Santa Muerte, aka Holy Death, is a folk saint and personification of death known for her many powers. People turn to her for help in various life areas as she will help anybody who petitions her, no matter what their request. Each colour she wears represents different energies and influences. From gold for abundance to blue for communication, each hue connects with specific wishes and needs. In this post, we’ll explore Santa Muerte’s seven powers and their corresponding colours. I have also included a Seven Powers of Santa Muerte Tarot spread that can guide you on how to best integrate each of the seven powers in your own life.
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The Seven Powers of Santa Muerte
The idea of “seven powers” in Santa Muerte worship likely has roots in African spiritual traditions that came to the Americas during the slave trade. Many African religions feature deities or spirits with multiple aspects or manifestations, often associated with different colours and attributes.
Colour Symbolism and African Traditions
The use of different colours to represent various aspects of Santa Muerte’s powers shows similarities to African and Afro-Caribbean religious practices:
- Gold (Abundance): In Yoruba, gold corresponds with Oshun, the orisha of wealth and prosperity.
- Red (Love and Passion): Red is significant in many African traditions, often linked to powerful spirits and life force.
- Purple (Transformation): While not as common in traditional African religions, purple has gained significance in syncretic practices.
- White (Purity): White is universally important in African spiritual traditions, often representing purity and the spirit world.
- Black (Protection): Black is a powerful colour in many African traditions, associated with mystery and spiritual strength.
- Green (Justice): Green is often linked to healing and balance in various African spiritual systems.
- Blue (Communication): In Yoruba, blue is the colour of Yemaya, the orisha of the sea and motherhood.
Syncretic Development
The seven powers of Santa Muerte represent a syncretic blend of various cultural influences. The African contribution to this concept comes through the process of religious bricolage, where practitioners actively incorporated elements from different traditions into their rituals1.
Conclusion
While Santa Muerte’s seven powers cannot be attributed solely to African origins, the influence of African Diasporan religious traditions is significant. The concept of deities represented by different colours aligns closely with African spiritual practices that survived and evolved in the Americas. This African influence, combined with indigenous Mexican and European Catholic elements, has contributed to the rich and complex tradition of Santa Muerte worship we see today.
The Seven Colours of Santa Muerte
Gold: Abundance and Prosperity
The gold-robed Santa Muerte is associated with financial success, abundance, and material wealth. Devotees may petition her for:
- Business success and growth
- Financial stability and prosperity
- Attracting new opportunities for wealth
- Protection of material possessions
Red: Love and Passion
Red represents love, passion, and sexuality. Petitions to the red-robed Santa Muerte may include:
- Finding a romantic partner
- Strengthening existing relationships
- Rekindling passion in a marriage
- The return of a wayward lover
Purple: Transformation and Health
Purple symbolises wisdom and magic, and transformation from negative to positive. It can also be used for healing. Devotees might ask for:
- Recovery from illness or injury
- Protection against diseases
- Positive life changes
- Spiritual growth and enlightenment
White: Purity and Protection
White represents purity, peace, and protection. Petitions to the white-robed Santa Muerte may include:
- Cleansing of negative energies
- Protection from accidents and misfortunes
- Bringing peace to a troubled situation
- Purification of mind, body, and spirit
Black: Protection and Revenge
Black is associated with protection against negative forces and revenge. Devotees might petition for:
- Protection against curses or black magic
- Shielding from physical or psychic attacks
- Returning bad energy to the sender
- Removal of obstacles and enemies
Green: Justice and Legal Matters
Green represents justice and is often associated with legal issues. Petitions to the green-robed Santa Muerte may include:
- Favorable outcomes in court cases
- Protection from legal troubles
- Fair treatment in the justice system
- Resolution of disputes
Blue: Communication and Peaceful Relationships
Blue symbolises communication, harmony, and peaceful relationships. Devotees might ask for:
- Improved communication in personal and professional relationships
- Peaceful resolution of conflicts
- Enhanced ability to express oneself clearly
- Harmony in social interactions and community relations
Please note that while these colours are commonly associated with specific aspects, individual practices may vary. These are also not the only colours used. Other colours commonly used are yellow, amber/orange, brown and silver. Devotees often combine colours or use multi-coloured representations of Santa Muerte to address multiple concerns simultaneously. Some devotees only light candles and say prayers and others use the coloured candles in elaborate magical workings that can last for many days.
The Seven Powers of Santa Muerte Tarot Spread
This 9-card spread is designed to provide insight into how to manifest the seven powers of Santa Muerte in your life, with additional cards for overall guidance. It puts you at the centre of the process of change which is where La Madrina wants her devotees.
- Center Card: Overall energy and current situation
- Gold: Do this to generate more abundance
- Red: Ignite passion here
- Purple: Do magic on this
- White: Bring peace to this
- Black: Protect this
- Green: Seek justice/rebalancing of the scales concerning this
- Blue: Speak your truth on this matter
- Advice from Santa Muerte for integrating these energies
To perform this spread, light a candle and invoke the guidance of Santa Muerte. Shuffle your tarot deck and lay out the cards according to the graphic above. As you interpret each card, consider how it relates to the corresponding power of Santa Muerte and the area of your life it might be influencing. This spread can offer a comprehensive view of how these diverse energies are at play in your current circumstances and guide you on how to harness them effectively.
Above all, Santa Muerte wants you to remember that you hold the power when it comes to changing the circumstances in your life. She performs miracles for sure but she particularly helps those who are willing to help themselves.
CLICK HERE for my reading with this Tarot spread over on Santa Muerte Daily!
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