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La Santa Muerte: Unearthing the Magic & Mysticism of Death
This is the first book that presents the eclectic history, modern culture, and step-by-step magick spells of La Santa Muerte's mystery schools to the non-Spanish-speaking world. As the patron saint of lost causes, the LGBT community, addicts, and anyone who has been marginalized by society, La Santa Muerte has a clandestine following of millions of devotees in the US alone—and she's only becoming more popular. Join author Tomás Prower as he shows step-by-step instruction for spells, magick, and prayers for practical results and long-term goals, including money, love, sex, healing, legal issues, protection, and more. La Santa Muerte also includes detailed information on:
History, myths, and symbols
Language, etiquette, and names
Tools, altars, and offerings
History, myths, and symbols
Language, etiquette, and names
Tools, altars, and offerings
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2015
71 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 9, 2015
Ladies and gentlemen, it's....a Llewellyn publication.
In the final analysis, this is a 201-level book on generic magic. It just brings in Santa Muerte a little bit. Prower gives an okay summary of the origins of the Santa Muerte devotion, and then heads off down a fluffy bunny hole. He won't tell you how to hex anyone because if he did he'd be responsible for harm. If anyone feels that way about causing some destruction, Santa Muerte is not the patroness they should seek out.
Instead, the author suggests that praying to Santa Muerte involves asking her to destroy the obstacles to your goals. She destroys sickness rather than creates health. Anyone who has had any dealings with La Flaquita knows this isn't the case; if you pray for health you'll get it. Likewise he suggests that for a spell to get out of jail or prison you think about your crime and envision yourself asking forgiveness from the victim.
What?
Prower invokes Christopher Penzcak's writing and a technique of meditation that is pure Laurie Cabot. Both of these are good, but have nothing to do with Santa Muerte.
In the final analysis, this is a 201-level book on generic magic. It just brings in Santa Muerte a little bit. Prower gives an okay summary of the origins of the Santa Muerte devotion, and then heads off down a fluffy bunny hole. He won't tell you how to hex anyone because if he did he'd be responsible for harm. If anyone feels that way about causing some destruction, Santa Muerte is not the patroness they should seek out.
Instead, the author suggests that praying to Santa Muerte involves asking her to destroy the obstacles to your goals. She destroys sickness rather than creates health. Anyone who has had any dealings with La Flaquita knows this isn't the case; if you pray for health you'll get it. Likewise he suggests that for a spell to get out of jail or prison you think about your crime and envision yourself asking forgiveness from the victim.
What?
Prower invokes Christopher Penzcak's writing and a technique of meditation that is pure Laurie Cabot. Both of these are good, but have nothing to do with Santa Muerte.
November 17, 2015
My first clue that this book came from a dishonest place should have been the superfluous "k" in the word magic.
This book starts off rather strong with a number of personal appeals and some basic history about why Santa Muerte is who she is, why she's venerated, why she's feared.
Then the author applies his personal set of morals to her followers, and it's all downhill from there.
Santa Muerte doesn't care about the three-fold law. The idea of things "coming back" to you doesn't apply to her or her followers. This is a made up law taken from absolutely nowhere that has anything to do with Santa Muerte.
Santa Muerte doesn't care if you do love spells. She doesn't care if you hurt people. She's not the one you should be petitioning if drastic results are not your desire. These are all complete and utter fabricated lies.
The spells in the book make absolutely no sense. Who would petition Santa Muerte with gems and minerals?!
This book is yet another example of white supremacy bearing down on places it doesn't belong. Please keep the Europagan stuff on your side of the fence. We don't need more of our symbols and people being bastardized with books by people who refer to it as "magick."
This book starts off rather strong with a number of personal appeals and some basic history about why Santa Muerte is who she is, why she's venerated, why she's feared.
Then the author applies his personal set of morals to her followers, and it's all downhill from there.
Santa Muerte doesn't care about the three-fold law. The idea of things "coming back" to you doesn't apply to her or her followers. This is a made up law taken from absolutely nowhere that has anything to do with Santa Muerte.
Santa Muerte doesn't care if you do love spells. She doesn't care if you hurt people. She's not the one you should be petitioning if drastic results are not your desire. These are all complete and utter fabricated lies.
