Chapel Talk South Texas Indigenous Traditional Thanksgiving Blessing with Tecuancoatl Teodosio "Ted" Herrera Tlaxcalteca, Chichimeca, Coahuilteco, Huichol

Growing up in rural Nueces County, Texas, from the late 40s to the late 60s, most of his neighbors were familiar with Curanderismo (traditional indigenous healers), and many could not afford Conventional Doctors. Nor could they explain “Susto” (shock, trauma), “Mal De Ojo” (evil eye), “Caida de la mollera” (fallen fontanelle), or a “limpieza” (cleansing) to conventional doctors.

At the time, there were at least four specialties in our area that people could need: a Yerbero (Herbalist), a Huesero (Bone and Muscle therapist), a Partera (Midwife), or someone like his mother, Maria Guadalupe Lara Herrera (Dona Lupita), a curandera with great empathy for the suffering who was sought after to help with Health and Spiritual issues.

Witnessing his mother help people was part of his growing up, and she constantly reminded him that he was given that “Don” (gift), and he was expected to take over her work. He resisted that path until her passing in 1994. And that’s when her spiritual influence became more vital than ever to him. Thanks to her spiritual connection and my his father's and grandparents, he's been blessed with their influence in making good decisions, which has led to many gratifying accomplishments and experiences. And so, he hopes to please them by walking a good path.