Saint Barbara

As one of the 14 holy helpers, this saint has maintained her reputation even after being removed from the liturgical list by the Vatican due to insufficient historical accounts of her true existence. Yet this hasn’t stopped her to reach a cult like status, especially in south America due to her associations to two orichas, Shango in Santeria and Iansa in Umbanda, the reason for this syncretism arises from St Barbara’s association with lighting, due to her father’s death by mean of this natural element under God’s hand.

St Barbara is associated with lightning, a tower, where she was kept imprisoned by her father, a sword due to her beheading and a palm as a symbol of martyrdom, sometimes she is also represented with a cup in hand, reason why she is offered wine.

Among her offering one finds red candles, red roses and flowers, wine and red apples, which some people hollow out to make oil lamps to work with her. In most parts it is difficult to differentiate when she’s being revered as an African spirit or as a catholic saint, most of the times I have found she’s seen as both at the same time. Reason why so many santeros celebrate her the 4th of December, even knowing she stands for Chango they still call it Saint Barbara’s feast.

Shes the patron saint of people who work with explosives, such as miners, military and things involving artillery, also those who have been imprisoned and architects because of the tower. But she’s mostly called on to protect people from injustice and help them defeat enemies and obstacles, some even ask her to reunite lovers, thou I have found accounts of workers who says this is not her strong suit, when I asked why, I was told her association with Chango, who was a womanizer, made her unfit to bring true and steady love, as a catholic I would be more inclined to say that a virgin martyr isn’t too keen on love affairs, but that’s just a loose opinion, especially since the trick I’m providing is for love.

On regards to her correspondences her color is red, her herb is the Snake plant according to Brazilian tradition and her amulet is usually a tiny golden sword worn to keep her protection over you.

Prayer to calm down storms: European.

Blessed Saint Barbara
In heaven thou has written
on paper with holy water
on the arch above the cross
three times: amen Jesus, amen Jesus amen Jesus.

To protect a couple with St Barbara: Caribbean.


In case there is a relationship that’s threatened by others whether by natural or supernatural means, you can call on this saint to help you.
Warrior of heaven, blessed Saint Barbara, hear my plea of love so that _______ and__________ may be joined both in body and soul. Protecting them so no one stands on their way to happiness and union. Anoint my hairs and quench my thirst with your infinite love toward my good wishes. Powerful guardian of justice and the impossible, fight on behalf of these two eternal lovers, so be it, amen.