The spells in the book make absolutely no sense. Who would petition Santa Muerte with gems and minerals?!
This book is yet another example of white supremacy bearing down on places it doesn't belong. Please keep the Europagan stuff on your side of the fence. We don't need more of our symbols and people being bastardized with books by people who refer to it as "magick."
October 2, 2021
czytanie tego to jak pójście na rynek, żeby kupić gruszki, a sprzedawca wciska wam zgniłe jabłka i mówi, że to są właśnie gruszki i żebyś nie przesadzał, bo może nawet zjedzie ci z ceny po znajomości
trochę oszukane, bo nie przeczytałam tej książki, ale jestem w połowie i nie dam rady
trochę oszukane, bo nie przeczytałam tej książki, ale jestem w połowie i nie dam rady
August 26, 2018
Despite this being a Llewelyn 101 type book, it was actually fairly good. The book gives the would-be practitioner everything they need to work with La Santa Muerte. From history and ethics, all the way to getting your spells off the ground, the author gives a fair and well thought out look at everything Santa Muerte. If you are interested in the most Holy Death, or looking to further add to your magical repertoire, this is certainly a great place to begin.
August 14, 2024
Nie nie nie i jeszcze raz NIE!
Sama historia kultu La Santa Muerte jest naprawdę dobrze przedstawiona. I to w sumie jedyny + tej książki.
Sama historia kultu La Santa Muerte jest naprawdę dobrze przedstawiona. I to w sumie jedyny + tej książki.
August 17, 2022
Really did not get as dark as I was expecting, but overall good beginner information
January 30, 2017
She is the female grim reaper, worshiped in Mexico among the poor, oppressed and destitute. HEDr veneration has spread here and her followers are not limited to the Latino community but followers from all races. She is popular among criminals, law enforcement, drugs dealers, prostitutes and the lower economic class. What drives people into the arms of La Santa Muerte. For one she is non judge mental . She does not care who you are because death come for us all regardless. She will also answer your petitions with just no judgement. In other words if you ask for it you will get it.
This is in contrast to the practices of Wicca and the three fold law. In Wicca you cannot or are not supposed to do negative magic or magic that will harm someone and if the spirits do not think it is to your benefit then they will not grant your request. La Santa Muerte is different . She answers all your request . Even so the author talks about Karma and the law of equal exchange. If you do negative Magick against someone it will come back to you just the same. There is the law of exchange which means that if you get something you have too give something in return. The author has definitely dipped his feat into the pools of new paganism and immersed himself in the ways of Santa Muerte. The result could be a new path. Most followers of Santa Muerte are of the Catholic persuasion, although anyone can be a follower f Santa Muerte.
Death has been venerated since ancient times and death was not personified as evil, in fact the Greeks thought that Hades was a good guy . The Sumerians worshipped Ereskkigal and the Egyptians worked with her for gay Magic . Pluto was one who gave wealth. The Greeks had the three fates that last one was the crone who cut the cord determining the end of your life. In the Roman Pantheon she was called La Porce.
THe book covers the history of the following of Santa Muerta. At the end there are spells forgo love, money , protection and winning in court. There is a chapter on color correspondences, herbs and incense. The spell are easy to perform and not overly complicated. I also think you can use sme of the knowledge towards working with other deities. This book is great for someone who loves Santa Muerte and it is God for the ne pagan just getting introduced to her. Awesome for beginning and intermediate practitioners of Magic . Great book and I hope the author writes more.Hail Sana Muerte.
This is in contrast to the practices of Wicca and the three fold law. In Wicca you cannot or are not supposed to do negative magic or magic that will harm someone and if the spirits do not think it is to your benefit then they will not grant your request. La Santa Muerte is different . She answers all your request . Even so the author talks about Karma and the law of equal exchange. If you do negative Magick against someone it will come back to you just the same. There is the law of exchange which means that if you get something you have too give something in return. The author has definitely dipped his feat into the pools of new paganism and immersed himself in the ways of Santa Muerte. The result could be a new path. Most followers of Santa Muerte are of the Catholic persuasion, although anyone can be a follower f Santa Muerte.
Death has been venerated since ancient times and death was not personified as evil, in fact the Greeks thought that Hades was a good guy . The Sumerians worshipped Ereskkigal and the Egyptians worked with her for gay Magic . Pluto was one who gave wealth. The Greeks had the three fates that last one was the crone who cut the cord determining the end of your life. In the Roman Pantheon she was called La Porce.
