Enchanted Legends and Lore of New Mexico: Witches, Ghosts & Spirits (The History Press)
Ray John de Aragon was born on January 19, 1946, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. His great-grandmother Dona Catalina Mondragon de Valdez, who was a curandera, a medicine woman, delivered him. He grew up with the culture, traditions, heritage and the history of Spanish New Mexico, which dates back to the settlement of the territory by Spanish colonists in 1598. His background is steeped in the folkloric mystery and intrigue that was passed down in his family for generations. His upbringing included listening to centuries-old stories of ghosts, witches and holy spirits that traverse the dark hours of the night. Because of his past history, Ray John de Aragon traveled as a storyteller, thrilling audiences with tales of terror and suspense. Ray John's first university degrees were in education. His advanced degrees are in American studies with an emphasis on the Spanish history, customs and language of New Mexico. He is an internationally recognized author with several published books. He is also a recognized visual artist and santero, a maker of religious images.