# Drug-Dealing Deities National Geographic Editorial on Mexican Saints Uncovers Odd God By Robyn Currie | Published 2010-05-06 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mexican-saints References: [ngm.nationalgeographic](http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/05/mexico-saints/schwartz-photography) Mexican saints are generally way cooler than their European and American counterparts. We don't have any one spiritual guide dedicated strictly to helping a drug deal go smoothly, and if we did, it sure wouldn't be a [lady skeleton](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/da-de-muertos-seasonal-medley). La Santa Muerte is often depicted as a skeleton in a shawl or bridal wear; you pray to her to ensure the safety of loved ones crossing the border, for a smooth drug deal, or perhaps something even more nefarious. I am not one to practice any one religion, but these Mexican saints have me changing my mind. Read the National Geographic article at the links provided. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Rise of Niche Spirituality:** Creating spiritual guides dedicated to specific needs, such as ensuring safety during drug deals or other questionable activities, presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation. - **Alternative Religious Practices:** Exploring alternative forms of religion that embrace unorthodox saints and deities opens up avenues for disruptive innovation in the realm of spirituality. - **Reinterpretation of Traditional Beliefs:** Reimagining and modernizing traditional beliefs by incorporating new elements and practices can lead to disruptive innovation within the realm of spirituality and faith. ### Who This Affects Most - **Religious Tourism:** The rise of niche spirituality and alternative religious practices presents opportunities for the religious tourism industry to offer unique experiences centered around unorthodox saints and deities. - **Art and Merchandise:** Developing artwork, merchandise, and collectibles inspired by alternative saints and deities can tap into the growing market of individuals seeking unique and unconventional religious expressions. - **Cultural Exchanges:** Promoting cultural exchanges that explore and celebrate the diversity of religious beliefs and practices can foster disruptive innovation in the realms of spirituality and faith. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mexican Artist-Honoring Cannabis Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alas-pa-volar.md) - [Mexican-Inspired Body Rituals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santu.md) - [Mexican Holiday-Inspired Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chef-merito.md) - [Mexican Aromatherapy Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santu-beauty-candles.md) - [Festive Día de Muertos-Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/da-de-muertos-dolls.md) - [Religious Mascot Official Merchandise](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luce.md) - [Globalized Spooky Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spooky-adventures.md) - [Luxurious Mexican Tequila Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tequila-don-julio-70.md) - [Moon-Inspired Mexican Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-chi-honors.md)