Hahuelpuchi

(Ha-hool-POO-chee)

Variations: BRUJA, "the bloodsucking witch of Mexico"

The hahuelpuchi ("witch") originated in Spain,but it traveled to Mexico during Spain's occupation. It is a LIVING WITCH who has the ability to shape-shift into different animals. In its new form, it hunts out children to feed on (see VAMPIRIC WITCH).

Source: Butts, Witches, 15; Just, Conflict Resolution,

107; Stewart, Witchcraft, 7; Thomas, Folk Psychologies,

227