The Scythe and the Pentagram: Santa Muerte from Folk Catholicism to Occultism
Religions December 22, 2016 Manon Hedenborg White, Fredrik Gregorius 41 citations
Santa Muerte is gaining followers among contemporary occultists in Europe and North America, a milieu distinct from the Mexican folk cult due to its middle-class orientation and emphasis on secrecy and tradition. This article argues that the Skeleton Saint's appeal in occultism stems from needs and demands specific to that milieu, not from inherent qualities of the symbol itself. Understanding her spread outside her original sociocultural context requires analyzing the new context she enters. The analysis draws on three recent English-language books on Santa Muerte aimed at an occult audience.