Since the time of
the Mayan kingdoms, witches have been feared and respected in Mexico.
These men and women have for thousands of years used spells and other
means to manipulate
teotl, spiritual energy, to accomplish
their goals. Depending on what those goals are, their magic is
considered either white or black. White witches usually prefer some
other label:
curandero, shaman,
granicero,
santero. For most people in Mexico and the United States Southwest, the Spanish word “
bruja” (probably derived from the Latin “
plusscia” or “knowledgeable”) is immediately associated with black magic and evil deeds.
Witches are typically female (though there are
brujos
aplenty in border lore). They use rituals, spells, incantations,
potions and powders to work ill against others: The evil eye, physical
or mental illness, bad luck, or even death. When a physician using
modern medical equipment and knowledge can’t cure someone who has
suddenly gotten sick, a witch is immediately blamed. The family may hire
a
curandero to ‘undo’ whatever evil spell has twisted the victim’s health, to protect the person and to restore balance.
Source: The Monitor
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