As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it's important to recognize and uplift the voices of Latinos in every field—including witchcraft and spirituality. Latino traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of modern witchcraft, brujería, and spiritual practices. Whether through indigenous wisdom, African diasporic practices, or Catholic folk traditions, Latino spiritual heritage has influenced how we connect with magic, healing, and community.
Latino authors are contributing powerful, personal, and culturally rich perspectives to modern witchcraft. They are reclaiming ancestral traditions, blending them with contemporary witchcraft practices, and making them accessible to new generations of witches. Here are ten books by Latino authors that every modern witch should explore, honoring the intersection of culture and magic during Hispanic Heritage Month.
1. Brujas: The Magic and Power of Witches of Color by Lorraine Monteagut (2021)
Lorraine Monteagut’s Brujas explores the growing influence of witchcraft among women of color, particularly Latina and Afro-Latina practitioners. It’s a powerful testament to how brujería, santería, and indigenous rituals empower marginalized voices, offering a deep dive into spiritual paths that have been passed down through generations. Monteagut emphasizes the importance of reclaiming ancestral knowledge, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of witchcraft as a tool for empowerment and healing.
2. American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic by J. Allen Cross (2021)
J. Allen Cross offers a modern interpretation of Mexican American folk magic in American Brujeria. Perfect for those who feel connected to their Mexican heritage but may not have had these traditions passed down, this book covers everything from protection spells to spirit communication. Cross’s approach balances modern life with traditional Mexican magic, offering an accessible, respectful, and culturally grounded resource for today’s witches.
3. Mexican Sorcery: A Practical Guide to Brujeria de Rancho by Laura Davila (2022)
Laura Davila offers an in-depth look at brujería de rancho, a rural Mexican form of sorcery. In Mexican Sorcery, Davila shares her family’s traditions and wisdom, providing both historical context and practical applications. Readers will find spellwork, protection rituals, and healing practices rooted in Mexican folk magic, presented in a way that is accessible and respectful of its cultural origins. This book is perfect for those seeking to connect with their Mexican roots through magic and spirituality, or for anyone interested in brujería as a practical, living tradition.
4. Craft: How to Be a Modern Witch by Gabriela Herstik (2018)
Gabriela Herstik brings a modern, feminist perspective to witchcraft in Craft: How to Be a Modern Witch. Her Mexican roots shine through as she presents witchcraft as an empowering tool for personal transformation. Covering everything from astrology to fashion magic, Herstik provides a fresh, accessible, and inclusive take on witchcraft that resonates with today’s diverse community of witches.
5. The Mexican Witch Lifestyle: Brujería, Rituals, and Spells for the Modern Day by Valeria Ruelas (2021)
Valeria Ruelas, also known as The Mexican Witch, blends her heritage and modern witchcraft in The Mexican Witch Lifestyle. This book offers a fresh take on how to bring magic into everyday life, from self-care rituals to prosperity spells. Ruelas’s work focuses on empowerment and self-love, making it especially appealing to witches who want to integrate spiritual practice into their daily routines. With a vibrant personality and unique approach to blending tradition with modern witchcraft, Ruelas provides a valuable resource for brujas and witches alike.
6. Santería: The Religion by Migene González-Wippler (2001)
Migene González-Wippler is a respected authority on Afro-Caribbean religions, and her book Santería: The Religion is considered a foundational work on this powerful spiritual tradition. Drawing from her Puerto Rican heritage and extensive research, González-Wippler provides a thorough exploration of the beliefs, rituals, and deities of Santería. She breaks down the complex relationship between Santería, its African roots, and its development in the Caribbean, offering readers insight into the Orishas, ceremonies, and the practice of divination. This book is essential for anyone looking to understand Santería and its role in both spiritual and everyday life. González-Wippler's scholarly yet accessible approach makes it a standout resource for witches and spiritual seekers alike.
7. Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens: The Divine Feminine in the African Religious Traditions by Lilith Dorsey (2020)
While Lilith Dorsey has mixed Afro-Caribbean roots, this book provides valuable insight into Afro-Latin traditions. Dorsey explores the divine feminine across Afro-Caribbean and African diasporic religions, including Santería and Vodou, giving witches an opportunity to learn about the powerful goddesses and spirits central to these practices. The book includes rituals and offerings, making it a rich resource for those interested in Afro-Latin spiritual traditions.
8. Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants by Juliet Diaz (2020)
Another jewel by Juliet Diaz, Plant Witchery delves into the sacred relationship between plants and magic. Diaz, with her Cuban roots, infuses this guide with cultural wisdom on how to use plants not only in magic but also for healing and spiritual growth. Each plant is meticulously detailed, including its magical properties, its lore, and how to connect with it spiritually. The book is a great resource for witches looking to expand their knowledge of herbalism and plant-based magic. Diaz’s holistic approach helps readers understand the importance of building relationships with plants in order to tap into their full magical potential.
Celebrating Latino Voices in Witchcraft During Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to uplift and celebrate the incredible contributions of Latino authors in the witchcraft community. These voices are reclaiming ancestral knowledge, blending cultural heritage with modern practice, and offering new generations of witches tools for healing, empowerment, and magic.
Each of these books speaks to the power of cultural identity, resilience, and the transformative nature of witchcraft. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’ve been practicing for years, the voices of these Latino authors will inspire you, expand your understanding of magic, and help you reconnect with your roots. Let this month be a time to honor these rich traditions and the magic they bring to our lives.