Paraldo (Oparaldo): what it is, what it is for and how to do it

The paraldo u oparaldo It is a ceremony of the Rule of Osha and Ifá that is performed to remove a curse from a person. disturbing EggunA negative energy, a curse, witchcraft, or a spiritual burden that has been affecting their path. It is one of the strongest and most delicate cleansings within the Afro-Cuban religion, especially when the consultation indicates that the spiritual influence is "behind" the person.

Its name is often explained as a ritual action to remove or cut off whatever comes from behind the body. Therefore, the paraldo works especially on the back, the nape of the neck, and the spiritual trace that accompanies the person. In many houses, it is associated with the Odu of Ifá. Otura Niko, although there are variations marked by other signs.

It is not a common cleansing ritual or a home cleansing. The paraldo must be indicated by divination and performed by a [unclear/practitioner]. babalawo o Awo of Orunmilabecause it involves Eggun, prayers, chants, coconut consultation, prescribed animals, and a proper ritual closure.

Quick fact sheet of the paraldo

Element	Traditional description
Name	Paraldo or Oparaldo.
Principal function	To remove a disturbing Eggun, negative energy, witchcraft, curse, or spiritual burden that affects a person.
Ritual meaning	It works on what comes from behind the body, especially spiritual burdens associated with the back.
Related Odu	Otura Niko, although there are variations in other Ifá signs.
Common element	An animal prescribed by divination, white, red and black cloths, coconut, candle, cascarilla and rum.
Who does it?	It must be performed by a Babalawo or Awo of Orunmila with ritual knowledge of Eggun, Ifá and the signs that mark the ceremony.
After the ritual	A bath with herbs, wearing white, and praying over the head may be recommended.
Warning	It should not be done by imitation or without consultation, because it is a delicate ceremony.

---

What is a paraldo?

Un paraldo It is not an ordinary offering. It is an Ifá ritual intended to separate a person from a harmful spiritual influence that the consultation identifies as a disturbing Eggun, a dark spirit, a sent burden, a curse, or witchcraft.

In the traditional view, certain burdens don't just manifest around the person, but cling to their back, their path, or their journey. That's why the paraldo (a type of cleansing ritual) is performed from the back of the body, using prayers, chants, cleansings, and elements prescribed by divination.

The paraldo is not performed based on mere suspicion. It must be prescribed by a consultation with Ifá or another legitimate form of divination within the religious house. The consultation determines if there is indeed a disturbing Eggun, what type of work is appropriate, which animal should be used, which signs are marked, and where the removed offering should be taken.

In some houses it is also called oparaldoBoth terms are used to refer to a ceremony of cutting, separation and deep cleansing, where the aim is to free the person from a harmful spiritual influence.

---

What is a paraldo used for?

The paraldo is used to remove strong spiritual burdens that cannot be resolved with a simple cleansing. It may be indicated when a person is being affected by a dark Eggun, a disturbing spirit, witchcraft, curses, spells cast upon them, spiritual stagnation, or a negative energy that has become attached to their path.

Among its main functions are:

• To remove a disturbing Eggun: It is performed when the consultation indicates the influence of a dead person that affects the individual.
• Cut off negative energies: It helps to separate spiritual burdens that come behind the body or accompany the person's trail.
• Cleansing witchcraft or curses: It can be indicated when Ifá points out spiritual works, harms, or sent influences.
• Protect the path: It seeks to free the person from that which holds them back, burdens them, or diverts them.
• Download the back: It works especially on the back of the body, where the load is considered to be placed.
• To end a spiritual persecution: It can be used when an energy or entity is following the person.
• Reinforce post-cleaning: In many homes it is accompanied by a herbal bath, white clothing and a head cleansing ritual.

The paraldo does not replace medical, psychological, or professional care when a health problem exists. Its function is religious and spiritual, within the framework of Osha and Ifá.

---

Why does the paraldo work on the back?

Within the religious tradition, it is believed that a Eggun BurukuA disturbing spirit or harmful energy can position itself behind a person. It doesn't always manifest itself directly or obviously. Sometimes it's perceived as a weight, a hindrance, a shadow, fatigue, spiritual persecution, or the feeling that something is walking behind you.

That's why the paraldo works on the back. The back represents the trail, what the person doesn't see, what follows their path, and what they may be carrying without realizing it. The nape of the neck also has special importance because it relates to the back of the head and to spiritual influences that accompany from behind.

