RP Mystic Staff Highlights: Hispanic and Latine Magic & Mysticism

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! I’m Ana-Maria Bonner, one of the marketers here and the primary blog post developer and writer. I’m excited to introduce myself with this special article, even though I’ll have to get a little vulnerable.

I am a descendant of two diasporas. I am Black and Hispanic, though I have struggled with claiming my Mexican and Puerto Rican heritages. I don’t speak Spanish very well and I’ve never spent any significant time in a strong Latine community.

But, I grew up singing along to Selena, Celia Cruz, Rubén Blades, Linda Ronstadt, etc., eating my Mexican grandparents’ comforting enchiladas, and playing with primos and moving my hips at Puerto Rican family reunions. All of these experiences are just as fundamental to my being as any other. With the support of family, friends, and others in my communities, I am working to integrate all of my heritages so that I can proudly claim my full self and be whole.

One of these supporters is Maria Riillo, the editor behind this year’s magical books and decks celebrating the Hispanic and Latine communities. Though they focus on different aspects of this diaspora, I find comfort, joy, and inspiration in one of their commonalities – there are no judgments. The authors and creators behind these offerings share their knowledge and experiences freely with everyone. No matter how immersed (or not) you are in these cultures, there’s something in each of these offerings to inspire you. The only requirement is that you open the book (or box) and start reading.

I’m passing the mic to Maria to share why each book and deck holds a special place in her heart.

What Traditions are Associated with This Community?

Hi everyone, Associate Editor Maria Riillo here! It’s my favorite time of year—the start of spooky season and Hispanic Heritage Month. It is during this time that I really tap into my Argentinean roots and also celebrate new traditions I’ve gained since immigrating here with my family. During my time at Running Press, I have explored what it means to be Latinx in the mystical space, and am extremely proud of the progress we’ve made in expanding our offerings for our community.

There is a long history of Hispanic/Latine mysticism and spirituality. Hundreds of years of melding of cultures and crossover of traditions has led to the set of rituals and customs that we associate with Latine mysticism. Call them curanderos, brujas, or even abuelas, there are those among us who understand these customs on a deeper level—and understand the inherent importance of them to our culture. Here at Running Press, we’re excited to celebrate and highlight these ancient and modern traditions in the Hispanic/Latine community.

Explore the Borderlands

The Borderlands Tarot / El Tarot de Tierras Fronterizas is so special to me! Not only is it one of my first acquisitions at Running Press, but it has so many wonderful features. This 78-card tarot deck explores themes of the liminal spaces, and in-betweens, using the ecosystem of the United States southwestern borderlands. Modeled after traditional tarot, the animals and plants native to this area facilitate the interpretation and reading of the cards. The guidebook is bilingual, in both English and Spanish, offering a one-of-a kind accessibility for a tarot deck. To top it all off, the illustrations are gorgeously hand rendered and painted. You can’t go wrong with this one.

Learn More About Lotería and Brujería

A classic game, Lotería is beloved by millions and is a staple in Latine households. This version of the game follows the traditional Don Clemente Lotería format, but with a twist—a mystical twist. The symbols of the cards feature elements of the mystical, including El Copal, El Full Moon, Los Vibes, and more. The set brings everything you need to play the game with friends or family, including chips, tablas, and a guidebook that explains the meaning behind each symbol. Mystical Lotería is special because it offers the chance to play a familiar and nostalgic game with a deeper spiritual meaning. I also love that this was written by Yvette Montoya, a bruja and writer. The illustrations and design of this game are so lovely, and you’ll be captivated by the beautiful symbols.

The mini book, Brujería: A Little Introduction, is a pocket-sized introduction to Brujería that you can carry with you anywhere. Brujería is Spanish for witchcraft, but includes traditions passed down over generations in our cultures. Anyone who is interested in dipping their toes in to this practice would benefit from this mini book. It is completely accessible and also written by the wonderful and talented Yvette Montoya. A perfect gift for your bruja friends!

