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Secrets of Santa Muerte: A Guide to the Prayers, Spells, Rituals, and Hexes
A deeply informed and practical guide to working with Santa Muerte, the “Saint of Death.”The Secrets of Santa Muerte is a practical handbook on how to connect with the mysterious Mexican folk saint. Drawing from authentic Mexican sources and traditions, it details secret, esoteric knowledge that will foster a deep connection with the Saint of Death.The book covers the fascinating history of this revered folk saint as well as practical tips on how Prayers, spells, and rituals are included for a wide range of love, sex, money, good health, aid with legal matters, as well as hexes against and protection from enemies. For novices who wish to begin working with Santa Muerte as well as for more advanced practitioners who want to fine-tune their practice, discover new spells and rituals, and take their work with Santa Muerte to a deeper level.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2022
66 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 16, 2022
This work is a guide and handbook detailing how to connect and honor Santa Muerte, a folk saint of Mexico. The author compiles information from shamans and followers of this saint within this work as well as personal anecdotes. The work discusses topics ranging from the history of the saint, how to create and maintain an altar, interpreting signs, using colors and candles to enhance your petitions, and spells, prayers, and rituals relating to the saint. The author did an excellent job at presenting this information in an engaging, informative way.
There was a lot of good information in this work. It’s obvious how much work the author put into tracking down traditional lore surrounding this saint and the practices that are associated with the worship of this being. There were many uses of anecdotal evidence, both from the author and other practitioners, incorporated throughout the book. I found this work to be extremely insightful – I loved the discussion on the different aspects of the saint and how those are represented through different colors and the related candles. I also enjoyed the example prayers and petitions that were included near the end of the work.
The book was divided into several different sections as mentioned above. The sections all contained some unique and informative details that added to the work. However, there was a good deal of repetition and overlap between the chapters. This work could use an edit to trim down much of this redundant information, which would make for a more streamlined and engaging read.
In all honesty, I’m a cynic. This made some portions of this book difficult for me to digest, especially relating to the anecdotes surrounding different signs that were received as well as answers to petitions. However, it didn’t necessarily lessen my enjoyment of the work, but it certainly didn’t count as “proof” that these practices actually work. I did dislike that the credibility of this information relied solely on trusting the author – she came across as 100% trustworthy, but the academic in me wants footnotes with references to sources.
This was a fascinating work that I highly recommend. I listened to the audiobook version and felt that the narrator did an excellent job. If you’re interested in anthropology, traditional cultural practices of Mexico, religion, or candles, then this is the book for you!
My thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for allowing me to review this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There was a lot of good information in this work. It’s obvious how much work the author put into tracking down traditional lore surrounding this saint and the practices that are associated with the worship of this being. There were many uses of anecdotal evidence, both from the author and other practitioners, incorporated throughout the book. I found this work to be extremely insightful – I loved the discussion on the different aspects of the saint and how those are represented through different colors and the related candles. I also enjoyed the example prayers and petitions that were included near the end of the work.
The book was divided into several different sections as mentioned above. The sections all contained some unique and informative details that added to the work. However, there was a good deal of repetition and overlap between the chapters. This work could use an edit to trim down much of this redundant information, which would make for a more streamlined and engaging read.
In all honesty, I’m a cynic. This made some portions of this book difficult for me to digest, especially relating to the anecdotes surrounding different signs that were received as well as answers to petitions. However, it didn’t necessarily lessen my enjoyment of the work, but it certainly didn’t count as “proof” that these practices actually work. I did dislike that the credibility of this information relied solely on trusting the author – she came across as 100% trustworthy, but the academic in me wants footnotes with references to sources.
This was a fascinating work that I highly recommend. I listened to the audiobook version and felt that the narrator did an excellent job. If you’re interested in anthropology, traditional cultural practices of Mexico, religion, or candles, then this is the book for you!
My thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for allowing me to review this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 24, 2025
Thought to be one of the most authoritative, non-academic book on Santa Muerte today, Stone bases her writing on orally transmitted information from Mexican practitioners and devotees. There’s a sense of integrity in her work.
June 1, 2023
I'm writing this review as a practitioner of roughly 5 years and devotee, for other practitioners and devotees. I'll go by the sections Stone has in her book. I also think it's important to note that as a practice, Santa Muerte has no centralized leaders, and reveals herself differently to each of us, so your mileage may vary.
