A natural magic book is a compendium of spells, rituals, and practices that utilize the natural elements and forces of the Earth. It is a guidebook for those interested in harnessing the power of nature and connecting with the spiritual energies that surround us. One of the key aspects of natural magic is the belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Practitioners of this type of magic recognize that we are part of a vast web of life, where every action we take has consequences that ripple throughout the universe. By understanding and working with the natural world, we can channel its energy to create positive change in our lives. In a natural magic book, you will find a wide variety of spells and rituals that tap into different aspects of nature.
In a natural magic book, you will find a wide variety of spells and rituals that tap into different aspects of nature. These can include spells for protection, healing, abundance, love, and more. The book will typically provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform these rituals, along with the necessary ingredients and tools.
Rooting Contemporary Latinx Witchcraft Narratives in the Latin American Past
Witchcraft has gained popularity in recent years in popular culture, rehashing old narratives about womxn of all races and magic. In this piece I connect the resurgence in these narratives to the case of Latinx and non-white womxn. For example, Alexandria Ocasio Cortéz has been accused of witchcraft by Dave Kubal, president of the Religious Right group Intercessors for America. Kubal stated during a monthly prayer call, “It’s been widely publicized that there is a coven of witches that cast spells on President Trump 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This particular coven is found in the southern portion of New York City.” Kubal's rant harkens back to narratives that have demonized non-White womxn of Latin American origin such as AOC for centuries. Practices demonized as witchcraft have also been a source of power for marginalized identities as much as the idea of witchcraft has been used as a label to diminish their power.
The roots of witchcraft for Latinx women dates back to the colonial period beginning with the arrival of Columbus to the "New World" and ending with the revolutionary wars against Spanish rule in the 19th century. Two types of witchcraft had been identified by the Inquisition: Brujería was an accusation that identified and stigmatized Afro-descendents in the New World. Spanish inquisitors imagined sects of witches gathered to practice "diabolical idolatry". Hechicería on the other hand was an accusation levelled at individuals that pertained to the use of spells and remedies. Widespread amatory magic was included in the term. In colonial Latin America witchcraft and sexual desire manifested Black female and mulatta agency to participate in hybrid cultural practices. Paula de Eguiluz, who appeared before the Inquisition multiple times in the 1620s and 1630s, and continued to enjoy a successful career as an herbal healer throughout her life, is one famous example. The main character of the Netflix series "Always a Witch" is named Carmen de Eguiluz no doubt in reference to the famed Paula.
Image from the Netflix series "Always a Witch" depicting the main character, Carmen de Eguiluz, a fictional Black witch in Cartagena, Colombia who travels through time to save her white lover. Courtesy of: Author.
Mulattas were a subset of Black and African colonial subjects the Inquisition in the New World forbade from intervening with the supernatural, an activity common amongst African fortune tellers and healers as well as other practitioners of African religions such as Paula de Eguiluz. Mulatta women were especially feared because of their racial ambiguity and the sexual desire they provoked. The Mexican myth of the mulata of Córdoba is a legend dating back to the sixteenth century in Veracruz about a mulatta woman who never aged. According to legend the mulatta was a witch who flew over the towns roofs, had pacts with the devil and bewitched her enemies.
The mulatta de Córdoba myth was relatively tame compared to some cases in the legal archive. Even if Colonial courts trivialized women's influence, on the local level these practices were considered a threat to established order. As explained by historian Julio Caro Baroja in The World of the Witches, belief in magic, most often associated with women, blended with beliefs about objective reality until the period of Enlightenment. One example occurred in 1733 when a mulatta slave, Manuela Bocanegra, enacted revenge on her master, a priest, after he had scolded her for having sex with a painter. A wound in the shape of female genitalia appeared on her master's bottom shortly after the scolding. Her master believed Manuela had used magic to cause the wound. Manuela had in effect turned him into a kind of slave and re-gendered him as a woman. Ironically, her master unwittingly went to another mulatta for help, not realising she was probably working with Manuela Bocanegra to bewitch until much later.
Right wing narratives such as Kubal's undoubtedly tie back to colonial examples such as Manuela Bocanegra. Race and gender are intersecting identity categories that still have an exceptionally antagonistic hold on the white male psyche, even if most of us no longer believe magic is real. The idea that these women are witches is not merely a form of oppression but also evidence of their resistance in the past and the present.
Some common practices found in natural magic books include herb and crystal magic, divination, and connecting with the cycles of the moon and seasons. These practices are used to attune oneself with the natural world and to draw upon its energy for personal transformation and empowerment. Reading a natural magic book is not just about learning spells and rituals. It is also about developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. Through this practice, we can develop a sense of reverence and respect for the Earth and all its creatures. In conclusion, a natural magic book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of the natural world and harnessing its energy for personal growth and transformation. It is a guidebook that teaches us how to work with the forces of nature to create positive change in our lives and in the world around us..
Reviews for "Protection and Warding: Natural Magic for the Modern Witch"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed by the "Natural Magic Book." The recipes and spells in the book were overly simplistic and lacked any real depth or effectiveness. I was hoping for something more advanced and insightful, but instead, this book felt like a compilation of basic information you could find with a simple Google search. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking to explore the world of natural magic.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I found the "Natural Magic Book" to be incredibly misleading. The title made it seem like it would provide helpful and practical guidance on practicing natural magic. However, the book was filled with vague and general information that didn't really teach me anything new or useful. The writing style was also dry and uninspiring, making it difficult to engage with the material. Save your money and look for other resources if you're truly interested in learning about natural magic.
3. David - 2 stars - The "Natural Magic Book" fell short of my expectations. While I appreciate the author's attempt to provide an introduction to natural magic, the material felt disconnected and lacked a cohesive structure. The information provided was too basic, and I was left wanting more in-depth explanations and examples. The illustrations and diagrams were also poorly executed, making it difficult to understand and follow along with the instructions. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and would advise seeking other resources for a more complete understanding of natural magic.
4. Lisa - 2 stars - I must admit that the "Natural Magic Book" left me feeling underwhelmed. The content was not as comprehensive as I had hoped, and it seemed to focus primarily on the author's personal experiences rather than providing practical techniques and guidance. I found myself questioning the credibility of some of the information presented in the book, as it lacked proper sources or references. The writing style was also overly flowery and poetic, which made it difficult to extract any useful information. I would caution potential readers to approach this book with caution and perhaps consider looking for more reliable sources on natural magic.