What is Curanderismo?

Many who have heard of curanderismo have a narrow view of it. This is probably because of the origin of the name from the Spanish word "curar", meaning "to heal". Curanderismo is not only a form of folk healing but it also includes curanderos and curanderas who practice white magic. I don't like the word "magic" since it portrays a Hollywood sense and feel of the art. Films give the viewer a false interpretation of magic and unrealistic expectations. Instead, I prefer the word "trabajo" (spiritual work) which seems to better fit the title.

Curanderismo can be used for a wide range of needs: health, spiritual enlightenment, psychological issues, physical problems, to bring good luck, to remove bad luck, relationship problems, consulting the dead, to remove witchcraft or obstacles that stand in the way of progress, protection, love, or financial needs, etc.. I see these needs from two basic levels: the healing level and the trabajo level.

On the healing level, prayer, healing rituals, herbs, spiritualism, massage, channeled healing and more can be used. Sometimes it can include all of the above. This depends on the curandero and on the individual's personal situation. Healing can include psychical illness as well as spiritual illness. An example of spiritual illness will include Susto (fright) which is caused by a sudden and very frightening experience that makes the soul leave the individuals body, Embrujado (witchcraft), or Mal de Ojo (evil eye) which can cause vomiting, excessive crying, diarrhea, colic, and dehydration. Spiritual illnesses are just as real as physical illnesses. Many times an individual will go to the doctor for symptoms from which they suffer but the doctor doesn't find anything wrong. Later that same individual will be treated for a spiritual illness by a curandera and the symptoms go away.

On the trabajo level, curanderos and curanderas will only perform "good magic". The rituals often invoke the help of the Catholic Saints, Folk Saints or family members who have passed on. Sometimes the practitioner will include the presence of the individual in part of the ritual but most often will work alone. The individual may be asked to recite certain prayers over a period of time or given something to carry in their pocket.

No practitioner in any path can wave a wand and make an individual's desire a living reality. This is only in the movies. Trabajos are much more involved. Performing a trabajo not only takes a lot of work but also takes much energy and knowledge.

Not all curanderos and curanderas work in the same way. Some specialize in a particular area such as herbs, healing or trabajos. While others are comfortable practicing all of it. Practitioners use a variety of objects including herbs, spices, eggs, lemons, limes, holy water, saints, crucifixes, prayer, candles, incense, oils and divination tools. Each of these items has a specific purpose.

Curanderismo is a very spiritual practice with strong religious faith. It includes the mind, body and spirit as a whole. Practitioners believe they have been given a "don" (a gift from God). This divine energy is channeled through their bodies and passed to the person seeking assistance. Usually they are taken under the wing of other family members who have the "don" and are taught the old ways. The knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. Curanderismo is a life long process and a committed lifestyle. It takes personal sacrifice with little reward. An old curandera that I know used to say "it's God's work, I'm just the secretary".

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