I felt Stone's overall introduction to Santa Muerte was good and followed many of the intros one might see in a Spanish-Language book as well. Personally, I was always taught that calling Her "Saint" Death in English was incorrect, and that the translation is "Holy death" (As her full name is Santisima Muerte, meaning Most Holy Death), but that She is Herself, a folk-saint. Ultimately, this is semantics and doesn't at all take away from the wealth of good info in the first chapter. However, I would have appreciated a stronger emphasis on Her indigenous roots, and not just Her place as a folk saint.
Under the imagery section, I definitely appreciated Stone's note about La Catrina, including her history and differentiating her from Santa Muerte.
However, it is here Stone strains to note just how welcome white folk are in this practice- and I don't disagree- Death comes for us all. However, it is my firm belief that white folks should remain respectful of Indigenous Mexican leadership in this practice- as that is where it began. I do not think white people should be actively pursuing positions of leadership or acting as the voice of Santa Muerte, because she is an Indigenous Diety and without Indigenous influence, we lose important cultural and spiritual context.
Stone goes deeper into Santa Muerte's indigenous roots in Chapter 2. However, I find that the information in this section is debated amongst practitioners, some of whom disavow the strong connections to La Parca, and argue that her connections to Indigenous Mexico and Mictēcacihuātl should be more strongly identified with. I would have liked some note that the information in the "history" chapter is debated upon, and oral history from indigenous Mexicans might not always match up with academia.
One of my most important contentions with this book is it lacks something I consider foundational to any practice with La Santisima- the call. I was taught, and have seen in many other resources since, that one cannot simply approach La Santisima and begin working with Her. You must wait and only pray until SHE gives you a sign. Not initiation by other people, but Her own initiation. It's deeply disrespectful to approach Death without Her heed, and I feel that a note on the call is essential for any book on Santisima Muerte. Stone even writes about her own calling, (A car accident, a chance meeting, and a dream of the Boney Lady herself) but fails to mention that anyone interested in becoming a practitioner must wait to consecrate themselves until Santa Muerte herself has called them. This note could have included the common signs Santa Muerte sends, next steps, etc.
Despite my theological or historical differences with Stone's introduction, her introduction to practice, beginning with Chapter 3: Setting up an Altar to Santa Muerte, Working With it, and Cleansing it, was a very good introduction and fantastic for any beginner. She covers the basics of an altar and Santa Muerte's color aspects and meanings, as well as other items to put on the altar, etc. It's a great resource for beginners. My only note- You may find that as you grow in your practice some of the "Rules" she sets out become more like guidelines as you create a relationship and find out what Santa Muerte wants from you, personally. Personally, I've lit my candles with lighters or matches and noticed no difference. Little things like that, you will come to figure out in your own practice. Overall, Stone does a very good job of giving beginners a great foundation here, including in her overview of statues, prayers, spells, etc. I can only praise the amount of research and valuable info Stone stacked in here!
A note on her chapter "Unbonding with Santa Muerte: A Ritual to Break up with Death".
It is my firm belief that you should be certain enough in your choice to work with Santa Muerte lifelong to never consider this spell in the first place. If this is something you think you may need, this may not be the practice for you. That being said, from what I have heard from others, spells like this may not work, and if they do, you may not like the consequences. I would not tread into this practice unseriously.
Finally: Would I personally call Dia De Los Muertos Santa Muerte's Birthday? No. I would not. But Stone's information on the holiday is a sound introduction and contains no misinformation.
Overall, Stone gives a good introduction to Santa Muerte, especially Chapters 3-7, which are extremely helpful for practical work. I would definitely recommend this book for beginners, but I would also recommend reading 2-3 more books to really give yourself a well rounded wealth of opinions and different iterations of her history and origins, because it really can vary from author to author.
I felt Stone's overall introduction to Santa Muerte was good and followed many of the intros one might see in a Spanish-Language book as well. Personally, I was always taught that calling Her "Saint" Death in English was incorrect, and that the translation is "Holy death" (As her full name is Santisima Muerte, meaning Most Holy Death), but that She is Herself, a folk-saint. Ultimately, this is semantics and doesn't at all take away from the wealth of good info in the first chapter. However, I would have appreciated a stronger emphasis on Her indigenous roots, and not just Her place as a folk saint.
