Alternative Spiritualities and Popular Culture

Craigslist spiritual services ads give a digital view of transitioning patterns in popular metaphysical spirituality and practical occultism. With supplemental appendices for comparison sourced from FATE Magazine and assorted Spanish language sources.

A brief introduction to Johnathan Legaria Vargas, a 26 year old leader of Santa Muerte Internacional, murdered in 2008 that has since become sanctified among Santa Muertistas through the efforts of his mother, Madrina Vargas, who has taken the reins on both SMI and the Templo de Santa Muerte en Tultitlan.  Appendices include images from the temple, an exorcism account from Madrina Vargas, and a letter from Jeronimo Santiago reporting a miracle he attributes to Padrino Endoque and Santa Muerte.

Co-author - Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut, Chair of Catholic Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University