She is portrayed as a female Grim Reaper, that is to say, she is a skeleton dressed in a shroud and carrying a large scythe.  At her feet may be seen an owl, a symbol of wisdom in western iconography, and of death in ancient Aztec symbolism.  She is the object of devotion in one of the fastest growing cults in the world—the cult of Santa Muerte, Holy Death.

Santa Muerte is a folk saint revered by Hispanics throughout Mesoamerica and the United States.  She is considered an all-powerful saint, who dominates the world and gives immediate results to petitions made to her.  Being the spirit of death, it is noted that her scythe cuts down the life of all men equally, rich or poor, righteous or wicked.  Therefore, she is reckoned to be a saint for all peoples.  One of the most popular sayings about her is that Santa Muerte “does not discriminate.”  She accepts your worship and answers your prayers no matter who you are.  That is why her followers include pious Catholics, drug traffickers, prisoners, prostitutes, policemen, blue collar workers, and members of the LGBT community.  There is also a growing constituency among neo-pagans and Wiccans. Continue reading →