“There are no accidents or haphazard events in this world of U.S.-Mexico witchcraft (brujeria).” - Dr. Antonio N. Zavaleta During my undergraduate studies I was fortunate to spend a few semesters with Dr. Joann Scurlock, a professional member of University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute and an expert on folk magic practices around the world. She … Continue reading Magic Works in Its Own Way – San Benito’s Santa Muerte Statues in perspective
Marriage and la Madrina – Images from a wedding at El Templo de la Santa Muerte de Tultitlán
El Templo de la Santa Muerte de Tultitlan is quickly becoming one of the most stable and well developed devotional centers associated with Saint Death. The temple's proprietress, Enriqueta Vargas, recently traveled to New York City to meet with Queens shrine holder Arley Vazquez, marking one of the first cross country meetings of high profile … Continue reading Marriage and la Madrina – Images from a wedding at El Templo de la Santa Muerte de Tultitlán
El Padrino Jonathan Legaria Vargas, Mi Niña y el Milagro, by Jeronimo Santiago
Queridos Hermanos d Fé, Quiero compartirles un Hecho Q m sucedio el dia d Hoy. En el Trayecto d mi casa hacia el medico se subieron Asaltar 4 individuos el Autobus c/ Armas d fuego donde venia su Servidor despojando d sus pertenencias a cada uno d los pasajeros. Al llegar el Asaltante ami lugar … Continue reading El Padrino Jonathan Legaria Vargas, Mi Niña y el Milagro, by Jeronimo Santiago
Who decides when the Reapress comes?
Recently Dr. Andrew Chesnut asked an intriguing question in regards to the efficacy of Santa Muerte: "Who, if anyone, decides the hour that Santa Muerte, the Reapress comes for our souls?" Robin Artisson, a writer on the subjects of folklore, supernaturalism, spiritual ecology, and pre-modern British Witchcraft, responded with his thoughts on her tradition. As … Continue reading Who decides when the Reapress comes?
Upcoming Dr. Andrew Chesnut lecture at the Morbid Anatomy Museum
On Friday, October 24th, join Dr. Andrew Chesnut at the Morbid Anatomy Museum in Brooklyn, New York for an unforgettable Dia de los Muertos celebration! From the Morbid Anatomy Museum invitation: "Please join us for our annual Morbid Anatomy Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos costume party! This year we will welcome back the … Continue reading Upcoming Dr. Andrew Chesnut lecture at the Morbid Anatomy Museum
Overturning Bias – 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals & Santa Muerte
The voices of law enforcement and religious anti-cult 'experts' have been prevalent in the public conversation surrounding Santa Muerte's emergence in the global culture. Often at odds with more objective investigation, the testimony and analysis of these pundits has made searching out the thread of reality within her tradition more difficult for those unaware that … Continue reading Overturning Bias – 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals & Santa Muerte
La Santa Muerte me sacó de la cárcel
La Santa Muerte es el santo mas venerado en las prisiones de Mexico y no solo por los reos, Tambien cuenta con muchos devotos que son custodios, abogados y psicologos. En el testimonio que sigue el devoto Manuel Flores Machucha comparte su experiencia con la patrona de la carcel... - Voy a narrarle mi experiencia … Continue reading La Santa Muerte me sacó de la cárcel
I’ll Forever Sing Her Praises – A first hand account of Santa Muerte, the healer
Absent from media accounts of Santa Muerte is her role as a powerful curandera or healer. Many devotees first approach the Skeleton Saint for health-related reasons. Such is the case for Missy Barkley, the first Australian devotee I've come across. Below is Missy's account of how she came to believe in the Bony Lady..... I've … Continue reading I’ll Forever Sing Her Praises – A first hand account of Santa Muerte, the healer
La Pieta – The Compassion of Most Holy Death
Mercy, pity, and compassion are not words that you will see outsiders associating with Santa Muerte, the skeletal saint whose tradition is currently one of the fastest growing religious movements in the Americas and around the globe. Yet, La Pieta, 'The Mercy,' Michelangelo's masterpiece depicting Mary cradling the peaceful body of Christ after the Crucifixion, … Continue reading La Pieta – The Compassion of Most Holy Death
Sister Death and Brother Francis at Holy Week in Chimayo, New Mexico
Santa Muerte’s origins in the U.S. date much further back than her recent influx with Mexican immigrants over the past decade. During the 19th century in the mountain towns of New Mexico and southern Colorado, Mexican-American Catholics personified death as a female figure known as Doña Sebastiana, a moniker still heard today for Santa Muerte. … Continue reading Sister Death and Brother Francis at Holy Week in Chimayo, New Mexico
Most Holy Death 