Under the imagery section, I definitely appreciated Stone's note about La Catrina, including her history and differentiating her from Santa Muerte.
However, it is here Stone strains to note just how welcome white folk are in this practice- and I don't disagree- Death comes for us all. However, it is my firm belief that white folks should remain respectful of Indigenous Mexican leadership in this practice- as that is where it began. I do not think white people should be actively pursuing positions of leadership or acting as the voice of Santa Muerte, because she is an Indigenous Diety and without Indigenous influence, we lose important cultural and spiritual context.
Stone goes deeper into Santa Muerte's indigenous roots in Chapter 2. However, I find that the information in this section is debated amongst practitioners, some of whom disavow the strong connections to La Parca, and argue that her connections to Indigenous Mexico and Mictēcacihuātl should be more strongly identified with. I would have liked some note that the information in the "history" chapter is debated upon, and oral history from indigenous Mexicans might not always match up with academia.
One of my most important contentions with this book is it lacks something I consider foundational to any practice with La Santisima- the call. I was taught, and have seen in many other resources since, that one cannot simply approach La Santisima and begin working with Her. You must wait and only pray until SHE gives you a sign. Not initiation by other people, but Her own initiation. It's deeply disrespectful to approach Death without Her heed, and I feel that a note on the call is essential for any book on Santisima Muerte. Stone even writes about her own calling, (A car accident, a chance meeting, and a dream of the Boney Lady herself) but fails to mention that anyone interested in becoming a practitioner must wait to consecrate themselves until Santa Muerte herself has called them. This note could have included the common signs Santa Muerte sends, next steps, etc.
Despite my theological or historical differences with Stone's introduction, her introduction to practice, beginning with Chapter 3: Setting up an Altar to Santa Muerte, Working With it, and Cleansing it, was a very good introduction and fantastic for any beginner. She covers the basics of an altar and Santa Muerte's color aspects and meanings, as well as other items to put on the altar, etc. It's a great resource for beginners. My only note- You may find that as you grow in your practice some of the "Rules" she sets out become more like guidelines as you create a relationship and find out what Santa Muerte wants from you, personally. Personally, I've lit my candles with lighters or matches and noticed no difference. Little things like that, you will come to figure out in your own practice. Overall, Stone does a very good job of giving beginners a great foundation here, including in her overview of statues, prayers, spells, etc. I can only praise the amount of research and valuable info Stone stacked in here!
A note on her chapter "Unbonding with Santa Muerte: A Ritual to Break up with Death".
It is my firm belief that you should be certain enough in your choice to work with Santa Muerte lifelong to never consider this spell in the first place. If this is something you think you may need, this may not be the practice for you. That being said, from what I have heard from others, spells like this may not work, and if they do, you may not like the consequences. I would not tread into this practice unseriously.
Finally: Would I personally call Dia De Los Muertos Santa Muerte's Birthday? No. I would not. But Stone's information on the holiday is a sound introduction and contains no misinformation.
Overall, Stone gives a good introduction to Santa Muerte, especially Chapters 3-7, which are extremely helpful for practical work. I would definitely recommend this book for beginners, but I would also recommend reading 2-3 more books to really give yourself a well rounded wealth of opinions and different iterations of her history and origins, because it really can vary from author to author.
October 22, 2023
this book was incredible! so glad I stumbled across it.
June 12, 2024
This was probably one of the worst books of La Santa Muerte. Although the chapters with the prayers was nice, it was the only chapter I found useful. As a devotee myself, the insults to La Negra in her pregnant form…it was a complete turn off. Not worth the purchase in my humble opinion.
September 26, 2022
This review was originally published on The Magical Buffet website.
Like many people, I first heard of Santa Muerte in a news story about Mexican drug cartels. In articles like that one, Santa Muerte is a narco-saint, a goddess of bad men. Obviously, my curiosity was piqued. Misunderstood goddesses, goddesses that have been shunned, and just goddesses with bad reputations are my favorite. And I was certain, that like others that had come to my attention before Her, I would learn that there was more to Santa Muerte than meets the eye. Not to brag, but I was right.
