It’s no surprise that we’re a spiritual bunch. Walter Mercado has, after all, served as our spiritual advisor for decades. After a particularly rough 2016, it’s also not astonishing that many of us want a sign that 2017 will treat us better. So as we head into the new year, we’re looking at what Latin America’s spiritual guides predict 2017 will have in store for us.
From the environment to the political arena, many of them acknowledge the hurdles we collectively face. But they also recognize the importance of compassion and coming together in 2017. Here’s what the new year could bring:
1
Peruvian Shamans
As they do every year, Peruvian shamans gathered around the Christ of the Pacific statue in Lima for their annual ritual. They, unfortunately, see a turbulent year ahead, because of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. They also foresee drought, tornadoes, and tsunamis because, as they say, mother earth’s heart is bleeding.
2
Mhoni Vidente
Mhoni Vidente talked to Latin Times about what the stars predict for Latino celebrities. She’s certain J. Lo – one half of Dra-Lo – will get back together with Casper Smart. Her ex-husband, Marc Anthony, will also be lucky in love this year and get re-married in 2017. And it may be a huge year for Diego Luna, who she predicts will become a dad again. Either Luna or his BFF Gael García Bernal will win an Oscar or Golden Globe. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
3
Walter Mercado
According to Walter Mercado, 2017 will bring good fortune for Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Benicio del Toro, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sofia Vergara, and many other Latino celebrities. It’s supposed to be a good year for science as well. Walter sees a medical advancement that will surprise the world, El Nuevo Día reports. As we head into tumultuous times, we can expect a lot of activism. And Walter says the year calls for compassion and faith. He also sees a year of change ahead for Ecuador brought on by new alliances.
But no Latin American country will seemingly have it better than the Dominican Republic. According to Walter, DR’s tourism industry will continue to grow, as will its film industry.
4
Santero Babalaos
The Consejo cubano de Sacerdotes Mayores de Ifá and the Comisión Organizadora de la Letra del Año Miguel Febles Padrón have three pieces of advice for 2017: “be organized in all aspects of life,” “act just and conduct yourself well to avoid shamefulness,” and “find strength in what is right, rather than being right through strength.” As OnCuba notes, Oggún will govern 2017, as he did in 2016, with Yemayá as the Orisha companion. For the next 12 months, the Yoruba’s divinatory readings suggest being humble, avoiding pride, and paying special attention to climate phenomena.
Read more here.
5
El Brujo Mayor
Though El Brujo Mayor is not quite done giving his predictions for 2017, he did spill what he saw for Mexico and the United States. For Mexico, he sees three independent figures running for presidency, though one of them – a woman – will abandon her party because of lack of support. He also believes President Enrique Peña Nieto will keep a low-profile this year. As for Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, he doesn’t see the the Sinaloa cartel leader stepping foot in the United States.
El Brujo Mayor predicts that the president-elect Donald Trump’s infamous wall won’t come to pass. “Because of the barriers to commerce that Trump will put in place, there will be investment from other countries,” he told Infobae. “[Mexico] will stop depending only on the United States.”