Elegua: Who is it? How to take care of it, history and more

Elegua is considered an Orisha of great relevance in the Rule of Osha and Ifa or Santeria. He must be attended before any other Saint, since he is considered the messenger of the offerings to the other Orishas, therefore, he must be entertained in the first instance to inform him of the works that are going to be carried out and of the request or request. Ultimately, all ceremonies begin by giving you knowledge of what will take place.

Who is Elegua?

It is known by several names: Eshu, Elegguá, Elegbara, Esu, Exu, Legba or Bara. In Cuba, Brazil, even in Nigeria itself, Eleggua is a very complex Deity. The simplest and at the same time more complicated way to define Elegua is that an «ambiguous Orisha». He can be a perfect protector of human beings, as he can be a ruthless judge of their conduct.

It is clear that for the Yoruba culture and its derived practices, the Orishas come to fulfill an intermediary role between the humans incarnated on this earthly plane and the sacred trilogy: Olodumare, Olofin, Olorum. They consider that almighty God does not intervene in the vicissitudes of the course of human life, since, for this, he granted that power to the Orishas. Thus, each Deity has attributions and virtues, through which it intervenes in the circumstances of men according to the need of the case.

Elegua represents light and shadows in the same proportion. His energy is extremely dynamic and also youthful. Besides being the messenger of the Deities, it is the interpreter of the language of the Orishas and of men, therefore, it is a fundamental part in the process of communication with spiritualities. It could be said that among its attributions is the work of improving relations between heaven and earth, as well as informing Oloddumare of the behavior of the Orishas and men, especially with regard to sacrifices.

Due to his constant disposition for action and his ability to adapt to the evolution of the human being, Eleggua can be considered a saint who manifests himself through various social roles. It is also an indispensable mobilizing force to start any job. He is the Orisha of changes and of life, therefore, nothing happens in life without him having knowledge or participation.

Elegua Characteristics

In Santeria Elegua It can be found on the corners, the crossroads, the roads, the entrances and exits of the city, the mountain and the savannah. Elegua is a traveler in constant movement. It symbolizes an ethereal element, energy in business, commerce, jobs, travel, changes, revolution, languages, the concrete mind. Considered a major Orisha. Holder of the keys to the paths of destiny. Porter of the border between misfortune and happiness. He is the first of the group known as: the warriors (Elegua, Ogún and Ochosi).

How is this Orisha?

According to the path (scale or avatar that the Orisha represents), it can be personified Elegua as a mischievous and greedy child; in other cases with a jovial, energetic and dynamic personality; other images describe him as a strong and virile man or a very old man. It is also believed that because of his personality, choose It is a symbol of joy, jocularity, it likes to make jokes, as well as it can be implacable and severe.

It can be both benevolent and unforgiving. Calm and protective while indifferent. Its energy represents the constant ambiguity of nature and therefore a balance. Knowledgeable of all the paths between the physical and spiritual and of all the possible traps. With a very delicate character that leads him to resent the slightest fault received.

In what sign does Elegua come down to earth? Isalaye

All the Orishas used the energy of an Odu (sign of Ifa) to pass from the invisible world (Orun), to the visible world (Aiye) or as it is commonly known "to descend from heaven to earth." Thus, each deity is related to a specific Odu known as his "Odu isalayé." Eleggua comes to this world through the Odu: Ogbe Irete (Ogbe Ate). Within the conversation of this sign it is possible to find data related to its paths and how it managed to spread throughout the world.

What is your number?

Elegua's number is 3 or any of its multiples, especially 21. The number 3 is considered a number of Divine character. Like Elegua, this number symbolizes the beginning and the end of all things. The importance of this digit is demonstrated by the rule of the number 3, which states that all things have 3 elements, that is, "a beginning, a middle, and an end; Another example of this is time, which is divided into 3 phases: present, past and future; and on a spiritual level, the relevance of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, the number 21 represents very marked characteristics of Elegua's personality such as: society, duality, charm, and communication. In addition to this, the mixture formed by the number 2 and the number 1 in that figure, manifests vibrations that are related to groupings, balance, mission and destiny of the soul, beginnings, progress, and success. That is to say, the relationship between Eleggua and the number 21 produces an energy that fosters the appropriate conditions for the efforts to result in the triumph over the objectives.

When is Elegua's day?

The day of the week that is attributed to Elegua is Monday, since it is commonly that day on which activities begin. On the other hand, its annual party usually celebrated on June 13, motivated by the syncretism of this Orisha with the Catholic saint Saint Anthony of Padua. Also, it is considered that his favorite days of each month are: the 1, 3, 7, 11 and 21.

Elegua's necklace (Eleke)

Eleggua necklaces are made with beads combined between the colors red, black and white. The use of these colors will depend on the paths that the foundation of Elegua has delivered to the consecrated person. In addition, the number of beads of each color that alternates will depend on the same reason, but always using the numbers corresponding to the Orisha.

His Colors

Elegua's colors are: red, black and white (sometimes).

Red is a ritual color that has been a part of many cultures since ancient times. It is very common in funeral ceremonies, used during sacrifices or healing. It has also been considered as a symbol of life. Red represents characteristics clearly related to Eleggua such as: excitement, strength, vitality, expansion, and dominance.

The black color on the other hand, represents darkness, even spiritual darkness, since in some cultures it is believed that negative energies or entities are hidden in the gloom. It is a tonality that conveys mystery and fear. This sensation is caused because as the color black predominates, it is not possible to differentiate shapes or paths. However, this color also expresses conversion, austerity, or power, elegance, prestige, and authority, for example: some clothes of characters who hold important positions are made using that tonality, as is the case of some priests, judges, police officers, or college-level graduates.

On the other hand, Elegua in some of her paths also makes use of the color white, which is interpreted primarily as light. In addition, it represents the presence of God, purity, order, and clarity in every way.

The combination of these colors is nothing more than the expression of the very nature of the Orisha. Both red and white are in contrast to black. Their union represents an ambiguity that starts from the absence of colors as a symbol of darkness or death (black), to the presence of light (white) or vital energy (red). Therefore, through the use of that mixture of tonalities, Elegua manifests itself as what it is: everything and nothing, life and death, the beginning and the end, war and peace, one and the other..

What is asked of Elegua?

Fundamentally, we can understand that Elegua is an Orisha whose purpose is to harmonize the life of human beings, and cause a balance through which they can live in peace. Therefore, your intervention is usually asked for the following matters:

First, Elegua cares for herself and entertains herself to be in tune with the Orisha and enjoy her blessing and sympathy, in such a way that she does not interfere negatively in our affairs.

To avoid conflictive situations such as: fights, confrontations, accidents, public and personal calamities.

To open the paths of all existence and have a positive development.

To carry the messages and the ebboses to Oloddumare and the rest of the Orishas, due to his work as an intermediary between men and divinities.

To protect the temples, the house and the cities.

So that it safeguards the dynamic balance between the spiritual and material planes.

To have economic evolution and financial stability.

To get rid of traps and enemies.

To achieve good negotiations, convince or dominate.

He is a protector of children by nature, therefore his care is entrusted to him.

For being the owner of the games of chance you are asked to have luck in your practices.

Basically, Elegua can be invoked to solve a myriad of circumstances, because he has knowledge of everything that happens both on the earthly plane and on the spiritual plane.

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Why is Elegua received?

