Ancient Witchcraft Spells and Rituals in Colombian Culture

Ancient witchcraft practices have a long history in Colombia, deeply rooted in the country's indigenous communities. These practices, commonly known as brujería, have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to be an important part of Colombian culture. Witchcraft in Colombia encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices. Some focus on healing and spirituality, while others delve into darker and more malevolent aspects. The traditional witches, or brujos and brujas, are believed to have the power to communicate with spirits and influence the physical world. One of the most prominent ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia is the use of medicinal plants and herbs.

One of the most prominent ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia is the use of medicinal plants and herbs. Many indigenous communities have extensive knowledge of local plants and their healing properties. These plants are used in rituals and ceremonies to treat various ailments, both physical and spiritual.

Netflix's 'Siempre Bruja: Always a Witch' is back to address the slavery issue (and adds a pirate)

In its second season, the show engages with the historical persecution of black witches in the Americas and adds more complexity to its storylines.

The Netflix series “Siempre Bruja” (“Always a Witch”) generated lots of buzz when it debuted last year and is now back for its second season, which dropped Feb. 28. That’s partly because movies and television shows about witchcraft — "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," "The Magicians," "A Discovery of Witches" — remain largely white, with characters of color relegated to sidekick roles or excluded altogether. (The CW’s “Charmed” reboot, about three Latina witches, is the exception.) The thirst for more racial diversity in shows about magic was so strong that “Siempre Bruja” — set in Cartagena, Colombia, with a Colombian cast and production company, Caracol TV — became a global hit.

But the international interest in the show also sparked a backlash. American reviewers — myself included — criticized “Siempre Bruja” for featuring a romance between the black protagonist, a time-traveling Afro-Colombian witch, Carmen Eguiluz (Angely Gaviria), and the son of the slaveholding family who kept her in bondage in the 17th century, Cristóbal (Lenard Vanderaa). Some critics wondered why the rare TV show about a black witch had to include a slavery storyline or couldn’t take place exclusively in the present.

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At its core, “Siempre Bruja” is a fantasy-meets-telenovela interwoven with traces of real-life history. Unfortunately, some of that history got lost in translation when its first season aired. Based on the novel “Yo, Bruja” by Isidora Chacón, “Siempre Bruja” is also inspired by actual Afro-Colombians accused of witchcraft. Paula Eguiluz, fictionalized as Carmen’s mother, really existed. Known for her herbal remedies and love potions, she went on trial three times in the 1600s for practicing witchcraft. She admitted to being a curandera, or healer, and described Juan de Equiluz, the man who enslaved her, as her “lover.” He would go on to grant her freedom.

“Siempre Bruja” gives a nod to Paula Eguiluz’s life and to other Africans persecuted during the Cartagena witch trials, but viewers outside Colombia — and especially those in the United States, where events like the Salem witch trials are typically framed as white Puritan phenomena (Tituba’s predicament notwithstanding) — aren’t likely to know about the black victims of the witch trials that took place in the Americas during the same era.

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In its second season, then, “Siempre Bruja” doubles down on engaging with this history by having Carmen set out to rescue her mother, Paula Eguiluz. And, following the outcry over the Carmen-Cristóbal romance during its debut season, the showrunners wisely backtrack from simply romanticizing the couple’s relationship. Cristóbal, who has joined Carmen in the 21st century this season, resents that present-day Carmen is an independent woman with her own friends and magical gifts that lead to public recognition. In other words, she now has a life and no longer belongs to him. Her newly realized sense of freedom guides her throughout the season.

“Carmen, let’s go back to our time,” Cristóbal pleads with her. “Everything was easier.”

“I was your slave,” she notes.

It is the first time the show acknowledges the truth about their relationship. That’s progress from season one and perhaps reason enough for viewers who wrote off “Siempre Bruja” then to reconsider the program, still groundbreaking for centering a black witch and engaging the actual history of Afro-Colombians persecuted during the Cartagena Inquisition.

Beyond that, the season follows Carmen as she comes into her own as a powerful woman with one mission: Stop her mother from being executed during the witch trials. But, as an ensemble show using the telenovela format, Carmen’s past and quest to save her mother are just two of many storylines featured in the conflict-filled second season.

