will always be His faithful servant and that of all existing things. This figure is always dressed with a robe and is holding a scythe, which symbolizes the tool needed to cut all bad energy that affects the human beings.
Sitting on the floor
This image is used as a symbol of humility and devotion. It is placed on simple altars, but it is as powerful as any other figure.
Standing
This is the most well-known position. It is a whole-body figure covered with a robe from head to toe, with a strip round the waist, and the sleeves of the cloak covering three quarters of the body. The figure is holding the world (which represents that the power of God over all life existing in this world is in its hands), a book, a scythe, a torch or a scale.
This Holy Death transmits strength and majesty, it symbolizes protection and sanctity.
This figure can be found in other Catholic altars, since it is the equivalent to the Christian Virgin.
Wherever this skeletal figure is placed, it is always seen with great respect and spiritual firmness. It has been represented with the great mystical depth of the white colour. The robe represents personal progress, health and prosperity in any aspect.
With open arms
It represents the defence, protection and benevolence of a mother. No matter what social class you belong to, you will always be welcomed into her arms. The Holy Death will help you in any situation, no matter how difficult it may be. The robe is baggier. In one hand there is the world, and in the other, a scythe. This figure may be placed with other images as backup.
With an owl
The owl, that symbolizes the bond with the underground force, protects and stops all evil, it rejects and returns the negative energy.
The owl is an animal that warns you when there is hatred or evil in the environment. It is used in altars for protection and rejection.
The owl is usually between the feet.
The owl is a mystical animal par excellence that feeds at night since it has nightlife.
It is an animal that is always vigilant and watching that no evil energy or curse goes where this figure is placed and is one of the most akin to the Holy Death.
With a hourglass
This figure is usually standing and bent a little forward, dressed in a cloak and holding an hourglass.
It represents the time consumed by each living being, on the earthly plane. In the other hand there is an oil lamp, which represents the spiritual light of each devotee so the Holy Death can guide him or her in any situation no matter how difficult it may be.
From papier-mâché
These figures have their own energy because they are true works of art. They are hand-made and they are never the same, neither in size, shape or how they are painted or decorated. Papier-mâché figures are especially unique.
Pious
This form of Holy Death is sitting down, holding or carrying a human being.
This figure is holding the body of a person with one hand and his/her legs with the other. The head is slightly raised and looking forwards and upwards, begging for the Creator’s clemency for the devotees and for a fair trial; this Holy Death is always wearing a cloak.
If you have this figure, spiritual peace, abundance and harmony are granted.
Chapter 4 – Her Symbols
Scythe
The scythe is used to cut off all the negative energies sent by our enemies and free ourselves from any influence or evil sent to us.
Since scythes are also used to till, it symbolizes the harvest of a new hope and brings prosperity. In general, it cuts negative energies and provides security.
The Earth
The Earth represents the physical, economic or material part. It also contains the spiritual images that are concentrated in certain moments of time. It is the representation of the afterlife.
Having the world in the hand of the Holy Death means that you will achieve power in any field, and you will be ensured success in whatever you start. It gives you confidence, security, success, leadership ability, conquest and independence.
Hourglass
It is associated with the god of time in Greek mythology. It is a symbol of investment and the relationships between the afterlife and this world.
It has been linked to the ideas of perpetual movement of magical and divine beings.
The sand governs the time in our lives; we don’t have to live fast, but with full awareness of what we do and without looking for problems or complications. It helps us to have patience and to have confidence that all the proposed goals in life will be achieved, without hesitation.
We ask the Holy Death to have the time in our favour for what we need, whether slow or fast.
Owl
The owl is a nocturnal animal, whose sight is very sharp and has an infallible sense of direction. It represents our eyes and feelings. It helps us to move forward, despite being blind and confused by adversity.
We may not see the way out of a problem, but the owl will help us to stay the course in life and in the right direction.
It is also related to wisdom, helping to overcome your cultural expectations to act wisely. It boosts intelligence.
One of its skills is to act as the messenger of the Holy Death; therefore, it is useful for asking favours. In general, it helps to improve our intelligence, knowledge, ideas, creativity and orientation.
Lamp or lantern
It is a symbol of spirituality and intelligence. Light always shows us the right direction, the clarity and the decisions that will be taken in life. We can move forward if there is light.
It also accompanies us in times of darkness, or when we see that everything is a problem. It lifts us from ignorance and leads us to the truth. It makes us search within ourselves and think about the solutions to possible problems, without losing confidence in solving them.
It helps to have spiritual peace, clarity and harmony.
Scales
It is the mystical symbol par excellence of justice (Themis, the goddess of justice also carries a scale), and is of Chaldean origin. It is the balance between punishment and guilt.
The most common form of scale has two hanging plates -both the same size- arranged symmetrically, indicating that justice is impartial.
If the plates are asymmetrical, punishment and self-destructive forces are triggered, since the balance is broken.
It is associated with our balance, and the achievement of inner peace and happiness. In general, it helps us to have stability, peace, strength, security
