Botanica Land: A History of Folk Magic in NYC
Taught by Khi Armand
Khi Armand is an intuitive life and business consultant who uses divination and manifestation tools from around the world to help people find joy, clarity, and purpose. A native of NYC with an MA in Performance Studies from NYU, he founded Conjure in the City (http://www.ConjureintheCity.com) in 2010 and is the author of "Deliverance! Hoodoo Spells of Uncrossing, Healing, & Protection." He blogs about shamanism, folk magic, and the spirits of NYC at http://cityconjure.wordpress.com and is the host of the weekly podcast On Sacred Ground (http://www.onsacredgroundradio.com).
In every borough in NYC are shops selling candles, oils, baths, statues, and other items for making magic that heals, protects, attracts love, and brings money, amongst other needs and desires. This brief introduction to the urban botanica as a holistic wellness site por la gente explores the history behind the practices and curios where African and Latin American diasporas meet on U.S. soil.
Through sound, image, video, and object analysis, we'll see how influences from African-American hoodoo, Mexican brujeria, the religions of Cuban Santería and Haitian Vodou -- and their commercialization throughout the 20th century -- result in the medley of wares found on botanica shelves today while telling a story of New York City's geography and peoples.