It has become clear that Elegua is the Orisha who gives the opening in everything that relates to the ceremonial practices of the Osha and Ifa rule, therefore, between the benefits of receiving otá from Elegua it is found to constitute the first step towards initiation into this religion. In addition, the importance of having this foundation lies in the fact that as we keep its energy balanced with ours, Elegua will promote positive vibrations that will favor the unfolding of our life. Let us remember that serving him is very important to appease his revolutionary nature.

What is the Ota de Elegua?

The Elegua ota is a stone consecrated to that Orisha under the corresponding rituals of the Osha rule, through which it is possible to establish a connection with his spirituality to entertain him, attend him and request his help and intervention in the situations that we wish to solve. This otá is usually extracted from the mountain, and before its consecration it is necessary to determine if it can indeed be used for Osha rituals, if it corresponds to a stone where it is possible to settle the energy of Elegua, and if it vibrates with the energy of the person who You will receive it, in this way you have the certainty that its use will be of benefit to the initiate and your consecration can begin.

How is it received?

The first ceremony to receive otá from Elegua is performed through a ritual that takes place during a single day. It consists of a "secret" rite known only to consecrated persons, where through the use of songs, certain elements, and the respective liturgy, the previously chosen stone loses its profane character and acquires sacred qualities. The iyalosha (godmother) or the babalosha (godfather) officiating the consecration, who from that moment will fulfill the functions of religious guide of the person who receives it for the rest of his life, at the end he will deliver the foundation, which , should be treated based on the practice related to the Orisha.

When people are consecrated in kariosha (they crown or become holy) this foundation is again subjected to the same ritual, but this time it will be accompanied by a hand of snails, through which Elegua will reveal the advice of Itaimale to the just started, after the third day of his consecration.

When Elegua's children are crowned a saint, they receive their guardian angel twice, these two Otases are known as: Elegua Speaker and Head.

You can read: Elegua is bad?

The Image of Elegua

In Elegua's images, he is represented with clothing and accessories that include a small vest, knee-length trousers and a crossbody bag on the chest, usually made of sackcloth or red and black fabrics; he uses a straw hat and his doodle. You cannot miss güiritos loaded with brandy.

Attributes and tools

Eleggua usually uses the following elements as optional tools:

A bottle of brandy.

A guano or straw hat.

A decorated maraca with their colors.

A squiggle or baton of power, made from a guava tree stick.

Coins to attract good fortune.

A mouse trap to save your devotees from falling into traps.

Children's toys that are placed as a treat.

Keys to doors to open the paths of the initiates.

A clay plate where its foundation is mounted.

Elegua history

Much has been said about this Orisha, but let's go back to the beginnings of Elegua, his story begins in an African tribe where a king and his wife had a son whom they called: «Eleggua». Once, during the adolescence of that Prince, he went out for a walk until he reached a crossroads, that is, where four roads joined; After stopping for a long time, he observed on the floor a dry coconut that emanated a light of its own, immediately picking it up.

Without hesitation, he brought the amazing object to the palace, telling his parents about the strange light he had observed in it. No one believed such a story, so he ended up abandoning it. Once on the ground, the coconut rolled until it was hidden behind a palace door. Until one day, in which many important characters of that kingdom were present, the coconut again emanated those inexplicable lights, surprising and frightening everyone present.

Three days after that event, the young prince died and during the time that his funeral services lasted, the coconut kept shining, for which he was feared and respected by all.

With the passage of time the town was filled with conflicts and losses. The elders of that region after much deliberation concluded that this situation was motivated by the state of abandonment in which the coconut left by Eleggua was found, so they decided to worship it. However, when looking for it, they realized that it was in very bad condition due to the passage of time, so they decided to replace it with a stone that had the ability to last in perfect condition regardless of its age.

This story symbolizes the birth and origin of Eleggua. As well established by a Yoruba proverb that says: "Ikú lobí Osha", which translates into: "the dead gave birth to the saint." The death of the prince resulted in the worship of his spirituality by his descendants through the stone as an element that replaced the coconut.

Relationship between Elegua and Eshu

In Nigeria Eleggua is known as Is U (esu). Its scope is such that without the participation of Eshu the ritual practice would not exist. His intervention by not taking it into account would obstruct the benefactor energy channels and activate the harmful pathways for human beings. That is why it is feared and adored. Therefore, it is necessary to insist on clarifying that the practitioners of the Yoruba and African-American religion do not see Eshu as a demonic deity. He is simply a spirituality that balances this plane.

In Santeria or the Rule of Osha, Eshu is related to Eleggua. However, Elegua, is more docile and peaceful; in the case of Eshu, his unattached energy moves at great speed in all places acting at his pleasure and influencing all existing creatures. The duo: Eshu Elegua presents the undeniable reference between the positive and the negative. Two parallel energies in themselves that walk hand in hand and always represent a contrast, but that undeniably must be entertained to avoid setbacks and drive sacrifices to their desired destination.

Normally, the foundation of Elegua rests on the doorstep of homes, while Eshu can be easily located in external areas, thus establishing the border between two energies that are perfectly balanced.

Are Eleggua and Eshu the same Orisha?

Actually, this has always been the question. We could find the answer trying to define who is Elegua according to Osha's rule? This questioning generates multiple interpretations and even fierce controversies, because it gives rise to the discussion about the relationship between these Orishas. To try to answer that question we will analyze certain interpretations of various researchers on the subject. To begin with, we will take as a reference the statement made by Leonel Gámez Oshe Niwo and Águila de Ifa, in his book: Defending Our Traditions II, where they state that: «For Ocha, if an Olorisha delivers Elegbara, he is delivering an Echu that is obviously , Echu Elegbara. Although it does not have any charge secret, it really is an Echu and in Cuba perhaps with the aim of differentiating the Echu with charge from the one that is the Otá of Orisha, they began to call it Elegbara without mentioning Echu, but it is clear that Elegbara is one of the many names of the divinity Echu».

It is visibly established under the reasoning of the authors, with enough logic and a clear argument that Eshu and Eleggua are considered the same deity, and that the Olorishas only provide the foundation of Echu Elegbara, whose making, both in Cuba and in Nigeria, it is performed on the basis of a stone, without additional charge.

For their part, the Babalawos, provide a foundation of Eshu, supported by the conversation obtained from Ifa theology, where there are different forms of Eshu known as "paths", identified with different characteristics and charges in each Odu of Ifa.

It is important to note that when we speak of "paths" we refer to the way in which the Orisha is worshiped in different areas of Africa. This happens after the arrival of the divinities on Earth, who were accompanied by 200 human beings who acted as their followers, and despite all living under the universal laws determined by Olodumare, each one of the Orishas accumulated a series of experiences, and habits together with their devotees, which generated that, at the moment of leaving the deities of this Earth, their teachings were transmitted to the following generations, over and over again. Finally, the pilgrimage of their descendants in this world gave rise to their cult expanding, giving rise to their different names or various paths by which the Orishas are known today.

Thus, Eshu has different names and charges due to the customs under which its foundations were built according to the region of the Yoruba kingdom to which it belonged. Being identified mostly by their demonym, for example: the inhabitants of the land of Ketú, are known as alaketu, as the Eshu made under the customs of that region is identified, that is, Eshu Aleketu or Alakentu. In this same way, it happens with countless places and foundations, which, accompanied by an Odu of Ifa, allows the Babalawos to identify which Eshu walks in the best way with the initiate.

The same happens with the Orishas, the paths corresponding to each initiate being determined during the consecration of Kariosha, and failing that, when we talk about the Holy Elegua in particular, it could be considered under this premise that in the Osha rule, the Olorisha in Cuba somehow simplified the management of the foundation, delivering only Eshu Elegbara.

