POPSUGAR Juntos

What Exactly Is Palo Santo, and How Should You Use It?

Zayda Rivera — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:00:02 -0700

If you've ever experienced the rich and comforting scent of palo santo smoke, chances are you've felt the magic of this sacred tree. In Spanish, palo santo means holy wood or "the wood of saints." In Latine communities, palo santo is treated with the utmost respect and that's because it has been used by Indigenous people in South American countries like Peru and Ecuador for centuries, for both spiritual and medicinal purposes from smudging to clearing negative energy and even to reducing stress because of its soothing aroma. This sacred wood can be used in multiple ways depending on the form - whether it's the wood, the oil, or the resin. Here's everything you need to know about the sacred wood and how you can incorporate it into your spiritual and wellness rituals:

What Is Palo Santo?

Spanish monks named it "holy wood" or "the wood of saints" centuries ago when they first discovered the sacred tree, which must be shown the utmost respect. That begins with the treatment of the trees while they are still alive. The shamans and healers of South America believed the trees should never be cut down and should not be used for spiritual rituals or ceremonies until four to 10 years after they have naturally fallen to the forest floor. According to tradition, the tree's spirit continues to live in the wood after death. If treated properly during its lifetime, that strong spirit will assist in the restoration of physical and energetic well-being.

Where Does Palo Santo Come From?

Still today, palo santo - a tree that grows wild in the dry, tropical forests of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, all of Central America except Belize and Panama, and northern South America (Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands) - is used in spiritual practices for various reasons. When burned, the smoke is believed to clear negative energy from oneself, another, or even a space or object. It can also be used to call in the strong spirit of the palo santo tree for grounding and enhancing creativity. Palo santo has been used by shamans throughout the Amazonia to treat ailments like the common cold and flu, asthma, headaches, stress, anxiety, and emotional pain. In Ecuador and Peru, palo santo is often used as a natural repellent against insects like mosquitoes.

What Does Palo Santo Do, and What Is Smudging?

The practice of using the palo santo smoke to clear energy and call in good vibes is an Indigenous tradition called smudging. It's done by burning herbs like sage or wood or their resin. By combining the fire from the flame, earth from the plant or wood, air from the smoke, and water represented by the abalone shells often used to catch hot cinders, the smudging rituals utilize the four elements to shift energy. So it's good to use while speaking affirmations or setting intentions or right before meditation, as palo santo has also been credited with increasing concentration and creating a deeper connection with the divine.

Whether you're just getting started or experienced with tapping into the benefits of this holy wood, it's important to do your research before buying your palo santo to ensure it has been ethically and sustainably sourced. There has been a debate that the sacred tree is endangered. According to the International Union for Conversion of Nature, the palo santo tree is listed as "least concern," meaning it is not endangered and the population is stable. There are two different species of palo santo trees: bursera graveolens (the palo santo being referred to in this article) and bulnesia sarmientoi, which grows in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Bolivia and is endangered. Now that you know a bit about the history and benefits of palo santo, here's one way you can use the sacred tree to cleanse yourself, another, and/or a space. (Tip: it's a great way to prepare your space for holiday gatherings or cleanse it afterward.)

Begin by burning the palo santo stick for 30 seconds to a minute until the fragrant smoke flows.
If cleansing yourself or another, you can simply allow the smoke to waft around the body, while moving the burning stick from head to toe to promote grounding and centering.
As you cover the auric field (the energy around us), repeat affirmations, say a prayer, give thanks, set an intention, or all of the above.
When using the sacred smoke to cleanse your home, repeat step one and walk throughout your space from the back to the front entrance. You can even trace the space around windows and doorways with the smoke to seal in the good energy. Using a feather (Indigenous people often used eagle, hawk, or turkey feathers) to waft the smoke around the body, an object, or a room is also an option.
Place the burning stick in the abalone shell, and allow it to go out on its own.
Crack a window or door to allow the air to circulate.
Show gratitude to the scared tree and for the energy it brings.
Repeat as often as needed.

Palo Santo Uses

The sacred wood can be used for several things including in spiritual practice and as a natural remedy. You can use it as a wood normally sold as sticks or as an aromatic resin that can be extracted from the wood and used separately. You can also purchase palo santo in the form of an essential oil. Here are a few ways you can use it:

You can smudge palo santo in your space or add essential oil to a diffuser to repel mosquitos or flies. It contains limonene which functions as a natural insect repellant.
Palo santo in the form of an essential oil can help reduce inflammation and reduce pain. You can add to the temples of your head if you're experiencing a headache. For some even breathing in the smoke from burning the wood can help with a light headache.
Because of its soothing aroma, palo santo can help ease stress. You can add the oil to your diffuser for aromatherapy or burn some palo santo wood before relaxing into meditation or engaging in breath work. Palo santo chips and powder are also used for aromatherapeutic reasons.
The resin can be used as incense on a heated charcoal disc in a resin burner.

Zayda Rivera is a former POPSUGAR contributor. She has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. Z is a certified Reiki Master Teacher, yoga and Zumba instructor, mindfulness and meditation guide, tarot reader, and spiritual mentor.

11 Ways to Use Agua de Florida (Florida Water) in Your Spiritual Practice, and a Recipe to Make Your Own

Zayda Rivera — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:00:02 -0700

Have you ever smelled something that takes you right back to your childhood? For many Latines, one scent that may create nostalgia is Agua de Florida or Florida Water. What you may not know is that there are countless ways to use this spiritual cologne in your everyday life from cleansing negative and stagnant energy in your home, to adding it to your spiritual limpias and baños, or even using it to fight against mal de ojo (evil eye).

What Is Florida Water?

Florida Water is a unisex cologne that was first introduced in America in 1808 by New York City perfumer Robert I. Murray and is formulated with citrus essences, clove, lavender, and other herbal and floral extracts. By the 1880s and 1890s, the company Murray & Lanman was advertising the cologne as "The Richest and Most Popular of All Perfumes." Today, the Murray & Lanman brand of Florida Water is arguably the most widely used, and the company states it is still made with the original formula.

How Did Florida Water Get Its Name?

The cologne has been used in Indigenous spiritual practices for centuries and was reportedly given its name, Agua de Florida, following Juan Ponce de León's 1513 expedition to the land he named Florida. The first appointed governor of Puerto Rico marveled at how many flowers were on the land where the Taíno people told him he could find "la fuente de juventud" or the fountain of youth. He never found what he was looking for because, on his second Florida expedition in 1521, he was fatally wounded by an arrow in his thigh by local Natives, who attacked the party of settlers to protect their land. Still today, on the Florida Water bottles made by Murray & Lanman, you can see the fountain of eternal youth.

Where Can You Buy Agua de Florida (Florida Water)?

Agua de Florida can be found in botanicas, spiritual shops, or metaphysical stores. You can also find them in stores like Walmart and Walgreens and even on Amazon.com. You don't have to be a shaman or any sort of spiritual practitioner to use Agua de Florida. Simply purchase a bottle and put it to use to see and feel the results of its potent energy-shifting capabilities.

What's in Agua de Florida?

This sacred cologne is typically made with an alcohol base mixed with different scents from orange flower blossom essence, lavender, bergamot, rose, cinnamon, and clove. There are even Florida Water recipes if you're interested in how to make your own.

For those interested in the many Florida Water uses that exist out there, here are 11 ways you can use Agua de Florida in your everyday life.

Hand Sanitizer

Today, more than ever, it seems, everyone carries hand sanitizer to cleanse germs. But what about cleansing our hands of negative energy? After shaking someone's hand (if you still do that sort of thing), you can simply rub a drop of Agua de Florida in the palms of your hands to cleanse yourself of that person's energy. This works especially well if you pick up on some bad juju from the person you touched.