To put it simply, and in the most general terms, Santa Muerte is a death goddess. She represents death and everything that can entail: protection, vengeance, justice, innocence, wisdom, and much more. You can revere Her and pray to Her as a distant goddess, or you can have a transactional relationship where you curry favor and make deals. With all of this going on, Santa Muerte can be a confusing deity to work with. In comes “Secrets of Santa Muerte: A Guide to the Prayers, Spells, Rituals, and Hexes” by Cressida Stone.
If you fall into the middle of the Venn diagram of people interested in Santa Muerte and people who are on Twitter, you’re probably familiar with Cressida Stone. She is a longtime devotee and deferred to Twitter Santa Muerte expert looked to only slightly less than internationally recognized Santa Muerte academic Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut, who coincidentally endorsed this book. Stone has worked with Santa Muerte temples and shrines throughout the world to learn the prayers, symbolism, rituals, hexes, and offerings of Santa Muerte.
“Secrets of Santa Muerte” is a wonderful introduction to the goddess. Stone does an excellent job organizing the vast wealth of Santa Muerte information available. Not only did “Secrets of Santa Muerte” introduce me to all the facets of this goddess, but gave me new ideas of how to work with her. Ideas that I hope to incorporate into my wider divine feminine practice.
Like many people, I first heard of Santa Muerte in a news story about Mexican drug cartels. In articles like that one, Santa Muerte is a narco-saint, a goddess of bad men. Obviously, my curiosity was piqued. Misunderstood goddesses, goddesses that have been shunned, and just goddesses with bad reputations are my favorite. And I was certain, that like others that had come to my attention before Her, I would learn that there was more to Santa Muerte than meets the eye. Not to brag, but I was right.
To put it simply, and in the most general terms, Santa Muerte is a death goddess. She represents death and everything that can entail: protection, vengeance, justice, innocence, wisdom, and much more. You can revere Her and pray to Her as a distant goddess, or you can have a transactional relationship where you curry favor and make deals. With all of this going on, Santa Muerte can be a confusing deity to work with. In comes “Secrets of Santa Muerte: A Guide to the Prayers, Spells, Rituals, and Hexes” by Cressida Stone.
If you fall into the middle of the Venn diagram of people interested in Santa Muerte and people who are on Twitter, you’re probably familiar with Cressida Stone. She is a longtime devotee and deferred to Twitter Santa Muerte expert looked to only slightly less than internationally recognized Santa Muerte academic Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut, who coincidentally endorsed this book. Stone has worked with Santa Muerte temples and shrines throughout the world to learn the prayers, symbolism, rituals, hexes, and offerings of Santa Muerte.
“Secrets of Santa Muerte” is a wonderful introduction to the goddess. Stone does an excellent job organizing the vast wealth of Santa Muerte information available. Not only did “Secrets of Santa Muerte” introduce me to all the facets of this goddess, but gave me new ideas of how to work with her. Ideas that I hope to incorporate into my wider divine feminine practice.
July 29, 2022
Secrets of Santa Muerte
A Guide to the Prayers, Spells, Rituals, and Hexes
by Cressida Stone
Narrated by Siiri Scott
[blurb]The Secrets of Santa Muerte is a practical handbook on how to connect with the mysterious Mexican folk saint. Drawing from authentic Mexican sources and traditions, it details secret, esoteric knowledge that will foster a deep connection with the Saint of Death.
[review] I'm obsessed with learning about other people's religions and how other people worship. I grew up very religious and very sheltered. It wasn't until I was in high school that I learned about different religions. I grew up Lutheran and I knew about Catholics and Christians. But that was the extent of it. It wasn't until high school, when I did a report on Taoism, that I learned anything about other world religions. And I've never stopped learning since then. Also, I should add, I'm no longer Lutheran or any one religion in particular.
This book was fascinating. I loved learning about the different colors of Santa Muerte and how she represents different aspects. And how you can incorporate her into your every day life. I love that people don't have to have money to worship. How she can be with you, no matter your monetary contribution. This was always a thing for me with big religions.
If you are curious about this religion or want to know more. I highly suggest this book. it's a practical and every day/ every person book.
The only reason I'm rating it 4 stars vs 5 stars is because I don't know enough, and this book could be entirely false, and I wouldn't know enough to tell you that or not.
The audiobook is worth the buy too. But I recommend buying it in conjunction with the actual book too! Having them together is the way, to go!
