S2 #54 / Ed Calderon on Santa Muerte

In this episode, I sit down with Ed Calderon to delve deep into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of Santa Muerte, the Mexican folk saint associated with death. Drawing on over a decade of experience working in counter-narcotics, organised crime investigation, and public safety in Mexico, Ed provides a unique perspective on the cultural and spiritual practices surrounding Santa Muerte. During his career, Ed also coordinated executive protection details for high-level government officials and dignitaries, often in some of the most dangerous parts of the country, giving him unparalleled insight into Mexico's criminal and spiritual undercurrents. We explore Santa Muerte's complex origins in Catholicism and pre-Hispanic traditions, her evolution as a figure of devotion, and her connection to Mexican criminal occultism. Ed shares his personal journey, beginning with his upbringing in Tijuana, where Catholic traditions and veneration of figures like the Virgin of Guadalupe shaped his early spiritual framework. He discusses his firsthand experiences with the Mexican drug war, and how Santa Muerte became a pivotal force in his path toward healing and sobriety. We also discuss Ed's in-depth study of indigenous Mexican criminal culture, focusing on occult practices. His insights into the practices and rituals surrounding Santa Muerte, from offerings and altars to the significance of her colors, provide a rare glimpse into this fascinating faith. The Plus Show: In the extended Plus show, Ed recounts a shocking ritual he underwent—a simulated burial performed overnight under the influence of powerful hallucinogens. The ceremony, officiated by female practitioners, involved treating participants as if they were already dead: they were stripped of belongings, prayers were said over them, and they were buried in shallow graves. At daybreak, the participants were pulled from the graves, cut on the foot and palm, and had three secrets whispered to them, one being, "You are already dead." This intense ritual, likely a trabajo or spiritual working, blended Catholic rites with folk magic elements from traditions like Santería. Ed reflects on how this extraordinary ritual influenced his perspective and deepened his understanding of spiritual practices in Mexican culture. Show Notes: Plus show https://www.patreon.com/posts/ed-calderon-on-117886076 Ed's website https://www.edsmanifesto.com/ Ed's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ Ed's practice Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lasantayelmonje/ Santa Muerte https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Muerte El Charro Negro https://www.instagram.com/p/C_4KkTgyS5O/ Keep in touch? https://linktr.ee/darraghmason Music by Obliqka https://soundcloud.com/obliqka