American Brujeria is an interesting and doable way of improving ones life with important rituals and ways passed down from generation to generation. Listening to this brought back Grandmothers stories and the daily prayers and rituals she did for us when we were sick. My mother said she wished she had learned from Grandmother all the things she knew. I thought it was lost really. Then I heard this book and much came back that I had heard or witnessed as a child, Thankfully now it isn't lost anymore. Mr Cross has added an important book to the story of folk medicine and rituals for health and life. The cultural context of this subject is addressed respectfully and in a understandable way. Anyone expecting to use these ways with anything other than complete respect for the people that they came from is making a mistake . That said , healing and goodness is something all humans have inside them and can return if approached correctly and patiently. This remarkable, very well read and explained audio book is a must for those who have forgotten or those who want to learn abut other cultures healing and traditions.

This was a really interesting book that glimpses into cultural Mexican lore and traditional folk magic. I chose this book to learn more about magic. Informed by Catholic beliefs, Aztec traditions, and Mexican healing arts. And while it does teach readers about spiritual cleansing through cleaning, candle casting and honoring the saints, it is more than just a reference or lesson-book. Dedicated to Mexican-Americans, this book is for those who feel they are both and neither, who are caught in-between. It explores ancestors and descendants, and seeks to reclaim the magical and religious traditions of Mexico. Filled with cultural advice, this book hopes to bring confidence back to the generation of Mexican-Americans who have been assimilated and colonized, and lets readers know that they are not alone. If you feel a pull back to the magic of your ancestors, this book is written for you.

I first heard about American Brujeria when J. Allen Cross was on the "Occultism with a Side of Salt" podcast episode on folk magic. Despite not being Mexican-American or practicing their folk traditions, I found this book very interesting. Many of the spells and prayers Cross mentions are similar to Italian-American folk practices that I'm familiar with. I particularly liked how efficiently Cross wrote and was able to get so much information packed into this book without making it feel weighed down. The chapter on Santa Muerte was so important; and I was happy she got that much room in the book to really let people know who she is and what she can do. I plan on looking into many of the candle rituals and ancestor veneration into their Italian equivalents.