Thank you netgalley and tantor audio for the ARC audiobook copy!
Thank you Cressida Stone for this insightful and informative book
Thank you Siiri Scott for lending your voice to this book!!
A Guide to the Prayers, Spells, Rituals, and Hexes
by Cressida Stone
Narrated by Siiri Scott
[blurb]The Secrets of Santa Muerte is a practical handbook on how to connect with the mysterious Mexican folk saint. Drawing from authentic Mexican sources and traditions, it details secret, esoteric knowledge that will foster a deep connection with the Saint of Death.
[review] I'm obsessed with learning about other people's religions and how other people worship. I grew up very religious and very sheltered. It wasn't until I was in high school that I learned about different religions. I grew up Lutheran and I knew about Catholics and Christians. But that was the extent of it. It wasn't until high school, when I did a report on Taoism, that I learned anything about other world religions. And I've never stopped learning since then. Also, I should add, I'm no longer Lutheran or any one religion in particular.
This book was fascinating. I loved learning about the different colors of Santa Muerte and how she represents different aspects. And how you can incorporate her into your every day life. I love that people don't have to have money to worship. How she can be with you, no matter your monetary contribution. This was always a thing for me with big religions.
If you are curious about this religion or want to know more. I highly suggest this book. it's a practical and every day/ every person book.
The only reason I'm rating it 4 stars vs 5 stars is because I don't know enough, and this book could be entirely false, and I wouldn't know enough to tell you that or not.
The audiobook is worth the buy too. But I recommend buying it in conjunction with the actual book too! Having them together is the way, to go!
Thank you netgalley and tantor audio for the ARC audiobook copy!
Thank you Cressida Stone for this insightful and informative book
Thank you Siiri Scott for lending your voice to this book!!
Read
October 26, 2023Secrets of Santa Muerte: a Guide to the Prayers ,spells , Rituals , and hexes is recognized by fellow devotees of Cressida Stone as book written under the direct guidance and mysticism of La Santísima muerte : The Holy Queen of Death . Stone is a recognized and acknowledged practitioner with credibility, making her book an outstanding gem of knowledge , allowing the neophyte and advanced devotees to sharpen their intellect in the walk of a magical bond with Holy Death. Readers be advised that this journey can only be rooted deeper by the influence of legitimate teachings and foot work guidence such as the one Stone has blessingly provided for the growth amongst fallowers . This book outranks many great books dedicated to Death, for reasons of expertise and frontline experiences with the most advanced occult practitioners of the Death Queen . The elaboration of this book is reserved as a gift to the understanding of the reader , the credibility and recognition of the Author in itself makes this book a must have for the collection of practical knowledge containing valuable notations , contributing to those who keep a Book of shadows . The reader of this mystical product must be aware that Secrets of Santa muerte is an excellent choice recommended by those who are devoted and committed . Dare to join Stone in the walk that will lead you to mystery and knowledge in the Secrets of Santa Muerte .
August 3, 2022
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Santa Muerte, novice or advanced practitioner. This book is just as described in it by one of the endorsers (witch Aliza Einhorn) "the Santa Muerte book we’ve all been waiting for: a brave, blood and guts master class in how best to bond with the Queen of Death."
Endorsed by amazing people of high reputation: four Mexican witches/leaders of Santa Muerte, one author witch (Aliza Einhorn), one master sorcerer and famous author (Jason Miller) and two academics including one who is Mexican and an expert in folk traditions, Dr. Eliseo Torres and one who published with Oxford University Press on Santa Muerte (Dr Andrew Chestnut), there is no doubt to this book's authenticity and the reliability and veracity of the information in it and the excellence of the author.
As a Santa Muerte practitioner myself, I can tell when information is only being repeated versus when it comes from someone experienced, knowledgeable and with deep research in Mexico. This book is the real deal. It is very detailed and answers everything you always wanted to know.
As the Mexican bruja and Santa Muerte leader states (Soraya Arredondo Hernandez), who recommends Stone's "words transmit light, darkness, healing, power, happiness and gratitude.”
A must have for any devotee.