Travel

As you pack to travel via plane, train, bus, or any form of public transportation, consider moistening a few handkerchiefs or small cloths with Agua de Florida. Store them in separate small plastic sealable bags to keep them fresh and moist. You can use them to wipe your hands after boarding a plane or to wipe down your seat, tray table, and anything else around you that you know many hands have touched. If someone nearby is coughing or sneezing or just doesn't have a pleasant odor, you can even gently hold the handkerchief over your nose and inhale the sweet scent of the Agua de Florida. In the age of COVID-19, this little tip may help you feel energetically safer to travel.

Cleansing Yourself or Another

Rub a drop or two of Agua de Florida in the palms of your hands, and start by breathing it in and then passing your hands over your face and head, your chest, your back, and down your legs to your feet. You can also do this for someone else. It's a great idea to do this before stepping out of the house each day and/or after you return home.

Spiritual Gatherings and Healing Sessions

If you're leading spiritual gatherings, you may want to have a bowl of Agua de Florida at the entrance so as guests enter, they can cleanse their hands. It's also a good idea to spray your space with Agua de Florida before and after each gathering. This includes virtual work as energy is not constrained by distance and time. So just as you and your space can absorb negative energy from someone physically there, the same is true for someone on a screen. If you're a tarot reader, Reiki practitioner, massage therapist, or something similar, try spraying your space before and after each session to help combat negative energy and cut the energetic chord created between the practitioner and client during the session.

Cleansing the Home

For a deep energy cleanse at home, add Agua de Florida to your mop water or the water you're going to use to clean your windows, walls, and anything else in your home. Open your front door, and splash the water mixed with Agua de Florida outside your front walkway to keep negativity from entering your home. If your front door doesn't open to the outside, you can still wipe down the entrance for the same purpose. Also, consider placing a glass bowl of cool water on the top of your refrigerator with a bottle or two of Agua de Florida next to it. Don't add the Agua de Florida to the bowl of water, because you want it to remain clear. This bowl of water is believed to soak up negative energy that enters your home. By simply placing the Agua de Florida bottle near it, its cleansing properties are activated. Change the water once a week.

Spiritual Practices

Whether you meditate, practice yoga, or partake in some other spiritual practice, use Agua de Florida to enhance the experience. Rub a drop in your hands, and cup your hands over your nose. Take a deep inhale, and pass your hands over the front of your face all the way to the back of your head. Repeat as many times as you'd like before settling in for meditation or hitting the yoga mat. Try spritzing a little on your mat before your practice.

Spiritual Altars

If you keep any altars at home, it's a good idea to have a bottle of Agua de Florida on them as an offering to your ancestors, spirit guides, and saints. You can also use the water to cleanse your altars by gently wiping down the surface and everything you have on your altar with Agua de Florida. Your spirit team will thank you for it!

Cleansing Crystals

Do you have crystals placed strategically throughout your home? Well, over time, they pick up energy. So it's a good idea to cleanse them from time to time. You can do so by adding your crystals to a bowl of water (make sure the crystals you want to cleanse work well in water) and adding a few splashes of Agua de Florida. Leave it overnight or for a few nights before drying the crystals and placing them back to where your heart desires.

Spiritual Baños

Agua de Florida is a go-to ingredient in any spiritual baño. Add several drops to your bath water with herbs like rue, rosemary, and basil, or maybe opt for rose petals. Soak for 20 to 40 minutes, and release any stagnant energy you've been carrying around with you.

Smudging Alternative

If you would rather not or cannot burn sage, sweetgrass, or palo santo, you can spray Agua de Florida around a space, making sure to get the corners of the walls where energy is said to remain for a longer period of time. The energy will feel clear and fresh without even having to light a match.

Bedtime Rituals

By keeping a glass of water with a few drops of Agua de Florida by your bedside, it may assist in the clarity of dreams and spirit messages you receive while you're asleep. It can also combat nightmares and help with insomnia. Change the water every week, and keep an eye out for any bubbles that may appear in the water, which is an indicator that it's absorbing something while you sleep, helping you to rest better and wake up less groggy.

Agua de Florida Recipe

If you don't have a bottle of Agua de Florida handy or would like to make your own, you can! Most of the ingredients are things you likely already have at home. You can tailor the recipe to your specific needs and preferences, but here are the basic ingredients you'll need.

Ingredients:

Glass mason jar
40-proof alcohol (I prefer to use vodka)
Distilled water
Fresh peels from an orange, lemon, and grapefruit (Note: If you prefer dried peels, you can prepare them beforehand. It takes about two days.)
Fresh peppermint, rosemary, cloves, and cinnamon sticks
Fresh lavender (or the essential oil if you don't have the fresh herbs)

Recipe:

Add a handful of each of the fresh herbs to the mason jar.
If using lavender essential oil instead of the fresh herb, add several drops.
Add a handful of each fresh or dried fruit peel. If you're peeling the fresh fruit, make sure not to peel deep enough to get the white layer of the fruit underneath. You only need the peel. Mix it up by adding half fresh and half dried.
Add several cloves and 3-4 cinnamon sticks.
Fill half the jar with distilled water. It's not recommended to use tap water. Distilled or alkaline water is preferred.
Top it off with alcohol. (Please do not use rubbing alcohol from the drugstore. This should be alcohol that you can drink.)
Mix it well, ensuring all the ingredients are covered with water/alcohol.
Store in a cool, dark, dry place for at least 40 days for full potency. Some prefer storing for half the time, which is fine, but it won't be as potent.
During the 40 days, shake the jar to mix up the ingredients once or twice a day for maximum results.
Place a sticker on the jar with the date you made it to keep track.
When ready, strain the ingredients using a cheesecloth. The color will be an amber tone.
Add several drops of glycerin to preserve your DIY Agua de Florida.
Give it a good stir, and it's ready to use!

- Originally published Nov. 30, 2021

Demi Lovato's Bra and Jeans Were the Highlight of the Jonas Brothers Concert

Alessandra Foresto — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:07:02 -0700

There's not a single fashion piece Demi Lovato hasn't given a chance. Over the past 17 years, the singer and actress - who first came into the spotlight as part of the Disney crowd that included the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Selena Gomez - has embraced a variety of styles, from sweet and feminine to rocker chick and supersexy goddess.

The recently-married Lovato just returned from her honeymoon and made headlines again by surprising fans at a Jonas Brothers concert, rekindling nostalgic memories from the group's Disney channel days.

Aside from the fact that she and Joe Jonas reenacted their famous "This Is Me" performance (literally healing our inner kid with their modern take), we couldn't stop watching the videos - especially because Lovato's outfit was just so on point. The head-to-toe Acne Studios look, incorporating sparkly jeans from the label's fall 2021 collection, proves that her style evolution is just as impressive as her musical journey.

We naturally had to recreate Lovato's 'fit right away - keep scrolling to see how you can get the look for significant less, then click through the singer's Hollywood fashion evolution (we'll be impressed if you can keep track of all the different hair colors she's tried).

10 Latine-Owned Fashion Brands to Support

Shayne Rodriguez Thompson — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:20:02 -0800

I'm trying to be more mindful about how and where I spend my money these days, while also making a conscious effort to support Latine entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners as often as possible. Latine fashion designers and clothing brands are not something we hear about often, but they exist and are out here making some seriously stylish and thoughtful clothing.

There was definitely a time when even the idea of buying clothes, shoes, and accessories from a Latine-owned shop, let alone created by Latine designers, wasn't even on the radar, largely because representation was severely lacking. But now, we know that sometimes in order to support each other, we have to do a little digging and find those small businesses ourselves. From earrings to outerwear and everything in between, here are some of our favorite Latine-owned fashion brands to shop if you're looking to dress up yourself or gift someone something chic.

--Additional reporting by Johanna Ferreira

Jessica Alba's New Tattoo Is a Nod to Her Next Chapter

Renee Rodriguez — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:05:02 -0800

Jessica Alba just got a brand new tattoo, and it already has fans speculating about its meaning.

On February 26, 2025, the actor and Honest Company founder posted an Instagram carousel featuring a photo of her sitting in a tattoo appointment with artist Daniel Winter. Her newest ink is a fine-line design that appears to read "life is transformation is life," and the caption on her post reads "The current chapter."

