Hey beautiful people and cute people, still very early, but starting today you can finally check & pre-order my latest book, I put all the links below for you, ty đĽšâşď¸đťđŞ really PROUD and honored to be sharing a little bit more about our indigenous regional Goddess from South America.
PAGAN PORTALS ~ Maria Lionza: Folklore & Rituals of the Queen of Witches, Faeries, and Animas.
Resources for Cuban and Caribbean Folk Magic đ¨đş
Disclaimer: Cubans are not a monolith so when we say âCuban Folk Magicâ its like saying âAmerican Folk Magicâ in the sense that it is a BROAD term that includes multiple different cultural threads and traditions. Start by researching your ancestors and where they were from as a jumping off point.
Also, many of these resources are not Cuban themselves, but they either share the same practices or are academic or general sources. I have made it clear when a source isnât Cuban. For this reason, I have expanded it to be the Cuban AND Caribbean Folk Magic List.
Botanica Candles & More - Great Podcast!! - youtube đ¨đş đşđ¸
Connecting w/ Guides and Goals by Adunola - youtube đşđ¸
Hatuey Museum of Archaeology, Baracoa, Cuba - TaĂno archaeologists photos and blog - Link
Florida Memory - Photos and Articles on Folk History of Florida and surrounding areas - Link
Articles
San Lazaro - Wikipedia - Novena - Yeyeo Botanica
Caridad del Cobre - Wikipedia
Orisha and Palo Herbs Directory- Website
Ewe (Herbs) Photo Guide - Website
Pueblo Originario Taino Section - Website
Taino and Agua Dulce essay by Jorge Estevez - Link
Memoir of Floridaâs Indigenous People by Hernando Escalante de Fontaneda - Link
Tacachale: Essays on Indigenous Floridians by Milanich and Proctor - Link
Huellas Indigenas en Cuba - Taino Spirituality in Cuban Folk Magic Article - Link
JuracĂĄn: The Sacred Meteorology of Swamp and Storm by Jazmin Calderon Torres
Books:
Taino Library* - many books about Taino and Caribbean Spiritualities, Folklores and Songs! Multiple books on Cuban Myths and Folktales! - Website đľđˇ
Espiritismo by Hector SilvađŠđ´
A Year in White by C Lynn Carr
The Modern Art of BrujerĂa by Lou Florez(VERY BASIC just as a general introduction to what alot of modern Folk Practices look like)
American Brujeria by J. Allen Cross đ˛đ˝đşđ¸
El Monte by Lydia Carbera đ¨đş
Palmetto Country by Stetson Kennedy - Link
Movies and Videos:
Cecilia (1982) đ¨đş- Youtube
Las Profecias de Amanda đ¨đş - Youtube
Susie Jim Billie, Seminole Medicine Woman Interview - Link
Proyecto Cuba Indigena đ¨đş- Link
Miguel Sague, TaĂno Spirituality, Espiritismo Cordon Cuba đ¨đş - Link
La Otra Raiz - English and Spanish blog about Indigenous Cuban language survival đ¨đş - Link
Free Folk Magic PDF Library
**This list will grow as I find more resources that are reliable enough to share. If you have recommendations or would like to be added, please reach out.
Luz y Progreso đŻď¸
(I also have included a Research Guide below the Cut!)
Guide to researching based on your ancestry:
If your family has African roots, you can seek Ocha/Lukumi, Palo, Arara, Cuban Vodou and other African Traditional Religions and Practices. Please approach elders within these respective practices to further your connection to them, rather than using books to create a practice for yourself. These are ancient, community based and are lifelong commitments, not just trendy powerful spells for you to get what you want.
If your family has indigenous roots, research Taino spirituality and modern practices , but also know that there were other tribes in the western and centeral parts of Cuba, with their own languages and traditions you can still learn about like the Guanahatabey. You may also consider joining a Yukayeke, but this isnât required. Reconnecting and decolonizing is a separate and important topic that is not inherently witchcraft or folk magick-y⌠HOWEVER, researching and informing yourself with these practices can help you to see their influence within modern folk practices.
If your family has Asian roots, research the buddhist cults and folk practices throughout Cuba! Believe it or not, we also have people of Middle Eastern descent in Cuba who brought with them their own Hindu and Arabic Folk Traditions, which can be found throughout Cuba and the Caribbean as a whole.
