Tag: mexican culture

Culture, occult, spirituality

Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’
Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle
Vamp Jenn with The Ofrenda Oracle

When we find ourselves needing deeper insights into a particular aspect of our lives, we search for ways to attain that insight. Some go for a long walk to think, others seek advice from a mentor, and certain individuals turn to cartomancy. This form of divination involves using a deck of cards and is believed to have emerged centuries ago in Europe.

Tarot is perhaps the most popular type of cartomancy today, but there are also Oracle cards and Lenormand cards. The Ofrenda Oracle utilizes the Lenormand method while also possessing characteristics associated with Oracle cards. I used the deck for the first time and want to share my experience with it.

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Culture, Literature, occult, spirituality

Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila

by Jennifer Vasquez6 Comments on Inside ‘Mexican Magic: Brujeria, Spells, and Rituals for All Occasions’ by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila
Vamp Jenn reading Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

“As a bruja, you grow to realize that occult forces are always preparing us and positioning us for divine appointments.” –Mexican Magic by Laura Davila

In her newest book, Laura Davila makes Mexican folk spirituality accessible to a wider audience. Mexican Magic places the power to initiate personal transformation in the hands of the reader. I had the privilege of being gifted with a copy by the publisher Red Wheel/Weiser. The fact that this book has come into my possession is an act of magic to me. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening my spiritual connections and have begun researching the spiritual customs of my Mexican ancestors. Davila’s latest work resonated with me on many levels, and I believe others who are on a mystical journey can benefit from it as well.

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Culture, Events, spirituality

Hollywood Forever’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Hollywood Forever’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Vamp Jenn celebrating Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
Vamp Jenn celebrating Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

A tradition that pays homage to the dead and began in Mexico with the Aztec and Nahua tribes is alive and well today. I’m referring to Dia de los Muertos. The holiday is a mix of Mesoamerican and European customs and celebrates the memory of those who’ve departed from this earthly realm. Hollywood Forever Cemetery held their annual Dia y Noche del los Muertos event and this was my second year attending the latter. I’m here to tell you all about it and share photos from the evening.

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Culture, Events, spirituality

Hollywood Forever Hosts a Day of the Dead Preview Event

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on Hollywood Forever Hosts a Day of the Dead Preview Event
Máscaras de México at Hollywood Forever
Máscaras de México at Hollywood Forever

For more than 20 years, Hollywood Forever cemetery has established an annual tradition that celebrates the Day of the Dead during the last Saturday of October. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a press event where they gave an exclusive preview of this year’s festivities and introduced the theme. It was an evening filled with delightful music, beautiful rituals, delicious food and vibrant décor.

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Events, Lifestyle, spirituality

Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

by Jennifer Vasquez17 Comments on Celebrating El Día de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Vamp Jenn at the Dia de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Vamp Jenn at the Día de los Muertos event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Since 2000, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles has been home to the largest Día de los Muertos celebration outside of Mexico, and I attended for the first time this year. For 2022, the festivities centered on Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility and the agave plant. There were separate daytime and nighttime events happening, and I went to the latter, Noche de los Muertos. It was an evening filled with beautiful performances, rituals, altars, and so much more.

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