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

good book, what i am trying to say is, i know a lot of history. about the original people on this land and those who cross the waters. And i respect the way of the Catholic Faith and the people. Who have kept her hidden (kind of hidden to us anyway). For me, i do the Our Fathers anyway. out of respect to Santa Muerte and the People, but i also know she was not always Catholic too. Being a black man, i know how information could be stolen and twisted. So i am very very careful, when information is giving about a subject. When it comes to spiritual info. i also know that the Europeans, have made a mess of things. note: there some good Europeans. That being said, if one has a true heart, to want to get to know La Santa Muerte. La Santa Muerte will welcome them, specially the forsaken and forgotten. Must i go into our history? here in the united states. Example: i was looking and looking for someone, anyone to help me and my people. So i have learned, there are some spiritual paths available. Such the Moors history, Muslim or Moslem history, True Hebrew history, The Yorubas, Bantus,Wolofs (from Africa) in Brazil and Cuba, Haiti, Dahomeans and Congos, Bantus reglion,Santeria, Voudounis of Haiti (who brought it to the borders of America, now called Voodoo etc...), The "Native Americans" (just like being called Black in America, who said they are native in they're own land). We know the answer right? Now, let me stop right here for a sec. It has been a terrible, terrible, thing that happen to the people of this land. Just like what happen to mine, i will not try compare. It was bad and in fact really still going on. In many ways, that is all i will say. Back to my story, all of these paths and people give reverence to they're Ancestors (The Dead, in fact the Asians which is incorrect too) Chinese, Japanese,Koreans etc.... I want to take the time, to give Thanks and Honor to the Mexican, Puertorican, Dominican etc....(Latin and Spanish which is really not correct) community for being the gate keepers. This is how i see it. Back to my story, the Voudon and Santeria and the like etc..... Require initiation or you must join a house. This is what i was trying to do, at first. However, i had three readings and they all was saying something different for me to do. Ancestors yes, no question. I have a friend at work, for 2 years. She is a Bruja she said, i will be doing something different soon. And this is nothing to play with. i said, to her what is it? She said it , but i did not understand. So i said who is that? And she showed me a picture. Now, knowing how i am. i started doing my homework. when i first started to read about La Santa Muerte. I was very very afraid. So first i went to my Bruja and said this is not for me. But i could not stop, thinking about her from that day on. Because, i know some history and the mind games the movies. Those of power run all the entertainment and most literature. Along with who have same interest (to keep all people blind and away from the real spiritual knowing). All the while, they are using some of it) My steps was very very careful. Then i had my third reading. Went to a Brujo, it was my first time meeting him. He told me some really personal things. That only i know, not even my family knows. I was once again afraid ( but i try not to show it). My heart started to race, he told me about my health (that i already knew). Then he said, i have one more thing to tell you. Already exhausted, internally holding a firm look on my face. Brujo said, do you know about La Santa Muerte. I was afraid to answer, there was a silence in the room. It felt like forever, i am sure it was a brief moment. I said, can you repeat what you just said please? I could just get the words out. and he said it again. So, i said yes i know of her. The Brujo said, La Santa Muerte is waiting for you, to ask her into your life. He said, she will not force her way in, but she is standing at the door. I could not avoid, what i have heard now. Two things happened, all of a sudden in me. Fear and then a calmness came over me. At that moment, at that time. I can not explain, there was a sense of safety come over me. Still was not sure, what was happening to me. Brujo told (how to setup Altar) me four things to do. 1. you must show Respect, 2. Keep it simple at first (she will guide you), 3. Do what you can, and 4. If you make a promise keep it. What is the point , i am trying to make. La Santa Muerte, will come to the forsaken and forgotten. My people, is such a people too (for those who will take her in). She takes all, that will come to her. Because, all are escorted by her into life. We do not have to defend, La Santisima Muetre. You can if you want, but she can fend for herself. She was here before all things was made. And shall be after, because all things and everything will return back to her again. For those that are not true, they too will see her.peace to all that read this, may you find your path in life and death too.PS: sorry for the grammar

This book is a good history, and modern practice guidebook, to a controversial figure in Mexican and Hispanic life. The Author does a good job at delving into the potential roots of Santa Muerte, dating back to Mexica (Aztec) roots as well as European roots.A decent read. Included in this book are small rituals to each of the major aspects of Santissima Muerte. A must-read for people who want to know or understand such a controversial figure.

This was the second best book I've read on Santa Muerte( the first being Cressida Stone's book). I enjoyed the way the book was organized. The author's experiences made the book come across as very authentic.

Loved this book it has so many interesting bits and pieces LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK

Having first heard about Santa Muerte about four to five years ago, and having recently read Andrew Chestnut's "Devoted to Death," I already possessed a fair amount of background knowledge about Santa Muerte. Rollin offers readers real value in addressing the devotion from a magical practitioner's perspective rather than an academic one. She gives decent explanations of the seven-color system associated with Santa Muerte. On the whole, I got a lot of insight out of the book.However, I'm not giving this four stars because, in certain parts, Rollin seems overly blase about certain practices that she addresses. For example, she rather blithely condones or even recommends saint humiliation, a practice that strikes me as distasteful and disrespectful and undoubtedly carries potentially serious spiritual consequences. There are other areas of practical magic in which Rollin's laissez-faire attitude seems unduly uncritical. All things considered, however, it's definitely worth reading.

I bought this book to help me to learn about the history and deepen my understanding of Santa Muerte because up to that point, I had gotten all of my information from working with Santerian and Vodoun practitioners. I have also been working on a fictional story that incorporates Santa Muerte, Papa Legba and other Vodoun entities so it is important for me to get a better understanding for the sake of accuracy. This book is fun and easy to read. I truly enjoyed reading about the history of this beautiful figure as well as the education about her colors, symbolism and guidance on rituals and offerings. Very comprehensive, well written book!

I love that Tracey was able to clearly explain her point of view on the belief system and history associated with Santa Muerte and the prayers/ petitions she has created really help you visualize what you are trying to manifest with the help of Santisima Muerte.

This book is a great way to use the power of Santa Muerte in a positive way. It gives a delightful insight to spells that Santa Muerte can answer to.

What an insightful book. I had read a few other books on Santa Muerte and being honest many of them had put me off working with her, one of them I flat out hated. But this book gave me a far better perspective on this Goddess, allowing me to see how I might connect with her through my own spiritual practises. An excellent read, beautifully written with loads of person stories from the author which gave it that person touch. I keep referring back to this book for its break down of the various colours/faces of Santa Muerte and how to work with them. Filled with useful information that allows you to work with her as a catholic or as a witch. A must read for those interested in this Goddess.

I recommend this book if you want to read about the history of Santa Muerte. There is lots of information, and spell work at back. i love the rosary. it is a mixture of pagan practices and Catholicism. She talks about her experience with Santa Muerte on a daily bases.

Amazing book , informative & highly enjoyed reading :)

Well written and informative

No complaints