Why can one speculate that there was a simplification of the handling of the attribute? In addition to considering the above reasons, it is necessary to understand that in some Yoruba lands the Olorishas consecrated to Eshu, that is, the Oloesu knew and handled in depth the charges of their tutelary Orisha, but these practices failed to spread in Cuba, unlike the knowledge regarding Eshu contained in the Odu of Ifa that, yes, were made known and are maintained to this day. In any case, the important thing is to understand that the practices with respect to this Orisha confer powers with particular forms and manners in each of the lands, with certain differences for their initiates, who may well be Olorishas or Babalawos, but without the need to generate any conflict between them, since their adoration is awarded to both. All this is the result of the integration of the different cultures that existed in Cuba, and from which our religion was unified as it is known today.

The interpretation of the meaning and nature of Eleggua is as ambiguous as its very nature, which is why some researchers stumble upon their own energy when delving into the understanding of its meaning, living in some way the surprises that characterize this deity. Another example of this can be found in the book "Eshu-Elegua dynamic balance of existence" where its author, Adrian de Sousa, states in the introduction: "I remember that when I was doing field work to complete these notes in the regions of Ile Ife, Oyo, Benin state and Ibadan In Nigeria, I approached an Ifa priest in search of information about Elegguá* and he told me that he did not know that divinity. Surprised, I referred to him several characteristics of this and only then did he recognize that he was speaking of Eshu ».

Sousa manifests in his writings that the majority of the practitioners of the Osha and Ifa rule in Latin America, especially in Cuba, who were surveyed during his research, consider that Elegua is a different deity than Eshu. A much smaller percentage identifies Eshu-Elegua as the same deity. But, both agree that their conception generates a bit of doubt for not being able to argue it based on the Odu of Ifa, finally, their opinion is the product of the teachings of their elders.

What does Ifa say about Elegua?

We have already mentioned that it comes to this world through the Odu of Ifa: Ogbe Ate. But, that is not the only sign where we can see him present, the truth is that his appearances within the Odu de Ifa treaty are quite common. For example, if we talk about Eshu Elegbara we can place it in the Odu: Ogunda Meji, where he acts as the Eshu who accompanied Baba Ogunda Meji and Ogun when they traveled from Heaven to Earth, being identified as the controller of the eboses or sacrifices, taking charge of to get the message to the rest of the divinities, getting the officiant to solve the problem for which he sacrificed. Ese Odu also points out that by Olofin's command, Elegba's services on Earth were rewarded with a crown and a necklace of black, white and red beads, and refers to his work as a divine messenger and transmitter of the ebo.

We can find another reference in the Odu: Ojuani Shogbe, where the most unruly characteristics and the most negative inclinations of the Orisha are evident, for referring to several episodes where Elegba wanted everyone to do his will and where in some way or another, he imposed their supremacy regardless of the cost or the effects that entailed.

Elegua told Orunmila:

My friend is the one who feeds me and respects me, while my enemies are those who despise me and starve me ...

Elegua snails

Elegua's diloggún is delivered only to those consecrated in Santeria, that is, to those who have made kariosha. It is composed of 21 cowries (snails) unlike the snail hands used by the rest of the Orishas that have 18 cowries. These snails are used as a habitual divination oracle in the religious work of the Olorisha (consecrated) and the number of snails that differentiates it from the rest of the deities is explained in the following story:

Patakí: Why does Elegua have 21 dilogues.

It happened that in the Oshara land, a character named Agbanukue had three children. The first was called Ninona; the second was Osobi and the third Eleggua. All three were serving as undertakers.

The king of those lands had traveled to the land of cowbells, where he died and the three sons of Agbanukue were commissioned to transport his corpse back to his village. When leaving, they had several problems. Ninona killed her husband, opening his belly; Osobi killed his wife, cutting off her head; and Elegua, with a cane, struck his wife on the back of his neck. However, they continued their journey in the direction of the land of cowbells to perform the funeral of their king, which would earn him a lot of money.

It happened that the king was impotent and could not have relations with the daughter of Olofin, and because of the shame that happened he died. But before burying him, Olonu Ota, eldest son of the late king ordered divination, where Ifá said that the presence of Elegua was necessary, so he sent for him and he came in the company of his brothers.

Olonu Ota spoke with Awó Shaketa, a fortune-teller from the town and asked him for a powder to increase his sexual potency because he wanted to marry Olofin's daughter and erase the shame from the family. Awó Shaketa told him that he would deliver it to her in three days. Elegua was in charge of guarding the Apo of the Awó Shaketa, who ordered him to give Olonu Ota the powder he had requested, but Elegua did not give him the correct one.

At the end of the work, Elegua and his brothers were rewarded with 18 snails for each one, but, there were 3 snails left over and Awó Shaketa told them that they could keep them and distribute them among themselves. Immediately, the discord began because everyone wanted to keep the 3 snails to be differentiated from the other Orishas, and they did not accept one for each one.

Thus they were arguing all the way, where they met 3 women on different occasions and each one of them raised their problem, but when they suggested that the snails belonged to a brother, the other two immediately killed her. Finally, they did not agree.

Elegua on the way got away from them, went into the mountains and from the Apo de Awó Shaketa he took out a wooden carving, to which he sang a sacred prayer, turning the figure into an ayá (dog). Later, Ninona and Osobi found Elegua next to the ayá, and he told them: «What was left belongs to Baba Egun», he opened a hole, placed the 3 snails, fed him and covered it. So everyone was satisfied.

But Elegua, after his brothers left, uncovered the hole, took the snails and killed the ayá so that he would not betray him. Then, with parts of his body he made an inshé and kept it inside the Apo of Awó Shakuta, returning to the palace of King Olonu Ota, who due to the powders that Eleggua gave him was impotent and could not have relations with the daughter of Olofin. Faced with such a situation, Olofin said that: whoever could have relations with his daughter, would be rewarded with half of his kingdom. All the men went to Awó Shakuta in search of the powders for virile potency and Elegua kept giving them the wrong ones.

Olofin upon receiving the complaints from all the men, goes to punish Elegua, but he flees to the land of Obalita Oba Kete, who was Olofin's secret wife, there he takes refuge and also has relations with her. In the end, they manage to grab him and bring him to Olofin but he had painted the wrong powders the same color as the correct ones, to claim that he had done his job correctly, he gave everyone to take the appropriate powders and they immediately regained their virility, convincing all present.

He also gets away with it when he is accused of killing three women claiming it was his brother Osobi because he wanted the 3 dilogues for himself. Then Olofin ordered that from that moment Elegua be the guardian of all men, women and all Oshas and Orishas. In addition, for having had relations with his daughter when they were all powerless, Olofin ceded half the kingdom to him. But when Elegba was asked if he had lived with Obalita Oba Keke, he answered yes.

Then Olofin said to him: the position I have given you I cannot take away from you, but because it is scandalous and not respecting anything or anyone, you will not live inside the house, you will live outside it. However, despite being one more Osha, today you have the right to use 3 additional diloggunes (snails), which you won with cunning, that is why you will be the first to be received to consecrate Ifá and the other Oshas. In addition, it will be an obligation that all men, women and children have a personal Elegua for each one, as their own guardian. And finally the ayá will always be remembered as the animal that saved the discord between your brothers. To iban eshu.

What are Elegua's children like?

