Mexican folk magic, also known as brujería, is deeply rooted in the indigenous traditions and beliefs of Mexico. It is a combination of pre-Hispanic rituals and Catholicism, resulting in a unique and syncretic form of magic. Brujería encompasses a wide range of practices, including spell casting, divination, herbal healing, and protection against negative energies. It is believed that brujos and brujas (male and female witches) have special powers and knowledge to help people in various aspects of life. One of the most prominent elements of Mexican folk magic is the use of herbs and plants for healing and magical purposes. Different herbs are believed to possess different qualities and energies that can be harnessed to achieve specific outcomes.
For the remix album itself, what are the remixes like? Did you do everything yourself?
I thought it might have been because he sings more ballads that he would have gone out there, and everyone would have been hopped up and wanting to dance really fast to Fania salsa, and he was doing these love songs. All we knew was that Ralfi died in Colombia, but, according to Larry, the story goes like this the night of the show, he asked the promoter for his payout before he went on stage, which was not uncommon practice, and the promoter pulled out a kilo of cocaine on top of the table and was like, Here you go.
Different herbs are believed to possess different qualities and energies that can be harnessed to achieve specific outcomes. For example, rosemary is often used for purification, while rue is used for protection against evil spirits. In addition to herbal magic, Mexican folk magic also includes rituals and ceremonies that are performed for specific purposes.
New music: ‘Ralfi Pagan Latin Soul Remixed’ (Compiled by Geko Jones)
A new project by Brooklyn’s Geko Jones will resurrect and re-envision the music of Fania artist, Ralfi Pagan, a New York-based Latin soul and salsa singer of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, who was active from the mid-1960s until his early death in 1978.
Jones is giving Pagan’s music new life, as he compiled and oversaw production on a remix album of the Nuyorican artist’s 1969 release, Latin Soul. You can grab Ralfi Pagan: Latin Soul Remixed on November 13 via Fania.
Listen to “Never Thought You’d Leave Me,” over at Big Shot Magazine. The track is “remixed into a gorgeous downtempo selection by [Philadelphia’s] DJ Coolout, and it exemplifies the blend of Pagan’s low-key vibe and Jones’s atmospheric production that’s at the core of the project.”
Then listen to K.Sabroso‘s remix of Pagan’s, Negrona (premiering via XLR8R), below. K.Sabroso gives the melancholy track a sensual twist.
And check out this wonderful Q&A with Geko Jones via Afropop Worldwide, where Jones discusses how he came to learn about Pagan, and his mysterious death. (Catch Geko Jones at the next Que Bajo. on Nov. 25 in Brooklyn, as they throw their party along with DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra.)
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The video comes out in the next week. We have a couple of MP3s that we’ll let go between now and then, and then the official release looks like it’s going to be either the last week of September or first week of October. I really don’t even know why they wanted to do the release party so early, because it’s like, “It’s not even out for a couple months, dude.” They’re like, “Well, we’re putting the video out.”
These rituals may involve chanting, dancing, and the use of talismans or amulets. They are often performed during significant events or holidays, such as the Day of the Dead or religious festivals. Divination is another important aspect of Mexican folk magic. It is believed that certain individuals, known as curanderos or shamans, have the ability to communicate with spirits and deities to gain insight and guidance. These divination practices can involve the use of various tools, such as cards, crystal balls, or even eggs. Mexican folk magic is deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Mexican people. It serves as a means of connecting with ancestral traditions and seeking spiritual support and protection. Despite the influence of Catholicism, folk magic continues to thrive and be passed down through generations, preserving the rich magical practices of Mexico..
Reviews for "Mexican Love Spells and Charms: A Tradition of Folk Magic"
1. James - 1 star
I was excited to learn about Mexican folk magic and its rich history and traditions. However, this book disappointed me greatly. The author's writing style was dry and lacked engagement, making it difficult to stay interested in the content. Additionally, I found the information to be disjointed and poorly organized, making it hard to follow. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to dive deep into Mexican folk magic.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
As someone who has studied various forms of magic and spirituality, I was eagerly looking forward to exploring Mexican folk magic through this book. Unfortunately, I found it to be lacking in depth and substance. The information provided felt surface-level and didn't delve into the intricacies and nuances of the subject matter. Additionally, the book seemed more focused on anecdotes and personal experiences rather than providing concrete knowledge and guidance. I would advise others to seek alternative resources if they want an in-depth understanding of Mexican folk magic.
3. Michael - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with this book on Mexican folk magic. It lacked credibility and seemed more like a personal opinion than a well-researched work. The author provided minimal references and sources, which made it difficult to verify the information presented. Furthermore, the book contained numerous inaccuracies and inaccuracies that were difficult to overlook. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Mexican folk magic.