THe book covers the history of the following of Santa Muerta. At the end there are spells forgo love, money , protection and winning in court. There is a chapter on color correspondences, herbs and incense. The spell are easy to perform and not overly complicated. I also think you can use sme of the knowledge towards working with other deities. This book is great for someone who loves Santa Muerte and it is God for the ne pagan just getting introduced to her. Awesome for beginning and intermediate practitioners of Magic . Great book and I hope the author writes more.Hail Sana Muerte.
January 24, 2018
A very disappointing book made even more so because my boyfriend had eagerly bought it as a gift and I did not wish to disappoint him by not liking it. I read it from start to finish and while it offers clues as to who La Santa Meurte is in the first section, it quickly lost my favour with new age theories and too many references to popular neo pagan "witchcraft" authors rather than focusing on Mexican Catholic folk religion and practices being that La Santa Meurte is a Mexican Catholic folk Saint.
This is a very standard Llewellyn book with information you will find in many other Llewellyn books including concepts of westernized Karma and the refusal to go into "hexing". The list of correspondences and particularly gods of death similar to La Santa Meurte along with the spells are very iffy and generic and don't seem to capture the essence of this much beloved and maligned Folk Saint.
In the end I do not feel I learned anything new or that could not have been gleaned through my own google searching.
I am more sad that my boyfriend really tried to buy me something nice, different and of interest, but was let down by pretty packaging and the extensive amount of good reviews on Amazon.
This is a very standard Llewellyn book with information you will find in many other Llewellyn books including concepts of westernized Karma and the refusal to go into "hexing". The list of correspondences and particularly gods of death similar to La Santa Meurte along with the spells are very iffy and generic and don't seem to capture the essence of this much beloved and maligned Folk Saint.
In the end I do not feel I learned anything new or that could not have been gleaned through my own google searching.
I am more sad that my boyfriend really tried to buy me something nice, different and of interest, but was let down by pretty packaging and the extensive amount of good reviews on Amazon.
October 7, 2016
With Samhain and Dia de Los Muertos on the way, I purchased this book from a little metaphysical bookstore in hopes of learning a little more about La Santa Muerte. While I found the historical information interesting, I soon realized that some things in this book were very "off".
It was only when I realized that this was published by Llewellyn did it occur to me that the rituals and spells were nothing more than typical Wiccan spells wrapped up into something supposedly different, the God and Goddess simply replaced with La Santa Muerte.
I feel that this book was written for those who are afraid of crossing moral boundaries, as the author explains many times throughout the book about karma, the Three Fold Law, and other nonsense; nothing that I would equate with La Santa Muerte, who, according to the author, is a neutral deity.
Save your money and look elsewhere if you're interested in working with her. This book is basically just fluff, written for the faint-hearted, and is not an accurate picture of La Santa Muerte.
It was only when I realized that this was published by Llewellyn did it occur to me that the rituals and spells were nothing more than typical Wiccan spells wrapped up into something supposedly different, the God and Goddess simply replaced with La Santa Muerte.
I feel that this book was written for those who are afraid of crossing moral boundaries, as the author explains many times throughout the book about karma, the Three Fold Law, and other nonsense; nothing that I would equate with La Santa Muerte, who, according to the author, is a neutral deity.
Save your money and look elsewhere if you're interested in working with her. This book is basically just fluff, written for the faint-hearted, and is not an accurate picture of La Santa Muerte.
May 8, 2017
Lot more info than I expected
I was impressed with how much info was packed into this book. I gained a lot of insight into the main subject and more without feeling bombarded with too much repetition.
I was impressed with how much info was packed into this book. I gained a lot of insight into the main subject and more without feeling bombarded with too much repetition.
November 27, 2021
I'm a little torn on this, so I gave it a generous 3 stars. The first strike against the book is that it was published by Llewellyn, which explains some of its shortcomings but puts the credibility into the category of questionable doubt; but hey, even a broken clock is right at least twice. The second strike is that he treats the Kybalion as if it was a valid source of Hermeticism, but the majority of Hermetic scholars and experts think it is mostly trash; however, the "Seven Hermetic Principles" that Prower borrowed from it are relatively close enough for all practical purposes.