Their children are intelligent, sociable, charismatic, eloquent, travelers, outgoing, enthusiastic, agitated, curious, convincing, persuasive, personable, kind and charming; lovers of parties, food and drink, music, children and the pleasure of socializing with others.

In the same way, to balance this nature as it usually happens with everything that concerns Eleggua, her children in contrast to the above may be: unstable, unsociable, fickle, withdrawn, restless, entangling, liars, indiscreet, swindlers, changeable nervous, prone to illicit, superficial and self-centered activities, with thoughts that make them consider themselves more skilled and intelligent than others.

Names of Saint or Kari Osha for the children of this Orisha

Eshu Okuboro: the one who kills quickly.
Eshu Elegua Alaleilu: the cloak of the devil.
Eshu Yinka: the watchman of the roads.
Alaibode: king or lord of the Roads.
Eshu Aquileyo: Eleggua Rogue and unruly.
Elewa Okan Laroye: the heart of Eleggua.
Eshu Iba Owo: the gourd of money.
Eshu Dina: Eleggua of the candle.
Eshu Obbakilona: the king of the four corners.
Eshu Ori Aye: the star of the world.
Eshu Alabara: the mantle of the pumpkin.
Eshu Osikan: the heart of Eleggua.

How do you greet Elegua?

Elegua should be greeted every day in the morning. Also when leaving and arriving home. The correct way to greet him is to put one hand on the ground and with the other, keeping the fist closed, three taps are made on the floor in front of its foundation, asking him to accompany us with his blessing, to give us health and calm, to allow them to spiritualities of luck, money and good fortune may find the right way to reach us. Also, that it keeps us away from all the negative, death, illness, and all kinds of mishaps that could haunt us. Eleggua is not greeted or asked on his knees, he can do it rather, sitting, standing, or crouching.

How to attend Elegua?

To serve Elegua you can rub your otá with palm oil or corojo butter and honey. Roasted corn is also placed on it, jutía powder and smoked fish are sprinkled on it, brandy is blown on it, tobacco is smoked, and puffs of smoke are puffed on it. A candle head is also lit. It is necessary to feed this Orisha at least once a year, or when it is consulted and he asks for the animals that are sacrificed to him.

The offerings or adimuses that can be given to Eleggua They are very varied, he is a lover of varied sweets (especially those made with guavas and coconuts), fruits, desserts, candies and other sweets, yams, popcorn, cane liquor, tobacco leaves; You are also offered fresh water or coconut water.

What does Elegua like?

His favorite fruits are guavas and coconut, they are usually sprinkled with honey. Your favorite adimú could be whole fish fried with corojo butter (usually sardines or snapper). Also, they are offered popcorn or popcorn, corn muffins or yams wrapped in banana leaves and balls made with the same ingredients in multiples of 3. They are given coins or bills of any denomination. His favorite drink is "el sheketé" which is a mixture made from brandy, with honey and roasted corn.

That eats?

Goats and goats, chickens and chicks (gio gio), roosters, mice, jutías, deer, jicoteas, chickens and pigs are sacrificed to him.

In some cases, doves and bananas are offered to him through very specific ceremonials and under his authorization, since these animals constitute a taboo for Eleggua.

He does not like?

There are some elements or actions that are taboo, both for the Orishas and for the initiates. This happens because some things can block the ways in which the energy of ire or osogbos interferes with our lives, which could lead to negative conditions. In Eleggua's case, what she doesn't like, generally, it is the following:

He does not like to eat pigeons or guineas because they weaken him. In case of doing so, it must be done with a special ceremony.

He does not like that they are in debt to him. If Elegua considers that the person does not fulfill his commitments with him because he does not want it, it can generate considerable upheavals.

In some traditions they state that Eleggua does not like to be whistled or whistled in front of him or where he lives.

He does not like being cursed in his presence or inside the house.

You should not attend to or manipulate your foundation if you had sexual intercourse the day before.

In the case of women, they should not touch Eleggua or any other Orisha or Osha while menstruating.

You should not manipulate your foundation if you have not bathed before.

He does not like food or drinks made with hot peppers because it alters his natural fire.

He does not like the candle or the heat, nor the hot foods.

Herbs

A wide variety of herbs are attributed to it, among which we can highlight: aba, white piglet, canutillo, espartillo, delphinium, gambuto or gabulera, grass or fine grass, guava, guajaca, guayabillo, cimarrona güira, atiponlá or tostón, aroma yellow or world vira, dominator or belly scraper, corn, maloja, cress, marjoram, yam and flying yam, tobacco, mouse eye, paradise, pica pica, chicken foot, black stick, pine nut, cat pepper, remove curse , scratch belly, scratch tongue, san diego, siguaraya, tripa de jutia, mouse tail or scorpion.

What are the 21 roads of Elegua?

It is said that there are 21, 101 and even 121 paths or avatars of Elegua, which is always preceded by the name "Eshu". Some of them are:

Eleggua Laroye (Eshu Laroye):

He is a naughty, mocking, malicious, spoiled and revolutionary child. It hides behind doors and warns of danger or diseases entering the home. He is unruly, he likes to make jokes in bad taste. He has a very bad character and is very resentful, he does not forgive or forget easily the faults that have been done against him. Getting upset with the homeowner can cause the police to come to the home.

He likes dancing, luxury and money. It is said that this is the Elegua that speaks the most of all. He is a teacher who directs and leads. Despite being small, he is a great warrior, he enjoys being in the company of Oggún and Oshosi. Take care of the house and business. It can also be found in rivers, since Oshún is a very good friend. It is entertained with sweets, toys, cigars and brandy; her favorite food is corn balls with guava and honey.

Among his attributes he carries: a güirito full of water, a stick made of guava wood, three machetitos to defend the door of the house where he lives and a pot full of coins and sweets. Elegua Laroye's children should always give alms and food to homeless children, since this is the protector and guardian of children, even more so of beggars or street children, orphans or homeless and is presented to their children through from them.

His name means "the talker." Laroye is said to be the son of the Orisha Oyá, and that he was abandoned by his mother. While on the street, he took refuge in the doors of the houses, until he reached the bank of the river where Oshún welcomed him and lived with her. It is by nature very greedy, but it has a very broad wisdom, it knows and sees everything, warning of the dangers lurking by the initiates.

Añaki or Añagui:

It's a Elegua woman, considered the mother of all Elegua. Guardian of Odduduwa and her secret. She is very fierce. When disturbed it is as violent as a storm, it travels on a whirlpool. She is a healer, heals using herbs. He knows it and knows everything. He likes to live in the forest. Represents victory and steadfastness in life.

Dance:

He identifies himself as the one who receives the ebboses, translates them, and transfers them to their destination. It works as a messenger or as an intermediary. Their presence favors the development of the houses of Osha.

Eleggua Afra (Eshu Afra):

The color of this Elegua is black and white. It belongs to the Aará land. He is the companion of Asojano and is received next to him. He lives in hospitals working with Babalú Aye to cure patients' illnesses, especially contagious ones. He is also known as "The child of contagious childhood diseases", measles and smallpox. The mount of this path of Elegua is done on a porous stone. The Babalawos make it with a secret charge that makes it very effective for healing.

He does not like to drink brandy or palm wine, he is offered only red wine. Their spirituality is said to manifest itself by whistling around corners or on lonely roads. Among his tools he carries a traveler's staff and a mortar where he prepares his sacred medicines. Elegua Afra does not like to be seen her face, she wears her face covered with sackcloth, and she should not be looked at in the face. He was born in the Odu of Ifa Obara Koso, and he was the one who accompanied Babalú Ayé from the Lukumi land to the Arará land, helping him heal all his illnesses so that he could reign in the land that Shango had conquered in his name.

