Edited By
Fiona Kelly

A Mexican student living in the U.S. faces ethical dilemmas regarding the practice of Santeria following bullying stints during a study abroad program. Amid emotional turmoil, she contemplates revenge against peers who spread harmful rumors, while a friend offers to use spiritual methods for justice.
The student, affected by severe bullying and mental health issues, shared her troubling past with a friend whose family practices Santeria. This friend proposed a drastic solution: applying spiritual interventions to harm those who lied about the student. The student's hesitation stems from her unfamiliarity with Santeria and its ethical implications.
The conversation surrounding this topic revealed several important themes:
Ethical Concerns of Practicing Santeria
Many commenters insisted that true practitioners would not use their beliefs to harm others, stating, "No real santero will tell you they can hurt another living being."
Moving Forward without Malice
Responses emphasized the importance of letting fate take its course. "Leave justice in the hands of the Orishas. If you behave honorably, people will see that."
Awareness of Spiritual Backlash
Several individuals noted that attempting revenge through spiritual means can lead to negative consequences. One commented, "Those people tend to have that kind of work backfire really quickly."
"I completely understand the desire for vengeance or justice,โ one user shared, highlighting that itโs vital to be cautious with such powerful forces.
While many responses were supportive of the studentโs struggles, there was a consistent urging to avoid retaliation. The sentiment leaned towards personal growth over seeking revenge, indicating a strong moral undertone in the community discussions.
โ๏ธ Ethical practitioners of Santeria advise against using their practices for harm.
๐ Fostering personal integrity is crucial when dealing with emotional injustices.
๐ Spiritual repercussions can arise from vindictive actions, leading to unintended consequences.
This evolving story continues to highlight the importance of ethical considerations in spiritual practices, especially when faced with deep personal challenges. How will the impacted individuals navigate the complex interplay of justice and spirituality?