What he does have going for him is that he is at least half Mexican, or so he claims, and it is refreshing to get a perspective on a tradition that is not completely from a white man. My focus on the Thelemic Magick of Aleister Crowley is MORE THAN ENOUGH "white man teachings" for me to last the next couple incarnations.
What he also has going for him is that he is extremely pro-LGBTQ, and presumably he is some type of queer himself (I don't actually know for sure), and he is cute. He quotes or sources Christopher Penczak often, who wrote Gay Witchcraft, which I never bothered to read.
But more than anything, most of his advice and common sense (or at least it should be common) in the spellwork section is right on point in almost every way. The only thing I really object to as a Thelemite is that is his repeated notion of pitying people rather than scorning them. In Thelema, to pity some one is just as bad as scorning someone, perhaps even worse.
Another thing that this book has to offer Thelemites is that most of the spells are very similar to basic Vodou wanga, an aspect that is hardly ever explored by Thelemites, but is in the Book of the Law. (Also in the Book of the Law, it should be noted that much is said about death, including "death is the crown of all."
This is my first introduction to the subject, and I have to admit it has me greatly intrigued, especially since I have long had a working relationship with both Maman Brigitte and Kali.
What he does have going for him is that he is at least half Mexican, or so he claims, and it is refreshing to get a perspective on a tradition that is not completely from a white man. My focus on the Thelemic Magick of Aleister Crowley is MORE THAN ENOUGH "white man teachings" for me to last the next couple incarnations.
What he also has going for him is that he is extremely pro-LGBTQ, and presumably he is some type of queer himself (I don't actually know for sure), and he is cute. He quotes or sources Christopher Penczak often, who wrote Gay Witchcraft, which I never bothered to read.
But more than anything, most of his advice and common sense (or at least it should be common) in the spellwork section is right on point in almost every way. The only thing I really object to as a Thelemite is that is his repeated notion of pitying people rather than scorning them. In Thelema, to pity some one is just as bad as scorning someone, perhaps even worse.
Another thing that this book has to offer Thelemites is that most of the spells are very similar to basic Vodou wanga, an aspect that is hardly ever explored by Thelemites, but is in the Book of the Law. (Also in the Book of the Law, it should be noted that much is said about death, including "death is the crown of all."
This is my first introduction to the subject, and I have to admit it has me greatly intrigued, especially since I have long had a working relationship with both Maman Brigitte and Kali.
June 15, 2024
Dużo sobie obiecywałem po tej książce, do której kupna zachęciła mnie okładka i podtytuł. Niestety trochę się zawiodłem. Nie poznałem za wielu szczegółów kultu La Santa Muerte ani nie poczułem klimatu magii i mistycyzmu Śmierci. Nie jest to też poważna, antropologiczna praca naukowa, gdyby tak było książka miałaby jakąś wartość. Niestety. To tylko naiwny i infantylny sposób przedstawienia tej wiary z perspektywy jej wyznawcy, nie oferujący nic głębszego ani fascynującego. Szkoda, bo zaczynało się naprawdę obiecująco. W rezultacie nie jest to publikacja ani dla kogoś już wtajemniczonego w te praktyki ani dla kogoś kto chce je zacząć, bądź po prostu jest ciekawy. Czyli w sumie dla nikogo. Nie chcę się pastwić nad autorem, ale było to zwyczajnie nudne, a przecież temat ma potencjał. W tym przypadku zmarnowany. Widziałem w księgarniach ezoterycznych inne prace na temat kultu Świętej Śmierci i jeśli dalej będzie mnie interesowało to zagadnienie sięgnę właśnie po nie. Najpierw sprawdziwszy czego mogę się spodziewać po autorze i treści, a nie kierując się estetycznym wydaniem. Podsumowując, można przeczytać, bo krótki to tekst, ale zachwytów nie będzie. Jeszcze raz szkoda..