When the Awo cleans the back with the prescribed animal, the intention is to transfer that burden to the animal's body so that it can then be removed, wrapped, and taken to the place marked by the oracle.

This logic explains why the paraldo is not a superficial cleansing. It is a ceremony of separation, cutting, and transfer of a spiritual burden that is considered attached to the body or the path of the person.

---

When should a stop be made?

A paraldo should be performed when indicated by the consultation. It is not a ceremony to be carried out out of fear, curiosity, or unfounded suspicion. Ifá determines if the person needs a paraldo, what kind of paraldo is appropriate, and what elements should be used.

It may be indicated in situations such as:

• Disturbing Eggun Presence: When the consultation indicates that a dark dead person or negative entity is affecting the person.
• Witchcraft or curse: When a spiritual work, harm sent, or strong negative charge is detected.
• Persistent delay: When the person feels that nothing is progressing and the consultation points to a spiritual influence behind the problem.
• Heaviness in the back: When it is religiously interpreted as a burden, shadow, or negative trace.
• Dreams or signs involving the dead: If they appear persistently and the consultation confirms that there is a disturbance.
• Problems at home: When the burden is not only on a person, but also on the space where they live.
• Mandate of Otura Niko or another sign: When the Odu specifically indicates the need for this ceremony.

A religious diagnosis is essential. Not every feeling of heaviness, bad luck, or dream about the dead means a ritual cleansing is needed. The consultation provides direction.

---

Who can perform a paraldo?

The paraldo must be performed by a babalawo o Awo of Orunmilabecause it is a ceremony deeply related to Ifá, EggunThe signs that mark it and the correct closing of the work. It is not enough to know the materials or repeat steps seen in a text.

The person directing the removal must know what is being removed, how the load is moved, what signs are marked, which animal corresponds, how to check if the work was accepted and where the removed items should be taken.

A poorly performed paraldo can be incomplete or cause spiritual confusion. Therefore, it should not be performed as a home cleansing ritual or by people without a foundation in Ifá.

In some variants, such as Kuaraldo, a specific Orisha may intervene. orunmilaHowever, the direction of the work still depends on the Awo's judgment and what the consultation has indicated.

---

How do you do a paraldo?

The following description explains the general structure of the paraldo de Otura Niko For informational purposes only. Prayers, chants, symbols, animals, the purpose of the work, and internal details may vary depending on the consultation and the religious house. It should not be performed without the guidance of a [religious leader/priest/etc.]. babalawo o Awo of Orunmila with knowledge of Eggun and Ifá.

Materials used in a basic paraldo

Material	Use within the paraldo
Coco u Obi	It is used to check if the ceremony was accepted and what the work should be done.
Sailing	It brings light and accompanies the opening of spiritual work.
White cloth	It represents cleanliness, clarity, and elevation.
Red cloth	It is associated with strength, blood, movement, and ritual action.
black cloth	It receives and envelops the negative charge, disturbing Eggun or withdrawn energy.
Animal prescribed by Ifá	Receive the spiritual burden removed from the person, as determined by the consultation.
Husk	It is used to mark, cleanse and delimit the ritual space.
Schnapps	It is used in cleaning and activating work, especially on the back.

Preparing the circle and the fabrics

In the traditional form associated with Otura NikoA circle is marked on the ground with cascarilla (powdered eggshell). Within that space, Ifá signs related to the work can be written, such as Oshe tura, the sign marked in consultation and Otura She, or other Odus of Eggun according to the tradition of the house.

In the center of the circle are placed the white, red, and black cloths. The black cloth often receives a ritual mark, as it will be part of the closure and wrapping of what is being removed. In some houses, symbols related to Eggun are also written, such as Ogbe Sa, Oyekun Meyi, Odi Ka, Osa Fogbeyo, Ojuani Meji, ogunda fun, Ofun Meji or others, depending on the basis being worked on.

Location of the person and opening of the work

The person stands inside the circle, usually with their eyes closed. The animal prescribed by Ifá is given to them or placed near the nape of their neck and back, because the ceremony works on what comes from behind the body.

The Babalawo performs the moyugbaHe gives an account to Eggun and consults with coconut. He can also pray the Oshe Bile a EggunThis opening is not merely a formal beginning; it is the presentation of the work before Eggun, Ifá, and the forces that must receive the removed offering.

