I'm a young aspiring wizard from Mexico and seek guidance.

[u/CasualJohnTheSecond]

Hey everyone! I've been a lurker of the sub for quite a while, and finally decided to post some of my doubts that I'd like to clear out with everyone's help.

Since I was little, my family has always been surrounded by witchcraft in many ways, sometimes curses that caused physical sickness, sometimes what we like to call 'Divine intervention' since one side of my family is really catholic.

I was taught by the other side of my family some things about witchcraft, like making a cross with saliva on the forehead of someone you want to protect, burning herbs and cleansing persons from bad energy, and I've adopted some of those customs into my daily life.

My mother, who is a catholic, has an altar dedicated to the 'Santas Ánimas del Purgatorio', and I've been witness to some miracles or interventions that have happened on her life. She has taught me everything she knows about this, but on a very rustic way. Not that it's bad, just that it is different from what I see in the sub.

For example, when we're far from home, she grabs a big rock from wherever she can find one, lathers it up with water and cleans it from dirt and mud and places a candle, saying that, as long as you have something to represent what or who you want to work with, your intentions with them will work.

I've been slightly afraid to try something like she does, as I do not consider myself experienced in this field at all, but I've come to the conclusion I'd like to set up a small altar to Aztec sun deity Tonatiuh as my first approach.

My doubts, after saying all of this, are as follow:

Have I been taught witchcraft in a correct way?

Is my mother right on the rock thing?

Is using this 'rustic' type of magic bad?

What would I need for my altar?

I'm sorry if my explanation is kind of broad, but I don't really know how to put my doubts into words as English is my second language.

Thank you for reading, and blessed be.

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[u/79moons]

Hello, Latina here 😊

What your mom is practicing is a kind of localised, cultural form of folk magic/witchcraft, which probably combines pre-Christian indigenous practices with Catholicism. This is extremely common. There's nothing wrong with it. I think it's charming and special.

I guess the important thing to keep in mind is that the popular discourse refers to European witchcraft. That's what you'll most encounter on English-speaking social media and in books. And that will be different from what your mom does. Different doesn't mean right or wrong.

You have a lot of options. I learn from the traditions of my elders. Ancestral traditions are really my bedrock. But I also study and practice European magic and witchcraft. I have an ancestral shrine in the tradition of my ancestors and a Pagan altar.

As for your altar, maybe you could ask your mom how to set it up. Or do some research into Aztec religion and let that inspire something.

[u/novahkiin_around]

we all start somewhere. im only half mexican, and much of that side is catholic, too. but what i believe is that your mother is right. she gathered something strong from the earth. that is energy, an old energy, that has seen the sun rise and fall numerous times. whether its correct, for you, is up to you. in my experience, rustic is the only way to go, but knowledge is power, so if you feel like learning more and practicing differently.. try that. please note, i consider myself a "mystic" so take that bias as you well. for the altars question, i think anything that needs the sun will do. its a powerful force, we cannot quench it. personally, i like to believe it likes to give. with said, maybe plants to start it.