While the exact meaning behind her tattoo is unclear, many are theorizing that it relates to her impending divorce from husband Cash Warren, seeing as Alba officially filed just weeks ago, on February 7, 2025.

In the past, you might have seen some of Alba's tattoos on the red carpet. Their placements make it easy to catch glimpses of them, but the beauty entrepreneur has revealed that she also has tattoos that are usually covered by clothes. In addition to Alba's latest piece, she has six other pieces of ink we know of. In 2019, Alba got three tattoos on her forearm in honor of her three children. She shared photos of the ink on Instagram, showing off the three different astrological constellations representing her children's zodiac signs. In a 2019 interview with Refinery29, Alba shared that she regrets one or two of her designs. The first being a bow that is located in the middle of her lower back, and the second is a flower design she has on the back of her neck, which she says she's tried removing. "I got it when I was, like, 17 and I'm so irritated that I got it," she says. "I got it lasered many times and it's not coming out."

If you're looking to check out all of Alba's pieces, we've got you covered. From her latest addition to the ink she's tried lasering off, keep reading for everything we know about Alba's tattoos.

Is Day of the Dead Skull Makeup on Halloween Offensive?

Kelsey Castañon — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:05:02 -0700

Image Source: Getty Images / Jair Cabrera Torres

It's a scenario like so many others in recent years: you're scrolling through Instagram for Halloween costume inspiration, weaving through hashtags and grids for makeup ideas or hairstyles that stand out in a sea of the same. You spot a celebrity in a beautiful, intricate Día de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) get-up, their face painted with decorated skulls in the style of La Catrina. Then, you read the comments.

"It'd be great if you didn't appropriate Mexican culture like this," one of many people wrote of Ashley Tisdale's Day of the Dead Halloween look back in 2016. Another responded, "Lighten up ppl. It's a costume." Of course, it's not just Tisdale who has sparked debates on the matter across social media. Stars like Kate Hudson and Hilary Duff and countless Instagram influencers have also stepped out on All Hallows' Eve wearing what's often referred to as "sugar skull" makeup, followed by dozens of critics calling it cultural appropriation. But is it?

As a Latina who lived in Mexico City during the formative years of my childhood, and who continues to regularly visit the country with deep appreciation for the culture, I'll admit I was initially confused by the backlash. While Día de los Muertos is in no way related to Halloween - in fact, the two holidays are entirely separate - nor is it solely observed in Mexico, it was one of my favorites to celebrate growing up.

Over the course of three days, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, we would paint plates and figurines with bright patterns and shapes, bake delicious pan de muerto (sweet bread), and decorate calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) with shiny tissue paper to bring to the altar - all to honor the death of loved ones. Still, for people outside of the culture, not acknowledging the tradition's origins (which is part-indigenous and part-Catholic), and instead seeing it as nothing but a great Halloween costume, is offensive - but it doesn't have to be.

"Once people understand how sacred the holiday is, I invite them to join, participate, and appreciate the culture."

"As a makeup artist, I've seen the sugar skull makeup trend blow up and fall in the line of appropriation, but I also love seeing people expressing their art and representing my culture," Mexican-American makeup artist Valeria Leyva tells PS. "Día de los Muertos is more than just painting your face with the shape of a sugar skull; we are honoring our loved ones that have left this earth. We see death as the beginning of another life, so there is a very fine line between appropriation and appreciation. It depends on the way you see it and also how people carry a tradition that's not originally theirs."

The biggest point of contention, adds Regina Merson, Mexican-American beauty entrepreneur and founder of Reina Rebelde, is the many points of differentiation between Día de los Muertos and any other holiday where dressing in costume is ritualized, like Halloween.

"It is not a holiday about fantasy or horror, but rather something that is meant to be soulful and uplifting and positive," says Merson. "One of the most offensive things is when people paint a Catrina and make the look intersect with something scary and bloody. That Catrina represents your dead relative, not a comic book character."

Instead, sugar skull makeup has a place when done with the right intentions, and with respect and understanding of its significance. That's also why Merson created three new Reina Rebelde products - a 4 Play Wet Dry Eye Color in Azteca ($23), On Your Face Contour + Color Trio in Coqueta ($23), and Lip Brilliance color in Bomba ($18) - in honor of the holiday: to celebrate all things beautiful about the tradition.

"Once people understand how sacred the holiday is, I invite them to join, participate, and appreciate the culture," says Merson. "The makeup you create [in honor of Día de los Muertos] should be beautiful, colorful, and uplifting. You are channeling someone you loved, you are celebrating their life on earth and their soul's return visit from the afterlife. That feeling of love and respect should inform the makeup."

Kelsey Castañon is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 13 years of experience in publishing. She is currently the senior content director at PS, where you can find her stockpiling (and reporting on) everything from skin care to wine.

Let's Stop Shaming Latine Folks Who Don't Speak Spanish Fluently

Maria G. Valdez — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:30:01 -0700

I am a Latina who speaks Spanish, mostly because I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, and lived there for 21 years. In my case, not knowing Spanish would've probably meant failing in every single aspect of life. When I moved to the US - New York, specifically - I was told that I had to be careful about what I said in Spanish because everyone could understand me. So, I assumed all Latine people here spoke the language.

Boy, was I wrong. While yes, more Latine folks than we realize can understand some of it, that doesn't mean they can speak it back, or that they should. I hadn't necessarily realized this, because I just assumed every other Latine who lived here had moved after living in their countries of origin for a significant amount of time.

Whenever I hear other Latines talking BS because one of our own doesn't speak Spanish, it boils my blood.

The topic is currently trending online, thanks to a viral clip of actor Jenna Ortega, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent and has come under some criticism for not speaking Spanish fluently. In an interview with Buzzfeed reporter Carolina Reynoso to promote Ortega's new movie "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," Reynoso told Ortega that she's "Latina enough." Social media users weighed in, with some folks cheering Ortega on. "I hope y'all know Selena Quintanilla was a yo no sabo kid too…and no one denies her heritage," one X user wrote.

Personally, wasn't until I started having conversations with other Spanish-speaking Latines that I realized there was a lot of criticism towards the only English-speaking ones. I'd hear comments such as, "I think they're pretending because they feel superior" or "Their parents should be ashamed for not teaching them the language."

Then I remembered something. My uncle, his wife, and their three children moved to Canada when the littlest one was around 3 years old. My uncle worked the whole day, and my oldest cousins went to school. My aunt and my youngest cousin spent the most time together during the day, and because my aunt didn't speak English at the time, she spent the majority of her time learning the language, immersing herself in it. She'd watch TV in English, listen to English music, try to imitate how people pronounced certain words that seemed funny to her.

She asked everyone in the house to speak English to her so she could practice and learn, and everyone obliged. My aunt just wanted to better herself, to be able to be fluent enough that she could go out there and start making money to bring to the house. She's always been an entrepreneur, and she wanted to be productive. She couldn't do it not knowing the language.

As a result, my little cousin grew up in a mostly English-speaking household. And English became her first language. She's in her twenties now, and struggles when she goes to visit our abuelos in the DR. While she grew up listening to some Spanish (after all, her mom did speak it around the house when talking to her relatives, and even cursing here and there), she doesn't speak it. She can understand some of it, but wouldn't know the best way to phrase a sentence.

So, whenever I hear other Latines talking BS because one of our own doesn't speak Spanish, it boils my blood, because a lot of times parents are just trying to do what's best for their children when they move to a foreign country, and they're doing the best they can to provide them with a dignified life.

I remember the long-distance phone calls where you could hear the desperation in my aunt's voice, the tears, the doubts, wondering if moving had been the best decision for the family. I remember going to visit my cousins and bringing everything we could that would remind them of DR, so they could feel a little closer to home. I also saw how the hard work paid off after many years, and how my little cousin has now become a wonderful woman. Who cares if she doesn't speak Spanish?

