About

This blog, like the course it’s part of, is an exploration of the concept of the Chicana/o Gothic. The course is one being taught by Dr. Annemarie Pérez for the Chicana/o Studies department at Loyola Marymount University, Spring 2014.


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  1. wow….this original post was five years ago ..nevertheless, I am watching the movie and have read the book and each time I have to ask myself, whether Ultima is ultimately a Witch or a Curandera. I myself am mexican american, fourth generation but early on I had the privilege of being introduced to our ethnic heritage through danza azteca which lead to the alternative and indigenous practices still kept within Chicano heritage today. I was introduced to the ceremonies that were brought to us in the US via Mexico by danzantes who travel between both countries and bring along with them our culture in the foreground and the background. Part of what I was exposed to were Sweat ceremonies, danza ceremonies throughout the year and the meeting of those who would consider themselves to be curanderos/as.

    From what I have seen with my own eyes and come to learn by experience is that there is a huge difference between Curanderismo and Brujeria…I myself am a Witch and my grandfather practiced brujeria ..mainly magia negra ….from what my mother and my tias and tios tell my generation. In any case, Curanderismo seems to have more distincitive practices which do not include casting spells and the rituals and rites that Witchcraft does. As Witches, male and female, we protect and cure and heal as well, but we also do so much more, sure any Witch worth their Broomstick *joke….will delve into the dark with curses hexes and the like for balance..but Witchcraft is not just the casting of spells but also stresses the honoring of spirit in all its guises and the Earth by celebrating the quarters and cross quarters of the seasons.

    IMO Ultima is a Witch, because although she never admits to it..which would be the smart thing to do …considering what would happen to her if she admitted to actually being a Witch and not a Curandera, throughout the film, there are plenty occasions where Ultima exhibits her Witchiness in practice and in guise….she wears black ..curanderos/as do not wear black. There is a strong distinction between light and dark in curanderismo and no curandero would be caught wearing black …not the way Ultima does..she looks like the iconic Witch throughout the film and is how she is described in the book……also, she is buried beneath a forked juniper tree….ummmmmm its forked like the horns of the horned God of the Wicca, The God of Witches of old ..The Juniper tree is also revered in Witchcraft as well. The biggest hint that she is a Witch is when she crosses the threshhold where there is placed above a cross, with Witches could not cross….her OWL *another hint she is a Witch for curanderos do not have Owls as familiars……she fools everyone and draws their attention by having the familiar dig into tenorios eyes…while they are all outraged..she crosses the threshhold and no one questions it but only Tonio realizes that the cross fell …She is a Witch.

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