Santa Muerte: The History, Rituals, and Magic of Our Lady of the Holy Death

by Tracey Rollin

Death welcomes everyone. This is the foundation for the veneration of Santa Muerte, or "Holy Death." Considered to be the female personification of death, she is associated with protection and safe passage to the afterlife. She is also the patron saint of people who live on the fringes of society and often face violence and death. In recent years her constituency has expanded to include the LGBT community and people who are marginalized or whose jobs put them at significant risk of death such as military and police personnel. Santa Muerte is hailed as their potent and powerful protector, capable of delivering them from harm and even granting miracles.

Santa Muerte is a complete ritual guide to working with this famous--and infamous!--Mexican folk saint. It takes us beyond the sensational headlines to reveal the truth about why Santa Muerte is so beloved by so many. Author Tracey Rollin presents simple, straightforward methods for working with Holy Death that may be used alone or easily incorporated into your own magical practice.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Occult, Crafts, History

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

Reviews

[Adonay Quetzal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is probably one of the worst books I have ever read on Santa Muerte. Not only does the white author get a few things flat out wrong about the veneration of La Flaca but she even encourages people to use Nordic Runes, Wiccan phraseology, Golden Dawn rites, and adds in so much Chaos Magick, you could forget that Santa Muerte is a Catholic folk saint. The only possibly redeeming quality is that her non-Christian rosary is absolutely amazing. Like seriously, when it finds it's way online, it'll be an amazing tool for cultural Catholics who still wish to practice in the way of their childhood. But the amount of white washing, cultural appropriation, and outright disrespect for the culture and people from which Santa Muerte hails is astonishing. Do yourself a favor, copy down the aforementioned rosary and never touch this book again. La Muerte makes exceptions and has certain understandings with people in regards to their personal style of veneration but you will learn nothing here about how to truly get to know our Mestiza Saint of Death.

[Nik Maack · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a thorough history of Santa Muerte, the book provides a lot of "recipes" and spells on how to worship her. What frustrated me is something I find frustrating with a lot of "magick" books. They're all about methods, recipes, spells, directions -- but they very rarely tell you anything about why you would bother or how these methods actually manifest in anything.

I complained about this on Twitter, and people agreed that this is a common problem. Magicians tell you how, but not the why or the what happens. The thing is, magicians are nervous or private about such matters. It is also, quite honestly, difficult to explain how a "spell" affects the world when a lot of it is (in my opinion) due to the placebo effect. If it's all in your head, writing it down in black and white might just kill the experience. (And I mean "placebo effect" and "all in your head" as GOOD things.)

I read the first 100 pages of this book with some interest. Then I got bored and skimmed the rest. Talk of rituals and rosaries and coloured candles and offerings and all that. It's like reading a cookbook. No one sits down and reads all the recipes in a cookbook. They figure out what meal they want and make it, then turn to the one recipe they want and follow the directions.

With food, you at least know what you're getting. But let's say you set up an altar to Santa Muerte and ask her to get you money. How will this manifest? How has it manifested for other people? The author has next to nothing to say on this and doesn't offer any personal experiences.

It doesn't help that I firmly believe in making up rituals to suit my own personal quirks and beliefs. (Chaos magick.) So when someone says, "Here's a magick recipe," I sneer. It's not like we're talking about a souffle here. It's whatever focuses your mind. So, the "magick" recipe (with all its intricacies) is even more useless to me. Because I could take or leave whatever ingredients suit me.

As an example. The author provides many elaborate spells to be read to Santa Muerte as a type of prayer. Ugh. Let's say you are a saint or god. Which prayer would you rather hear: one out of a book, or one spoken from the heart with some energy in it?

Perhaps I am too skeptical and psychologically minded to believe things laid out as they are here, in this book.

Additional thoughts: after reading other reviews, I see people complaining this is not the real take on Santa Muerte, but a pagan perspective where they worship many different deities. I can see that. Too bad, as it would be far more interesting to hear someone more focused purely on Santa Muerte talking about their personal experiences.

[Micaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death has the power to affect and change all things in creation.