February 19, 2021
Maybe it's just the situation, when this is the fourth Llewellyn-book you read in a row. There's only so much magic 101 and watered-down rehash of basic fundamentals one is able to take. To cut it short: The info on Santa Muerte or anything resembling a regular devotional praxis is woefully underexplored, instead we get trite and underdeveloped metaphysics and "hermetism" which is just the usual early-19th-century load, coloring his whole approach until nothing much is really left for someone interested int he mysteries of death. This is neither white supremacy nor appropriation, quite clearly not, but a very personal viewpoint I find to be undercomplex, which happens to be caught up in a misalliance of modern occult publishing, dragging the whole thing into the light of the world. There are better books for total beginners, which shouldn't start with devotion to Santa Muerte right out of the gate anyway (probably) and there are better books on death and even at least one or two on Santa Muerte. Don't bother.
February 28, 2022
This is really interesting book about the cult of La Santa Muerte (Holy Death) from Mexico. I had briefly learnt about La Santa Muerte from a segment in the first episode of Dark Tourist (which I re-watched whilst I read this book). An underground movement, La Santa Muerte devotees typically come from the underdogs of society. Great for anyone with an interest in understanding Death to round out their spiritual life. I found the chapters that discussed the history and the cult itself very fascinating and the latter chapters containing the spell work can round out someone's magickal practice. I found I had a better appreciation of life after reading it.
July 10, 2024
I’m reading “La Santa Muerte” as part of my journey into the mysticism of La Santa Muerte. Thank you to the author for a great resource for anyone interested in broadening their knowledge in her. I just completed part 2 and practicing meditation for my personal connection with Santa Muerte. Through the first exercise at the start of part 2, I reflected on something I knew all my life but could never pinpoint. Death has been a part of me since birth as I was not expected to live as long of a life I have so far. She is the madrina/nina that has been in the shadows, watching and guiding me to enjoy life. I’m looking forward to deepening my connection and co-creating with her.
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July 6, 2021Absolutely fantastic. This book gives a well rounded and throughly thought out account of The Santa Muerte. She is not evil or bad, just the ultimate neutrality who allows us to be who we are and make our own choices. However, with choices come consequences and she reminds us to be mindful and weigh our options before we make decisions. She also helps us to live fully and be grateful for each day we are given. The book invites us to cultivate a loving friendship with her, if that's what we choose, to enhance our lives.
April 17, 2018
I don't feel as though there was enough detail about La Santa Muerte. I am Wiccan and I find that alot of information in this book parallel Wiccan tradition. I was expecting originality in ways to work with Santa Muerte but to no avail. However, Just because I didnt find this book useful doesn't mean you wont. Additionally, I'm not saying this book is a waste of money but more detailed information could be found on Google than in this book.
August 6, 2023
O La Santa Muerte dowiedziałom się podczas robienia prezentacji na hiszpański, i od tamtej pory byłom nią naprawdę zafascynowane. Książka świetnie przedstawia historię Świętej Śmierci i jej kultu, jednak z części opisującej praktyki magiczne mało zrozumiałam. Nie wiem, czy to wina tego że niezbyt znam się na czarostwie, czy dziwnego, poplątanego języka autora.
September 14, 2021
I've had 2 copies of this book in 3 years. It has always been a beneficial tool for me to have a closer and more informative connection with this diety. I feel it is very beneficial and practical in easy to understand terms. One can quickly do what is suggested in this book and get results. I did.
July 22, 2023
A great overview and intro to the study of LA Santa Muerte. Great for those looking to learn more about her and a dive into how to work with her if you are into that. Definitely recommend for those interested in exploring.
June 12, 2024
Don’t buy any book that encourages “god punishing”. I’d suggest as an actual devotee of La Santa Muerte that you trash this book. If you take her hand and her scythe you are up for excruciating consequences.
September 26, 2022
An excellent and thought-provoking overview of a controversial deity, one that both embraces complexities yet makes the teachings accessible.
April 24, 2023
Zrobię dnf, bo nie ciekawi mnie to. Po prostu na razie to nie dla mnie. Może kiedyś do tego wrócę, nie wiem
January 20, 2025
A good little dip into Mexican folklore and spirituality. I didn't read too much in part 3 (which is spell-crafting). My inner skeptic didn't want to hear it.
September 13, 2025
Miałam nadzieję, że będzie to coś innego. Było ok, ale wolałabym książkę skupioną na historii kultu a nie instrukcjach magicznych.
November 24, 2025
brilliant
March 21, 2017
a very interesting book, though there was more of the you-can-find-this-in-literally-any-magic-book stuff than i was hoping for. some important gems!
