All religions are throwbacks. Western Christianity has strong roots in the pagan art of Rome. The reason? It’s a way of drawing in converts. It’s a new religion but it also reminds people of “the old” religion. It’s why Catholics have always used black figures in art in trying to convert folks in Africa.
AKA Combining Paganism and Christianity. AKA Whoring around with other religions and gods.
There’s a fine line between syncretism and abomination. When you can say your practice is pretty much identical to the vile practices of a death cult like Santa Muerte, that should be a clue as to which side of that line you’re falling on.