CENTRAL AMERICAN METAPHYSICS

397 Comments

Costa Rican (and Central American and Latino, for that matter) culture is filled with fascinating superstition, taboos, legends, and metaphysical-beliefs. “La Masquerada” is an event once a year, usually in August, that pays tribute to these folkloric (and sometimes foreboding) characters that originated from a combination of local aboriginal culture and Spanish occupation. With the rural lower-class, they can still have significant belief attached to them. They are accepted as a bilateral cultural addition to the staunchly Catholic following. What’s fascinating to me is that many are a superstitious warning or deterrent to the very negative-but-real stereotypes associated with the culture itself. Infidelity to one’s wife, promiscuity, perpetual drinking and partying, antipathy or distance from religion, God, or family.

Some examples in the photos below:
1. El gigante/la giganta (the giant): Representing the rich Spanish occupants from generations past.

2. El diablo (the devil) deceiptfully laying traps to make some stray from the path

3. La pelona: the skull-bearing representation of death

4. La segua: a lovetorn half-horse, half-woman siren that baits adulterous men and deters promiscuous women

5. La llorona: the ghost of a woman whose lost love has caused her to be seen crying, wailing, and shrieking at riverbanks.

6. El cadejos: a young boy cursed to live as a dog for eternity by his own father for his unruly drinking ways.

All are very expressive and folkloric and have their own independent cautionary tale.

I’ve been thinking that there’s very likely no small coincidence that western foreigners ply their snakeoil, charlatanism, and fraudulence here manipulating and taking advantage of those very superstitions, taboos, and legends. Most often in the form of fraudulent yoga gurus, shamans, astrologers, cults, energy-channelers, and healers. If it’s not taking at home, go where it will, right…remember that belief is half the battle and placebos can become very real for the misleading shysters with financial gain on their mind. I’ve met many here over the years, they’re extremely easy to smell and tend to avoid people from “back home.”

Note that I’ve studied and been curious about this aspect of Central American culture for years. I’ve attended a cult ceremony and gone through some of the rituals (saumerios, “cuarentenas”, invocations, etc.). Been to see a shaman. Attended a number of masqueradas. Learned about these supernatural urban legends. Interacted with a number of the people peddling mysticism and the metaphysical. Now, regardless of my views on the authenticity of any of it, I respect it as many people here do and to mock that which gets many through their day and the intrinsic beliefs of many locals, especially as a foreigner, would be disrespectful and invoking animosity and bad “karma.”

That being said, there is a clear niche where peddler and receiver co-exist and a market is created. If a consumer feels that the product will increase their odds, add value to their life, give them power or protection, or give them greater spiritual-connectedness, is anyone really being swindled? Who has the right to say. As a Westerner living here, I find it far more beneficial and informative to understand the powers-that-be than mock them with my “1st-World” superiority. Remember, there’s nothing more powerful entity in life than belief and many an entitled foreigner’s fortunes have ended poorly here for misunderstanding their playing field.

And, as a self-described student of human behavior, I find the “dark”, mystical, metaphysical aspect of a culture intriguing and more than a little revealing in understanding the reason people think the way they do. It’s a peek into their psyche and why they act the way they do. Dismissing or mocking that which isn’t personally believed or understood is always a tactical error. Knowledge of foreign belief-structures helps mitigate, prevent, disrupt, and foresee potential forks in the road. Brushing-off the potential to gain that knowledge can put a target on one’s back.

397 thoughts on “CENTRAL AMERICAN METAPHYSICS”

  215. I have been looking everywhere for this! I’ve been looking almost everywhere online for thisinfo. You appear to know a lot about this. It’s like you read my thoughts!

  216. This information is magnificent. You appear to know a lot about this. Thanks for posting this excellent post. I applied your tips to my life and they worked really well for me.

  227. O cara que parou de chasing em março fez um print da banca subindo no Treasures of Aztec e mandou no grupo. Galera aplaudiu.

  228. A enfermeira do plantão noturno só joga Butterfly Blossom no domingo. Diz que paga melhor. A gente riu, os dados concordam.

  239. I enjoyed reading this. You are a very persuasive writer. Thumbs up! I truly appreciate this post. The people at income online are a rip off I have been an expert in this field since about 196 4. It’s like you read my thoughts! Good job on this article! I truly appreciate this post. I have been a professional at this since about 198 2. I enjoyed your post. Thank you. I have been looking everywhere for this! You’ve made my day! Thx again. You are obviously very knowledgeable. Interesting content. I truly appreciate this post. Thanks for writing this.

  244. I really like your article. You are obviously very knowledgeable. I’m hooked on your site. Nice read. The people at great service are a bunch of scumbags. I really like your article. You are obviously very knowledgeable. I am addicted to your blog. I have been looking everywhere for this! I seriously believe this write up needs a lot more thought. You are a very persuasive writer. It’s like you wrote the book on it or something. Hit me up! I really think this website demands much more thought. You are a very persuasive writer. I am addicted to your website. I have been looking everywhere for this!

