QUEER AS FOLK MAGIC

"Le Nahual" is a painting of Mexica or Aztec spirituality. Our ancestors believed we possess various "souls" or spiritual entities, which reside in different parts of our body. One of them, however, lives in a different being, which is usually an animal. We are, thus, linked to an animal, called a tonal, with whom we share a "soul". When we sleep, our mind is connected to that of our tonal, who travels through the world of spirits. We interpret these experiences as dreams. A nahual is a person capable of willingly communicating with their spirit animal, consciously sharing their mind. Here, a queer nahual travels on the back of their tonal, an eagle. Their faces are exchanged to indicate their indisoluble link. The nahual is a xochihua, an ancient Mexica identity similar to a third gender.

This painting will be part of my show at Chicago's Gallery19, which is opening on Saturday!

The wicked who would do me harm May he take the disease, Globularly, spirally, circularly, Fluxy, pellety, horny-grim.

Be it harder than the stone, Be it blacker than the coal, Be it swifter than the duck, Be it heavier than the lead.

Be it fiercer, fiercer, sharper, harsher, more malignant, Than the hard, wound-quivering holly, Be it sourer than the sained, lustrous, bitter, sea salt, Seven seven times.

Oscillating thither, Undulating hither, Staggering downwards, Floundering upwards.

Driveling outwards, Sniveling inwards, Oft hurrying out, Seldom coming in.

A wisp of the portion of each hand, A foot in the base of each pillar, A leg the prop of each jamb, A flux driving and dragging him.

A dysentery of blood from heart, from form, from bones, From the liver, from the lobe, from the lungs, And a searching of veins, of throat, and of kidneys, To my contemnors and traducers. In name of the God of might, And who shielded me in strength, From the net of my breakers And destroyers.

"When it comes to structure and routine, I find that it's helpful to think in terms of practices that are daily and those that are occasional. Daily practices typically include attending our spirits through communication and offerings. As such, you might begin your day by pouring a cup of coffee for your ancestors or speaking with the land wights on your walk to work. You might leave out a bowl of honey for the Fair Folk or end your night by expressing gratitude to the Witch Father and Witch Mother.

Magically speaking, you might carry a charm-bag in your pocket for healing or repeat a chant for promoting a sense of calm during a stressful day. You might light a candle to increase concentration when studying for an exam or recite a spell for protection while driving.

These are all examples of simple ways you can practice your Craft each day. I recommend finding at least two small acts of Witchcraft that you can engage in every day."

Elvis, Madrid