Agbanukue:

Born in the Odu of Ifa Baba Ejiogbe. He is known as "the Messiah of Ifa and the prince of the Eshu." It belongs to the Aará land. He is the guardian of the Ilé de Osha (religious houses), in fact, it is said that he is able to blind those who go to his house with bad intentions. Together with Eshu Barakikeño and Eshu Laroye, he is one of the best allies that the Babalawos have.

Among his attributes he carries an arrow adorning his forehead. Inform the Awos of everything you see and hear inside your home. He knows the secrets of good and evil. Must live east of the Ile.

Akeru:

Its function is to transfer all kinds of things or messages. Bring and carry whatever is necessary.

Eleggua Agongo Ogo:

It is a bit aggressive, as an attribute it is used to walking with a large club, with which it can attack or defend us from enemies.

Akesan:

This Eleggua belongs to the land of Oyó.

Allah Ilú (Eshu Allah Le Ilú):

He is an Eleggua of advanced age. He is an excellent fortune teller. It has a great hierarchy, in fact its name refers to a title of honor that it has in cities or towns.

Allah Lu Banshe:

This road to Eleguá has power over destiny and dreams. He has power over all plans, and everything that he thinks to do. It is present in all situations, even the most insignificant. These attributions include the earthly plane and the spiritual plane, dominating over men and the Orishas. This Elegua is a great support, his company influences the willpower that ignites the spirit to take the first steps to achieve our goals. It is also present when we take the last step in this life and gives us the blessing for our good actions. Therefore, it should always be taken into account, his advice is very wise and useful.

Elegua Allah Lu Banshé is loaded with many virtues, he was granted the Ashé de Oloddumare to compose or decompose things, therefore he must be attended and entertained in all ceremonies. It can be very complex at times, even sometimes we do not understand their decisions. He easily opens the roads by offering his children and followers his help to achieve a better lifestyle, in the same way, he closes the roads if he considers that our actions are distancing us from what corresponds to us as a destination chosen by our Ori in heaven. Therefore, your intervention will always be governed by what is most convenient and not by what people want.

His favorite adimuses are: apples, guavas and sweet and sour candies. Unlike many Eleggua, he likes spicy dishes. He drinks cane liquor, smokes cigars and also cigarettes. The sons of Ala lu Banshé are usually very successful when they follow the advice of this Eleggua. Their help is totally equitable, it makes no distinction between Iyalorishas, Babalorishas or Babalawos within religious activities.

Elegua Akarajeu:

He is a good friend of Oya. He was the one who helped her escape from Shango after both Orishas got upset with each other. Indeed, it is said that during the confrontations between Oya and Shango, that Orisha threw lightning and this Elegua stopped it and gave it back. Shango, very surprised by his daring, opened his mouth and swallowed the lightning, hurting his throat and chest. His name Akarajéu translates as "the one who picks up the lightning and makes it swallow."

Alalúbanse (Eshu Alalúbanse):

He has the power to be the owner of all the things that are being practiced, and he has dominion over the things that are intended to be done. He fulfills the function of being the gatekeeper of the doors that lead to the achievements of the objectives, therefore, entertaining him is essential to obtain his blessing in the projects that are undertaken.

Eleggua Aselu (Eshu Aselu):

It is about the Elegua whose job it is to work in the service of older Orishas, especially the funfun Deities. His energy is jovial. He is a watchman or guardian who is very aware of the mistakes that the children or godchildren of Osha's house may make. The dishes and offerings that are given to him are usually brought to the shore of a river or to the sea. He likes honey and palm or corojo oil.

Eleggua Alaguana (Eshu Alaguana):

Manage and trade with the Egungún. Yemaya's partner. He is an excellent sorcerer. It lives everywhere, but its favorite place is the savannah or the depths of the mountain. It is said to be the smallest of the Elegua. When he goes into the mountains he likes to hide in the bushes or bushes and walk next to Oggún. He has power over all the chains, and the guava stick scribble. Help to get out of justice and jail problems. It is invoked by calling him with his guava squiggle. It is accompanied by a cedar wood doll that mounts and eats with it. An Ozayin is put on it, which is mounted inside a bull jar and is left to live in a tureen. To work, it is placed on the floor on the shell of a jicotea. Among his attributes he also carries an Arikú Bambaya.

Elegua Aphrodite:

He hails from the kingdom of Arará. Its main function is to be in the service of Ifa.

Abanunkue:

It belongs to the land of Arará. Its function is to be the guardian or protector of the house. It lives inside a clay pot.

Choose Aganika:

This path of Elegua is very malicious, its energy can be even dangerous.

Awo Bara:

He belongs to the kingdom of Oyó where he works as a fortune teller. He is the guardian of the Babalawo's house. It acts as an endorsement of the Ifa claims.

Elebara Abalonke:

He identifies as an adult man with a very strong build. He imparts his punishments using fire. It is also known as "the Eshu of death", since it is the guide of the souls of the deceased.

Aberu:

The main function of this Eleggua is to receive the offerings or sacrifices.

Agomeyo:

This path belongs to the land of Oyó.

Choose Aroni:

He is a sorcerer, magician or healer, who has a very bad character. It is very violent. He likes to live in the woods and knows all the secrets of Ozayín.

Agongo Olo Onya:

It is said that he is the one who lives on the side of the road.

esu Choose Ananaki:

It is an Elegua related to loneliness, or to the soul alone. It is present in the feelings of sadness and depression. He owns deserted roads and lonely places.

Eleggua Agrillelu (Eshu Agrillelu):

It fulfills the function of being the protector and guardian of Olófin. Eat pigeons. Among its attributes it uses a güiro and aroma stick. Large candles must be lit for this Elegua. It always has to be located behind the door to the street.

Choose Agogo:

It has the power to direct the change of the hours of the day and night. A very effective work to win his favors is to sacrifice him a gio gio at 7 in the morning, a rooster at noon, a pigeon at 7 in the afternoon, and a small chick at 12 at night.

Awala Boma:

He is known as "the one who came down like a star to the ceiba tree." It handles the odus of itá imale during the consecration of the new initiates in the religion.

Choose Alakentu:

This Elegua is related to the Orisha Oshún, it is her faithful companion. He has authority over sensuality and sexuality, over love affairs and also over the conflicts that feelings and physical and moral degeneration can cause.

Eleggua Aye (Eshu Aye):

It is represented in a sea snail. Lover of justice. He speaks very little and thinks very well about everything he does. Work with Olokun.

Choose Eshu Bi:

Quarreling and malicious, he lives in the mountains, he is syncretized with the soul alone. He likes to stand on corners and do bad things. He is Eshu Lawana's brother who, unlike Eshu Bi, prefers to be in the savannahs and everywhere. This Elegua punishes severely, it can take people from the corners at night, to where the Anima Sola is to cause them phenomena. He is known as the chief of the Ibayes or the Jimaguas. As a protector of his children he is an excellent guardian. He is also Baisoya's brother.

Bara Dage (Eshu Bara Dage):

He is an Elegua who works with all kinds of snakes. Among his attributes he carries a machete and a sickle. He is a faithful companion of Oggún in the fields and the savannah.

Elewa Beleke:

He is described as a child with a naughty, restless, very skillful behavior. It is an excellent guardian. He has extensive knowledge of the secrets and properties of herbs and all the remedies to heal. You can be a liar and nosy. Live in the garbage.