I've also met grandchildren of immigrants who have told me that their grandparents couldn't even speak Spanish when they moved to the US, and were forced to speak English however they could or they would face major retaliations.

Before judging another Latine person because they can't speak Spanish, let's think of all the sacrifices their parents and/or grandparents and relatives had to make to come to this country in order to find a better life. Not speaking Spanish doesn't make you less Latine, but being judgmental and not supporting your community does.

A Deeper Look Into Demi Lovato's 20+ Tattoos

Ariel Baker — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:35:02 -0700

Demi Lovato got their first tattoo when they were 16, and they've been adding to the collection ever since. Over the years, Lovato has gotten classic one-word designs as well as script tattoos, and as she's continued in her career, she's progressed to larger, more realistic portraits on places like their head, ribcage, and even their hands.

Similarly to their tattoo of the word "free," Lovato's pieces are known for having a deeper meaning. In January 2022, she revealed a spider tattoo on the side of their head, which she later shared was inspired by the Cherokee folktale called "Grandmother Spider Brings the Light." "It was Grandmother Spider who taught us many things," Lovato wrote on their Instagram Stories. "She taught us about pottery and weaving. She taught us about fire and light and dark. She taught us that we are all connected on the web - each of us having our place in this world."

It seems that for Lovato, tattoos act as a testament to life's experiences, especially as they've opened up about their journey to sobriety. Back in 2019, they got the word "survivor" on their neck after experiencing a nearly fatal overdose the year before. Since then, Lovato has added numerous other designs to their body-art collection, so we compiled all of their known ink to date.

Read ahead to see all of Demi Lovato's tattoos and learn their meanings.

Bruja Tarotscope: May Tarot Horoscope For Every Zodiac Sign

Jasmin (Esoteric Esa) Alejandrez-Prasad — Thu, 02 May 2024 07:00:03 -0700

You can rest assured you'll enter May with a sigh of relief after navigating such an intense eclipse season. May is a month of feeling refreshed thanks to its follow-up act after our first Mercury retrograde of the year. If you felt the energy was on pause and your manifestations were slowed down, bring that smile back around because May is picking up the momentum.

The cosmos always work in your favor, and the action never stops. As they say, there's no rest for the weary because the month begins with a powerful Pluto Retrograde in Aquarius on May. 2, guaranteed to give you meaningful personal progressions. The fixed signs of Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio, and Taurus will feel this retrograde the most.

Basically, expect those signs to undergo huge life transitions worth celebrating. This five-month Pluto Retrograde period will dip its toes in Capricorn one last time for a celestial ovation on Sept. 1. Basically, you'll want to harness this energy in the month of May by questioning how you can tackle ideas from an innovative approach, which will bring in some major inspiration and achievements for your unique ideations.

The Taurus new moon creates a harmonious conjunction with Venus on May 7. This is the best time to perform money magic and fertility rituals. Taurus represents the Empress in Tarot, making it an energy of abundance and prosperity. The start of Gemini season closes out the month and brings along a Sagittarius full moon as its plus one in the night sky on May 23. This full moon will seem like a doozy, and you'll likely feel more of an urge to explore spontaneity to soothe the need for a dopamine rush. Stay away from impulsive actions this full moon.

Now, what does your tarotscope have in store for you? Tarotscopes merge the divination tools of tarot and astrology horoscopes based on your zodiac sign to provide you with a magical fusion of forecasting. Read on for your sun and rising signs to understand how May's tarot reading will influence you.

Tarot Card of the Month: The Sun

The overall tarot card pull for the general collective is The Sun. This month will make you feel jubilant and free. Are you noticing the environment around you shift into an energy of possibility? This is the most positive card to pull in tarot. It represents beginnings, prosperity, and playfulness. This is a month to be relaxed and not so stoic. You will have opportunities to spend money on things you enjoy instead of always feeling like you're plowing away at work and responsibilities. If you can't imagine escaping the seriousness of life's responsibilities, this month will make sure it brings you some fun. Take a break from work this week and connect with nature on a nice walk to make the best of this month.

Esoteric Esa is a writer, astrologer, and expert in the esoteric fields. She's contributed to HipLatina, Mitú, and Cosmopolitan. Her work focuses on eliminating misconceptions around taboo subjects in Latine spirituality such as astrology, brujería, and decoloniality.

Anitta Shows Off Major Underboob in a Cutout Bodysuit For "Mil Veces"

Sarah Wasilak — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:44:03 -0700

Anitta is no stranger to revealing lingerie and skin-baring cutouts, so it's no surprise she brought the heat to her official music video for "Mil Veces," released on Thursday, Oct. 19. The 30-year-old musician had been teasing stills from the Jackson Tisi-directed production, which features Måneskin's Damiano David as her love interest. While there's a whole lot of making out as cause for distraction (on the bed, in the shower, and on a chair), Anitta's looks shine through and make for a memorable aesthetic consisting of chainmail tops, strappy bikinis, cutout bodysuits, lacy lingerie, and distressed denim. She wears large, silver hoop earrings throughout, with her red hair parted at the center and left down in messy waves. The outfits that seem to get the most camera time include a GCDS logo bralette teamed with belted and studded jean shorts and a chunky blue heart pendant choker, plus the gold halter and butt-skimming pants she's seen in from the window of a red car.

Often working with stylist André Philipe, Anitta's worn everything from a lace-up sweater set for an appearance on "Hot Ones" to a controversial leather bra that doubled as a choker and was completed with a matching thong, proving she's already mastered the hip cleavage trend. Also infamous to her wardrobe? Her butt cutouts in this Mugler dress at the 2022 American Music Awards. Anitta also pulled off the towering, 7-inch Marc Jacobs Kiki boots on the 2023 Met Gala red carpet with ease.

Ahead, see her standout outfits in the "Mil Veces" video, then shop a few pieces that will help you recreate her style.

6 Times Bad Bunny Made a Powerful Statement With His Music Videos

Monica Sisavat Solís — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:55:02 -0700

Bad Bunny may be a global superstar, but he's also a pioneer for breaking cultural stereotypes that are often engrained in Latine culture. In addition to publicly speaking out about important causes, such as homophobia, domestic violence, and machismo, the 29-year-old artist often uses his videos to make powerful statements about said topics. Most notably, he challenged gender roles by dressing in drag in the video for his female-empowerment anthem "Yo Perreo Sola."

When asked by Time in March 2023 why he thinks his music has such an effect on people, Bad Bunny said, "The manner in which I do music is a way that's so real. I give so much love to the music. I always say that my mom gave so much love to me since I was kid, that's why I have so much to give to the world and los demás (the rest). I think that my songs are the same. I give so much love to my songs that it doesn't run out. That energy every time you listen to my song it'll give you so much alegria (joy). I don't do songs just to do them. When I have a song to release I will release it."

In honor of his latest album "nadie sabe lo que vas a pasar mañana" and his "Saturday Night Live" hosting debut this weekend, take a look at Bad Bunny's most powerful music videos ahead.

Selena Gomez Says New Album Won't Have Sad Songs: "It Just Doesn't Match Where I Am"

Chanel Vargas — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:50:03 -0700

New Selena Gomez music has arrived! On Aug. 25, the 31-year-old singer dropped her highly-anticipated song, "Single Soon," and it's definitely the perfect track to wrap up summer. In the accompanying video - which pays tribute to Sarah Jessica Parker's "Sex and the City" character, Carrie Bradshaw - Gomez is shown having a fun night out on the town with her girlfriends after breaking up with her partner.

On June 13, the singer teased her fourth album in a series of black and white photos that pictured her behind a mic. "Don't worry guys, it's coming. Even from Paris," Gomez captioned an Instagram carousel, hinting that new music was on the way. She finally confirmed speculation on Aug. 17 when she announced her next single. She wrote on Instagram, "Y'all have been asking for new music for a while. Since I'm not quite done with SG3, I wanted to put out a fun little song I wrote a while back that's perfect for the end of summer. SINGLE SOON. August 25th. Presave it now. 😘." It's unclear if "Single Soon" will appear on her upcoming album "SG3," a follow-up to 2020's "Rare."