If your family has Spanish roots, research some open practices like Espiritismo and Folk Catholicism! Look into the Patron Saints of Cuba, La Virgen de La Caridad del Cobre and San Lazaro. These also tie in to many of the other cultures who were forced to adopt certain elements to ensure survival of their traditions! You can also look into BrujerĂa. Much like modern witchcraft, modern brujerĂa has been commodified to hell and back, but there is still some great knowledge and power to be found there.
The fact of the matter is, that most of us can fit ourselves into two or more of these categories, and this crossover is where Folk Magic is often born. Its also important to note, in alot of these traditions you shouldnât learn or share certain things at certain times, so some sources who share too much about Ocha and other ATRs should be avoided. Also, I canât stress how important it is to talk to your family! Ask them about folklore or legends and stories! Also research history and folkore of the specific areas in Cuba your family is from. A-lot of folk magic is incorporated into stories.
HEY WITCHES! Hope You Join Us this MAGICKAL Weekend!
When organizing Our Sorcery Hour, the vision was clear: to create an accessible, deeply diverse space where the quality of knowledge always comes before commercial scale.
This coming weekend, we are hosting a virtual gathering of 13 distinct workshops led by practitioners who bring genuine depth, respect, and experience to the Craft.
We intentionally kept the registration price low because true community spaces should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or physical location. This approach aims to make everyone feel welcome and valued, fostering trust in our commitment to accessibility.
In many standard events, attendees are charged steep ticket prices, yet the presenters themselves are rarely paid for their labor, research, and energy. We choose a different, more sustainable model. By keeping our overhead minimal and focusing on what matters, your low-cost ticket directly ensures that every single presenter is fairly compensated for their valuable time and wisdom. It is an act of mutual respect and solidarity.
To help us meet our goal and support fair pay for presenters, but also to raise the same donation numbers as a year ago, we need just a couple more attendees over the next 24 hrs. Your support empowers our community and sustains this space.
If you believe in supporting a community that values fair exchange, labor ethics, and genuine accessibility, your presence fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging, making a tangible difference.
Secure your spot in the link in bio and stand with our community of presenters.
Grab your tickets and save your spot here: https://elhoimleafar.com/oursorceryhour/
HEY WITCHES! Hope You Join Us this MAGICKAL Weekend!
When organizing Our Sorcery Hour, the vision was clear: to create an accessible, deeply diverse space where the quality of knowledge always comes before commercial scale.
This coming weekend, we are hosting a virtual gathering of 13 distinct workshops led by practitioners who bring genuine depth, respect, and experience to the Craft.
We intentionally kept the registration price low because true community spaces should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or physical location. This approach aims to make everyone feel welcome and valued, fostering trust in our commitment to accessibility.
In many standard events, attendees are charged steep ticket prices, yet the presenters themselves are rarely paid for their labor, research, and energy. We choose a different, more sustainable model. By keeping our overhead minimal and focusing on what matters, your low-cost ticket directly ensures that every single presenter is fairly compensated for their valuable time and wisdom. It is an act of mutual respect and solidarity.
To help us meet our goal and support fair pay for presenters, but also to raise the same donation numbers as a year ago, we need just a couple more attendees over the next 24 hrs. Your support empowers our community and sustains this space.
If you believe in supporting a community that values fair exchange, labor ethics, and genuine accessibility, your presence fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging, making a tangible difference.
Secure your spot in the link in bio and stand with our community of presenters.
Grab your tickets and save your spot here: https://elhoimleafar.com/oursorceryhour/
MarĂa Lionza was an indigenous woman and a princess of her tribe; she was the daughter of Chief Yaracuy, the granddaughter of Chief ChilĂşa, and the great-granddaughter of Chief Yare, all of whom were great warriors and statesmen. MarĂa Lionzaâs birth likely occurred around 1535 in the state that today bears her father's name. There are two prevailing theories regarding MarĂa Lionzaâs true name: one attributes to her the name "Yara," which is unlikely, given that the word means "water," while the other attributes to her the name "YurubĂ," a slightly more credible claim, as it means "swift-flowing water." In both instances, water serves as the common thread in YurubĂâs life; indeed, it is water that ultimately defines her existence. To her tribe, having light-colored eyes was viewed with suspicion, considered a bad omen. Because YurubĂ was born with light eyes, her father forbade her from gazing into the water; consequently, she was permitted to bathe or approach the water only at night, a practice that must have held a deeply erotic allure for the men of her tribe: a young, beautiful woman bathing alone under the cover of night. On one occasion, an anaconda, captivated by the young woman's beauty, deceived YurubĂ, luring her to gaze at her own reflection in a river pool.
