In NPR's Book of the Day podcast, Yvette Montoya shares how she reimagined the classic Mexican game of Lotería, blending her spiritual practices as a bruja (witch) with vibrant, diverse symbols representing healing modalities, herbs, and Latin American spirituality. Her work, including "Mystical Loteria," aims to destigmatize the term "bruja" and embrace the rich array of spiritual practices it encompasses.
Montoya discusses the connections between her game and ancestral veneration in Latino culture, as well as the inspiration she drew from the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted her spiritual awakening and interest in alternative healing. Through this podcast episode, listeners gain insight into Montoya's personal brujeria journey and the cultural significance of "Mystical Loteria."
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Yvette Montoya fell in love with the classic Mexican game of Lotería in college and aimed to blend her spiritual practices as a bruja (witch) into a reimagined version - "Mystical Loteria."
Montoya collaborated with artist Diop Pacheco to create vibrant, diverse symbols embodying various healing modalities, herbs, and Latin American spirituality. Pacheco's artwork beautifully translates Montoya's vision of celebrating heritage through art and mysticism.
Montoya embraces identifying as a bruja and seeks to destigmatize the term, showcasing the rich array of spiritual practices it encompasses. Her work, including "Mystical Loteria," shares her personal brujeria journey.
Montoya highlights ancestral veneration's importance in Latino culture, once lost but now resurging. Films like "Coco" made Day of the Dead traditions more accessible. Montoya advises crafting personalized, culturally resonant altars to honor ancestors.
The pandemic prompted Montoya's spiritual awakening, leading her to explore practices like brujeria, energy work, and ancestral spirits. This inspired incorporating such elements into "Mystical Loteria" as interest in alternative healing grew.
1-Page Summary
Yvette Montoya has reinvented the beloved traditional Mexican game of Lotería by incorporating elements of spirituality and healing in her unique "Mystical Loteria" game described with engaging artwork by Diop Pacheco.
Montoya discovered and fell in love with the classic game of Lotería during her college years. Although she did not play it as a child, she quickly became enamored with its rich imagery, art, and cultural significance. Motivated by her personal spiritual practices as a bruja, or witch, Montoya aimed to blend these elements into the traditional game. Her goal was twofold: to reimagine Lotería in a way that faithfully represents her spirituality and to demystify mystical traditions, making them more approachable and less intimidating to others.
Montoya's reimagination of the Lotería is evident in the game's unique components. Unlike traditional Lotería cards, "Mystical Loteria" game boards and cards feature an intentional selection of diverse symbols. These include imagery reflective of various healing modalities, herbs, elements, and other aspects connected to Latin American culture and spirituality. To accompany these vibrant new symbols, Montoya provides a booklet filled with definitions and comprehensive background information on each card symbol. This acts as an educational tool, further demystifying the mystical elements within and broadening players' understandi ...
Yvette Montoya's "Mystical Loteria" game/book and its reimagining of the traditional Lotería game
Montoya’s work profoundly explores the cultural and spiritual layers of the term "bruja" or witch, highlighting its complexity and significance in her personal and professional life.
Montoya is dedicated to destigmatizing the term "bruja," which covers a vast array of spiritual practices and modalities. In her pursuit, she addresses the various cultural connotations and embraces the richly diverse identity incorporated within the term.
The cultural and spiritual significance of the term "bruja" (witch) and its role in Montoya's work
The Day of the Dead traditions hold significant cultural importance within Latino communities, and this has been artistically interpreted through Montoya's innovative Lotería-inspired project. The project and its inspirations aim to honor ancestors and provide accessible ways for people to connect with their heritage.
Ancestral veneration is a crucial aspect of many societies, and it holds a prominent place within Latino culture. Montoya emphasizes that this practice, once lost during the period of colonization, is experiencing a resurgence. Montoya stresses the importance of recognizing and honoring ancestors as an integral tradition among Latino people.
The animated film "Coco" played a pivotal role in bringing Day of the Dead traditions to a wider audience, according to Montoya. The movie's vibrant portrayal of these customs has provided an engaging and colorful entry point for individuals looking to connect with their ancestry. "Coco" has been successful in making the exploration of ancestral veneration and Day of the Dead traditions more approachable for those curious about their own heritage.
In providing guidance for crafting a ...
The connections between Day of the Dead traditions and Montoya's Lotería-inspired project
Montoya's creative process behind "Mystical Lotería" stems from both her discovery of the traditional Mexican game and a profound spiritual awakening she experienced during a global crisis.
Although Montoya did not grow up playing Lotería, she encountered the game in college and immediately became fascinated by its rich imagery and cultural significance. The traditional game's potential for a deeper, more personal reinterpretation inspired Montoya to reimagine it through her own artistic lens.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a significant turning point for Montoya, shifting her perspective and highlighting the importance of alternative healing modalities and ancestral veneration. The period of global uncertainty prompted Montoya to delve deeper into practices such as brujeria, ene ...
Montoya's personal journey and experiences that inspired the creation of "Mystical Loteria"
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