Basándose en sus investigaciones sobre las herramientas y prácticas esenciales de los chamanes y curanderos mesoamericanos, en particular de los antiguos yucatecas, mexicas (aztecas) y mayas, Érika Buenaflor nos enseña, paso a paso, a realizar la práctica más común del curanderismo: las limpiezas. Estos ritos chamánicos de purificación sirven para limpiar y revitalizar tanto a las personas como a los espacios, usando hierbas, flores, huevos, plumas, fuego y agua, además de constituir una poderosa herramienta para el autoempoderamiento. Gracias a sus veinte años de experiencia como curandera, así como a sus estudios universitarios sobre el chamanismo en Mesoamérica,
Érika nos revela las raíces indígenas de las técnicas del curanderismo, explora los relatos sagrados en los que se basan los ritos limpieza, analiza en profundidad sus distintos tipos de ceremonias (agua, fuego, adivinación ), describe las propiedades curativas de las plantas que se utilizan en las limpiezas y nos enseña a realizar los cánticos que utilizan los curanderos. El libro, además, nos revela el efecto holístico de las limpiezas que nos ayuda a dejarnos llevar y eliminar del cuerpo, de la mente y del espíritu todas esas creencias que nos limitan, así como nuestros traumas y nuestras historias inconclusas; nos permite curar enfermedades graves y crónicas tales como la depresión, el insomnio y la ansiedad; y sirve para revitalizar y activar los lugares sagrados al conseguir renovar su esencia y eliminar las energías negativas.
ENGLISH VERSION
A tutorial on the ancient practice of limpias to heal the mind, body, and soul
• Offers step-by-step instructions for the practice of limpias, shamanic cleansing rituals to heal, purify, and revitalize people as well as physical spaces
• Examines different types of limpia ceremonies, such as fire rites for transformation, water rites for cleansing and influencing, and sweeping rites for divination
• Explores the sacred stories behind limpia rituals and traces these curanderismo practices to their indigenous roots
Exploring the essential tools and practices of Mesoamerican shamans and curanderos, specifically the ancient Yukatek Maya and Mexica (Aztec), Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., provides a step-by-step guide for conducting the most common practice within curanderismo: limpias. These practical and incredibly effective shamanic cleanses heal, purify, and revitalize people and spaces with herbs, flowers, eggs, feathers, fire, and water. They are also powerful tools for self-empowerment, spiritual growth, soul retrieval, rebirth, and gracefully opening up pathways for new beginnings.
Drawing on her 20 years’ experience as a curandera and her graduate studies focused on Mesoamerican shamanism, the author traces modern curanderismo practices to their indigenous roots. She explores the sacred stories behind limpia rituals and examines different types of limpia ceremonies in depth, such as fire rites for transformation, water rites for cleansing and influencing, and sweeping rites for divination. She outlines how limpias work holistically to enable one to let go and cleanse the body, mind, and spirit of limiting beliefs, traumas, and broken stories; heal acute and chronic illnesses such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety; and revitalize and activate sacred spaces by renewing their essence and clearing negative energies. She explains the healing properties of the plants used in limpia rites and how to perform the medicinal chants used by the curanderos. In addition, the author details how the practice of platicas, heart-straightening talks, supports limpia rites by encouraging one to vocalize their needs as they eject traumas and unwanted energies from the body, setting the stage for self-awareness and healing.
Sharing the story of her own complete healing from a catastrophic injury with limpias as well as inspirational testimonies from others who have experienced limpias, the author provides a personal and thoroughly practical guide to the ancient shamanic method of limpias to promote healing and personal transformation in our times.