Gomez previously discussed her many projects in a May 2022 appearance on the "Crew Call" podcast with "Only Murders in the Building" cocreator John Hoffman. During the interview, Gomez revealed that her return to television - including her role on the murder-mystery series and hosting gig on "Selena + Chef" - hasn't stopped her from creating new music. She said, "I just finished season four of my cooking show and I am in LA working on my album now."

"I'm so used to writing sad-girl songs because I'm good at that, but I'm ready to have some fun, and I think people are going to like it."

In July 2022, Gomez teased fans by sharing a TikTok video of herself in the recording studio. "New," she captioned it. A few months later, in December 2022, Gomez made an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," where she confirmed fan speculation about her upcoming album. "Mm-hmm, that's accurate. Finally," she replied when Fallon asked if her "My Mind & Me" single was an indication of new music to come. "I'm so used to writing sad-girl songs because I'm good at that, but I'm ready to have some fun, and I think people are going to like it." Gomez also revealed that she's been hard at work in the studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

In 2021, Gomez hinted at "retiring" from music to give herself an opportunity to pursue other passions. "I think there are a lot of people who enjoy my music, and for that I'm so thankful, for that I keep going, but I think the next time I do an album it'll be different," Gomez said in her Vogue 2021 cover story. "I want to give it one last try before I maybe retire music."

The forthcoming album will be Gomez's first solo release since her 2021 Spanish EP, "Revelación." In August 2020, the singer also released an "Ice Cream" collab with K-pop giant Blackpink. She followed the sweet single with "999," a 2021 collab with Camilo, and "Let Somebody Go," a 2022 collab with Coldplay. With so many great musical partnerships under her belt, we fully expect some badass artists to land features on the new album.

During the "Crew Call" interview, D'Alessandro also questioned whether Gomez would consider a singing scene in "Only Murders in the Building," to which the star replied, "I want to be kind of careful. I love being Mabel and I love that she's an extension of me but she isn't necessarily me. Sometimes my worry - not to say that I'm opposed to it in any way, shape, or form - is that it might turn into a pop-star thing, and that's clearly not me. [But] I'm not opposed."

Find out more about Gomez's upcoming album ahead.

15 Kids' Shows on Netflix That Are Perfect For Learning Spanish

Kalea Martín — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:15:03 -0700

When it comes to learning Spanish, it goes without saying that looking up words in a Spanish-to-English dictionary isn't enough to make someone fluent in the language. Enrolling in a class therefore tends to be the go-to option for most adult learners, but for a child, a more immersive approach may be more suitable. Usually that means conversing with them (or in front of them) in Spanish as often as possible, however, Netflix can also be a powerful resource - especially if English is the primary language spoken at home or you really want to maximize their exposure to Spanish.

While Netflix is known for being a source of entertainment, the streaming service is also home to a wide selection of TV shows that can help children improve their Spanish comprehension skills. Whether you're looking for a series that displays subtitles in English or a Spanish-dubbed version of a show they already watch, there are plenty of options on the platform that are both entertaining and educational. If "Dora the Explorer" isn't quite cutting it anymore, check out more recommendations ahead.

Everyone Selena Gomez Has Been Linked to Through the Years

Macy Daniela Martin — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:35:03 -0700

Selena Gomez has undoubtedly secured her spot as a Hollywood luminary. Between acting, making music, launching a beauty line, working on mental health advocacy, and producing onscreen projects, the 31-year-old star has broadened her impact since bursting onto the scene during her Disney Channel days. But if there's something Gomez often does without any effort at all, it's stir up dating rumors.

Gomez seemed to poke fun at the rumor mill's penchant for matching her up with single celebs in a June TikTok video. The "Only Murders in the Building" star lip-synced to an audio that said, "You ever hear a rumor about yourself and actually wanted to hear more? You're more like, 'Damn, what did I do next?'" But Gomez's current single status seemed to be confirmed in a July 7 Instagram post by the band Haim, taken at Taylor Swift's Fourth of July party. The band shared photos of themselves, Swift, and Gomez, and captioned it, "single summer."

Gomez also seemed to use TikTok to confirm her single status earlier this year, after reports surfaced of her new romance with The Chainsmokers' Drew Taggart, which she never confirmed. In the video, posted March 15, she lip-syncs to the audio, "I hate it when girls are like, 'Oh my gosh, my crush doesn't even know that I exist.' Girl, my crush doesn't even exist!" She added in the caption, "Still out here lookin for him lol."

This year, Gomez seems to have focused more on friends and family than her love life, joking about being in a throuple with bestie Nicola Peltz Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham and spending time with her little sister, whom she took as her date to the 2023 Golden Globe Awards and The Eras Tour.

Over the years, though, Gomez has often appeared in headlines for her relationships, particularly with Justin Bieber and The Weeknd. The singer has also been linked to the likes of Charlie Puth, Nick Jonas, Orlando Bloom, Niall Horan, and even Taylor Lautner.

Gomez opened up about her love life in her June 2021 Vogue Australia cover story, frankly stating that it's "cursed." "I think most of my experiences in relationships have been cursed. I've been way too young to be exposed to certain things when I was in relationships," she shared. She added that feeling "so less than" led her to explore what makes her "rare," which she made the title of her 2020 album.

Some speculations about Gomez's dating history seem to be valid, but others are clearly less substantiated. Either way, the star certainly keeps us on our toes when it comes to her relationships. Case in point: on July 21, 2022, Gomez posted a TikTok video in which her nana is heard in the background asking her, "So how did you end it with that guy?" Gomez replies, "Uhh, I'll tell you in a second," before breaking into a laugh. Shortly after, she was spotted with producer Andrea Iervolino around her birthday in August, though a source told Us Weekly at the time that "Selena and Andrea are just friends," adding, "She's dating and is keeping her options open with a few guys."

Keep reading to take a look back at Gomez's rumored and confirmed romances.

- Additional reporting by Brea Cubit, Celia Fernandez, Alessandra Foresto, and Njera Perkins

Mark Consuelos Says His and Kelly Ripa's Kids Are More Enjoyable Now That They're Adults

Alessia Santoro — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 09:35:02 -0700

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are officially coworkers again, but the couple have been expert parents for a long time. Kelly and Mark - who officially joined forces to host the morning show "Live!" together full time in 2023 - have been married since 1996 after meeting on the set of their soap opera "All My Children." They welcomed their first child, Michael, a year later, eventually followed by daughter Lola and son Joaquin.

Back in 2020, Kelly, Mark, and their kids opened up about what it takes to have a strong, happy family. "As you get older and you learn more, that youngest kid hopefully benefits from a little bit more wisdom . . . and hopefully fewer nerves," Kelly told People at the time. "I think I had definitive ideas about raising girls versus raising boys, even though I don't really believe in gender stereotyping. My sons are just as sensitive as my daughter, and my daughter is as strong as my sons."

Mark told the outlet that he used to be overprotective of his trio of kids but that over time, he's "mellowed." Joaquin agreed, saying, "Younger siblings get to do whatever they want right out of the gate," with a laugh.

Mark also opened up about the joys of having older kids on the July 12 episode of "Live With Kelly and Mark." He explained that he and Kelly recently went to Greece with Lola and her friends as a graduation and birthday present. "And I'm looking at my daughter, who is 22 years old, who used to be - and I say this affectionately - such a pain. Such a pain," Mark explained, per People. "But let me tell you, once they get a little bit older, the gift of hanging out with your adult children is so amazing. She was so great. We got to spend time with her."

Kelly and Mark are never afraid to give viewers a peek into their family's life on their talk show, and they often share pictures of their kids through the years on social media. Ahead, get to know Kelly and Mark's three kids a little better.

Xolo Maridueña Channels the Power of the Scarab in the Final "Blue Beetle" Trailer

Monica Sisavat Solís — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:10:02 -0700

Image Source: Warner Bros.

