EXACTLY and PRECISELY the way I was taught and that is always reaffirming in a practice that varies so much mentor to mentor. This book is required reading for my students and apprentices.

Underneath the severe—and growing--fragmentation of our society during the past several years there has been a cry for unity and connection unparalleled in our country since the Civil War. The Spirits, Allies and Ancestors have heard, and now there is a resurgence of Shamanism and a renewed interest in ceremony.There are many self-proclaimed “shamans” and “curanderas,” but Erika Buenaflor is the REAL DEAL. A 4th-generation Curandera in the Yucatec-Maya and Aztec tradition, Ms. Buenaflor brings her 20+ years of training with authentic shamans and curanderos to share with the rest of us in this beautiful book. She not only shares her personal journey of childhood trauma and abuse, but her story of how her spiritual awakening came as a result of a complete divine healing from a horrific accident is one of the most inspirational I have ever heard. If you don’t get goosebumps, you are probably dead—and not aware of it!What I love most about this book is the painstaking attention to detail, whether it is the history surrounding these sacred ceremonies and rituals or the methods and procedures to perform these practices. The author is an active Curandera and generously shares insights into her own best practices.From performing white fire limpias in my own community to incorporating these sacred rituals into my personal life, this book and Ms. Buenaflor’s classes have had a profound impact. I do healing work mostly with animals, but my studies in Shamanism have also been greatly enhanced. I can hardly wait for the release of the author’s next book in May 2019!

If you are deciding whether or not to get this book, do not hesitate. There is something valuable to be gained for anyone with even the smallest interest in this subject. I obtained this book as a part of trying to reconnect with my culture and family history of curanderismo. Many books on shamanism and spirituality feel hollow. In contrast the richness of this book is breathtaking. The author presents this information through her compelling personal experiences and grounds them in her first hand learning with practitioners and with rigorous academic examination and enrichment. It has practical usable outlines for practice and the necessary historical context to give them the power and reverence they deserve. From specific recipes to diagrams there is a lot here to appreciate and plenty of good reasons to justify expanding your garden. Reading this book felt like coming home and I can’t wait to use this to enhance my personal spritual practice and take inspiration from it to approach my work as a psychotherapist with greater reverence for the power of healing work.

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.