How did her journey begin?
Tonya Melendez Gonzalez is an eclectic spiritual practitioner who identifies as Afro-Latina and dabbles in many healing modalities. Her introduction to her spirituality came from a Puerto Rican curandera who taught her the importance of using light magic as well as how to incorporate and make sense of her mixed heritage, starting when she was 11 years old. Finding where she fit in was difficult because of the racism and rejection she experienced from both her Black and Latinx sides, never feeling like she was fully enough. "Identifying myself as an Afro-Latina came after years of self-awareness, love, and forgiveness. Being bullied for being 'light-skinned' by Black girls and being teased for not speaking Spanish by Latinx folks made me feel like I didn't 'fit in' anywhere," she said. "I felt like an imposter in Black and Latina spaces until I embraced both within myself. My mixed heritage has been something I've both loved and hated. [Being told I was] not enough Latina or Black gave me a sense I wasn't accepted by either."
What has her spiritual journey been like?
Gonzalez described her journey as an evolution and that she found her "church" in nature. She learned prayers, candle dressing, cartomancy, and curses from her teacher until her passing when Gonzalez was in her early 20s. It wasn't until her 30s that Gonzalez started digging more into her lineage and finding teachings that resonated with her. "My practice has evolved from esoteric knowledge, as a member of the Rosicrucians and Theosophical Society to the study science of mind (where I obtained my license as a spiritual counselor) and a course in miracles, to now African spirituality, Santería, Lucumí, and other tradition," she said. "Cultivating rituals, altar alchemy, tarot and oracle cards, candles, crystals, and natural healing practice are part of my everyday magic. It is through development of my ancestral wisdom that I've overcome the need to be labeled or put in a box. My gifts and magic cannot be contained."
What advice does she have for others who are hoping to explore their African ancestral practices?
Her advice for anyone trying to find out more about their spiritual ancestry is accepting that you may be headed outside of your comfort zone. Also, understanding that there is not really a specific outcome or ending to our spiritual journeys. "For those looking to begin, get used to being uncomfortable. The unknown is seen as scary yet once learned becomes wisdom, which is key in Indigenous traditions," she said. "The best place to start is with a mentor, teacher, or healer and/or a community familiar with what you'd like to learn or experience. The other part is understanding you will evolve and so will your practice until you find what speaks to your soul."
Where to find her:
@tonyamelendezgonzalez
tarotlifecoach.com/category/tonya-melendez
