Anima Sola

Anima Sola is one of the most mysterious and powerful figures worked with in Catholic folk magic. Depicted as a penitential spirit, most often a woman, bound in chains within the cleansing flames of purgatory, Anima Sola represents suffering, repentance, perseverance, justice, mercy, and the hope of eventual liberation.

Many have turned to Anima Sola in times of desperation, believing this soul understands suffering and can intercede on behalf of those facing life’s greatest challenges. Anima Sola has been petitioned for matters of love, protection, reconciliation, luck, bringing back a lover, prosperity, transformation, justice, domination, freedom, healing, road opening, and relief from spiritual, physical, or emotional suffering.

Because Anima Sola embodies the dichotomy of both imprisonment and liberation, she has long been petitioned in folk magic for both relief from harsh circumstances, including intercession on behalf of departed loved ones who are in need of elevation, and justice, ensuring that those who have caused harm experience the consequences of their actions; an enemy or former lover will remain in a state of hardship until sincere repentance, restitution, or release is earned.

To begin working with Anima Sola, preferably on a Monday, only a picture or statue, glass of water, prayer, and a white candle are needed. She would also accept white flowers. With modest offerings and much faith, some experience her as a hot spirit who works quickly. The sound of her chains dragging may announce her presence when invoked at midnight.

Many work with an Anima Sola who was a woman named Celestina Abdégano. According to legend, she was tasked with bringing water to those being crucified in Jerusalem. Some versions say she gave water to Dismas and Gestas, the two thieves crucified next to Jesus, but not to Jesus, possibly because fear kept her from helping him. Consequently, she was condemned to remain alone in purgatory.

Anima Sola is syncretized with Esu Alaguana and Marinette Pye Chèch, while also compared to La Llorona because some experience her to be always crying. Some say that if one works with Anima Sola too often that they might feel lonely, yet she offers comfort to those who are alone. Anima Sola reminds us that even in the midst of penury, there is hope and the possibility of freedom.