Cult of Saint Death

By Horacio Salvaterra

The cult of San la Muerte, or Santa Muerte, is a spiritual movement originating in Mexico, where the figure of death embodied by a beautifully dressed skull is adored. The Catholic Church and most other religious orders condemn her as diabolical. His followers, mainly humble people, affirm that he quickly fulfills requests and that he does not discriminate between workers, the poor, or criminals. In this book, you will find its origin, the anthropological framework of the worship of death, the rituals around the figure of the Grim Reaper, and the prayers intended for her to grant the requests. More than 12 million people around the world adore her, and the number continues to grow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ediciones Afrodita
• Release date: Apr 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215471999

Book preview

Cult of

saint death

-her origins and how to invoke her-

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Horacio Salvaterra

Ediciones Afrodita

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Index:

Chapter 1: Its Origin

Chapter 2: Cult of Death

Chapter 3: Rituals

Chapter 4: Prayer to Saint Death

Chapter 1

Its origin

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In the worldview of the ancient Indians, death was never the personification of the end of life, on the contrary, it was considered its continuation. They believed that at the moment of one person's death, somewhere another would surely be born. Therefore, there is no point in tearing out your hair and mourning the deceased. That is why, along with the deities, personifying the forces of nature, the Indians revered the gods of death and darkness, believing in the omnipotence of death and its power to destroy any obstacles.

With the arrival of the conquerors, the elements of the mythology of the natives of Mexico (mainly Aztecs and Mayans) are gradually mixed with Catholicism, as a result of which a new religious cult appears - the cult of Santa Muerte. The first mention of the cult dates back to the 17th century. Now, this phenomenon is common not only in Mexico but also in all Latin American countries, as well as in the southern United States (from Texas to California). And today, only in Mexico, the Virgin of the scythe is already worshiped by more than five million people. Now it is not just small-town idolatry, but an integral part of the national culture.

Cultists claim that Santa Muerte works miracles. Sometimes she is more revered than Jesus because it was a death that took him, therefore she is stronger.

She is believed to help where other saints have no power. People often reject the help of the Catholic Church, referring to the fact that she only teaches and does not help. But Santa Muerte makes no exception to anyone, everyone is equal before her: a prostitute, a policeman, a seller of pirated records, a politician, and even a drug trafficker.

This is what the locals say: "She just helps and doesn't stick her nose into their sins. She doesn't require years of waiting for a miracle, she simply complies. And what kind of desire is it that is in her conscience, only you are responsible for it.

It doesn't matter what you give her: flowers, an apple, a joint of marijuana, candles, or something else. It is important that it comes from the heart. Whether you're a crime boss, gay, poor or rich, sick or healthy, smart or stupid, it doesn't matter! Blessed, she has no prejudices, she never blames anyone. She is ready to help for free.

However, many, before praying to this Saint, first turn to Jesus, asking permission for this prayer.

"People ask for what they want, it's up to them. Someone comes only for a blessing, someone - prays for the recovery of a son, someone wants to get his brother out of prison, someone asks for fair retribution, and another - to harm the enemy or the offender. There is nothing shameful in revenge if there really is a reason for it, otherwise, everything can turn against you. Santísima cannot be bad, only that sometimes bad people approach her and ask for bad things.

Santa Muerte's main area of expertise is matters of love and money, as well as protection against violent death and disease. First of all, it guards those who work at night and risk their lives almost daily: policemen, drug traffickers, taxi drivers, and mariachis. It is the attributed Holy Justice that makes her so attractive to all who consider themselves undeservedly dispossessed by society or fate.

Initially, the cult arose in the villages among the poor, eventually became popular in criminal circles, and much later, wealthy residents of large cities also became interested. But even today, the main places of worship are concentrated in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The first Temple of Santa Muerte was inaugurated in Mexico City in 1999, until then the altars dedicated to her were found only in private homes.

Outwardly, the new Mexican saint resembles the well-known image of death, hooded and with a scythe. He has a scale in one hand. In the other, the globe, which means that all the people on the planet are subject to it.

The ball also symbolizes justice and equality for all, regardless of their origin and status. Sometimes Blessed appears in a white dress and with the attributes of the Virgin Mary, the embodiment of purity and innocence. Hence another name for her is the White Girl.

According to legend, people did not know death before, but, tired of the difficulties of an endless life, they turned to God with a request to send them deliverance. God appeared to the beautiful young woman he had chosen and told her that from now on she would become Death,