Batye:

He has a strong personality, he does not believe in obstacles, he overcomes them and ends up with any type of damage or setback.

Elegba Biri:

He appears as a boy with quarrelsome and evil characteristics. He has fun doing bad things, it can cause all kinds of accidents, especially in the corners. He is the leader of the Jimaguas. Protect your children like no other. He likes to live in the bushes. He is the brother of Acongoriye, who is a spirituality that resides in a stone on the mountain.

Choose Baralayiki:

Turbulent, rumbero, very gluttonous and drinker. Represents unexpected events, unforeseen events, surprises and betrayal. It is said that he once betrayed his best friend Ozun.

Elegua Barakikeño (Eshu Barakikeño):

He is a mischievous child and prone to doing evil.

Winery:

He serves as Eggun's guardian and companion. Its mount is made on a mirror wrapped in white and black cloth polished with cement, three blades and several snails are also placed on it.

Choose Diki:

Its function is to foster ties between people and friends. Encourage unions by making people empathize with others. It inspires the holding of meetings, parties and banquets. He likes social activities of all kinds. However, when you are not comfortable with a situation, it causes meetings to end in conflicts and unpleasant fights full of scandals.

I'll give:

His main job is to be the messenger that makes it possible for humans and Orishas to obtain the blessings sent by Oloddumare.

Elegua Elegbara (Eshu Elegbara):

Watch, control and move the ebbo and sacrifices. It is in charge of carrying the message when a person is doing his works so that he can solve the problem for which he made a sacrifice. He is a companion of the Orisha Ogun. It is the Eshu that promotes war, peace, harmony and the protection of communities.

Elufé:

This path represents a much older Eleggua. In fact, he is one of the oldest in existence. This Elegua is not cleaned after sacrifices. It is allowed to crust over with fat and blood. On New Year's Day, it is scraped with the Ilefa de Orunmila. That crust turns to dust and is stronger than any of the Mayomberos' powders. Her necklace is made with coral and jets.

Elephant:

It is one of the oldest Elegua that exists.

Echenike:

He is a faithful friend of Osayín. He likes to smoke a hookah filled with aromatic herbs.

Ekuboro:

It is an Elegua that moves between life and death.

Ekiley:

He is a very wise and knowledgeable Elegua, a good fortune teller. He is protector and guide of people who seek to acquire knowledge. He hails from the land of Oyó.

Igide (Eshu Igide):

This path of Elegua is in charge of opening the roads within the thicket of the mount. He is very good at making witchcraft, especially moorings, he works alongside Ozaín. It was from this Orisha that he learned all the secrets of herbs and their properties. Among its attributes it carries sticks from the mountain.

gogo:

This is an Elegua who works with justice. In charge of the payments and collections of the debts agreed between the human beings and the Orishas. Whoever pays is frank and is saved. Whoever does not pay will receive the punishment of those owed or will not enjoy the help of the divinities.

Elewa Isheri:

He has a very close relationship with the Orisha Osanyin. This Elegua is the commissioner to grant the ashé or the beneficial or malefic power to the herbs. Its action predominates during the morning dew. This is the reason why it is more advisable to collect the plants that will be used to work spiritually during the morning hours.

Idea:

It is made with a mount that carries: jet, woodpecker, rooster and jicotea head, ivory, coral, gold, silver, 16 small black sea stones, and 16 white, 48 snails, 16 herbs of Eshu and his secret.

Ijelu (Eshu Ijelu):

He was entrusted for all the activities that have to do with the drums. It is a spirituality related to music in general, and in turn, with the feelings expressed through it such as: joy and sadness. With the use of music, humans release tensions, even its use can induce ecstasy that allows communication with the Deities. His image represents him as a naughty child. Their attentions are placed at the water's edge. He likes honey candies and toys.

choose Kaminalowa:

Its virtue is to open the spiritual paths for the souls of those who have just died to travel. It also has the ability to calculate the life time that each person has left. He usually works as a messenger for Asojano.

Elegguá Lode (Eshu Lode):

He is considered an Eshu of the streets, of the world, of the outer parts of the house, of the outskirts. He is a powerful sorcerer who wanders all the roads in old and ragged clothes. He also likes to hunt in the mountains, indeed, being a hunter was his first profession when he came to earth. He is a faithful companion of Oggún and Oshosi. His attentions are placed where the roads cross and in the open fields.

He lives in a house made especially for him, located outside Osha's house or on the side of the roads. He does not accept women. Pipes with tobacco are placed on it. His taboo is alcoholic beverages, because when he lived on earth he drank a lot of alcohol and therefore forgot his missions, broke some of his prohibitions and lost everything he owned. As an attribute he uses seven wooden sticks.

Elewa Loboni:

He is known for being the messenger or slave of the Orisha Oshún. Lives in the river. He is always attentive, listens to everything and is very talkative.

Eleggua Mansaquio (Eshu Mansaquio):

This Elegua is mounted on a mass of cement accompanied by an Ota, vegetable brain, bone from the front part of the head and the jicotea carapace and other sacred elements. Reach land on the Odu Ogunda Leni. It is syncretized with the Holy Child of the resolution. He is identified as a sacred child who helps humans make difficult decisions on complicated problems. It is characterized by being very wise and hardworking. Walk hand in hand with Ogun. He is also a good friend of Obatala and Orunmila who are Orishas with great wisdom and can also recognize that it is the most convenient for human beings.

It is recommended that at the time of receiving it a sexual abstinence be maintained for 3 days and be dressed completely in white. His ceremony takes place in the mountains, where he eats with Oggun and Obbatalá. Her necklace bears soap-colored, white, blue, and red beads with green glories.

Elegba Male:

Olofin entrusted this Eleggua to show Orunmila where the corners were. He likes to live in the mountains and is in charge of taking everything related to Orunmila's work.

Elegbara Okada:

He likes to live in garbage dumps, there he collects the ebboses that are deposited in that place and also feeds on the leftovers.

Eleggua Odara (Eshu Odara):

This path is considered an Eshu par excellence. It is closely related to Orunmila. It is the one that promotes changes and transformations. It is as good as it is bad. In the rule of Ifa it is the first Eshu that is received, since it comes to bring a transformation to align with its destiny and promote a better behavior to the initiates.

Eleggua Gold (Eshu Gold):

He is attributed the power to be the messenger and owner of the word, verbal communication. This Elegua is the word that saves and the word that kills. The word for this Orisha symbolizes the representation of human thought. He is a participant in all communication processes between all men, even in all states of sound vibration or resonance, he manages to communicate with Olodumare, the Orishas, and the Egun.

Choose Opin:

This path has the power over everything that is territorial. It establishes the limits in the spaces, from the limits of the mat, the room, to the territories, countries and borders. He also owns the spaces of the so-called "Igbo" consecrated in the name of the different Orishas. Has active participation in all border conflicts.

Ogong:

This path of Elegua when it is fed it is sprinkled with dry wine and washes itself. He also lives alone and brandy is never blown in the morning. When you want to talk to him, you will blow mouthfuls of fresh water. Lamps are lit in the morning to activate his energy. He lives mounted on the ground of the cemetery and when he goes to eat he is cared for on it.

Eleggua Asokere:

He is the one who speaks on the mat.

Wara (Eshu Wara):

He is known as the Elegua who is in charge of personal relationships. Participates actively in the formation of the family structure and the communities in general. It also influences the phenomena in which confusion occurs.

