Hey Anons, I'm in the middle of a dig about the Santa Muerta cult.
Came across pic-related in an article I hadn't previously read. Couldn't help but thinking about the color purple worn by the Hillary clan the day following the 2016 election. Just an aside to the actual dig.
From the article, published February, 2013:
Santa Muerte: Inspired and Ritualistic Killings
By Robert J. Bunker, Ph.D.
"Santa Muerte rituals vary, and worshipers disagree about some of the symbolism and the proper procedures to gain the spiritual and physical results petitioned. However, adherents generally consider Santa Muerte a jealous and vengeful deity who demands that her followers conduct the rituals and sacrifices properly to avoid her divine wrath. Candle magic, herbs, oils, amulets, spiritual energy, and various mystical items play an important role (table 1). Often, the colors and mixtures of items employed determine ceremonial intent and arrangement of the altar. Components of the rituals also hold importance. Candles help to focus worshiper concentration and act as a conduit so that Santa Muerte receives the prayers. Smoke blown, alcoholic drink spit out, and narcotics smeared on statues are thought to help activate them. The bases of candles and statues also may have items or artifacts embedded in them and may be anointed with oils and herbs to enhance their power. More extreme forms of worship involve bowls of blood—animal and human—at the altars and smeared on the religious icons and on the devotee as part of a blood pact."
https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/santa-muerte-inspired-and-ritualistic-killings