The indigenous maiden thus beheld her own beauty and the unusual color of her eyes, for the very first time in her life. The serpent, the guardian spirit of the river, was seized and punished for its deceit; however, swelling with rage and heartbreak, the creature managed to drain the entire pool, thereby flooding the village, before finally bursting apart and dying. In this manner, the young and beautiful princess became the rightful guardian of the pool, the river, and all the waters, evolving into the protector of the fish, and subsequently, of all the flora and fauna of the land. It is from this legend that the YurubĂ River and the national park that bears its name derive their name. YurubĂâs home was called âQuibayoâ, a place that still exists today on the mountain, which a Catalan geographer would later describe on his maps as the *Montagne de la Bonne Sorte* (Mountain of Good Fortune), or simply the âMountain of Sorte.â
YurubĂâs story is inextricably linked to that of her father, Yaracuy. As it happens, Yaracuy commanded an empire comprising over 500 indigenous settlements, known as Guadabacoa. At the time of the Spanish arrival, this vast central empire comprised tribes such as the Tarananas, Yaritaguas, Achariguas, Torondoyes, and Zararas. Other tribes, among them the Macaures and the Caripes, allied themselves with the Spanish to confront Yaracuy. The conquistador Diego GarcĂa de Paredes, together with Captain Juan de Vargas, attempted to secure a foothold on the mainland and establish themselves in the stronghold of El Tocuyo; however, Yaracuy defeated them in the Battle of CuyucutĂşa in 1552. Later, Yaracuy was captured and sentenced to death; yet, he managed to disarm and incapacitate several soldiers before finally succumbing to the fire of their arquebuses. Here unfolds one of the most emblematic scenes in Venezuelan history: the unwavering resolve of a Venezuelan not to be trifled with. In the morning, the soldiers came to his cell to escort him to the gallows for execution. Two guards entered. Yaracuy, who had remained remarkably calm and silent throughout the night, approached one of them from behind, seized him by the neck, and snapped his spine. In doing so, he revealed to the other soldier that he spoke Spanish, as the guard heard him say, âI go, but not alone.â The soldierâs astonishment was such that Yaracuy was able to escape his cell, thereby managing to kill several other soldiers who were waiting for him outside. All of this took place at what are today the ruins of San Felipe el Fuerte, located in the city of San Felipe, the capital of the state that now bears his name: Yaracuy. (The full name of the city of San Felipe is San Felipe, el Fuerte.) For this, some time later, the men, women, and children of Venezuelaâs only fully walled city would pay a heavy price. Members of the Yaracuy tribe stormed the fort and slaughtered every living thing, humans and animals alike, before proceeding to burn and destroy the entire city, a task that was ultimately completed by the earthquake of 1812. For this reason, all that remains of the fort today amid the ruins are the floor slabs and a few scattered walls, the last vestiges of what was once a complete city.
Upon Yaracuyâs death, YurubĂ assumed the chieftainship of her tribe, a pattern common among many Venezuelan women who were compelled to become *caciques* due to the scarcity of men left in the wake of the war against the invading conquistadors. As chieftain, YurubĂ proved to be a magnificent military strategist; the Spanish continued to suffer heavy casualties in their ranks, just as they had when Yaracuy was still alive, though now at the hands of his daughter. Consequently, it became necessary to issue an order for YurubĂâs capture. Catholic priests were the first to make contact with YurubĂ; they attempted to Christianize her and even bestowed upon her the Christian name MarĂa del Prado. However, their efforts were in vain; YurubĂ refused to submit to the worship of a God-man, one who, though good, had nonetheless been slain.
