Description
Book SynopsisA 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 curanderismo:
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.
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.
Trade Review“Erika Buenaflor’s new book,
Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo, is a major contribution to a body of knowledge that has remained unrecognized for too long. It is particularly important because it takes curanderismo from the esoteric to the practical world. It is a long anticipated addition to our understanding of curanderismo.” * Antonio “Tony” Zavaleta, coauthor of Curandero Conversations *
“Accolades to Erika Buenaflor’s brilliant book
Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo. This is a much-needed teaching and an important validation of this ancient sacred healing tradition, which must be widely used in tandem with allopathic medicine as an answer to our modern life maladies. As a practitioner myself, I highly recommend it.” * Itzhak Beery, author of The Gift of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing *
“It is a pleasure to endorse Erika Buenaflor’s book
Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo on energetic and spiritual limpias. This publication will allow my students to explore the history and different types of limpias practiced by a number of shamans/curanderos/as. Highly recommended.” * Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, Curanderismo: The Art of Traditional Medicine without Borders *
Table of ContentsAn Introduction to Limpias and Curanderismo
PART I
The Intersection of Experience and Research
1 Coming into Being
A Modern-Day Xicana Curandera
2 Historical and Cultural Background
The Mexica and Yucatec Maya
3 Pre- and Postcontact Texts
Sources Used and Why
PART II Commonly Practiced Limpias from Ancient and Modern Perspectives
4 Platicas Ejecting
Unwanted Energies from the Body
5 Fire Limpias
Transformation and Renewal
6 Water Limpias
Cleansing and Rebirth
7 Sweeping
The Way to Purification and Revitalization
8 Sacred Spaces
Creating, Vivifying, and Renewing
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