Seek Cultural Connection

Much of Latine mysticism and spirituality revolves around a connection with your culture and ancestral beings.  Anyone who has had the pleasure of encountering an Abuelita, knows that abuelas are basically magical beings. The Little Book of Abuelita Wisdom and The Little Deck of Abuelita Wisdom capture the essence of abuela, and her well of wisdom. Abuelas pass on traditions, sayings, and rituals that at first might seem a bit odd, but ultimately come from years of acquired ancient and cultural traditions. Read this book when you want to feel more connected to your cultural traditions and need a loving boost. Take the deck anywhere and pull a card when you need advice from abuela, or an extra dose of inspiration.

Shop the Collection

Wherever you are in your mystical and spiritual journey, there is something here for everyone. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

About Ana-Maria and Maria

Ana-Maria Bonner (she/her/ella) is the Marketing Coordinator at Running Press. Her primary focus is RP Mystic, for which she manages individual title campaigns, maintains the website, writes blog posts, develops newsletters and social content, and manages the ambassador program (the RP Mystic Coven). She also occasionally works on lifestyle, gift, and entertainment books in areas such as science, humor, music, theater, art, and television. As a woman of color, she especially enjoys working on books and decks from other people of color, and is always looking for ways to reach readers from these communities.

Maria Lourdes Riillo (she/her/ella) is an Associate Editor at Running Press. She acquires adult nonfiction with a primary focus on pop culture and entertainment with an emphasis on humor, theater, film, music, and licensed properties. She also occasionally works on lifestyle, personal growth, and gift titles. She is seeking inventive formats, interesting pop culture stories, bold voices, and original takes, and as a proud Latina, she is always looking for ways to increase diversity in publishing and expand access for underacknowledged peoples. Her favorite projects and acquisitions so far include Mattel’s Barbie IRL by Kristen Mulrooney and The Official Barbie Cocktail Book by Ginny Landt; TCM’S Falling in Love at the Movies by Esther Zuckerman; History Hiding Around Broadway by Teale Dvornik; The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot by Emily McGill; and The Borderlands Tarot/El Tarot de Tierra Fronterizas by Enid Baxter Ryce and Luis Cámara.

Meet the Creators

Enid Baxter Ryce

About the Author

Enid Baxter Ryce is a visual artist who has exhibited at museums internationally, including the National Gallery of Art, the Getty, and the Arnolfini. A descendant of three Salem witches, she has been reading cards since early childhood. Enid is a Professor of Arts and Environmental Studies who co-edited/co-authored a research guide for the Library of Congress about the ecology and history of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands entitled “El Otro Lado” (The Other Side): Geographies, Boundaries, and Imaginations of Space.

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Luis Cámara

About the Author

Hailing from Mexico City, Luis Cámara is a filmmaker and screenwriter who received an Ariel nomination for his screenplay You’re Killing Me Susana. His 2014 film Silencio, which premiered at the Oaxaca International Film Festival, features a young boy who uses Lotería cards to try to understand the world around him. He is also a Professor of Cinematic Arts at CSU Monterey Bay.

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Yvette Montoya

About the Author

Yvette Montoya is a bruja, a medium, an herbalist and a healer born and raised in Southern California. She follows the Caribbean and Mexican tradition of espiritismo and herbalism. Yvette teaches workshops, performs limpias, candle work and works with clients one-on-one. She is an initiate of Santeria (not crowned), a Priestess in Palo, and a student of master herbalist Empress Karen Rose. She’s been featured in Refinery29, Allure, Cosmopolitan, and HipLatina for her work. She’s also written on the topic of brujeria, spiritual hygiene, and ancestral veneration for outlets like Refinery29 and Popsugar..

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Raven Ishak

About the Author

Raven Ishak is an award-winning journalist, of Puerto Rican roots, who has worked in digital media as a writer and editor for the past 11 years. Her work has been published in BuzzFeed, Domino, Bustle, HelloGiggles, InStyle, Well+Good, and various other digital publications. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and corgi pup.

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