Her new university friends create one problem for her after another, from selling an elixir she made to bringing a pirate from the past to modern-day Cartagena after a time traveling excursion. He, of course, continues to behave like a pirate in the present, brandishing swords, threatening to steal, skipping baths, and somehow romancing Carmen’s friend Alicia (Sofia Bernal Araujo). If that weren’t enough, Carmen contends with a curse that inverts her powers and a secretive classmate, Amanda (Laura Archbold), who circulates a petition to forbid the practice of magic on campus.

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The multiple plot points of season two may make it messier than the first season, but it also provides the opportunity for some true highlights — such as when Carmen travels back in time and directs her enslaved friends to San Basilio de Palenque, a real-life Colombian village founded by African runaways who escaped their white captors. It is known as the first “free town” in the Americas.

As the season draws to a close, Carmen’s relationships with her present-day friends are tested when, after she’s given them so much, they must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for her. The writers don’t use their willingness to show up for her as a measure of Carmen’s worth but as a way to evaluate their character. Having had her worth assessed repeatedly as an enslaved woman, Carmen recognizes the truth: “I’m priceless,” she says. The question for her, as it is for many modern day women, is whether those around her recognize that, as well.

Nadra Nittle is a Los Angeles-based journalist. Her writing has been featured in Vox, The Guardian, Business Insider, KCET and other publications.

“Carmen, let’s go back to our time,” Cristóbal pleads with her. “Everything was easier.”

Another key aspect of Colombian witchcraft is divination. Brujos and brujas utilize different methods to communicate with spirits and gain insight into the future. One popular form of divination involves the use of coca leaves, which are read to interpret the will of the spirits. Colombian witchcraft also often involves the use of amulets and charms for protection and luck. These may include items such as feathers, stones, and bones, all believed to possess spiritual powers. These objects are often included in rituals and worn as accessories to ward off evil spirits or attract positive energy. While ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia hold strong cultural significance, they have faced stigmatization and suppression over the years. With the arrival of Spanish colonizers and the spread of Christianity, indigenous beliefs and practices were often condemned as pagan and heretical. Many indigenous people were forced to conceal their traditions or incorporate Catholicism into their rituals. Today, however, there is a resurgence of interest and appreciation for ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia. Indigenous communities are working to preserve and revitalize these traditions, and there is growing recognition of their cultural and spiritual value. In conclusion, ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia have been an integral part of the country's indigenous cultures for centuries. From the use of medicinal plants and divination methods to the creation of protective amulets and charms, these practices reflect a deep spiritual connection to the natural world and a belief in the power of the supernatural. While they have faced challenges and suppression in the past, there is now a renewed appreciation for these ancient traditions and a desire to preserve them for future generations..

Reviews for "The Witchcraft Traditions of Colombia: A Journey Through Time"

- Sarah - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed in 'Ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia'. The title made it sound like it would be an interesting exploration of the topic, but it fell short. The book lacked depth and was filled with generalizations and stereotypes. I expected more detailed information about the different ancient witchcraft practices specific to Colombia, but instead, it provided a shallow overview. Overall, it failed to live up to my expectations and left me wanting more."

- John - 1 star - "I regret buying 'Ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia'. The book was poorly researched and filled with inaccuracies. The author seemed to rely heavily on outdated information and made sweeping statements about witchcraft practices without providing any evidence to support them. The writing style was also dry and boring, making it a struggle to get through. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine exploration of the subject."

- Lisa - 2 stars - "While the topic of 'Ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia' intrigued me, the execution fell flat. The book lacked focus and seemed disjointed, jumping from one topic to another without providing any in-depth analysis. I was hoping for a more comprehensive understanding of witchcraft practices in Colombia, but instead, I was left with a superficial overview. The writing style was also awkward and repetitive, making it a tedious read. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to someone seeking a thorough exploration of the subject."

- Michael - 1 star - "I found 'Ancient witchcraft practices in Colombia' to be incredibly dull and uninformative. The author's writing style was dry and lacked any passion or enthusiasm for the topic. Additionally, the book was filled with vague statements and generalizations that provided little insight into the specific practices of witchcraft in Colombia. It seemed like a missed opportunity to delve into a fascinating subject. I found myself constantly losing interest and ultimately gave up on finishing the book. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a captivating exploration of ancient witchcraft practices."

The Role of Witches in Ancient Colombian Communities