r/SantaMuerte

Hi friends — my name is Chelsea and I’m a writer and folk practitioner based in Toronto. I’m working on a research project exploring devotion to la Santa Muerte in Canada for my personal Substack.

A bit of background: I first encountered La Madrina while in Tepito two years ago. I was immediately drawn in by her imagery and the stories of intercession shared by those who worship her. I wanted to know what was so compelling about Santa Muerte that she would face such fierce opposition from Church hierarchy.

If you are a devotee here in Canada, I would love to connect with you for a potential interview about what Santa Muerte means to you. I understand there can be a lot of stigma associated around her veneration, so can offer anonymity if that is so desired.

If you’ve read this far — thank you! Have a lovely rest of your day ♥️

Edit: a bit about me! I work as a senior TV news writer covering international relations for Canada’s public broadcaster. This request is unrelated to that job! I’m launching a personal Substack for independent work, which is where your comments would live. Happy to answer any questions you might have!

I became a devotee to La Santísima almost 2 weeks ago. I had been drawn to her for a while. In July I went on a cruise with my mom, sister, and grandson to Alaska. My sister was airlifted from Alaska to Seattle e she became very ill. She arrived in Seattle and the same day she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in her brain, lungs and spinal cord. She is being airlifted back to Southern California as I type this. While my mom and sister were in Seattle I decided to devote myself to Santa Muerte and I petitioned her for more time with my sister. I pray every day to her and talk to her throughout the day. I made her a beautiful altar. Here is my dilemma… my mom will be coming home tonight after being in Seattle for over a month with my sister and I just know she will freak out if she sees my altar. She does not understand the love and hope I’ve felt since I devoted myself to la Santísima. Would it be disrespectful to move her altar to my room? My room is currently being renovated after a small flood happened and I’m not even sleeping in there at the moment. I did not want to ever hide her or disrespect her. My mom knows of my decision but she told me honestly that she’s ok with what I chose but she’s not sure if she would feel comfortable seeing the altar. She’s super Christian… would it be ok to move her altar to my room even if I’m not inhabiting it at the moment? If I left a light on at her altar at all times would that be ok? I know some people have to hide their devotion and I really don’t… I just have to move her altar to make my mom feel more comfortable. I’m working g on educating her on La Santa… she’s open to learning but I think initially she will be shocked. What can I do?

hola amigos le puse unas flores en el altar a mi flaquita y el agua apesto muy mal como a caño apenas tiene una semana que se las puse, es normal? las tuve que tirar

I had an awful ex partner who abused me both sexually and domestically and spread private videos of me online after we broke up. I've been a strong believer and a longtime devotee to mami, but I just really really need the extra help for him to get what he deserves. He was beyond awful, and I've been praying that he gets what he deserves and I really need yalls help with this whole situation. I'm sorry if this kind of post isn't allowed I couldn't think of anywhere else to go

When did you start asking for anything from santita ?
I’ve always prayed to her maybe a year, to help with my financial struggles at my mom’s altar.. I finally out mine up last week. I haven’t asked her for anything but I am praying to her everyday with candles and incense on as well. But I’m wondering how long did you wait to ask her for anything? Also, I love my altar.. can devotees show it off or is it best to keep it private? I’ve heard so many things about keeping it private and showing it off.

For a long time, I have struggled with asking for help from people. I think I'm afraid of being seen as a bother or a burden. I noticed that being hesitant in asking for help has bled into my spiritual practice. I know that Santa Muerte can be petitioned for almost anything, but sometimes I feel like my requests are too trivial.

Hello everyone,
I’m making this post because for the past couple days I have been feeling out of place. I don’t know how to describe it, but it feels like things are kinda sad.

The day before Mami’s feast day, I had a really bad panic attack to the point where I dissociated. I haven’t done that since I was a teen, so that threw me for a loop. Since then, things have felt off.

Last night, I had this sensation like Mami’s feeling down or sad. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it felt like she needed a mom herself, so I told her to let me be her mommy for just a minute, I acted like I was holding her as a baby in my arms, and I sang her a lullaby.

