Art and Afro Spirituality: A Testimonio
A testimonio from artist Yelaine Rodriguez
Words and Art by Yelaine Rodriguez
Art editor Suzy González
Poet Salem Islas-Madlo claims her power as the embodiment of the sacred directions, the elements, and other life on earth.
“Like the moon, our bodies are made of Earth and Theia. We are Coyolxāuhqui’s siblings. My connection to her is deep.”
“Hija eres / star dust and tightly wound tobacco / prayer knot offering, the quiver / of communal song...”
“Put your hands in the dirt. This is where you find us. The Stone Women. The Corn Mothers. This is how you remember us.”
Ofrenda Magazine explores Xicana/x and Latinx spiritualities, ancestral connection, social and eco justice, curanderismo, and other healing arts. We share wisdom from our community that acknowledges interconnection, promotes wellbeing, and honors the earth.
In this issue of Ofrenda, we look to the movement of the sky and orient ourselves in the seasons. Through their works, the authors in this issue invite you to consider the cosmos and the lineages that swirl through time and tug at us now. They claim their roots as truth and encourage you to do the same. What can the cycles of time teach us? What wisdom from our past is ever-present?
