In this bonus episode, I sit down with curandera and author Erika Buenaflor. We talk all about her latest book: Veneration Rites of Curanderismo: Invoking the Sacred Energy of Our Ancestors, which covers traditional and practical rituals for connecting with your ancestors, the historical background of ancestral veneration rites of ancient Mesoamericans, and so much more. For those of you who are unfamiliar: Curanderismo is an ancient and indigenous healing practice that originates from ancient Mesoamerica.
In this episode we also discuss healing from grief, how to get started working with your ancestors, imposter syndrome, decolonization, our favorite rites and rituals, and so much more. I have had the honor of mentoring with Erika one-on-one and having healing sessions with her. Her wisdom and connection to her lineage and this work is invaluable and groundbreaking.
More About Erika Buenaflor
Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., blends her experience and training as a modern-day Curandera in various healing modalities and traditions to inspire and motivate people to live their truth, and realize their BLISS! She acts as a Spiritual Counselor/Coach, Shaman, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, and Spiritual Alchemist.
She has over 20 years of practicing as a curandera, mentoring with curanderx and shamans in the Maya Yucatecan jungle, Peru, and Los Angeles, and studying Mesoamerican Curanderismo in academia at UCLA and UCR. She has a master’s degree in religious studies with a focus on Mesoamerican shamanism and curanderismo. Erika comes from a grandmother lineage of women healers, her great-great grandmother was a well-known and sought out curandera in Chihuahua, Mexico.