Quote about the book:
Like Mexico, the witchcraft and spell casting of the borderland people is diverse, colorful, and deeply-rooted in its history. With origins from the early Mexican natives and influence from the European colonizers, the magic of Mexico is truly unique.

Who is this book for?

Magia, Magia is very much a how-to book that is geared towards those who want to learn about some of the major practices within traditional brujería. This book is written with precise language that aims to give you exactly the info that you need to understand the major influences within the practice, and to begin implementing it into your craft. It is made for new and established brujxs who are eager to learn about others’ practices within this tradition. While I do think non-brujxs can read and learn from this book, it is important to keep in mind that these practices are steeped in Mexican and Latina American culture even if brujería is also influenced by a range of practices. So, while you can read and use this book to help you understand the practice as a whole, as I white non-Latinx person, I wouldn’t suggest you begin using these practices. Instead, consider supporting other witches by paying them or working with them for these workings.

A bit about why I wanted to read this book:

I have said time and time again that it is very important to support both small presses and authors who are writing and recording about subjects for the first time. The only major currently published book on Brujería is written by a white non-Latinx person and published by a major press which is umm, gross, to say the least. So, when I saw this book, I knew I wanted to check it out and support Conjure South. I will also say, that there are more books being published and more being written about brujería now as well, such as the book American Brujeria which is coming out in May by J. Allen Cross. Aside from that, I also had an interest in reading this book in part because brujería is a kind of passed-down practice. It’s not an initiation practice which means that much of what is passed down can vary a bit from practitioner to practitioner. While a lot of the key elements are the same, sometimes the approach is slightly different.

My main takeaways:

This book is very much a reference manual of sorts that is short, sweet, and to the point. It is one you’ll want to have on your shelf to turn to if you’re a brujx and want to recap some quick workings for prosperity, love, etc. I really appreciated the intro to some of the stories of three of the main spirits within brujería. Besides the spirits, it also introduces the spirits of three animals that are commonly worked within brujería as well! Each section in this book has three workings at least so if you are totally new, you at least have a small base to build on. It’s funny because when you receive this book, it’s like “wow, this is thin,” but that’s only because the information is direct and to the point. It’s not an all-inclusive book but a comprehensive introduction to the most necessary parts of brujería.

One other thing I will mention. I think so many folks consistently turn to candle magic. I LOVE candle magic, but it is SO important to also learn how to work magic in other ways as well. This book shares so many ways to approach similar types of workings that aren’t just candles. There’s prayer involved. There are bolsitas. There are jars. There are amulets and talismans. You really can’t go wrong with this book.

Finally,

Whether you are new or established as a brujx, I think this is a great book to have on your shelf. I guarantee you’ll pick up something new from it even if it’s just a shift in perspective to a single working. I am so glad I bought this, not only because it’s a great book, but because it also introduced me to City Alchemist and it’s fab resources as well as the authors.

One other note:

Definitely check out City Alchemist in addition to this book. They put on a good deal of classes, share resources with the community, and provide a shop to purchase tools and services as well.