March 6, 2017
Great book for anyone wanting a beginning knowledge of Santa Muerte. Also makes a good general magick reference. Excellent info on Correspondence magick, colors, metals and plant uses.
March 12, 2016
With LA SANTA MUERTE, Tomas Prower seems to have written two very distinct books.
The first purports to be an introduction to Santa Muerte and brief overview of its history. For those of us who are unfamiliar with this religion, Prower provides a fascinating, if somewhat simplistic, overview. In many ways, the reader unfamiliar with Santa Muerte may find their curiosity more tantalized than satisfied as Prower sometimes fails to fully follow through on the fascinating glimpses he give us of a religion which may be completely alien to many people. Fortunately, Prower's prose is informative without being preachy and he writes a skill sufficient enough to communicate at least the fundamentals of some concepts which, I suspect, might otherwise seem terribly complicated.
It is obvious that this author is highly invested in his subject matter; his passion for it transcends the page. There are times, however, when Prower provides us only with broad strokes when we may long for more scholarly detail. Nevertheless, as a general overview of La Santa Muerte, this book functions as an admirable primer and, for those who wish to know more, Prower provides an extensive bibliography.
Roughly a third of the way through, however, the book veers into something akin to New Age spell casting. Actually, it is more than merely "akin"; it IS spell casting. I am uncertain only of the accuracy of labeling it New Age. For those readers who are so inclined, one of the benefits to this book is in the specificity with which Prower details the various spells and visualizations. It is a vast improvement over the deliberately obscure and pretentious "spiritual awareness" books of the 1970s and 1990s.
On a personal level, I have little affinity with this kind of thing. Even so, Prower kept me interested enough so that, in spite of not being a believer, I went along for most of the journey. Admittedly, I found a few of the various lists to be a bit tedious, and I felt that some of the spells were too indistinguishable from each other to warrant separate treatment. But, on the whole, I was able to keep up.
In the end, I think the audience for this book is a rather specific one and thus, it would be remiss of me to recommend it to the reading public at large. That being said, if you are interested in alternative spirituality in general, or in La Santa Muerte specifically, you will almost certainly wish to pick up a copy of Tomas Prower's LA SANTA MUERTE. I suspect that, for it's target audience, this book constitutes a bull's eye!
The first purports to be an introduction to Santa Muerte and brief overview of its history. For those of us who are unfamiliar with this religion, Prower provides a fascinating, if somewhat simplistic, overview. In many ways, the reader unfamiliar with Santa Muerte may find their curiosity more tantalized than satisfied as Prower sometimes fails to fully follow through on the fascinating glimpses he give us of a religion which may be completely alien to many people. Fortunately, Prower's prose is informative without being preachy and he writes a skill sufficient enough to communicate at least the fundamentals of some concepts which, I suspect, might otherwise seem terribly complicated.
It is obvious that this author is highly invested in his subject matter; his passion for it transcends the page. There are times, however, when Prower provides us only with broad strokes when we may long for more scholarly detail. Nevertheless, as a general overview of La Santa Muerte, this book functions as an admirable primer and, for those who wish to know more, Prower provides an extensive bibliography.
Roughly a third of the way through, however, the book veers into something akin to New Age spell casting. Actually, it is more than merely "akin"; it IS spell casting. I am uncertain only of the accuracy of labeling it New Age. For those readers who are so inclined, one of the benefits to this book is in the specificity with which Prower details the various spells and visualizations. It is a vast improvement over the deliberately obscure and pretentious "spiritual awareness" books of the 1970s and 1990s.
On a personal level, I have little affinity with this kind of thing. Even so, Prower kept me interested enough so that, in spite of not being a believer, I went along for most of the journey. Admittedly, I found a few of the various lists to be a bit tedious, and I felt that some of the spells were too indistinguishable from each other to warrant separate treatment. But, on the whole, I was able to keep up.
In the end, I think the audience for this book is a rather specific one and thus, it would be remiss of me to recommend it to the reading public at large. That being said, if you are interested in alternative spirituality in general, or in La Santa Muerte specifically, you will almost certainly wish to pick up a copy of Tomas Prower's LA SANTA MUERTE. I suspect that, for it's target audience, this book constitutes a bull's eye!
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