La Curandera

Curandera (the Healer) is a special gifted person who knows the healing powers of the Earth. Throughout time, there have been people who have understood the mysterious forces of nature and found ways to use its resources for healing. In earlier times people did not have sophisticated pharmacies, but they knew which herbs or minerals to use in order to treat ailments. In an age of high-tech, highly specialized medicine, the ancient healing arts of …

…iturgy, particularly Hail Mary, and Apostles Creed. In some cases, use of various forms of imitative and contagious magic. Most healers are family members or operate within a neighborhood. However, there are healers whose fame is regional and, sometimes, international. Beyond them, there are saints of Curanderismo, people so powerful that their spirit and name continues to cure after their death. Two examples of this category are the Nino Fidencio and Don Pedrito Jaramillo.