Elegua in the Catholic Religion (Syncretism)

Elegua that is so dynamic and it remains in constant movement, it has been related to the Anima Sola, the Santo Niño de Atocha, San Francisco and San Roque. Even, even as the same demon Elegua has been interpreted. It could be said that it has a variety of representations.

But Elegua in the Catholic religion, that is to say, its syncretism as such, acquires greater relevance with Saint Anthony, who in parallel is an almighty protector who is always very close to his devotees and who has the ability to always adapt to their needs, allowing his cult to be incessantly renewed, in the same way that Eleggua does.

In addition, there are innumerable prayers collected in traditional Spanish songbooks and romanceros related to that saint, which indicate superstitions associated with the need to say their prayers 3 times because it is the perfect number, and as we already know, 3 is the most representative number of Eleggua. .

The Antonian cult spread enormously thanks to the action of the Franciscan order, with the support of the monarchy it had a decisive role in its dissemination, in fact, it is considered that thanks to them, the image of Saint Anthony was known all over the world. world, since the Spanish and Portuguese colonizers were accompanied by Franciscan friars on all their journeys, being another important point that would determine their syncretism, since it highlights the natural characteristic of Eleggua to be in all places and on all roads .

On the other hand, San Antonio also has traditions related to the military. These attributions were born in Portugal in the seventeenth century during the peninsular wars and intensified during the struggles against the French. Consequently, he was the depositary of faith in the victory that the soldiers entrusted to him, a characteristic that can be compared to Eleggua when he is considered a Warrior.

In addition, Eleggua acquires attributes of the new world during the syncretism process. Among them:

The Pilgrim's Staff, later known as Garabato.
The Pilgrim's Bag, which is nothing more than the Güiro that hangs from it.
The pilgrim's hat, represented by his typical Yarey hat.

These representative accessories of a long journey were quickly attributed to the Owner of the Roads. And it is evident that Elegguá's clothing was readapted to the typical costumes of the Cuban peasant.

Elegua in other religions

Another African trace of Eleggua is reflected in the Brazilian Candomblé religious practice, where Eshu, in the same way, is considered a messenger and interpreter of the language of the saints, preserving the legacy of its most fundamental essence.

In the case of Palo Monte Mayombe we can identify it under the identity of the deity known as Lucero Mundo. His features bear quite obvious similarities, being considered as a messenger and the spokesman for the Palo garment. Within the Conga Rule, he must be the first foundation to receive, since he is the one who offers the necessary stability to the initiate. Within this practice it is said that "Without Lucero there is nothing in Palo Monte Mayombe", being him the first to receive the sacrifices and, therefore, the first divinity to attend to.

The colors that identify it in this practice are red and black, because it is considered the representation of the dynamic balance of the universe, however, its existence and functioning is considered autonomous, therefore, sometimes it can become a deity. difficult to understand, whose character can become implacable and violent. As you can see, I could continue describing it and ultimately we would find many more similarities with Elegua.

Finally, in order to understand Elegua, we have to go back to the process of syncretism and adaptation that the Yoruba religion had in the various regions of America, it is necessary to understand that we are part of a history and a culture that is the product of miscegenation, and that this is not only it refers to race, also to beliefs, and to culture in general, the result of which is the product of the faith of African slaves uprooted from different parts of that continent, accompanied by indigenous customs and Catholicism imposed by the colonizers, which, was intertwined resulting in a culture forged over time, that, accompanied by the lack of physical support, that is, the absence of African books or texts, whose collective knowledge has been transmitted orally to the present, gives as As a result, the essence of the Divinities prevails, also counting, with characteristics of that fusion, being the case of Eleggua an iconic representation of its own essence,the ambiguity.

Prayer to Elegua

«Èsù Elebara Oro mà ni kò. Èsù Oro mà ya kò. Èsù Oro f'ohun tire sile.

Èsù Elebara Oro ohun olohun ni ima wa kiri. Roast.

Ajibike, owuru ja s'ogun, isele, afaja b'Òrun be enia eleti gbofo, gb'aroye.

A bi etii luy ka bi ajere. Or soro l'ano, or see loni Sàngó or gbodo pe t'Èsù or yes yes.

Oya o gbdo pe t'Èsù o si si. Omolu or gbodo pe t'Ésù Elebara o si si.

Òsun or gbodo pe t'Èsù or yes yes. Ifá or gbodo pe t'Èsù Elebara or yes yes. Èsù Elebara Opin,

Gboongbo ki gbongbo. Ajiboke owuru ja s'ogun Èsù Elebara ma se mi o.

Ajibike ma se mi o. Èsù Elebara ma se mi o. Mo Rubo Èsù Elebara Opin o. Roast.

I roll it aki loyo. Aguro tente lonu. Apa Gunwa. K'a ma sese are'le tunse.

Oba mule omo robe. Or kolo ofofo. O kolo òni ni. O kolo to ni kan.

Ofo omo ro Ogún olona. Alajiki to júbà. Roast ».

Traducción:

Eshu Elegua, the Divine messenger of the power of the word causes clashes. Eshu Elegua does not cause me to clash.

Eshu Elegua, the Divine messenger has the voice of power, he has a voice that can be heard throughout the Universe.

Whoever is greeted first, the warrior who heals better than any medicine. The owner of the roads and the vicissitudes of life. The one who is everywhere and knows and listens to everything.

The one who spoke yesterday and comes to speak today. The spirit of lightning and fire does not deny the existence of the Divine messenger.

The spirit of the wind does not deny the existence of the Divine messenger. The spirit of the disease does not deny the existence of Eshu Elegua.

The spirit of challenges does not deny the existence of the Divine messenger. Ifá does not deny the existence of Eshu Elegua. No Orisa denies the existence of the Divine messenger. Eshu Elegua, the Divine messenger, the root of all roots. Eshu Elegua does not harm those who love him.

Eshu Elegua, the Divine messenger, does not harm me. I make offers to Eshu Elegua to open my paths and give me permission to start the path that I now undertake.

It is you who can watch Oyo without being in Oyo. The red hat has evaporated on his head. The prodigal son who enjoys sitting in the royal place indicated for him. If we get injured, the head of this household fixes it for us.

The King negotiated with the boy who wore shoes because he is the owner of the stories. He is the one who gives us stability with money because he makes sure that it is enough.

The children's spell appeases the spirit of iron, the master of the road, to whom everyone greets backwards, we pay our respects. Ashé.

Prayer (Prayer) to Elegua Laróye:

«Èsù Laróye, K'éru ó ba onímímí. Onímímí nf'imu mi Èsù Laróye nfi.

Gbogbo for my my dear. Èsù ma se mi èlomiran ni o se.

'Tori eni Èsù ba nse ki ímò. B'o ba f'ohun tirè s'ile. Ohun olóhun ni imáà wá kiri. Roast ».

Traducción:

Eshu Laroye, find a place for this burden that I carry on my soul. I greet Eshu Laroye with all my soul.

My entire body is blessed. Eshu does not reproach me for anything.

The Divine messenger is the first that I greet for his profound wisdom. He has the voice of power. He has the voice that roams the universe. Asé.

Prayer to Elegua for money:

«I praise the spirit of the owner of the roads. The one chosen to transmit the offerings. Elegua observes the offerings of everyone who sacrifices. Father, today I offer you (give an account of what is being placed at the foot of the Orisha and make your request).

It is you, Father Elegua, who brings wealth close to us. You are my greatest wealth.

It is my father Elegua who enforces the mandates of Oloddumare (God). It is my father Elegua who rewards with kindness all the sacrifices we make. Bless me father with abundance, prosperity and steadfastness.

Elegua is surely the one that rewards each sacrifice with kindness. Honor me father with your benevolence and grant me a good fortune.

In order for us to enjoy wealth, it is necessary to respect Eleggua. I praise you and respect you father, bless me with good fortune ».

Prayer for love:

«I praise the Orisha with power over all things, owner of all paths, it is Elebara who brings good fortune.

There is no doubt that you are the messenger of the Divinities, owner of personal relationships, today I greet you.

Elegbara brings me good fortune, that's why I always pay tribute to you, my devotion is always towards you.

Orisha who guides my destiny, my father, show me a fresh path where I can find true love.

You are everywhere, you know where I am and where the person I am to love and who is to love me is, let our paths cross without delaying an instant.

Because I have wandered enough through the paths of misfortune, sadness, loneliness, and betrayal has been the payment that I have received from the souls I have loved, that is why father that today with fear of being wrong I ask you once again May you be the one to introduce me to the appropriate person to share this life that was given to me.

I trust that you will take everything bad that is in my way, that there will be no delay, delay or setback that will prevent me from finding my true love whenever it comes from your hand.

I ask you, great Orisha, that my request be heard in heaven (make request) that there is no loss, that there is no separation, that there is no conflict, or revolution.

On behalf of all the children of the house, I thank you, my father Elegua, that your will be done, Ashé ».

How are the drums or parties at Elegua?

In the ritual festivals of Santeria, celebrated in the name of Eleggua, a practice inherited from the festivals of the Yoruba religion, there are usually many people. A feast of food is prepared to offer to the Deity and all present. A throne is made with fabrics the color of the Orisha, adorned with flowers and accompanied by many fruits. Also, they are offered sweets, candies and a piñata that will be distributed among the children present at the celebration.

During the drumming in his honor, Elegua incorporates a saint's horse during the ritual celebration, his dance is very energetic, enjoys great rhythmic dexterity, dances on one foot and goes around many times; he uses the squiggle in his movements to represent that he opens the paths through the brush of the mountain; he also behaves like a playful and mocking child making jokes to those present; even so, the wisdom with which he advises his followers to resolve conflicts is very precise and accurate.

Song of Elegua

Through the songs Elegua is drawn and its propitiated energy to obtain the blessings that we are looking for. A very popular Elegua song is as follows:

Akuón: Bara loyuro sokeboda

Omoni Alagwana komamakeña irawo e.

Translation: The business has come before us. We pray that this is allowed to be good for your children today. Do not follow the problems that the stars / the sky send us.

Chorus: Bara suayu

Omoni Alagwana komamakeña irawo e.

bara suayu

Eke Eshu Odara

Omoni Alagwana komamakeña irawo e.

Translation: The business is before your children, today we pray that you do not follow the problems that the stars / the sky send us. The business if it exists, it is present. Eshu has been appeased. It's good for this land and its children today

Cantos (Suyere) of Elegua:

So mo júbà Òrìsà Mo júbà o. Mo Júbà òrìsà

The authority, I pay tribute to Òrìsà.
I pay tribute. I pay tribute to Òrìsà.

Mo juba o. Mo júbà Òrìsà

I pay tribute. I pay tribute to Òrìsà

Àsẹ mo júbà Òrìsà

Authority. I pay tribute to Òrìsà.

Ìbà Òrìsà ìbà alàyé or, àsẹ Mo júbà

Tribute to Òrìsà homage to the owner of the world. Authority I pay homage

Ìbà òrìsà ìbà alàyé or,

Tribute to Òrìsà

Tribute to the owner of the world

Àsẹ mo júbà

Authority I pay homage

L - Ìbà (a) rá (Ò) gọ Àgò mo júbà

Tribute to the family of the garrote. Make way, I pay homage

Ọmọdé kóni'ko ìbà (Ò) 'gọ. Àgò mo júbà Elegua Èsù l'ònà

Child who teaches the doctrine of beneficial homage to the lineage, Make way, I pay homage to Ẹlégbá, Èsu is the one who owns the way.

Sóńsó abẹ Sóńsó

A pointed knife, a pointed knife,

Òdàrà ko l'erí É yò Baba se (ẹ) mi

The charmer has no head for you to mock Him.

Parent who blocks and restricts breathing.

Works (Ebbo) with Elegua

Work to solve problems:

3 small cooked fish are prepared for him. They are left to cool and palm oil (corojo butter) is spread on one side and cocoa butter on the other. Make 3 balls with honey, fish and powdered smoked hutía. Each of the balls is placed in the mouth of each fish. They are presented to Eleggua and asked. The next day they are taken to the mountain or to different corners, as the Orisha wishes.

Work with Elegua to open the roads:

Make three cornmeal buns. Honey, brandy, fish and powdered smoked jutía and corojo butter are added to the dough, it is wrapped with banana leaves, they are put to cook and after being properly cooked they are allowed to cool. The interested person is cleaned in front of Elegua with each bun or tamale, giving him knowledge of the reason for the work, they are placed 3 days at the foot of Eleggua and then they are taken to the mountain.

Work with Elegua for love:

It is made dust with cress and lodestone, it is watched at the foot of Elegua for three days and knowledge is given. He is asked on the third day if he is ready and is thrown into his hands, with that powder he touches the person he wishes to attract by invoking the dominating action of Elegua.

Ebbo to dominate and love tie:

A chicken, two pigeons, the chicken for Eleguá and you stick out your tongue and say:

"Eleguá this is the language of so-and-so, so that it cannot have hard words for so-and-so."

The two doves are given to Obatalá and it is said the same and with the three languages and the name of the person, orí, efún, an atiponla root, quiet balsam oil, punctured and white thread, a cigar end or the trace of the desired person; All this is put on a cotton ball, then the name of the dominator is chalked over the name of the one who wants to dominate, then a piece of yam is taken and the Inshe is put inside and covered with the same yam, it is anointed orí, and efún on the outside, is put inside Baba and it is said:

"Father Elewa, so and so are here so that I will never let them fight that they are together always."

Elegua phrases

Elegua says: "He who leaves me behind, does not get me forward"

Elewa says: "Intelligence dominates force."

Patakie or Histora de Elegua:

The Orisha Elegua, walking on course, reached a land where a river crossed it, where on the other side there was another land, the first land was very firm but it lacked everything and its inhabitants were used to having everything without working for their fortress, and here Oya was the wise one and had called attention that it was necessary to find a way to work, in order to survive, but she was never heard and Elegua, seeing that, spoke with Oshun, who wanted to go to the other shore or land that was on the other bank of the river and OSHUN, who was the owner of the river, said yes.

This strange way of thinking about this deity was because in the other land he saw it as wet and even muddy and its inhabitants were hardworking and there were trees, vines and dry leaves on the land, as they were also wiser, because Ikú, that she was the one who commanded, she was obeyed by all.

Elegua, the next day, ordered that many holes be opened and that they put sticks through them and leaves on top, so that he could hide when necessary where Elebara said: There is war here soon, and he went to the river and began to talk with Oshun , and this one told him that the war was about to break, and be careful when you go to sleep, do it with one eye closed and the other open, so that you can see everything.

This is how Elebara was and covered herself with the dry leaves, it caused that when the war came, people fell into the holes and stepped on his open eye, because he saw everything that was happening and when he stepped on his open eye, he was left one-eyed , where Ikú prevailed and remained commanding in this Ifá.

More about Elegua:

Learn more about the Warrior Orishas of the Yoruba religion: