Curanderismo, the Healing Art of Mexico

11/09/2025

“There are those who will tell you, my people, that if you do not speak your traditional language that you are not an Indian. They will tell you that your prayers are not heard if not uttered in your first language. These ones are misguided.

To be traditional, to be Indian, is to live in a spiritual manner guided by principles for which there is no language - only a heart song, only a spirit voice uttering prayers which are always heard by spirits and ancestors and Creator in that realm where there is no time, no color, no language - only Spirit.

Pray then from the earnest movements of your soul and behave in the way the answers come and be Cree, Dene, Ojibway etc. For we are and always have been, people of the prayer, the petition, the vision. and the sure, soft voice of spirit asking direction. This is spiritual. This is Truth. This is Indian....”
—Richard Wagamese, Ojibway

Art by Cree artist, Chholing Taha

11/04/2025

Full Moon energy today and tomorrow. A reminder to honor your pregnancy during the full moon. I love that within our families we enjoy keeping many of our Indigenous cultural costumbres around celestial events. I believe that this is because, in large part, whether one believes every aspect of this particular custom, we feel the profound love that permeates the advice given by grandmothers, mothers, and aunties, generation after generation after generation.

My mother and aunts passed on to me the custom that women who are pregnant must take extra care of themselves during special times of the year: the full moon, a lunar eclipse, and a solar eclipse. Many of us Native, Chicanes, Mexicanas, are taught early in life that both our monthly bleeding and pregnancy are meaningful times in our lives. These ceremonies honor our essential role as life-givers in our home and community.

In order to encourage a healthy pregnancy and a happy baby, the extended family made sure to: have her wear a red or black string, sash, or cord around her waist with a metal key attached, reminded her to stay indoors, cooked their favorite food so cravings were always satisfied, women elders give childbearing advice, and male elders advice to the prospective father to be attentive to the mom and baby’s needs because it is known that everything the mom enjoys, her baby enjoys... Her feelings of security and love are passed on to her child.

“A mentor and wise confidante, the tlamatlquiticitl [traditional midwife] would prevent the future mother from lifting excess weight that could endanger the fetus, as well as recommending her “to avoid sorrow, anger, and surprises so as not to miscarry or damage the baby.”
—General History of the Things of New Spain (16th Century)

If you are pregnant:
🌸Wear a red or black sash (speak with your elder about which color your family or tribe wears) to which a safety pin or a set of metal keys is attached above your stomach area for protection. This is a way to deflect the moon's powerful energy so the baby is not harmed.
🌸Do not go outside in the moonlight. The moon’s pull may cause discomfort to you or the baby or cause a premature birth.
🌸Some people draw the drapes together so no moonlight enters the house.
🌸Invite loving relatives and friends to your home and honor Grandmother Moon by setting up a small altar with flowers, fruit, a white candle, and incense. Ask a female elder, grandmother, mother, or auntie, to offer a prayer and share her wisdom. After your ceremony, have a potluck and share a meal and laughter with family and guests.

With full moon blessings,
Maestra Grace Sesma
Curanderismo, the Healing Art of Mexico

11/02/2025

“Death does not exist. People only die when they are forgotten; if you can remember me, I will always be with you.”

"La muerte no existe, la gente sólo muere cuando la olvidan; si puedes recordarme, siempre estaré contigo."
— Isabel Allende

¡Que vivan nuestros antepasados!

Blessings on your ancestors on this holy day.

***os ***os

11/01/2025

Today is Dia de los Angelitos, the Day of the Little Angels, when we remember loved ones who were not able to be born, infants, and children who left us too soon.

Yesterday, after midnight, the spirits of our little ones began making their way back to us for their annual visit guided by the light in our offerings: of the candles, the scent of the beautiful cempasúchil flowers, the fragrance of the smoke of the copal incense, and the love in the hearts of those who remember them.

Today they will spend the day with us and after midnight will be joined by the souls of our adult loved ones so that our remembrances, smiles, laughter, songs, and above all our love, bring them happiness.

May their parents and family members who today celebrate the life of their little ones feel the touch of angel wings, and may the blessings of the Ancestors bring peace and healing to their hearts.

Con cariño y respeto,
Maestra Grace
Curanderismo, the Healing Art of Mexico

Video image by


***os

10/31/2025

Today those not able to be born, babies, and children make their way home from the place of the Ancestors.

10/29/2025

10/28/2025

Celebrating Dia de Mu***os is a beautiful tradition that also comes with responsibilities. For those who are able and have the capacity to do so, it includes visiting the cemetery where our loved ones were laid to rest. We clean the headstone, clear weeds, purify their grave with incense, and place flowers, candles, food, and drinks. This is in addition to your ofrenda at home. Also, consider doing this for someone who died without family to take care of their gravesite.

***os ***os

10/27/2025