At last, nearly two years after announcing Xolo Maridueña as the lead of DC's upcoming "Blue Beetle" movie, the superhero film is almost here. DC Studios released the final trailer for the film on July 11, after previously releasing another trailer on April 3.

The previews show Maridueña accidentally suiting up as the insectoid character, also known to us as teenager Jaime Reyes. After the recent college graduate returns home in search of a bright future, he unexpectedly finds himself in charge of guarding an ancient alien relic, called the Scarab, with his life. However, when the Scarab suddenly chooses Reyes as its symbiotic host, he finds himself bestowed with a suit of armor and extraordinary powers that turn him into the Blue Beetle. With support from his family, he tries to master the powers of the Scarab and keep the technology from falling into the wrong hands.

DC's "Blue Beetle" is marking a few firsts through its film debut. For one, it'll be the first time the superhero appears on the big screen, as it is best known from the comic books that have documented the character's long history since 1939. The movie is also DC Films and Warner Bros.'s first Latino-led superhero film, which is long overdue. "It is an honor to direct 'Blue Beetle,' the first Latino superhero film for DC," "Blue Beetle" director Angel Manuel Soto said in a statement to The Wrap in February 2021. "I want to sincerely thank everyone at Warner Bros. and DC for trusting me to bring Jaime Reyes to life. I can't wait to make history together."

Maridueña's casting news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter on Aug. 2, 2021. The actor then confirmed it later that day when he attended the "The Suicide Squad" premiere along with Soto. Maridueña also shared his excitement with an Instagram Story at the time, saying, "It's official . . . holy crap" and "I'm a freaking superhero, dog. What the f*ck?!"

The "Blue Beetle" screenplay comes from the mind of Mexican writer Gareth Dunnet Alcocer, who is responsible for Universal's "Scarface" remake and 2019's "Miss Bala." In the DC Comics, Blue Beetle is known as the superhero alter ego that is used by Dan Garrett, Ted Kord, and Jaime Reyes, but the forthcoming movie will solely focus on Reyes, who is the third character to take on the Blue Beetle mantle.

Read ahead for everything else we know about "Blue Beetle" ahead, from the trailer to the cast.

"Blue Beetle" Final Trailer

"Blue Beetle" Trailer

"Blue Beetle" Cast

Starring alongside Maridueña in the movie are Adriana Barraza as Reyes's grandmother; Damían Alcázar as his father; Elpidia Carrillo as his mother; Belissa Escobedo as Reyes's sister Milagro; and George Lopez as Reyes's Uncle Rudy. Also in the cast are Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord; Raoul Max Trujillo as Carapax; Susan Sarandon as the villainous Victoria Kord; and Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez.

During a recent trailer launch event, director Soto spoke about having a Latino-led cast featured in "Blue Beetle." "We wanted to keep it as authentic as possible - not Hallmark cookie-cutter Latinos," he said, per Entertainment Weekly. "We wanted [the audience to] feel like, 'Yeah, that's my uncle,' or 'I can totally relate to that.'"

"Blue Beetle" Release Date

The highly anticipated DC film hits theaters only on Aug. 18.

"Blue Beetle" Poster

Image Source: Warner Bros.

What Else Has Xolo Maridueña Starred In?

Maridueña may be new to DC's superhero world, but you've probably seen him in a handful of TV and movie roles through the years, as well. In addition to his well-known "Cobra Kai" turn, the actor also starred in season three through six of NBC's "Parenthood" as Victor. Maridueña also appeared in one-off episodes of "Wu-Tang: An American Saga," "Major Crimes," and "Rush Hour."

- Additional reporting by Njera Perkins

Barbie Ferreira Makes a Compelling Case For Bangs in Summer

Ariel Baker — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:10:02 -0700

Barbie Ferreira is back in her bangs era. On July 1, the actor teased the new haircut in a picture on Instagram, where she was wearing a silky green dress and sultry cat-eye makeup. Still, it wasn't until July 4 that Ferreira showed off her new look in its entirety, and it looks even cooler than we initially imagined.

In a selfie posted to her Instagram Stories, Ferreira seems to have also added blunt, face-framing layers to the look, giving the illusion of a jellyfish haircut. Still, her fringe remained the star of the show, falling somewhere between micro and Birkin bangs and embodying the lightweight airiness that both looks are known for. The rest of her hair fell just past the tips of her shoulders, and she kept her signature brown hair color intact.

Bangs are an easy haircut if you're looking for something low stakes and noncommittal. The options for finding your perfect style are endless; you can get something subtle and wispy like the aforementioned Birkin bang, or dramatic and eye-catching like a baby bang. Whichever you decide, make sure that you're enlisting the help of a professional hairstyle for the final version.

Take a closer look at Ferreira's new bangs below.

3 Men Who Were Lucky Enough to Steal Shakira's Heart

Celia Fernandez — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:00:03 -0700

One thing we've learned from Shakira's time in the public eye is while she's someone who values a good, long-term connection, if you break her trust, she'll be done with you. After 12 years of being in a relationship with her former partner and father of her children, Gerard Piqué, the Colombian singer broke things off in the summer of 2022 after reportedly discovering he was cheating on her with a 24-year-old woman named Clara Chia Marti. While Shakira has shared in interviews that the separation was initially "incredibly difficult," she also seems to have moved on since releasing a number of songs inspired by the breakup, including 2022's "Monotonía" featuring Ozuna, her famous diss track "BZRP Music Sessions #53" that broke a number of records, and "TQG" in collaboration with Karol G, which debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. US charts (dated March 11).

Since her public split from Piqué, Shakira appears to have remained single and focused on herself. She was recently rumored to potentially be dating Tom Cruise, but a source shared with US Weekly that Shakira "has no interest in dating the actor."

One thing is for sure, her decision not to marry has certainly spared her from ever having to deal with divorce - and we can't blame her. From Osvaldo Ríos to Antonio de la Rúa to Piqué, here's a look at the three greatest loves of Shakira's life.

- Additional reporting by Johanna Ferreira

¿Y Ahora? Where is the Cast of the Selena Bio Pic Today?

Melissa Santoyo — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 06:00:04 -0700

For many Latinxs across the world, Selena Quintanilla was a singer who needed no introduction at the time of her stardom. Today - 26 years after her death - the late Tejano singer is still remembered as one of the brightest young performers in Latin-American music history. Various directors have tried to capture Selena's journey from a small-time performer to the beloved international icon she became. Still, one of the most memorable film adaptations is the 1997 biopic, "Selena." Directed by Gregory Nava, the movie premiered two years after her death and was spectacularly well-received by the public. Starring Jennifer Lopez as Selena, the film covers her start in music, her ascent to stardom, her whirlwind romance with fellow band member Chris Perez (played by Jon Seda), and her death at just 23 years old. Selena's own father worked as an executive producer on the film, helping to craft a narrative true to his daughter's legacy. Besides capturing Selena's artistic journey, a central part of the story's narrative is how she surpassed barriers with her music - not just as a performer of Mexican descent in America, but also as a woman in the male-dominated Tejano music genre. Heralded as the "Queen of Tejano Music," Selena represented a bridge between cultures for many Chicanos. Despite not speaking Spanish well, Selena sang almost exclusively in that language, breaking into the American music industry and scoring herself a Grammy. In the movie, Selena's father Abraham says, "We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans - both at the same time! It's exhausting!" Both the movie "Selena" and the star herself show audiences that you don't have to pick a side; you can just come as you are. The movie remains a staple of Mexican-American film narratives and many viewers at the time considered this movie Lopez's big break. Still, she's not the only decorated actor to continue working on notable projects after the commercial success of this biopic - read on to find out where the cast of "Selena" is today.

--Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez

Keep Your Eye on Mal de Ojo This Year With These Protection Tips

Zayda Rivera — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:03 -0700

Image Source: Unsplash / Tom Podmore

In many cultures, it is believed that a look of admiration or an envious stare can lead to illness and misfortune. In places like Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, West Africa, and parts of the Middle East, it's known as the evil eye, or mal de ojo in Spanish. Some believe it is merely a superstition, while others attest to documented cases around the world. Many cultures believe mal de ojo can lead to illness and misfortune for the recipient. Since mal de ojo is often sent from one person to another unintentionally, it's important that we protect ourselves daily. As a result, many believers of mal de ojo wear mal de ojo jewelry to ward off negative energy from haters or people who truly admire them. They also protect the energy in their homes with evil eye home decor.

What Is Mal de Ojo?

It begins with the ojos (eyes). The spiritual belief is that when a person looks at another in the eye with envy, jealousy, malicious intent, or even admiration, the recipient receives negative energy. It can happen whether it's intentional or not. Some cultures also believe mal de ojo can be transferred from one person to another by a tone of voice. In both scenarios, the recipient may become physically ill afterward.

In general, el mal de ojo is said to primarily affect babies and young children. In the Yucatan Peninsula, the Indigenous Mayan communities believed that the young are especially vulnerable because they aren't yet resilient enough to repel it. But it is believed that adults can also find themselves at the receiving end of the evil eye.

Where Did the Belief of Mal de Ojo Originate From?

For thousands of years, there have been references to el mal de ojo, evil eye, or the eye of evil from cultures and religions around the world, including in early Jewish literature and biblical text. References of evil eye can also be traced back to 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, where it is referred to as aien al-hasoud in Arabic. From there, it is believed to have traveled to ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and ancient Rome.

How Do You Know If You Have Mal de Ojo?

Many believe that the symptoms of mal de ojo can manifest in fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, and bad luck. In children, additional symptoms may include diarrhea and excessive crying.

Image Source: Unsplash / Muhammed Zafer Yahsi

How Can You Protect Yourself From Getting Mal de Ojo?

In the Yucatan Peninsula, a red string bracelet is tied around the right wrist of the young to repel the evil eye. The string is red because the color is believed to be potent and alluring, attracting the evil eye to be absorbed within the bracelet. It is also advised that children do not remove the bracelet until they are old enough to speak up for themselves. An azabache, which is a jet-black gemstone, is also believed to protect babies from evil eye.

In other parts of the world, bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry with a blue eye as the symbol are trusted to ward off mal de ojo. Some may even hang it on the outside of their door at home. In Spain, bronze has been used for thousands of years, as well as cowbells, and the cruz de Caravaca, a double cross, is also used by parents protecting their babies and young children from mal de ojo.

How Is Mal de Ojo Diagnosed and Treated?

Traditional Mayan doctors, or curanderx, diagnose mal de ojo by passing a raw egg all around the body of the sick child and then breaking it. If evil eye is detected, the curanderx will facilitate a spiritual limpia using different medicinal plants, among other treatments.

In other parts of the world, a raw egg is circled above the head of the person exhibiting symptoms multiple times. The egg is then left in a bowl under their pillow overnight. The test is positive if the raw egg becomes cooked overnight, indicating the person's blood was heated from el mal de ojo.

Eggs have also been used to cure mal de ojo. A raw egg is rubbed over the body of the ill person, then broken into a glass of water. The egg is placed underneath the person's bed to absorb the negative energy and protect them.

Here's How to Incorporate Limpiezas Into Your Self-Care Routine

Yvette Montoya — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:35:03 -0800

Image Source: Pexels / Dazzle Jam

It's 2021, and prioritizing self-care has become more normalized than ever. We exercise, do yoga, meditate, and take vitamins, but still, most of us don't practice limpias (aka spiritual hygiene), which are vital to our physical bodies and spirit. The term "limpia" in this context describes the various methods and modalities that countless societies and cultures use to rebalance energy and remove unwanted vibes. "Sometimes we can't even step into our power fully because we have energetic blockages," Dr. Griselda Rodriguez-Solomon of Brujas of Brooklyn told POPSUGAR Latina. "Limpias, whether through smoke, liquid, chanting, or sitting under the tree, are the best ways to clear your electromagnetic field of blockages so that you can hear what your calling is a little better."

Oftentimes, outside energy prevents us from connecting with ourselves, our guides, and thinking clearly. Vibes are very real and impactful. If we can agree that we are energetic bodies constantly coming into contact with other energetic bodies - how do we account for that energetic transfer? Where does that energy go? The answer is that we absorb it - some of us more than others. If you've ever gotten a headache after someone told you about all their problems passionately or if you've felt super tired or suddenly depressed/anxious for days after being in a crowd - congratulations, you've experienced energy transfer.

What Are Limpiezas, and Why Do We Need Them?

Well, there are lots of ways brujas and curanderas alike use fire limpias, herbal limpias, smoke limpias, and more. There are also probably things you already do intuitively without realizing it. Examples of limpias in the modern world include Korean spas, camping, smudging (when done correctly), swimming in natural bodies of water, bathhouses, or what modern psychology now refers to as "earthing," which is literally going outside barefoot. When you spend time in nature or with the elements and you leave feeling clearer, calmer, and more centered, you've experienced a limpia.

Signs You Need a Limpia

There is a chance that you are experiencing the signs and symptoms that you need a limpia. Some of the most noticeable ones are connected to what I call our intuition zones. The first ones are your head, neck, and shoulders. Low-vibe energy transfers feel like high, tight shoulders; a stiff neck; headaches; jumping awake when you're falling asleep; sudden fluttering anxiety in your chest; teeth grinding; and/or jaw clenching. Over time, however, it can become more severe, depending on how sensitive you are and how often you cleanse or release those energies.

How Limpiezas Have Been Used Intergenerationally

For many of us, the first experience we have with limpias is with an egg, which is perhaps the most ubiquitous form, along with sage and palo santo. It seems simple enough, but a room-temperature egg becomes a magical vehicle for trapping and disrupting energetic afflictions when given the right intention. In fact, many household items and kitchen herbs are exactly what the bruja ordered. But, for many, the very idea of a limpia can inspire fear of the unknown. But let's be real, more often than not, our families practice these traditions in secret. There is such a myriad of ailments that, when all else fails, folks turn to traditional healing methods.

Fellow POPSUGAR contributor Esoteric Esa recalled how limpias weren't something discussed openly in her family, but she eventually discovered that they were something her family not only believed in but practiced secretly. "I was in university and somehow a conversation came up about my grandmother needing to take my dad and her to a curandera to get a limpia because they believed a woman in their pueblo did brujeria on them," she said. "Limpias and brujeria were something my dad's mother was aware of and believed in. That's when it hit me, this is something that's been kept under the radar out of not wanting to be judged by others. I felt deeply motivated to begin digging deeper into limpias and brujeria from that moment on."

There are definitely times when you should go to a professional bruja or curandera, especially if you think outside brujeria was involved, but for the most part, our energetic health is on us to decipher and deal with. Unfortunately, we aren't taught how to identify the signs and symptoms, nor are we empowered to go forth and figure it out. Most brujas will agree that anyone can make themselves a baño or a limpia, it's just a matter of stepping into your power and not asking for permission to be great.

Image Source: Pexels / ROMAN ODINTSOV

How to Create Your Own Limpiezas

Well, first things first, we're going to have to listen to our intuition. Yes, you read that correctly - you're going to have to trust yourself. The first step in brujeria is believing and understanding that your energy and words are sacred and powerful. In many ways, liquid limpia making is like cooking. You start with a water base and then add and experiment until you find the "sazón" that suits your needs and taste. I always recommend my clients start with liquid limpias using kitchen herbs like basil, mint, chamomile, and rosemary, and adding holy water, tobacco (from a cigar, not a cigarette), and/or Kolonia 1800, mainly because it's unlikely that those will cause skin irritation or interactions. If it's edible, chances are it serves a dual magical purpose. Use DuckDuckGo (you'll get better results than with Google) to search "X magical uses/properties," and you can take it from there.