I’ve been trying to figure out why things feel this way. I’ve been trying to figure out it’s not me accidentally projecting myself onto her, but so far I’ve been doing pretty good, however since my panic attack, I’ve been trying to take it easy with myself since I haven’t had anything like that happen in a very long time, so I’m taking care of myself.

Has anyone felt like this before? How would I navigate this?

Santa Muerte has done miracles for me, and I am here to give her the praise and profound recognition of Her spiritual support and grace.

See, I woke up in a body bag in 2018 after fighting my addiction to opiates, specifically street heroin. I was thrown back into my body and I realized after my steady devotions in 2021 that it was She who protected me.

I tried to commit suicide in march 2022 after losing my Brother to murder in Milwaukee. I was spared.

In 2023 I prayed and asked for a door to be opened after almost getting abducted with my girlfriend (who was TikTok known). Long story. Well I was able to travel the entire United States in style, even driving a brand new Mercedes off the lot for a trust fund character.

I got married on standing rock, being native reconnected to my traditional ways. The story goes on.

Santa Muerte is quick and responsive to answer my prayers. I am so grateful for her help to me. I’ve been through some rough things. Now I’m married with a wife and awesome children who we have in my family. I am a protector and a warrior. I am so grateful to have these blessings in my life. Miigwech Santissima thank you for allowing me to live a better life.

I’m just now starting to get closer and closer to becoming a devotee after many years of feeling her around me and calling on me. I’m still learning and gathering the proper information. I have several questions.

I plan on making her an alter at some point and I was wondering if it’s frowned upon taking her off the alter and taking her with me to another room? If I wanted to craft or do my make up and talk to her at same time. Would it be something that she would be ok with? Because I’d love to sit around and chit chat with her as I’m doing other things as well.

Another questions I have is… how do you care for the alter or your are out of town? Could someone trusted in your family replace her water/flowers/candles etc.? Or do I tell her that I will be gone for a bit and that I will return and take care of her?

Thank you in advance for any answers.

Right now I worship the Greek gods and do ceremonial magic and I feel like Santa muerte is calling me but I don't know for sure I don't even know her. How do you know if your being called and how do I start with worshiping her respectfully

This looks super cool.

Hello,

For context I am in my mid twenties and I was experiencing hardships that led to getting an offer to my dream school rescinded, as well as my backup school. I was also having a lot of issues in my personal life and was left with nothing but my relationship, a friend group, and my best friend outside of that.

Long story short, the friend group betrayed me and lied to my ex about my character and accused me of something I didn't do which led to my relationship (whom I met through them) ending.

I was devastated and depressed, and buried myself in work to avoid my issues and seeming lack of future because I didn't have anywhere else to go. I neglected myself outside of work and never gave myself time to pray but one day, I cried and cried to Mami and broke down in front of her statues. I asked for her help and gave her a kiss on her head, hand, and feet.

Within the week, I got into a school in a part of the country I always wanted to live in but was scared to move to. I accepted it and will be going next year. I also received a good raise at work and lost weight after stalling for a few months in my journey.

I prayed to Mami about my ex-friends and my ex because I am cautious about doing spellwork, and got the message from her that I should make an exception. I did a fighting/separation freezer spell 8 days ago, particularly targeting the main person who started it all, her partner, and my ex. I put it in the freezer and didnt check it til today.

It's frozen solid and is molding!! Im not sure how that works as I made sure to leave room for expansion. 8 days in and it looks NASTY!!! I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experience on this? I imagine it's not a good sign for them but was curious if anyone has anything to add. I've been praying to Mami for 8 years but truly began my devotion 2.5 years ago.

TLDR;

I was betrayed by friends, asked mami for her intercession and was called to do spellwork. The freezer spell I put them in is molding 8 days in. Thoughts?

I’m veryyy new and still learning how to upkeep her altar and what I should do with her each day like do I light a candle/ incense everyday how often do I give her offerings?

I grew up catholic and ik when I pray u do the 3 moments with ur hands and say “in the name of the…” etc but do I do that when I’m praying to Santa muerte ? Or do I just pray to her, do I have to put my hands up like when ppl usually do when they pray to god ? I’m not very religious so I don’t know what’s right and i wanna do it the right way. Just don’t know how to start off and end the prayer.