Endorsed by amazing people of high reputation: four Mexican witches/leaders of Santa Muerte, one author witch (Aliza Einhorn), one master sorcerer and famous author (Jason Miller) and two academics including one who is Mexican and an expert in folk traditions, Dr. Eliseo Torres and one who published with Oxford University Press on Santa Muerte (Dr Andrew Chestnut), there is no doubt to this book's authenticity and the reliability and veracity of the information in it and the excellence of the author.
As a Santa Muerte practitioner myself, I can tell when information is only being repeated versus when it comes from someone experienced, knowledgeable and with deep research in Mexico. This book is the real deal. It is very detailed and answers everything you always wanted to know.
As the Mexican bruja and Santa Muerte leader states (Soraya Arredondo Hernandez), who recommends Stone's "words transmit light, darkness, healing, power, happiness and gratitude.”
A must have for any devotee.
July 27, 2022
I am incredibly interested in different religions and cultures around the world and I felt this book would give me an opportunity to learn more about Santa Muerte - a Mexican folk saint. I can honestly say that this book gave me plenty of information on that front.
If you’re just looking to learn about Santa Muerte, the audiobook will be perfect, however if you’re looking to set up an altar to Santa Muerte I feel it would be easier to get this book in physical form to be able to bookmark and go back to as needed. It gets pretty in depth into altar creation and the do’s and don’t’s surrounding Santa Muerte.
This is an incredibly thorough source of information for anyone curious about Santa Muerte specifically, but there’s good information that I feel could be used for altar making in general as well. I enjoyed the narration and stories told about the authors experiences.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thanks to NetGalley for the audio arc!
If you’re just looking to learn about Santa Muerte, the audiobook will be perfect, however if you’re looking to set up an altar to Santa Muerte I feel it would be easier to get this book in physical form to be able to bookmark and go back to as needed. It gets pretty in depth into altar creation and the do’s and don’t’s surrounding Santa Muerte.
This is an incredibly thorough source of information for anyone curious about Santa Muerte specifically, but there’s good information that I feel could be used for altar making in general as well. I enjoyed the narration and stories told about the authors experiences.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ thanks to NetGalley for the audio arc!
August 3, 2022
Let's start by saying that this book was not what I was expecting!
I am a cover buyer and the description told me this would be a great read. But you shall discover inside is totally awakening.
Up until now, my little self had no knowledge of this topic & hence, I review this as an outsider of this faith. I appreciate the journey this book takes you through. Starts with explaining how the Author connected with Santa Muerte in the first place & takes you through her developments. The detailed illustration of the overall process to worship the deity, building up her place & keep her happy is elucidating.
It was certainly interesting to read about the divergent nature of Mexican culture & today I know a bit more about how less I know. Somewhere mid-way across the book I also started questioning myself, how did I even come across such content & decided to request it on Netgalley. Could this be a sign?
I am a cover buyer and the description told me this would be a great read. But you shall discover inside is totally awakening.
Up until now, my little self had no knowledge of this topic & hence, I review this as an outsider of this faith. I appreciate the journey this book takes you through. Starts with explaining how the Author connected with Santa Muerte in the first place & takes you through her developments. The detailed illustration of the overall process to worship the deity, building up her place & keep her happy is elucidating.
It was certainly interesting to read about the divergent nature of Mexican culture & today I know a bit more about how less I know. Somewhere mid-way across the book I also started questioning myself, how did I even come across such content & decided to request it on Netgalley. Could this be a sign?
August 23, 2022
This is the most important and the best book I own on Santa Muerte. There are many books to choose from on Santa Muerte. By leaps and bounds, Secrets of Santa Muerte is not only the most comprehensive guide I have ever read, this book, just grasps you from the beginning. Whether you are a new devotee or not, there is so much here to learn. She spent so much time in Mexico, and her personal journey with Santa Muerte led her to this. It’s a thank you to Santisma, who is judged wrong by the media, she is misunderstood, she not evil, she is beautiful. She is non-judgemental. A journalist took the fact that a drug dealer had an altar with her, and ran with it. This is as she has said a “love letter” to Santa Muerte. Well deserved. She is one who has finally given me the peace in my heart, I have been looking for my whole life. I love my Madrecita immensely
August 3, 2022
As an avid devotee of Santa Muerte I can tell fake books and books that just recycle information from other people and the internet. This book is the real deal and I really recommend it to anyone interested in Santa Muerte, whether budding practitioner or advanced devotee. It is beautifully written, contains all the information you ever needed to know on Santa Muerte as well as a lot of "secrets" and is original. The stories from Mexico are wonderful and the author is so respectful of the traditions and people of Mexico, which is so refreshing. It is to quote Master Sorcerer Jason Miller the most complete workbook I have found in English on the subject."