Grab your copy of "Pagan Portals - Maria Lionza: Folklore & Rituals of the Queen of Witches, Faeries, and Animas" in this link: https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Folklore-Rituals-Witches/dp/1917991037
This pic is from 2022. To remind you I have an upcoming workshop next week on Candle Magic. Titled âHexing & Healingâ, I will be using my own homemade human-shape candles to teach how we heal, diagnose and destroy curses through fire magic. Also, and important to know, how in certain old-schools traditions of folk magic and brujerĂa, candles are used to curse & hex other people; really important to know, if you really want to destroy the curse over them.
I truly admire anybody who comes out with the truth to speak against abusers. Intolerance goes beyond mental illness, is a spiritual illness, and is highly contagious.
I have so much to say after reading this post, I can't even... đ I read this post three nights ago and I am still processing, how these people will always use any kind of childish excuse to justify their intolerance, just to keep money over the table with no morals and no ethics, but then, they will move around in the DMs of everybody else with screenshots about other people like little cockroaches to complain about the actual victims đđ¤đź
If intolerances are welcome in the space, it is not a safe space for anyone or anybody.
If you're defending, or sharing your platform with transphobic, racists or nazis, you're not "being mature", you're not "minding your own business", you're just part of the problem, and clearly it is for money, cause there is no other reason.
I'll be teaching "HEXING & HEALING: Using both, FIRE magic & CANDLE magic for different purposes" at Our Sorcery Hour đ¤
Workshop description:
Letâs gather around this 50 minute virtual- workshop to learn and work on the old-school uses of candle magic and fire sorcery for different purposes, including (and not limited to) healing, hexing, and protection.
Letâs retouch the basics on working with candles, then dive on different aspects and uses of the same subject, and the different things we can do after, to get the work done.
Tips:
PS : grab a couple of human-shape candles at 3crowsconjure.com (in whatever color you feel is right for your purpose) we will use them for my workshop on candle magic at Our Sorcery Hour later this month đŻď¸đ
The event.
đđź 1 Single TICKET grants you access to all the workshops.
đđź RECORDINGS from every class will be available for ticket holders immediately after the event.
đđź $2 PER TICKET SOLD goes to the benefit of our favorite charity organization DIRECT RELIEF.
The Legend of MarĂa Lionza: The Spiritual Heart of Venezuela đťđŞđđł
In the heart of the Venezuelan jungle, a powerful legend was born. It began with the daughter of an indigenous chieftain, a girl born with striking emerald-green eyes. To her tribe, these eyes were a sign of her mestizaje (mixed heritage), marking her as a bridge between the indigenous people and the arriving Europeans.
This child would eventually be known as Yara, and later, as the Queen of Sorte.
The Prophecy and the Guardian
Tribal tradition warned of a Great Serpent (the Anaconda) that dwelt in the depths of the river. Fearing the girlâs unusual eyes would bring misfortune, the tribe demanded she be sacrificed to the forest's guardian spirit. However, the chieftain, moved by fatherly love, chose to defy the elders.
He hid his daughter in a sacred cave guarded by twenty-two elite warriors. His command was absolute: the girl must never see her reflection in the water, for if she did, the Great Serpent would claim her.
The Reflection and Transformation
Peace reigned until the forest spirit, sensing the broken promise, cast a deep slumber over the twenty-two guards. Drawn by the hypnotic melody of the moving water, Yara wandered to the riverbank. For the first time, she saw her own reflection. Mesmerized by her emerald eyes, she didn't notice the water begin to churn.
Suddenly, two larger eyes appeared in the reflectionâthe Anaconda. The legend tells us the serpent consumed her, but rather than dying, Yaraâs spirit fused with the creature. She expanded from within until the serpent burst, releasing her as a divine entity. She emerged from the waters not as a victim, but as the Goddess of the Waters and the Protector of Nature, often depicted riding a tapir (danta).
The Birth of a Name
Upon her return, she reunited with her father. It was then that her Christian name, MarĂa, and her title, Lionza (derived from Nuestra SeĂąora del Prado de Talavera de la Onza), merged to create the name we know today. She retreated into the mountains of Sorte, where she mastered the elementsâtransforming into a butterfly to observe the world or a green-eyed serpent to protect her lands.
