This blog post aims to delve deeper into the history of colonization and the negative influence it had on Latin spiritual practices. We will discuss the efforts made by America to erase Espiritismo in Puerto Rico, examine how conquerors demonized indigenous religions and learn how people are now reclaiming their spirituality.
Before the arrival of European colonizers, Latin American natives had their spiritual and religious beliefs and practices that respected their natural environment and all living things. When Western influences eventually spread through the region, natives started to convert to Christianity, which created a spiritual struggle that eventually led to the persecution and "eradication" of their spiritual practices.
One example of the efforts made by colonizers to erase Latin spirituality is America's history with Puerto Rican Espiritismo. The religion includes mediums who claim to communicate with the dead through altered states of consciousness. During the early 20th century, the American government declared it illegal and used smear tactics to stain the reputation of Espiritismo in any way possible. As a result, many people had to practice their religion under constant oppression and eventually gave up.
Apart from Puerto Rico, Native religions in most other Latin American countries were similarly demonized by their colonizers. The Spaniards, for example, saw the Sun and Moon worshipping as heresy and forced indigenous people to convert to Christianity. By the time Chile got its independence, almost every aspect of Paganism and other spiritual practices had "disappeared" from the culture. The same happened in other parts of the region.
Nevertheless, divine lightworkers, psychics, witches and new spiritual enthusiasts are now looking to embrace native religions and decolonize spirituality. This paradigm shift is crucial to help people regain their sense of self and spiritual identity. It's an example of cultural justice, where alternative spiritualities are recognized and embraced.
Spiritual decolonization includes identifying and acknowledging the oppressive systems and mentalities that have distorted spirituality and not accepting their proposition. It requires re-establishing our relationship with nature and connecting with the spiritual teachings of our ancestors. This shift requires respecting cultural diversity and recognizing the importance of spirituality in our lives.
As we sum up this blog post, it's essential to understand colonization's negative impact on Latin spirituality. We should recognize the efforts made by some governments to suppress spiritual practices and the cultural significance they hold. However, the resurgence of native religions, lightworkers, psychics and other spiritual enthusiasts embracing them is an indication that there is hope and that spiritual decolonization is underway. That said, developing spiritual sovereignty requires more than an acknowledgment of the oppressive systems but changing our mindset and embracing our roots.