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