August 23, 2023
I enjoy the prayers and spells mentioned in the book. However I don’t know if this is how all Santa muerte books are but they make the Santa muerte practice seem dark all the time. Devotees can be light workers and healers as well. Most authors focus on the dark side of working with Santa muerte. Death can be used to kill witch craft and heal people as well. I would like to see a more versatile book on the practice.
August 3, 2022
Beautifully written by an author who is clearly an expert endorsed by experts, this book delivers all it promises and more. There's so much information. It's not only a primer on Santa Muerte but a mystical guide that honors Santa Muerte, awakens the devotee, and respectfully conveys the beauty of devotion to Santa Muerte. As a budding practitioner this is the book I have been looking for.
February 17, 2024
Highly recommend: best book for both beginners, curious people and intermediate devotees of Santa Muerte. The most complete book on this subject and Cressida Stone writes with total respect on this and humbleness to devotion. Very good endorsements that confirms the author knowledges. Secrets of Santa Muerte is I think: Chef's kiss!
September 2, 2024
Putting the authors controversies aside, this reads more as fear mongering rather than a devotional to a deity that she claims to so love and admire. It seems well researched, but I just don't know how much of this to believe, which is a shame, as I wanted to read this because I love learning about other deities and spiritual paths, etc.
December 21, 2023
excellent book
I found this to be a great and informative book, the author really knows what they’re talking about, a great foundation to start working with her, I highly recommend.
I found this to be a great and informative book, the author really knows what they’re talking about, a great foundation to start working with her, I highly recommend.
October 11, 2024
This is one of the most informative and in depth books on her i have ever read. I have quite a few and this is such a great beginner friendly book and even taught me a few things I didn’t know as a devotee of 5 years. This was fantastic and would definitely recommend as well to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
Excellent audiobook.
April 1, 2023
Thorough and devoted information!
This is a great book filled with so much detailed information about Santa Muerte. Thank you for sharing this with us!
This is a great book filled with so much detailed information about Santa Muerte. Thank you for sharing this with us!
July 23, 2023
3.5 / 5, but rounded up
August 5, 2024
This book was such a great read! Easy read and follow. I still refer to this book as a reference.
November 15, 2024
Very informative, great book. Working with our dark lady is not for the faint hearted and not for everyone. Lot of amazing advise, spells, and knowledge. Great book.
November 20, 2024
Written not only with great knowledge but also passion and devotion.
November 4, 2025
This has so much information regarding the Goddess of Death La Santisima Muerte. it is truly a guide to how to go about working with her and devoting to her.
December 7, 2025
Great read - although I feel that to work with Santa Muete myself would feel like cultural appropriation not appreciation. howbeit the information provided was well written and engaging.
March 3, 2023
So, so good! I use the prayers for La Santisima frequently. The author traveled to Mexico and spoke to many practitioners there to glean her information. For an English speaker, this is great.
August 1, 2022
This was interesting, not quite what I was expecting, but good overall. I enjoyed the history of Santa Muerte more than anything else in this book.
For those who are interested in connecting with Santa Muerte, this is a pretty in-depth guide to the "what to do and how to do it" properly.
Thank you for the advance copy for my unbiased review.
For those who are interested in connecting with Santa Muerte, this is a pretty in-depth guide to the "what to do and how to do it" properly.
Thank you for the advance copy for my unbiased review.
May 31, 2024
An introduction to Santa Muerte which was almost too informative. There are few reasons for a non-practitioner (like me) to get past chapter two. I mostly went through this with a curiosity towards death deities, specifically this one because of a connection with my heritage. Most of this book as the title suggests is about how to practically work with Santa Muerte. So, while this book didn't give me everything I was looking for, it nevertheless provided me with plenty of information. I'm unsure of how trustworthy Stone is; not that I have any reason to doubt her, but I also don't have any reason to accept every anecdote she gives as a fact. Still, she comes across as devoted to Santa Muerte and seems to have an understanding of Mexican culture.
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