Boludeando por internet me crucé con este libro sobre Santa Muerte, sus rituales, su simbología y su historia, y la antropóloga en mí no pudo evitar querer leerlo.
Disfruté mucho toda la primera parte, sobre los posibles orígenes, las relaciones con otros santos tanto canónicos como populares, y la difusión y variedad de los rituales en la actualidad. Los ejemplos de sincretismo religioso que presenta me parecieron muy claros e ilustrativos, y en definitiva creo que me aportaron mucho a mi básico conocimiento sobre la muerte en general y Santa Muerte en particular. Incluso puedo perdonar el hecho de que esté escrito por una autora blanca no-latina, ya que ella en sí misma está escribiendo desde su experiencia como devota de Santa Muerte y practicante de alguna clase de brujería.
Mi mayor crítica es que a veces es un poco repetitivo. Los primeros capítulos plantean muchos temas que luego son desarrollados pero el desarrollo se siente vacío, dice lo mismo que antes, y a veces incluso utiliza las mismas palabras o frases.
A su vez, no terminé de engancharme con la segunda parte del libro, enfocada en los rituales, las oraciones, las ofrendas, y todos esos aspectos prácticos que soy demasiado escéptica como para realmente aprovecharlos.
De todos modos, es una lectura que me aportó muchísimo a mi interés por los rituales y la simbología que rodean a la muerte en las distintas culturas.

[Chris Hubley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with some of the other reviews that mixing in of the pagan stuff seems weird and inappropriate. She is obviously trying to make it appeal to the pagan magic crowd but it just confused it and made it hard to know for sure what's traditional Santa Muerte practices and what's her pagan eclecticism. Also some stuff just seems entirely inappropriate, for example there was really no need for her to spend so much time on the pagan triple goddess or the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram!

As well as this the book repeated itself in ways that made it seem like it was very sloppily edited, which made me distrust it in general.

[Medusa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book with a lot to teach even if you are not a follower of this path. Some of what it teaches is historical, and some cultural. I cannot judge the accuracy of much is what is here as this is not my path, though I was raised Catholic. I found a lot in here that may be useful in framing my own thoughts on my own path. There are concepts of reclamation and repurposing - of, eg prayer beads Catholics call the rosary - that hadn’t occurred to me before. For that alone I’d have been glad to read this book.

[Steve Cran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am falling in love with this lady quite literally. I am talking about Santa Muerta of course and the authoress has written another among many about the subject. This book garners high praise. Written by a former Catholic who found the praying to saints was more effective than praying to god. She is also a chaos magician.

Santa Muerta is perfect for the chaos magician. The fastest growing religious movement is still relatively unstructured and no official framework has been set up. You can relate to her as feels write.

The book discusses the many possible historical origins of our sacred lady. Covering the mythology of the Aztec and their history. We see that blood nourishes the ground leaving way for more being and food to grow. She is the crone that taketh life and the mother that gives life. Life and death are sides of the same coin. There are also European connections as well. La Parque the parched one as she is called was the Grim Reapress from Europe. She too may have her origins in the Greek fates, the most powerful one being she who cuts the thread. Not even gods could overcome death and change their fate. Her name was some like parque. There are also possible African origins to her as well. Remember Death was created in the Bible before anything else. Death even overpowers Jesus.

The book is chock full of prayers and knowledge about the seven colors and their uses are. I found the instructions on how to use a rosary a bit confusing due to their complexity but you can make use of them in other ways. The book tells about herbs and offering to our most holy death. I found the section on charging tools to be useful and easy to follow. Something I will definitely use. The novena which are nine day prayer working I found useful and will use. Novenas are usually nine day working done with 7 day candles. Now this book recognizes that 7 is very holy to Santa muerte.

If you plan on working with Santa Muerte then this is one book you will definitely want to get.

[Li Fictitious · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book as an authoritative text as it intertwines the factual with the non-factual, the correct with the incorrect, in a seamless way that tends to mislead more often than it enlightens. Whilst there are clearly some well researched historical inclusions these are often undermined by less than well researched assertions and assumptions, which tend to detract from the overall authority of the information presented.

As for the 'Novenas' ... don't get me started.

The book is aesthetically ordered, well presented and concise in the information that it imparts but when it comes to the devotional aspects of the text, the inherent approach appears to be more a presentation of the author's own particular belief system/frame of reference than a generic text on the subject. The author does go to pains to respect and cater for those readers with differing belief systems however, so that should be noted.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly decent look of the folk saint Santa Muerte. The author was relatively informative, and at points repetitive with some of the subject matter. I really enjoyed that the spells and workings were laid out in such a way that make working with Santa Muerte fairly easy for practitioners of differing beliefs and religious backgrounds. I found the book to be enjoyable and informative, and am glad I purchased it.

[Marc de Brujo de Pronosticador Deportivo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction and segway (segue?) into a very misunderstood and maligned folk Saint. The work is entertaining as well educational helping one seperate the truth from fiction and then give us real world experience to help know her better. The 200 + pages seem almost like two years of college classes, the subject matter truly interests me and when I can I will find more about her as I feel the call. A great read.

[Ashlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I have a lot of thoughts on this book and I want to first share what I liked this book but I really tried to enjoy it. Tracey Rollins definitely knows a lot about Santa Muerte and works with her very efficiently and genuinely. Tracey grew up Catholic and in New Mexico and when she is talking about Santa Muerte and the Catholic folk magic is really strong and accurate. Novenas and the Rosaries to Santa Muerte is really helpful. How she represents her is really well done and I do have much more respect and appreciation for Santa Muerte.

But there is quite few things that I notice that needs to be address, there is some nitpicks of repeative and going off course, she mentions about divine feminine and different goddesses like Cybele for several pages that I feel like drifts away from Santa Muerte. But my biggest gripe is the historical information of this book, first she was talking about how there can be multiple origins of Santa Muerte like of different goddesses and angels and aspects of death when there is clearly a origin and strong link to Aztec culture and mythology as the goddess Mictlancihuatl and why she is strongly associated with death and Day of the Dead. Sure the figure of Santa Muerte could’ve been inspired by the grim reaper or Virgin Mary but it clearly shows by researching she came from a goddess of her culture.

Another example which I did include in my update, is that she included colonist propaganda now I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt since maybe she wouldn’t have known but if you’re writing a section on colonized history make sure it’s genuine and not colonizer propaganda which is the notion that the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of the Americas believed that the white invaders were gods. In the sense of the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl was said to be a “White” god which isn’t talking about his skin colour but his attributes of being a sun god and a god of light. How she worded it was odd to me on page 31 “The Aztecs’ own beliefs played a role in the success of Cortés…” own beliefs when these are recorded by the colonists themselves 😬. People need to understand even that were true very quickly the Aztecs would realize these men aren’t in fact gods but human beings. That’s just wrong in my opinion granted she may not have known this but it reads like the Aztecs were partially to be blamed for their downfall.

Those are my two most important points others are small but also just easy points to research before writing them into the book. On the subject of goddesses and other deities she mentions that the Ancient Greeks saw Cybele as Gaia and their stories mirrored no that’s not true she may have been confused with Rhea which the Greeks saw Cybele and Rhea almost like the same. Then she goes on about on Greek Fates of Atropos who cuts the threads of fate and that on page 68 “Not even the king of the gods, was immune to the power of death and the change that it brings.” The Ancient Greeks didn’t believe their gods were mortal, the gods in the Greek pantheon can’t die. The Norse pantheon which I do think she has knowledge on since she brings up Loki and Hel couple of times which are mortal in their respective myths. Not the Greeks, unless she means not the gods themselves but when mortal lover dies or something like that which she doesn’t explain further.

Another thing she mentions closed scared plants like sweet grass, white sage, and other plants. Which I don’t have a problem since Santa Muerte is open to people but belongs in closed practices and she is offered these plants regularly in her respected cultures and practices like Santeria. But Tracey mentions 7 African powers and and Vodou and Santeria but doesn’t disclose that unless you’re part of this culture you shouldn’t be participating in it. 7 African powers are profound elements in Voodou and Santeria I have no problem with her mentioning it for people who may are part of that culture but please disclose that for white folks. Then she includes LBRP which okay then made it more attune with Aztec ritual practices which for her being a white woman is again big yikes for me.


I know by all the things above it may seem like I dislike the book, I don’t, I really like how she explains working and venerating Santa Muerte but there are very elaborate parts that need to be addressed and I hesitate to give it four stars because of these problems. I think there is better books that talk about this spirit though there is useful information but in the Catholic folk sense not the historical aspect there is a lot of flaws. On the subject of her attribution Santa Muerte with other spirits and deities may come from her being a Chaos magician which I have no problem with but I wonder if she’s Santa Muerte more Archetypal which yes death deities exist in every culture but doesn’t equate her with Azriel, Grim Reaper, The Greek Fates, or Isis, these are very distinct spirits from their respected cultures. Santa Muerte was and still is an Aztec Goddess that became canonized as a folk saint with aspects of Virgin Mary most likely. Again I don’t think it’s terrible but there are very evident flaws but at the end for day it did help me understand who Santa Muerte was and how much she is misunderstood by the wide audience I’m glad that my issues with this book doesn’t make me have a bad impression on Santa Muerte which I guess is a win for Tracey.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly insightful and detailed, written by a practioner herself, into the history, rituals, and other information about the iconic Holy Lady of Death, Santa Muerte. Perfect for the curious or the spiritually ready!

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved reading this ritual guide to working with Santa Muerte by Tracey Rollins. I’ve been exploring my connection to Saint Death these past few weeks and had a hard time finding comprehensive and precise information in one place. Tracey Rollins offers us a complete guide to Santa Muerte in this book, “Santa Muerte: The History, Rituals and Magic of Our Lady of the Holy Death”. Covering the history and beliefs of Santa Muerte and her followers and integrating the practical magic suggestions Rollins gives for honoring Santa Muerte in ritual, this guide is all you need to deepen your understanding and devotion. IG:@the.farewell.library

[Droid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great primer for a more American approach to Santa muerte. the author is also familiar with catholic traditions. if you are new to the practice, and want some simplicity about working with her, check it out. Tracy gives some insight into her own practice with Santa Muerte as well which is nice. she comes off as very genuine and you can tell this book was written with love. you won't get super deep on the more hidden traditions that are practiced in Mexico in this book, but I will recommend this to anyone who wants a nice little primer on Santa Muerte that was written from a place of love. it is especially good for the beginner.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda has a heavy Catholic slant, which (I guess) should be expected in a book about a Catholic Folk Saint. Also mentions and utilizes "Saint Humiliation," which she teaches to cover your Saint representation, make them face the wall, and verbally humiliate them when they don't do what you want. Really hit me the wrong way, personally. But, again, apparently this is another aspect of Catholic practice. The thing that gave this book 4 stars instead of three were the numerous prayers and invocations listed for each of the 7 aspects of Santa Muerte.

[Ren · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are other better books on Santa Muerte. Rollin's book offers a decent introduction to the saint, talking about the Indigenous ties and other compatible deities or Santos that work well with her but then the book quickly sours when Rollin tries to link her to the Triple Goddess, other Grecco-Roman entities, and Divine Feminine. This book really simplified Santa Muerte to make her palatable to the wider pagan audience. Santa Muerte is dark and scary, if people want to work with her they should know and understand that.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only argument with this book is its lack of sources and bibliography. Having said that, the history and rituals of Santa Muerte are passed on through word of mouth and not much has been written about her (unless you count the stories in newspapers).

I found this book interesting, especially the first half where Santa Muerte's history and possible origins are discussed. Although written for beginners, Santa Muerte is not one whom I would suggest to newbies in the Pagan world, especially the fluffy bunnies.

[Gene Ishchuk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Merely a medium article written

It is really bad.
I mean I expected an unbiased study with verified sources, notes and, at least, some basic structure in her thinking.
This childish essay is a medium post you are paying for - inconsistent, vague and diluted with quasi-mysterious nonsense text which, due to her fairly limited ability to write, fails to deliver.

What a waste of time!!!

[Melanie Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the multiple histories of this formidable figure. I had been curious as to how the traditions surrounding her started and loved the in-depth information in this book. With the Day of the Dead getting closer every day I would really recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about the traditions and rituals surrounding this center figure. It is very informational and easy to follow.

[Ayana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with so much information about Santa Muerte. With books like this you have to take what resonates with you. There are so many ways explained on how to serve Santa Muerte. Just be warned this book talks a lot about catholic influences etc. the beauty of working with Santa is that you can work with her that best suits you and your lifestyle. You do not have to follow everything you read in this book to work and love her.

[Timothy Pitkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it just wished the author did not go to in depth with the occult practices of Santa Muerte as it kind of made me feel uncomfortable with how they talked in great detail about to pray to her and even how to step up an altar to get what kind of spell you want. But I did like the look at the history and the symbolism of this figure.

[C B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should have taken the title more literally. The history and current state of Santa Muerte as both a figure and practice were interesting and well written, but I had no use for the ceremonial magic guide. If you're looking for an anthropological perspective, you may want to choose a different book.

[Alejandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a question. My girlfriend keeps bringing a book of la santa muerte back to my house after I've told her plenty of times to get rid of it . Would I be cursed, or would it give me bad luck. If i throw it away? I need some one to answer my question plz

[Nik Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for the initiate, like myself, who needs detailed, step by step instructions to implement things into their daily lives. It would also be an excellent read for anyone who already follows Santa Muerte. I will utilize this book for years to come.

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth its price alone for the sections dealing with working with the rosary. My only real issue with the book is that there are sections that get a bit repetitive in the beginning.

[MJ AU · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative and inclusive.

[Skari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, practical guide.

[Damien Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive introduction to Santa Muerte. I’d highly recommend it to anyone curious about her.

[Lindsey Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough view of Santa Muerte. Can't wait to share it with my cousin.

[Laura Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for learning about Santa muerte and the history of her and the magic and rituals for her just beautifully written learned so much from this book about her loved it