Back cleaning and load transfer

During the ceremony, liquor may be blown on the person's back, and the prescribed animal may be worked on their forehead, the nape of their neck, and especially their back. In some traditional forms, the animal is placed on the forehead while prayers are recited. ejiogbeand then on the back of the neck while praying Oyekun Meyi.

Then the cleansing of the back begins, while praying Otura Niko and working on the spiritual trace of the person concerned. The intention is that the disturbing Eggun, the negative energy or the burden marked by Ifá passes to the animal and is removed from the person's body.

Songs used in the paraldo

The chants are an important part of the paraldo, because they accompany the movement of cutting, separating, and withdrawing the spiritual burden. They are not mere embellishments or simple repeated phrases; they sustain the ritual force of the work and help mark the moment when the negative influence detaches from the person concerned.

Among the traditional songs that can be heard at this ceremony are:

Onile Onile Iku Winged Paraldo.
Onile Onile Iku Paraldo Somo.

It can also be sung:

Paraldo Ile Awo.
Paraldo Osa Awo.

These chants may be repeated several times while the Babalawo continues the cleansing and holds the closing of the ritual. The exact way they are chanted, the order, and the accompanying prayers may vary depending on the lineage, the sign, and the Awo's knowledge.

Exit from the circle and closing of the paraldo

At a certain point, the person is instructed to leave the circle. In some houses, this is done by jumping out of the ritual space, while the animal and the elements used remain inside the circle to seal the energy that was removed.

This moment symbolizes the separation between the person and that which was being released from their back or their trail. The person leaves the circle, but the burden remains within the ritual space to be sealed and removed.

Then one consults with Obi If the ceremony is complete, and the answer is favorable, the question is asked where the animal should be taken. The animal is wrapped in the cloths and taken to the place indicated by Ifá or the oracle.

After the paraldo, the person usually receives a bath prepared to remove any negative traces left on the body. In many houses, it is also recommended to wear white and, if the consultation indicates it, to perform a head cleansing ritual to stabilize Ori after such an intense ceremony.

---

What do you do after a paraldo?

After a paraldo, the person must follow the instructions given by the Babalawo. The ceremony does not end only when the offering is removed; it must also be properly concluded with a bath, rest, spiritual care, and, in some cases, a head cleansing ritual.

Some common recommendations are:

• Bathing with omiero: A bath prepared with herbs is used to remove any negative traces.
• Wear white: It helps to maintain cleanliness, clarity, and spiritual freshness after work.
• Avoid arguments: The person should remain calm and avoid conflicts.
• Do not return to the site of the work: If the paraldo was taken to a designated place, one should not return to look for or even look at what was left behind.
• To pray for one's head: It may be recommended to stabilize Ori after a strong cleanse.
• Follow the marked prohibitions: Each house may indicate restrictions according to the sign and type of paraldo.

These instructions are not the same in all cases. They depend on the sign, the type of paraldo, and what the Awo determines when closing the work.

---

What can you feel after a paraldo?

After a paraldo, some people may feel tired, lightheaded, sleepy, sensitive, or emotionally shaken. This may be due to the intensity of the ceremony, the process of spiritual release, or the intensity of the cleansing performed.

You may also feel relief, clarity, a desire to rest, or a sense of having released a burden. In other cases, the person may be quieter, more introspective, or vulnerable in the hours that follow.

That's why many houses recommend bathing with omiero, dressing in white, resting, avoiding arguments, not entering heavy environments, and not exposing yourself to situations that upset your mind.

If, after the ceremony, a person experiences severe physical discomfort, fever, intense pain, severe anxiety, or persistent symptoms, they should seek medical attention. The paraldo is a religious practice and does not replace professional healthcare.

---

What bath do you take after a paraldo?

After the paraldo, a ebó misi A spiritual bath to remove any remaining negative energy, cleanse the body, and conclude the ceremony. This bath is usually prepared by the Babalawos or Awo who led the ritual.

The tradition mentions various herbs and ingredients with cleansing and protective properties, among which the following stand out:

• Aberikunló: Known as the "dead scarer," it is essential for warding off disturbing Eggun influences.
• Afirin: Also called purple basil, widely used in cleansings and spiritual works.
• Pacific Ocean: It brings calm and protection to the astral body.
• Pinion: A strong element used in deep cleansing.
• Carob tree: Associated with firmness, protection, and breaking loads.
• Seedling: Widely used in works of spiritual defense.
• Romerillo: Herb that brings freshness and cleanliness.
• Cascarilla and Aguardiente: They are added according to the Awo's instructions to seal the cleansing and activate the bath's energy.