  251. Good job on this article! Great post! It’s like you wrote the book on it or something. Thumbs up! The people at quick solution are con artists. It’s like you read my thoughts! Interesting content. Nice write up. Nice read. Nice write up. Thanks for writing this. Nice write up. Thumbs up! Great post! It’s like you wrote the book on it or something. You should be super proud of yourself. Thumbs up!

  263. Nice write up. I enjoyed your post. Thank you. I enjoyed reading this. You must really have a smart head resting on your shoulders. bow wow are a bunch of scumbags. It’s like you wrote the book on it or something. Great read. Interesting content. Nice read. Some nice points there. Thanks for writing this. You’ve made my day! Thx again. I enjoyed reading this. I enjoyed reading this. Great read. I truly appreciate this post. It’s like you wrote the book on it or something.

  269. Extremely great short write up. I enjoyed reading this. Great post! I enjoyed your post. Thank you. bad reviews are a bunch of scumbags. Great read. I really like your article. Great post! You appear to know a lot about this. Extremely awesome short website. Hit me up! Keep doing what you are doing. Some nice points there. Great read. Great post! I truly appreciate this post. WordPress experts would agree with your website.

  272. Thanks for helping to make my day awesome. I enjoyed reading what you had to say. I really like your article. I truly appreciate this post. The people at premium quality are a rip off Thank you for making my day awesome. Just what we were searching for. I enjoyed your post. Thank you. This is an excellent, an eye-opener for sure! Thanks for making my morning epic. This is an excellent, an eye-opener for sure! I really like your article. I truly appreciate individuals like you! I enjoyed your post. Thank you. This is an excellent, an eye-opener for sure! Good job on this article! This is an excellent, an eye-opener for sure!

  273. Right now it seems like Drupal is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  276. Simply desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is just nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  277. Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  279. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  280. Right now it appears like Drupal is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  281. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  286. Right now it appears like WordPress is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  287. May I simply just say what a relief to discover somebody who truly knows what they are talking about over the internet. You definitely understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people need to read this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you are not more popular since you definitely have the gift.

  290. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say great blog!

  291. Right now it looks like Expression Engine is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  293. Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  295. At this time it sounds like Expression Engine is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  297. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  300. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  301. Can I simply say what a relief to uncover somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about on the web. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people need to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you’re not more popular given that you most certainly have the gift.

  303. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  305. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  308. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never seem to get anything done.

  309. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  310. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!

  311. Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never manage to get anything done.

  313. Right now it sounds like WordPress is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  314. Currently it sounds like WordPress is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  315. Right now it appears like Movable Type is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  317. At this time it seems like Movable Type is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  318. Hey there, You’ve done a great job. I will definitely digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website.

  319. Aw, this was a very good post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  320. Hello there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my view suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  321. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  323. Currently it appears like WordPress is the top blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  324. Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  325. My relatives always say that I am wasting my time here at net, but I know I am getting knowledge every day by reading thes fastidious content.

  326. Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  327. That is really attention-grabbing, You are a very professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in the hunt for extra of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks

  328. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is very much appreciated.

  330. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  331. each time i used to read smaller content which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading at this time.

  332. At this time it appears like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  333. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  334. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!

  335. Currently it sounds like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  337. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  338. At this time it sounds like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  339. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a very good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  340. Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website.

  341. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  342. Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  343. At this time it appears like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  346. May I just say what a comfort to uncover someone who actually knows what they’re talking about on the web. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people must check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular because you certainly have the gift.

  347. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  348. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  349. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say great blog!

  350. At this time it looks like Drupal is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  351. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  352. Right now it appears like Drupal is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  354. May I just say what a relief to discover an individual who genuinely understands what they’re talking about over the internet. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people ought to check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you surely have the gift.

  355. Hey there, You have done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this site.

  356. Currently it sounds like WordPress is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  357. May I just say what a relief to discover someone who really knows what they’re discussing over the internet. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people have to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular because you definitely possess the gift.

  358. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks a lot

  359. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  360. May I just say what a comfort to uncover an individual who genuinely knows what they are discussing on the net. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people have to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you definitely possess the gift.

  361. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!

  362. Hey there, You have performed an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  363. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never seem to get anything done.

  364. Aw, this was a very nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  366. Hey there, You have performed an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and individually recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website.

  367. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  368. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Reading this information So i’m happy to exhibit that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most without a doubt will make sure to do not fail to remember this site and give it a glance regularly.

  369. Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to produce a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  370. Right now it sounds like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  373. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  374. Whats up very cool website!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally? I am glad to find numerous useful info here within the publish, we need develop extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  375. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!

  377. At this time it appears like Drupal is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  379. This excellent website certainly has all of the information I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  380. Fantastic blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get feed-back from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!

  382. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  384. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  385. At this time it seems like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  386. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to generate a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  390. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never seem to get anything done.

  391. Excellent items from you, man. I have keep in mind your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely wonderful. I really like what you have received here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which through which you say it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read much more from you. That is really a tremendous web site.

  393. Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and individually suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.

  394. Hello there, You have performed an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.

  395. At this time it looks like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  396. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.

  397. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *