Mystic Souls, Saints & Sages
Original Art by Corina
Title: Santa Teresita de Cabora - Angel of the Borderlands
12" x 12" Acrylic & India Ink on Canvas
Title: “Santa Teresita de Cabora - Angel of the Borderlands”
12 x 12 acrylic on canvas
Artist: Corina Gabaldón
“We who are in the world must love one another and live in peace.”
Santa Teresita de Cabora, also known as “The Angel of the Borderlands,” was a Yagui Indian and curandera (Mexican mystic healer). People came from all over to seek her healing powers, and her hometown of Cabora, México became a pilgrimage site. She became a saint by the people – Mestizos as well as Spanish, but in particular the Mayo and Yaqui Indians, although she never recognized herself as one.
Santa Teresita was also an herbalist, singer, guitarist, rider, clairvoyant and fortune-teller. She believed in non-violence and love, which made living in Mexico’s pre-revolution time difficult and led to Porfirio Díaz government’s accusation of inspiring rebellions, and her eventual move to the United States rather than face imprisonment. She lived in El Paso, Texas for awhile, and then settled in Arizona with frequent moves to California. She died of tuberculosis at the age of 33.
The writer, Luis Alberto Urrea, her greatnephew, writes about her in his books, The Hummingbird’s Daughter and Queen of America, and the Tucson poet and artist, Elena Díaz Björkquist, performs the character of Santa Teresita throughout the Southwest.
Title: Santo Tomás - Patron Saint of Architects & Builders
12" x 12" Acrylic & India Ink on Canvas
Santo Tomás (Saint Thomas), the saint of secrets, was one of Jesus’s original disciples. He is believed to be Jesus’s twin brother. He initially doubted the resurrection of Jesus, until he touched his wounds. His skepticism inspired the phrase “doubting Thomas’. Santo Tomás is invoked against doubt, especially self-doubt.
Santo Tomás is the patron saint of builders, architects, carpenters, construction workers, masons and stonecutters. He is patron of the blind and is invoked to heal any kind of visual or eye disorder. Santo Tomás can also be requested for protection against malevolent spells and witchcraft. He is among those saints with deep magical reputations.
Santo Tomás is also the patron saint of India. Legend has it that he traveled to India, where he preached the gospel, performed miracles and worked as a carpenter.
His original feast day was Dec 21, on or near the winter solstice, and it is now July 3. Saint Thomas Eve, the night before his feast day, is considered among the most powerful times for divination. During this time, one can ask him to bless you with protection, health and longevity.
Title: Santa Bárbara - Patron Saint of Miners, Geologist,
Golfers & Protector from Lightening
12" x 12" Acrylic & India Ink on Canvas
“Blessed Santa Bárbara/Your story is written in the sky/With paper and holy water.”
Above is the popular Spanish phrase regarding Santa Bárbara. She was mentioned in a 1936 play by Federico García Lorca, La Casa de Bernarda Alba.
Santa Bárbara is among one of the most popular of all saints. It is believed that much of her popularity is due to her connection with the beloved Shango, an African orisha (saint), who is the spirit of lightning and thunder. Her feast day is December 4, and sometimes on December 17.
Santa Bárbara is the patron saint of firefighters, miners, geologists, golfers, soldiers and anyone who works with explosives. She is also protector from thunder and lightning. If you are caught in a thunderstorm, you can ask her to keep you safe. In addition, she protects against all kinds of fiery death, including death from artillery, explosions, and fires as well as land mines.
Santa Bárbara is associated with divination to assist in making decisions. She is also invoked for help with conception in general and specifically by parents who wish to bear curly-haired children. She heals sick children as well.
Title: St. Francis - Patron Saint of Ecology
20" x 20" Acrylic & India Ink on Canvas
This painting depicts St. Francis (San Francisco), who is the patron saint of animals and the ecological movement. He is surrounded by a group of animals of New Mexico that are on the endangered species list - the Mexican wolf, the Mexican long-nosed bat, the Mexican spotted owl, the whooping crane, the bison (ecologically), the New Mexican ridge-nosed rattlesnake and the Rio Grande silvery minnow (with my own adaptations and enhancements). I also chose to paint this image in the form of a mandala as the circle symbol is universal, sacred and divine. It represents the sacredness of eternal being and can be used for healing. It is my hope that this mandala painting fills people with peace and opens hearts to creating a world in balance and harmony with all life.
Title: Sta. Cecilia - Patron Saint of Musicians
12" x 12" Acrylic & India Ink on Canvas
Santa Cecilia is the patron saint of singers, musicians, composers, makers of musical instruments and poets. She is a saint who is recognized by most branches of Christianity, and is one of the most famous of the Roman martyrs. It is told that she heard heavenly music in her heart on her wedding day.
Santa Cecilia is usually depicted playing a musical instrument. The National Academy of Santa Cecilia in Rome, Italy, is one of the oldest musical institutions in the world. Her feast day is on November 22, and is an occasion for musical concerts and festivals. It has been celebrated since about the fourth century.
Santa Cecilia is invoked to clear paths and remove obstacles, literally and metaphorically. Offerings of candles and roses are made to her on behalf of struggling musicians or for creative works in her honor.
Santa Cecilia is one of seven women, excluding the Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She is also the first saint known to be incorrupt. The Basilica of St. Cecilia is believed to have been built on the site of her family mansion.
*******
All giclée prints were done by Dunking Bird Productions, a digital design and print company that caters to the needs of digital artists and collectors of fine artworks. For more information, go to:www.dunkingbirdproductions.com
Soul Insights owns and reserves the rights to the imagery it has created and displayed here. No reproductions of any of these photographs in any form, for any use, is allowed without the express written consent of the artist.