These herbs are used in conjunction with chants and prayers specific to the ceremony. It's not simply a matter of boiling plants, but of preparing a bath with ritual intention, knowledge, and authorization.

After bathing, the person may be instructed to dress in white, rest, and, if appropriate, have a [treatment/procedure/etc.]. head prayer to stabilize your Ori.

---

Types of paraldo

There are different forms of paraldo depending on the sign, the consultation, the person affected, and the purpose of the ceremony. Some are aimed directly at removing a burden from a person; others involve an Orisha; others are done to cleanse a house or an entire space.

Type of stopper	Traditional description
Paraldo de Otura Niko	Basic and best-known form, associated with the Odu where this ceremony originates or is governed.
Kuaraldo	Variant where a specific Orisha, chosen by Orunmila through consultation, intervenes.
Paraldo of Baba Ejiogbe	A powerful and delicate ceremony related to people who have Ejiogbe in the Hand of Orula or Ifá.
Oparaldo for the house	It is done to remove an Eggun or spiritual burden from a home or space.

Paraldo de Otura Niko

The Otura Niko paraldo is the most well-known form and is considered a central reference within this ceremony. It involves working with a circle, cloths, a prescribed animal, coconut divination, prayers, chants, and cleansing the back.

Its purpose is to remove the disturbing Eggun, or negative energy, that follows the person. The burden is transferred to the animal and then wrapped in cloths to be taken to the place indicated by the oracle.

Kuaraldo

El Kuaraldo It is a variant of the paraldo in which an Orisha intervenes. Unlike the standard paraldo, here the blood of the animal is given to the Orisha that has been determined by Orunmila through consultation.

The Orisha is not chosen based on personal preference. It must be determined by the osode or consultation where the work is decided. This variant requires greater care because it involves the foundation of a deity within the process of removing the burden.

Paraldo of Baba Ejiogbe

The Baba Ejiogbe initiation ceremony is both powerful and delicate. Tradition dictates that it should only be performed on individuals who have received Ejiogbe in their Hand of Orula or in Ifá, according to the corresponding instructions.

It is described as a complex work that may involve several paraldos in a single day, performed at different times and with different elements. Due to its depth, it should not be explained as a public recipe nor attempted outside of a priestly context.

Their mention in the article serves to show that not all paraldos are of the same level, nor do they apply to everyone. Each variant depends on the sign and the ritual authority that administers it.

Oparaldo to remove an Eggun from the house

The oparaldo can also be performed to cleanse a house when it is believed that an Eggun or spiritual charge is affecting the space. In this case, the ceremony focuses not only on a person, but also on the house, the furniture, those present, and the homeowner.

Traditionally, a clay pot, white, red, and black cloths, rum, honey, a candle, dried obi (kola nut), and a prescribed animal may be used. The procedure is related to the Otura Niko cleansing ritual but is adapted to the space being cleansed.

After cleaning the house and those present, the items are sealed and taken to the indicated place, such as the mountain or another destination marked by the consultation.

This type of work also requires knowledge. It is not a common household cleaning, but a ceremony to remove a spiritual presence or influence from the space.

---

Paraldo, Eggun and witchcraft

The paraldo is directly related to Eggun, but not every spiritual problem should be confused with a troublesome spirit. In some cases, the consultation may indicate Eggun BurukuIn others, it is witchcraft, a curse, a spiritual shadow, a sent burden, or a disturbance within the house.

Therefore, the paraldo is not done by intuition or fear. Ifá must determine if the work is appropriate, what kind of burden is being removed, what animal should be used, what signs are marked, and what the final destination of what has been collected will be.

When the work is correctly marked, the paraldo acts as a ceremony of cutting and separation: it removes what comes behind, cleans the spiritual trace and closes the path through which that influence was affecting the person.

---

Frequently asked questions about the paraldo

---

Other ceremonies and rituals of Osha and Ifá

Within the Rule of Osha and Ifá (Santería), there are various rituals, cleansings, and consecrations intended to promote balance, health, and spiritual evolution. If you wish to delve deeper into our religion and understand the purpose of each offering (ebbo), we invite you to explore our detailed guides: