Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo

Limpias Espirituales of Ancient Mesoamerican Shamans

By: Erika Buenaflor M.A. J.D. M.A. J.D.

Narrated by: Robin Douglas

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.

Critic reviews

“Erika Buenaflor’s new book, Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo, is a major contribution to a body of knowledge that has remained unrecognized for too long. It is particularly important because it takes curanderismo from the esoteric to the practical world. It is a long anticipated addition to our understanding of curanderismo.”

“Accolades to Erika Buenaflor’s brilliant book Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo. This is a much-needed teaching and an important validation of this ancient sacred healing tradition, which must be widely used in tandem with allopathic medicine as an answer to our modern life maladies. As a practitioner myself, I highly recommend it.”

“It is a pleasure to endorse Erika Buenaflor’s book Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo on energetic and spiritual limpias. This publication will allow my students to explore the history and different types of limpias practiced by a number of shamans/curanderos/as. Highly recommended.”

Thank you for sharing some of your knowledge

What a great book . Some things I’m familiar with . But now I have a lot more understanding on how and why certain things are done the way you explained . Thank you for being such a caring and giving person for so many people . I appreciate all your help . Not only helping me but generations.

Few actual rituals. Plethora of history.

This book is awesome. It's less of a step by step guide and more of a precise history of a handful of rites. Plastics, Sweeping, Fire and water Limpias.

Exactly what I’ve been looking for

As a person with indigenous/Latino/Mexican roots I’ve always felt like my path was one of healing and then when I heard of Curandera/os I felt drawn to it but all my searching brought up almost nothing and books am ever seemed genuine until this one. I would like to go down this path and I’ll start with research hopefully one day a mentor will show up. I have tried to do Wicca/witchcraft which is great but I felt something missing. Thank you for sharing what you learned.

Wonderful knowledge

This is one of the best curanderismo books that I have ever came across. The author is a truly knowledgeable person.

Easy to understand and informative

This book is dense with information, yet it does not feel overwhelming. The conversational tone and clear presentation make it easy to understand and interesting. Highly recommend!