When Walter Mercado, the famous & charismatic Puerto Rican astrologer and TV personality, passed away he left a whole in the heart of his fans. He was known for his flamboyant style, dramatic capes, and his signature sign-off “Muchos, muchos besos” (Many, many kisses). Mercado’s horoscopes & annual predictions were published in the Nuevo Herald, and they have continued to publish horoscopes.
For general luck in a New Year, not only did Walter suggest wishing on 12 grapes at midnight and tossing dirty water out the door that absorbed negative energy of the year, but Walter also suggested that you light three candles in the color represented by your zodiac sign, and walk throughout your house, invoking the power of Dios poderoso, to bring you closer to God. He also often suggested baths to ward off evil spirits & negative energy or even a bath with champagne, wine & crystals to attract love.
Although no one can begin to replace Walter Mercado, there are several spiritual advisors across Latin America who want to share their predictions and help you find your path & happiness in life. Walter Mercado’s family- their nieces and astrologers Betty and Dannette- continues their vision. You may want to check out Alfonso Leon, Vieira Vidente, Bridgette Love, Liliana Zuniga & Mhoni Vidente. What made Mercado truly special was that he wasn’t just an astrologer – he was a cultural phenomenon who used his platform to spread messages of love, acceptance, and hope. His predictions weren’t just about telling people their future; they were about empowering them to create better futures for themselves.
Of course our expertise is travel, but we do enjoy sharing popular traditions, superstitions and astrology in our posts this time of year.
Walter’s nieces continued the tradition and had suggestions for how to go into the new year. Each suggestion is geared towards your astrological sign. For example, there were suggestions on what color to wear to bring luck, light incense and what scent would be most valuable to your sign, certain colored candles to light as an offering, and suggestions for bathing with white flowers and perfume.
His Predictive Approach: Unlike many traditional astrologers who focused solely on celestial movements, Mercado combined multiple metaphysical practices:
- He would often meditate for hours before making major predictions
- He integrated Western astrology with Santería, Eastern philosophy, and psychic readings
- He studied Tarot cards, numerology, and Chinese astrology to create comprehensive predictions
- He was known for reading crystals and using them during his predictions
We have several other posts that you may want to read including New Year’s Lucky foods, New Year’s Lucky Colors and New Years Traditions and Superstitions.
Remember, New Year’s is synonymous with hope. It is a time for new beginnings, a time to put the past behind us, learn from past mistakes, and embrace a new attitude.
