Sacred Energies of the Sun and Moon: Shamanic Rites of Curanderismo

A practical guide to ancient Mesoamerican solar and lunar rites for healing and transformation

• Details shamanic rituals and practices for each period of the day, including dawn, sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight, to best harness the energies of the sun, night sun, and moon for specific purposes, such as divination, journeying with animal spirit guides, or spiritual wisdom

• Incorporates shamanic breathwork, dreamwork, mantra chanting, mudras, dancing and movement, toning, chakra work, crystals, herbs, and limpias (shamanic cleanses)

• Explores how nighttime energies are affected by the phases of the moon, offering specific practices for each phase

Ancient Mesoamerican shamans and modern practitioners of curanderismo--a Latin American shamanic healing practice--divide each day and night into distinct periods based on the sacred rhythms of the sun and moon, with each time offering opportunities to connect with specific celestial energies for healing and transformation.

In this hands-on guide to working with the sacred energies of the sun, night sun, and moon, curandera Erika Buenaflor details the rites, rituals, and deities for each part of the day and night and explores the sacred tools and techniques used by ancient Mesoamerican shamans for harnessing solar and lunar energies. She explains how the sun is the source of soul energy that heals, animates, strengthens, and revitalizes us on many levels, while night energies are transformative and conducive for connecting with nonordinary realms. She explores rituals for dawn, sunrise, and midmorning to harness the energies of creation and new beginnings; for noon and afternoon to promote peak strength and spiritual wisdom; for sunset and dusk to bring about transformation, perform divination, and journey with animal spirit guides; and for midnight and predawn to facilitate shamanic dreamwork, connect with the ancestors, make offerings, and regenerate at the deepest levels. She also explores how nighttime energies are affected by the phases of the moon and offers specific practices for each phase.

By intentionally tuning our activities to the rhythms of the sun and moon, we can invite in their sacred energies of abundance and healing for more healthy, creative, mindful, and happy lives.

Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D., has a master’s degree in religious studies with a focus on Mesoamerican shamanism from the University of California at Riverside. A practicing curandera for more than 20 years, descended from a long line of grandmother curanderas, she has studied with curanderas/os in Mexico, Peru, and Los Angeles and gives presentations on curanderismo in many settings, including at UCLA. The author of Cleansing Rites of Curanderismo and Curanderismo Soul Retrieval, she lives in Tujunga, California.

ISBN: 9781591433781
Format: Paperback
Pages: 200
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Published: July 14, 2020

“Once again, Erika Buenaflor has provided us with a marvelous understanding of the ancient shamanic mysteries of Mesoamerica. All ancient pre-Columbian civilizations utilized the movements of the sun, moon, and stars to understand their earthly existence. Sacred Energies of the Sun and Moon allows us to glimpse behind the veil of the mundane to view the esoteric synchronization of the heavens as they influence our health and everyday life.”“Erika is the real deal. As a millennial Latina looking to reconnect with my spiritual roots, she has been a go-to resource for me and many others like me. She’s very knowledgeable about the various types of spiritual modalities, and the time and dedication she devotes to learning and researching these ancient practices is a feat unto itself. Anyone looking to learn more about traditional and indigenous spirituality should read Erika’s books.”“In Sacred Energies of the Sun and Moon, Erika Buenaflor does a superb job of blending a well-documented history of Mesoamerican curanderismo and shamanic beliefs while also providing a practical guide for modern souls to bring the energy of the sun and moon into their daily life.”“Now more than ever we look to the sun and the moon to guide us through unprecedented times. I am grateful for the gift of this book, allowing us to connect to our ancient Mesoamerican indigenous traditions to provide healing and wisdom at a time when it is greatly needed.”“What’s fun about this book is that you can follow along through the seasons and develop your own rituals as you see fit that are in alignment with these seasons and cycles…Buenaflor’s guide to working with the sacred energies of the sun, night sun, and moon also provides us with powerful sacred tools and techniques that we can use for harnessing solar and lunar energies.”"It's hard to find a more detailed account of the beliefs that underpin Mexican shamanic practices. For those who are serious about learning these traditions, this is an excellent resource. It's serious reading and should be done with time and attention."