Cultural Significance and Modern Identity
Today, MarĂa Lionza is revered as the Protective Queen of Venezuela. Her impact on the national identity is profound:
* The Mother of Mestizaje: She represents the "Holy Trinity" of Venezuelan myth (Las Tres Potencias), alongside the indigenous Chief Guaicaipuro and the African-descended Negro Felipe.
* Natureâs Guardian: She is the patroness of flora, fauna, and the sacred waters.
Pre-order here the book 'Pagan Portals - Maria Lionza: Folklore & Rituals of the Queen of Witches, Faeries, and Animas' : https://amzn.to/4uXZMw2
* A Symbol of Peace: It is essential to distinguish her cult from other practices. While often conflated with SanterĂa or political movements, the original path of MarĂa Lionza is one of spirituality, healing, and light.
To this day, her statue stands in Caracas, a woman of power and grace, reminding us of our ancestors' deep connection to the earth and the spiritual realms.
Pre-order here the book 'Pagan Portals - Maria Lionza: Folklore & Rituals of the Queen of Witches, Faeries, and Animas' : https://amzn.to/4uXZMw2
My book 'Dream Witchery: Folk Magic, Recipes & Spells from South America for Witches & Brujas' đ
Venezuelan practitioner Elhoim Leafar presents more than 70 spells, charms, folk remedies, and exercises to help you understand the world of dreams. Written from the perspective of South American magical culture, this must-have compendium demonstrates what dream witchery is, why it's important, and how to practice it. You'll also learn from over 15 contributors that specialize in Wicca, Hoodoo, Brazilian and Cuban folk traditions, and more. In addition to stories of dream workers and his own family's practices, Elhoim teaches you about:
Dream Interpretation
Spirit Guides
Lucid Dreaming
Mediumship & Clairvoyance
Sleep Protection
Dream Altars & Pillows
Charm Bags
Dream Herbs, Incense & Oils
And much more...
Dream Witchery also features spells from over fifteen contributors who specialize in Wicca, Hoodoo, and Brazilian and Cuban folk traditions. You'll meet:
Ariana Carrasca ⢠Oncle Ben ⢠Maria Elena U. ⢠Miss Aida ⢠J. Allen Cross ⢠Lorraine Monteagut ⢠Hector Salva ⢠Laura Gonzålez ⢠Phoenix Coffin Williams ⢠Jennifer Sacasa-Wright ⢠Dawn Aurora Hunt ⢠Alysha Kravetz ⢠Mira A. Gade ⢠Laura Davila ⢠Emma Kathryn ⢠Temperance Alden ⢠Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani ⢠Ella Harrison
My book 'The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags: 100 Mystical Formulas for Success, Love, Wealth, and Wellbeing'.
+6,000 copies sold.
"The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags is well resourced with easy to follow instructions. I will keep it as a companion and I suggest you do the same. It's a must-have for all practitioners of the magickal arts. I love it."
-Lady Rhea, author of The Enchanted Candle and The Enchanted Formulary.
"It is clear when reading The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags that Elhoim Leafar knows what magick is, namely 'an ancient and noble force capable of generating all kinds of effects in space and time. He unlocks the keys to this magick providing basic, yet vital, information needed to get started creating altars, talismans, and, ultimately, charm bags. If you are looking for ways to improve and expand your magick this is the book for you."
â Lilith Dorsey, author of "Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens", and "Water Magic".
My book "Manifestation Magic: 21 Rituals, Spells, and Amulets for Abundance, Prosperity, and Wealth".