At the end of the day, most, if not all, brujas, curanderas, etc. would agree that it is essential that we incorporate energetic cleanses into our everyday life. "I can't imagine my practice, my path, my life without limpias," Dr. Rodriguez-Solomon said. "I appreciate this science that has been passed down to us. I can't imagine doing this world that we're in without cleansing. It is our time, if not now, when?"

Get on it, baby brujas - now is your time to cleanse!

White Limpia Recipe

Many times we will see limpias and baños used interchangeably, but here is the difference: a limpia is something that is poured over yourself with the purpose of removing and banishing nonuseful energy. A baño is something you soak in to absorb the properties of the ingredients. They can be used to draw positive energy, love, abundance, etc.

This limpia is great for weekly use. These ingredients are combined for disrupting stagnant and low-vibe energy.

Ingredients:

5 white flowers (just the petals; hydrangeas or chrysanthemums are best)
Cascarilla (a few crumbles)
White rum (a medium-size pour)
Holy water (a squirt)
Agua Florida or Kolonia 1800 (as much as you like)
Tealight candle
Ice (yes, ice)

Affirmation

"With this limpia, I remove all bad energy, brujeria, mal de ojo, negative wishes, jealousy, gossip, evil spirits, dark entities, anyone who wishes me harm, and [insert anything else you want to get rid of here; be specific] from my life, and I replace it with light, with love, with joy, with abundance, with strength, with protection, with wisdom, with clarity, and with the positivity I need to live a peaceful life and achieve my dreams [ask for what you need and for what you want to achieve with a cleansed mind]."

Combine ingredients with 16 oz. water in counterclockwise motion, taking special care to warm up the flower petals in your hands before you add them. Speak your affirmation with command as you add them. Add ice. Light the tealight candle and float it in the liquid. When the candle goes out, pour the mixture over your head in the shower and say again out loud what the limpia is removing. Pat yourself dry. You're done!

It's also a great base to add to and start experimenting with.

If you want to give limpia cleansing a try, go for it, but be sure to do your best research, and keep in mind that if you're dealing with an issue, it's never a bad idea to ask for guidance from a licensed professional or a medical professional.

Analilia Mejia's Childhood Inspired Her Work Advocating For Communities of Color

Zayda Rivera — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:30:00 -0800

Analilia Mejia had two things going for her when she decided to change the world - a strong line of women who came before her, and her firsthand experience of growing up poor. But this is no sad tale. This is the story of a resilient half-Colombian, half-Dominican girl from Elizabeth, NJ, who persevered through obstacles stacked against her. Today, she is the co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD): a woman who has discovered the simultaneous power of one and the impact of a community.

"We're in the business of planting seeds that we may never live to see, but we still believe in those seeds," Mejia tells POPSUGAR.

"We are worthy. We are powerful. And if we act together, we can change the world."

CPD is network of over half a million activists in 48 organizations across 38 states and Puerto Rico that builds the power of communities to ensure the country embodies an inclusive, equitable society. Mejia works alongside CPD's other co-executive director, DaMareo Cooper, and together they are among the many community organizers standing on the frontlines of change for people of color, immigrants, working families, women, and LGBTQ communities. On CPD's website, the organization describes this as an "especially important time when our communities are being threatened and the institutions that sustain us are under attack."

That's true on many levels, and it was driven home with the Jan. 10 death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man from Memphis, TN. Nichols died three days after being assaulted and beaten by five Black Memphis police officers. Immediately after his death, Mejia, on behalf of CPD, released a powerful statement: "To be clear: these murders of our community members are not examples of a 'broken' systems. Our criminal legal system is functioning the way it was designed to: oppress, kill, and otherwise harm the most marginalized in the U.S. - Black people, disabled and neurodivergent people, and the poor."

This truth - so clear in high-profile police killings in recent years - may leave communities feeling helpless and individuals at a loss of what they can possibly do to help. But that's why Mejia and CPD exist; organizations like hers help provide people with information, resources, and support in becoming civically engaged, which has proven time and time again throughout history to be an anecdote to oppression.

"We go into the communities and talk to people about their role in shaping all the policies, rules, and laws that dictate their lives," Mejia explains.

Knowing the steps you can take to effect change is powerful. For example, we can all help shape police budgets, Mejia says. That entails injecting yourself in the work around annual budgeting at the municipal, county, and state levels.

Mejia, who is the mother of two young Black boys, concedes that problems and solutions have already been identified. The devastating part is that even in the face of clear solutions, innocent Black lives continue to be taken.

"We already knew that giving police officers this free reign in a system, in a nation, where it is ingrained to devalue Black life, and where it is ingrained to presume criminality, particularly [for] Black men, that when you give [officers] the freedom to act in a system that is toxic, they're going to behave with that level of toxicity. And it costs us our lives over and over again," she says.

It's an uphill battle that is not new for Mejia. Before joining CPD, she was the national political director of Bernie Sanders for President. And she has long been in the business of community organizing and inspiring individuals to know and understand their role in the process. For Mejia, it comes down to two magic numbers.

"There are social scientists that point out that social movements cannot win without capturing the hearts and minds of at least 3 percent of the population. There is a threshold of impact that can change the direction of a community, of a nation, of a state," Mejia explains. "That's one magic number, the other magic number is at the polls."

The power of voting is top priority for Mejia, who encourages people to utilize their right to cast a ballot and to understand the numbers needed at the polls to win. By understanding who has been in power, what their margin of victory was, and how to surpass it, people voting from marginalized communities can truly change the trajectory of this country.

"We want to get 3, 4, 5 percent of our brethren in this country to understand that the problems they face and that they believe are personal and therefore feel shame and that somehow they can't cut it, that if we can somehow connect them to other people and move them from personal shame and blame to collective action, we can get those numbers," Mejia says. "And one of the collective actions we call to people to do is civic participation. You can participate in the election. You can't vote? Your neighbors can."

Mejia knows that shame firsthand. Growing up in New Jersey, she recalls being in elementary school when a security guard handed her an envelope in front of all her friends. It contained money for her parents, who delivered newspapers.

"I remember feeling so ashamed that my parents sold newspapers. I remember being ashamed of being poor," she says. "I think about all the of the energy wasted in that shame and that blame and that guilt."

What changed for Mejia was receiving help, guidance, and support from mentors and teachers; that allowed her to move from that place of shame to a place of knowledge and strength. When she understood how the economic system moves - and specifically how pay inequity impacts women and Black and Brown people - she was liberated from shame and empowered to share her knowledge and plant her own seeds. It's something she learned to do from her mother, she says.

"My mother, who left her home country, she's Colombian, and came to this country with just this deep commitment for building a future for her grandchildren," Mejia says. "She would always say, 'I am sacrificing myself now so that my grandkids and my great grandkids won't have to.' So, I borrow from that, that I can plant a seed now that I won't see, but will flourish. That's definitely from my mother."

Mejia counts her grandmother and abuelita as inspiration for her own life, too. And she's also inspired by powerful women in history like Frances Perkins, the first woman and fourth US Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945.

"We would not have child labor laws without this woman," Mejia says. "The idea that someone who was so deeply committed to effecting change for the marginalized - she's the epitome of 'I see you.'"

Mejia is also inspired by the likes of Stephanie Valencia, whom she describes as an "unsung hero." Valencia is the cofounder of EquisLabs, an organization working to create a better understanding of the Latinx electorate and engaging Latinx voters. She's also a fan of powerful Latinas in Washington DC, including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

"And of course, AOC, cause, oh my lord!" Mejia says of Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. "I have to be reminded that she's in her early thirties. I'm like, 'What have I done with my life?'"

Mejia jokes, but she has accomplished a lot, too. And she doesn't plan to slow down anytime soon.

"I try to remind the 12-year-old girl in me who watched my parents struggle and live through having the gas or the light cut off or not enough food in the pantry and watch my mother and my father literally cry over bills," she says. "We are worthy. We are powerful. And if we act together, we can change the world."