Once upon a time in Mexico, there was a lady in black. Feared by many and respected by all, she possessed great power and she shared her magic with those who treated her like royalty. She very proudly wore her crown, adorned with the love of her worshippers. She is best known as Lady Death, or Santisima Muerte, and acknowledging her controversial spirit remains taboo today.

“The duality of her nature is what strikes fear into those who don’t understand her. ”

She is a saint that protects, helps, and guides those who call on her. In return, her loyal followers spoil her with candles, money, and candy. Ask and you shall receive is the name of the game here. Just as she uses her powers for good, she is not one to discriminate against using her powers for evil. The duality of her nature is what strikes fear into those who don’t understand her. Many of her followers promise grandiose sacrifices to her in order to receive their wishes. In the case that these grandiose sacrifices aren’t fulfilled, Santisima is one to settle scores when these dishonest devotees least expect it.

Practiced mainly in Mexico, Santisima is often frowned upon by those who ignorantly associate her with a Hollywood-washed version of Satanism. She has no connection to satanic forces as she holds her own realm of power. The Mexican government has denounced her from its canon of ordained saints and has acted violently in an effort to ruin her shrines. Her sullied reputation is thanks to her loyal following from criminals. Criminals seek out her protection as they are fully aware of the potency of her protection and blessing. As she looks the other way to the crimes of her followers and bestows them with blessings, she represents the undying love of a mother for her child.

“As she looks the other way to the crimes of her followers and bestows them with blessings, she represents the undying love of a mother for her child.”

Whether it’s in theory or reality, death is always a hard pill to swallow. Human reasoning alone can’t tame the overwhelming fear of reaching judgment day and that’s where the Lady in Black works her best magic.

Santisima Muerte takes on the feminine role of death personified. As women are the bearers of life, it is a much more accurate depiction for a Lady to hold such a title.

She holds the ultimate truth as death is a written fate for all. As a mother to those walking on earth, she doesn’t judge your wishes or actions. Through Santisima we can learn to reconcile our fear of The End and accept the beauty of transformation.