Review
"Manifestation Magic: 21 Rituals, Spells, and Amulets for Abundance, Prosperity, and Wealth is a remarkable and comprehensive guide to realizing oneâs utmost desires of fruitfulness. Readers learns about the candles, crystals, entities, and lunar, solar and planetary energies that aid in manifesting abundance. The rituals are unique, and the suggested spells are outstanding." -- Miss Aida, author of Hoodoo Cleansing and Protection Magic
âGet ready to manifest your best life with Elhoim Leafar's latest offering: Manifestation Magic! Leafar is a beaming light of positivity in the magical community and this comprehensive book is his torch for guiding others on their path. With a diverse and expansive approach to spellcasting and ritual, this book speaks to the modern magic makers of today -- showcasing the potently powerful means for tapping into the endless enchantment of the universe. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to bewitch their lives with an abundance of magic!â -- Michael Herkes, author of The GLAM Witch and The Complete Book of Moon Spells
âElhoim Leafarâs passion is conveyed abundantly in Manifestation Magic, as is his successful teaching style. As an initiate of the Art and a modern-day shaman, he brings to light a unique, powerful blend of spells and rituals for attracting wealth. Using visualization, candle magic, crystals, and prayers, he confidently guides readers into the realm of manifesting their desires.â -- Lawren Leo, author of Horse Magick and Dragonflame
"Elhoim is among those we call 'wise ones' -- special souls who are highly attuned to the magic that exists all around us. His book Manifestation Magic is a huge download of profound magical wisdom that will shock you into knowing your own power, while gently and simply teaching you how to transform your existence step-by-step. Beginner magicians will feel supported, as they begin their journey into magic while experienced practitioners will be blown away by Elhoim's profound insights. I refer to this book often and recommend it to anyone who wants to truly master the art of manifestation." -- Madame Pamita, author of Madame Pamita's Magical Tarot and The Book of Candle Magic
âManifestation Magic is a thorough, yet approachable guide, suitable for beginners. Its exercises are refreshingly new and exciting, while Elhoim Leafarâs insights are always interesting. This is a great addition to any magickal library" -- Lilith Dorsey, author of Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens
"Elhoim shares a beautiful, compelling perspective on manifestation magic rooted in his personal practice, diverse studies, and experience growing up in a magical family in Venezuela. His poetic style will inspire and provides a vivid and welcome complement to the host of useful, practical information contained here. Manifestation Magic is a wonderful contribution to the field of practical magic." -- Durgadas Allon Duriel, author of The Little Work: Magic to Transform Your Everyday Life
"True wisdom and knowledge are written within the pages of Manifestation Magic. Whether you are a beginner or have been practicing for years, you will get something from this book, or it will remind you of something youâve forgotten about working with abundance. An easy read, the exercises are simple but powerful. This is a must-have for any practitionerâs libraryâ -- Amanda Keith & TJ Vancil, owners of 3 Crows Conjure and Occult Master Class
âManifestation Magic: 21 Rituals, Spells, and Amulets for Abundance, Prosperity, and Wealth is bursting with foundational knowledge for magical crafting, along with invaluable wisdom on the nature of courting the spirits of abundance in your life for long-lasting success. Youâll discover a full spectrum of magical practices that are rooted in tradition and years of personal practice. Elhoim Leafar truly displays the empowering qualities of magic as an art and way of life.â -- Shaheen Miro, author of Lunar Alchemy and The Uncommon Tarot
"Elhoim Leafar has poured his heart and soul into Manifestation Magic. His pages are filled with unique perspectives from his experiences of magic as an urban shaman. This book is an intimate look into the practices of a magician who hails from Venezuela." -- Najah Lightfoot, author of Good Juju: Mojos, Rites & Practices for the Magical Soul
âIn Manifestation Magic, Elhoim Leafar offers a diverse, practical guide meant to help readers âachieve happiness, economic prosperity, and abundance through rituals and spells. The book provides brief overviews of astrology and planetary influences; how to arrange spells around days, times, and lunar phases, as well as deities associated with abundance and wealth. The author draws from a plethora of cultural sources and also helpfully touches on psychological barriers to obtaining wealth. Those interested in the magical power of ritual will find Leafar to be a sage guide.â â Publishers Weekly
Hey everybody! 𼚠We had so much fun recording this episode weeks ago x "The Eternal Void, But With Jazz" (podcast) hosted by Michelle & Khthoniaa.
We talk about Witchcraft, upcoming titles w/ Moon Books and our magickal event Our Sorcery Hour and a lot about other things â¨
The Eternal Void, But With Jazz.
A podcast focused on Esotericism, Spirituality, Healing, Social issues, Cryptids, Spirits, and the intersections thereof.
Support their podcast here: https://ko-fi.com/evjpodcast
Check the episode on YouTube in this link đ: https://youtu.be/cbws5EaSnL4 and also directly in podcast here: https://www.podbean.com/ea/pb-asj76-1a6eb72
