Five people in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca died after drinking a poison potion during a Santeria ‘power’ ritual. The victims, believed to be involved in Santeria, mixed the potion themselves and drank it in an attempt to acquire certain powers. The bodies were found at a house on the outskirts of Oaxaca city with no outward signs of injuries, and ranged in age from 18 to 55. Authorities are investigating the deaths as a group suicide, and tests are being performed to identify the substances found in the house.
Santeria is a faith that originated in Cuba, where African slaves blended Yoruba spiritual beliefs with Roman Catholic traditions. It has been implicated in previous cases of skullduggery in Mexico, including a man from a suburb of Mexico City who confessed to killing at least 10 women and claimed to have sold the bones of some of his victims to practitioners of Santeria. The man initially confessed to killing 20 women but was only able to provide details for 10 cases. This suggests caution in interpreting his statements.
In the past, shamanic and other rituals in Mexico have involved toxic or hallucinogenic substances like Devil’s Trumpet or jimson weed, and venom from the Colorado River toad. It is not known what substances were involved in the most recent deaths in Oaxaca. Santeria practices often involve potions and rituals, which can sometimes be dangerous or deadly if not performed correctly. Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances and substances involved in this tragic incident.
The Oaxaca state police chief, Iván García Alvarez, indicated that the people involved in the Santeria ritual drank the potion in an attempt to acquire powers, but the only result was their deaths from poisoning. Santeria is a complex belief system that combines elements of different spiritual traditions, and its practices can vary widely among practitioners. It is important to recognize that not all followers of Santeria engage in dangerous practices or rituals involving toxic substances.
The deaths in Oaxaca serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with certain spiritual practices and rituals. While Santeria has a long history and cultural significance in certain regions, it is crucial for practitioners to approach its rituals with caution and respect for their own safety and well-being. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and will work to determine any legal or criminal implications related to the incident. The tragic loss of life in this case underscores the importance of education and awareness when engaging in spiritual or religious practices that involve potentially dangerous substances or rituals.
