A Magic Feather: The Science and Theory of Chicano Traditional Healing Practices of Aztlán

David Atekpatzin Young

Calmecaztlan, Aug 13, 2020 - Medical - 502 pages

When the Spaniards first invaded Mexico, they encountered advanced medical practices among the Indigenous peoples called huehuepahtli (ancient ancestral medicine). The Spaniards renamed it curanderismo. Despite 500 years of colonization, huehuepahtli remains deeply embedded in the Indigenous communities of North America precisely because of its success in treating myriad physical, mental, emotional and spiritual illnesses. A Magic Feather divulges key healing secrets still utilized in the Indigenous Chicano community. Atekpatzin, a curandero who studied with Aztec/Mexica, Apache, Chicano, Genízaro, and Lakota medicine people, shares the theory, philosophy and science of curanderismo. Beginning with original sources written in the sixteenth century up to contemporary oral teachings that predate European contact, A Magic Feather takes us inside these living traditions across time to arrive at a contemporary expression of Indigenous medical practices deeply rooted in the Aztec cosmology of Mexicayotl. The sixteen chapters of the book are divided into three sections: The Foundation of Illness; Methodologies for Healing; and Evolution of a Philosophy. The book explores how curanderismo has evolved over the centuries, why it is still practiced and it provides practical applications for addressing illness for both Indigenous individuals and communities.

About the author

Atekpatzin Young is a Tribal Elder and Spiritual Leader for the Genízaro Apache Nation. He is an independent researcher, consultant, writer, artist, and musician. He is founder of the Calmecaztlán, a school dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indigenous beliefs and practices. Mr. Young has done extensive research on the Indigenous peoples of Tehuayo, Indetah and Aztlán and their present-day descendants. He has also studied the relationship of ancient and contemporary Nahua religious practices. As a consultant, Mr. Young has provided program design, evaluation and training locally and nationally for 35 years. He has worked as an educator, health prevention specialist, psychotherapist, mediator and traditional healer serving diverse populations. He holds a Master's in Ethnic Studies and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Mental Health. He spent fifteen years studying with traditional healers from the Apache, Genízaro, Lakota, Mexica and Chicano communities. He has done work across North America and Europe as a curandero (traditional healer). He has worked as a consultant to the Office of Minority Health, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Disease Control, National American Red Cross, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and Denver Public Health. Mr. Young has had the distinguished honor of presenting workshops and trainings at local, national and international conferences. He has lectured nationally (Yale University, University of Colorado, University of Washington, Metro State University, Colorado State University and Denver University) and internationally (Spain, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and Belgium). Mr. Young is the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship award, a three-time recipient of the White Rose Scholarship Award and the Alexander Foundation Award. He also received the Cesar Chavez Peace and Justice Leadership Award and the Cesar Chavez Leadership Award for his contributions to the community.

Bibliographic information

• Title: A Magic Feather: The Science and Theory of Chicano Traditional Healing Practices of Aztlán
• Author: David Atekpatzin Young
• Photographs by: David Atekpatzin Young
• Publisher: Calmecaztlan, 2020
• ISBN: 1735421200, 9781735421209
• Length: 502 pages
• Subjects: Medical / General; Social Science / General