The Expert Edit [1] features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to reiki healer, writer, and author Zayda Rivera about her go-to spiritual tools for wellness rituals and practices.

When freelance writer, Reiki healer, and author Zayda Rivera was only 9 years old, she experienced her first spiritual awakening. "As I explain in my book, at times on our spiritual path, that awakened light gets dark to the point that it may seem to be gone," she tells Popsugar. "But it isn't. It reawakens again."

In fact, Rivera has experienced multiple reawakenings — including in her early 20s, when she moved to Hawaii, again after giving birth to her first child at 31, and then again after giving birth to her twins at 42. "Each time, my light gets brighter because I've learned more about myself and how to navigate this life in the best ways possible," she says.

Her own spiritual journey is what inspired her book, "Being Bruja: A Young Mystic's Guide [2]," which was released on July 29. Rivera, who is Puerto Rican and was born and raised in Connecticut while frequently visiting the island, had already been writing about Indigenous spiritual traditions and rituals for various outlets, including for our very own Juntos [3], before a publisher reached out to her with the idea to write a book that could introduce readers to Latine spirituality and brujeria. "The best part is that the book is geared toward the middle school-to-high school age group, but will resonate with adults too," she says. "This is the guide I wish I had when I was a little girl getting to know myself, and forming my own ideas, thoughts, and feelings about life, religion, and God."

Image Source: Amy Cianfrone/Running Press Kids; Illustrations by Jennifer Dahbura [4]

The book is also intentional about not only educating readers on what it means to be a bruja [5], but also debunking a lot of the myths associated with that term.

"Today, bruja is a word used as an empowering term for many while still holding taboos from the past," she explains. "Being bruja means you are co-creating your life with a higher power — a guiding light. It's a light that exists within you and an energy and frequency we can flow with to help support our human journey."

While she wants all her readers to tap into their inner bruja, Rivera also urges them to be cautious about where they receive spiritual guidance and advice, given the abundance of false information on social media platforms — particularly TikTok. She has an entire section in the book called "Posers Versus Longtime Students of the Craft," where she breaks this all down.

"This section was vital because anyone with a smartphone can be a healer these days. It's important to understand where their knowledge was acquired. I often follow healers who come from a lineage of healers, or those who have paired higher education degrees with a deep spiritual practice under the guidance of elders," she says. "If you like someone on social media who posts about spirituality, being a bruja, and more, go the next step in researching them. Do they have a website? Do they have testimonials from others they've worked with? Who were their teachers? Most importantly, trust your intuition."

What keeps Rivera grounded as a spiritual worker juggling a writing career and motherhood is carving out time each day — even just a few minutes — for her own rituals and practices. Most of her spiritual tools come from ethical, Latine-owned small businesses she trusts and loves to support. Ahead, she shares her must-have spiritual and wellness essentials, from her favorite candle to a spray she uses to cleanse her space and protect her energy.

A Spiritual Candle

Ricandela Co. El Yunque Candle [7] ($24)

Rivera doesn't subscribe to the idea that veladoras (prayer candles) are the only ones worth using during spiritual rituals. She chooses candles that call to her, whether it's because of their color or fragrance. "Ricandela Co. is a go-to for candles, which are all inspired by the island of Puerto Rico," she says. "My favorite by far is El Yunque, because the aroma transports you to the rainforest, where my soul lives."

Palo Santo Sticks

Luna Sundara Palo Santo [8] ($13)

Smudging tools like sage and Palo Santo [9] have become increasingly popular in recent years. Rivera ensures that hers are sustainably sourced from the holy wood's place of origin, which is Peru. "The aroma is powerful and immediately grounding," she says. "It's great to prep your space before any spiritual work or after you've physically cleaned your space or yourself."

Sage

House of Intuition Sage + Wildflower Organic Bundle [10] ($8)

This 100 percent certified organic sage and wildflower bundle is sustainably grown in California and sold at House of Intuition, a queer and Latine-owned spiritual shop with locations throughout California, as well as one in Miami. "It lasts for so long and smells amazing," Rivera says.

A Cleansing Spray

Palo Santo Organic Spray [11] ($10)

To cleanse her space or her aura, Rivera likes to use a cleansing spray. "I love how the energy feels lighter and more spacious after using the spray," she says.

Crystals

Yolia Botanica Clear Quartz Points [12] ($2)

Rivera admits that she loves to incorporate energy crystals in her spiritual routines. "Known as the 'Master Healer,' clear quartz amplifies intention, enhances the energy of other crystals, and brings clarity to the mind and spirit," she says.

Journal

Manifest That Sh**t Journal [13] ($28, originally $35)

"I love Julissa Calderon's dream and manifest Journal [14]," Rivera says. "It provides the space to flow while journaling, but also offers prompts to help guide you. I have actually manifested things using this journal."