Mother Mary and Madre Muerte – a Reflection on Theotokos and Thanotokos

Explanatory note: The Gospel of Mary is a text discovered in 1896 in a fifth-century papyrus. Though it is called the Gospel of Mary, this text was never accepted into the canonical Bible as we know it now. The earliest references to the text state from the third century. The text is no longer complete, only parts have survived. Though there are three possible women who can be the Mary mentioned, namely Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary, a sister of Jesus and Mary of Magdalene. Most scholars believe it is the last one, to which this text is attributed.

As we read the Gospel of Mary, and contemplate it, we not only see the words of wisdom of the gospel, but also the valuable connection to Santa Muerte. We discover a deep journey through ageless wisdom and symbolism. The passages from the Gospel of Mary provide a well-founded base of spiritual guidance, while the symbolism of Santa Muerte will add depth and insight to these teachings.

The first words the Blessed One speaks, “Peace be with you. Receive my peace unto yourselves,” resonate as a desire for inner tranquility amidst the complexities of life, a feeling we can all relate to. We also find this constant seeking for peace in the imagery of Santa Muerte, whose skeletal form represents the inescapable transition between life and death. Just as the Gospel speaks of receiving peace, Santa Muerte invites us to embrace the nature of existence, finding comfort in the acceptance of life’s temporary beauty.

In the gospel, we then find the calling against being led astray by external distractions, “Beware that no one lead you astray saying Lo here or lo there! For the Son of Man is within you,” summarizes the essence of our inner quest. Here, Santa Muerte as a guide between realms aligns with the Gospel’s message, emphasizing the importance of turning to our inner self, instead of outer distractions, to discover the Primordial spark within us all.

Both teachings highlight the foolishness of seeking enlightenment solely in external pursuits, reminding us that the journey to truth lies in recognizing our natural connection to the Primordial Being. “Follow after Him! Those who seek Him will find Him” serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement. This sentiment aligns graciously with Santa Muerte’s role as a guardian throughout life, supporting us as we walk our path through daily life. The seeker who invokes Santa Muerte is not only looking for protection, but also a deeper understanding of the cycles which we find in nature, the mystery of life and death, which we also see written down in the Gospel’s call to incorporate the teachings of the Son of Man.

The call to share the message, “Go then and preach the gospel of the Kingdom,” echoes with Santa Muerte’s universal appeal. In various cultures and beliefs, Santa Muerte’s essence transcends everything, She represents a joining force in the face of mortality. The connectedness of all of humanity and the inevitability of death are messages both the Gospel and the devotion to Santa Muerte highlight, reminding us of the need for empathy and compassion.

The guidance to avoid rigid rules, “Do not lay down any rules beyond what I appointed you, and do not give a law like the lawgiver lest you be constrained by it,” reflects a deep understanding of spirituality as a fluid, an ever-evolving experience. Santa Muerte is non-judgmental and as such embraces us all, which aligns to inviting individuals to connect with their true selves without the enclose of rigid dogma.

Just as the Gospel encourages inner searching, Santa Muerte supports the liberation from restrictive beliefs. It is not that an institute declares rules, that they are right and good for us, we must look closer to the why of this rules, to see if they are benevolent or harmful for our spiritual growth, in the end the Blessed One and Santa Muerte speak to us directly, maybe the voices are not always clear, but if we open our hearts to them, we will find the essence of the message which is handed to us.

Coming to the end of this short contemplation, we see that the Gospel of Mary’s wisdom and the symbolism of Santa Muerte go hand in hand and give birth to a rich tapestry of spiritual discovery. As we go through life’s journey, let us remember that the essence of these teachings lies in embracing our Primordial Essence, fostering compassion and unity, and finding solace in the embrace of the sacred, whether through the words of the Blessed One or the transfigurative energy of Santa Muerte.

* Walter M.C. Walgraeve lives in Belgium, he is a Traditional Catholic Bishop (Emeritus), and a devotee of Santa Muerte. Some of his additional interests are early Christianity, the Gnostic writings and movements, the occult and much more.