Do you have a question regarding Santa Muerte or ISM? Feel free to browse our list of Frequently Asked Questions. Not seeing the answer you are looking for? Reach out to us on our Contact Us page or send an e-mail to admin@internationalsantamuerte.com
Altars
Can I make a temporary/portable altar?
Absolutely. If you are going to be traveling out of town or away from a shrine or altar, you can definitely make a temporary or portable altar. Remember, all you really need is a picture or photograph of Santa Muerte. You can be creative and make a more elaborate portable altar using a suitcase, a cardboard box, a car trunk, or anything else you can think of. If you are traveling out of town or out of the country, you can click here to check and see if there is a shrine located near you. For more information on altars, click here.
How long do I need to keep an altar or a shrine up if I’m going to use Santa Muerte once?
There is no set time limit for how long you need to keep an altar up. However, it is safe to say that the larger or more grand your request, the more you must sacrifice and give up. Santa Muerte is capable of giving much, but there is a cost associated with that. The more you give to her, the more she gives back to you. For example, if you are going to ask her to keep you safe while you travel, she will grant that favor as a token of goodwill so long as you pray to her. If you’re going to ask her to protect your house and family from evil, make your business venture a success, and cure your mother’s sickness, you may want to consider how much you’re asking for and how much you’d be willing to give. Why you would limit yourself to use Santa Muerte once, especially when you see how powerful she is once she grants what you asked for? You should be willing to welcome her into your life from here on out, although she always has been and always will be there forever.
History
Lifestyle
My significant other believes in Santa Muerte while I totally disapprove and cannot cope with this. How will this affect our relationship?
Hopefully in a positive way. First, everyone (including those who worship Santa Muerte) should be tolerant of other people’s beliefs. Is his/her belief really going to be a deal breaker? Are you expecting to find someone that shares every single one of your views or beliefs? If the latter is true, then you are not only setting unrealistic expectations but also missing out on a lot of interesting things the world has to offer. If this is an issue of your religion having strict rules on whom you may marry, and you are going to adhere to these rules, then this relationship probably should not have begun in the first place. Is your love for your significant other stronger and more powerful than your aversion to breaking your religious customs and dealing with the fallout associated with that? If yes, then you have your answer. If not, then you also have your answer. It may surprise you that your significant other is probably asking Santa Muerte to improve your relationship. Check out all of the prayers and rituals associated with love and relationships. Ask him/her about their relationship with our Mother Death. Communicate.
Meanings and Symbology
What does a black robe on Santa Muerte represent?
The black robe on Santa Muerte represents protection from enemies, revenge, justice, and other darker attributes.
What does a red robe on Santa Muerte represent?
The red robe represents passion, love, energy,
What does a white robe on Santa Muerte represent?
The white robe represents purity, health, cleansing, blessings, and light.
What do the other colored robes on Santa Muerte represent?
Typically the other colors are an extension of the primary three: red, white, and black. That is to say, these three colors represent the full spectrum of Santa Muerte’s power. For more information on the colors associated with Santa Muerte, go here.
Offerings
My candle is broken. What do I do?
If you have a candle, trinket, or other accoutrement that has broken, it is highly recommended that you replace it. We are giving our thanks and offerings in the name of our Holy Lady. Give her the respect that she deserves.
Where do I place spoiled/old offerings?
The best place to put these would be in a compost pile. From the earth, back to the earth. Remember to keep all offerings fresh and as new as possible. Otherwise, you can bury them out in a scenic place, by a tree, or elsewhere in nature. Be mindful of animals, vermin, critters, rodents, and bugs. For example, if there are bears in the mountains you do not want to introduce them to human food. If you live in a city and have raccoons that will dig up your offerings and fling other trash all over the place, then your old offerings should be placed elsewhere. If these are a problem, then it is best to place it in the trash.
Where do I place burned out/used candles?
These can go into the trash can. If your city offers recycling, you should definitely recycle any glass.
Practice
Can I start a novena on any day of the week?
Yes.
How long does Santa Muerte take to work?
It depends on what you are asking for, but generally very quickly. Some things may begin immediately; some may take a little bit longer. For example, enlisting Santa Muerte’s aid in protecting your home will call her forth immediately, while asking her to help your community become safe and prosperous may take a little while (although some effects may start happening immediately). Your personal relationship with her, as well has how much you are willing to give may also have an effect on how swiftly she works.
What happens if my candles turn off? Does that mean that I will not be helped?
If your candle goes out no big deal. These things happen. Do not take it as an ill omen or a denial to your request. Relight the candle or better yet obtain a new one, and begin again.
What prayer can I use to improve my love life?
You can ask Santa Muerte to help you find a new lover, return an old lover, keep a lover faithful, or enact revenge for a wrongdoing. Please check out our section on love prayers and rituals.
Please leave a comment below, send us an e-mail at admin@internationalsantamuerte.com, or use the Contact Us form if you have any questions not listed on this page!