Elegua: Who it is, Characteristics, History and More

Elegua: The Guardian of the Paths in Santería

Elegua is one of the most important Orishas in Santería and the Yoruba religion. Known by his multiple names such as Eshu, Elegguá, and Elegbara, this Orisha is the divine messenger and guardian of the paths. He must be attended to first in any ceremony, as he is the intermediary between humans and deities. He represents both light and shadows, and his dynamic, youthful energy makes him a pivotal figure for spiritual communication.

Index

Who is Elegua?

Elegua is known by several names: Eshu, Elegguá, Elegbara, Esu, Exu, Legba or Bara. In Cuba, Brazil, and even in Nigeria itself, Eleggua is a very complex deity. The simplest and at the same time most complicated way to define Elegua is as an "ambiguous Orisha." He can be a perfect protector of human beings, just as he can be an implacable judge of their behavior.

Elegua represents light and shadows in the same proportion. His energy is extremely dynamic and youthful. In addition to being the messenger of the deities, he is the interpreter of the language of the Orishas and men, therefore, he is a fundamental part of the process of communication with spiritualities. Among his duties is to improve relations between heaven and earth and inform Olodumare of the behavior of the Orishas and men, especially with respect 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 Santería, Elegua can be found in corners, crossroads, roads, entrances and exits of the city, the mountains and the savanna. Elegua is a traveler in constant movement. It symbolizes an ethereal element and represents energy in business, commerce, jobs, travel, change, revolution, languages and the concrete mind.

Elegua is considered a greater Orisha, holder of the keys to the paths of destiny and gatekeeper of the border between misfortune and happiness. He is the first of the group known as the warriors (Elegua, Ogún and Ochosi).

What is this Orisha like? Temperament and Personality

Elegua can be as benevolent as he is merciless. Calm and protective while indifferent. Its energy represents the constant ambiguity of nature and, therefore, a balance. He is aware of all the paths between the physical and spiritual and of all possible traps. He has a very delicate character that leads him to resent the slightest fault received.

Depending on the path (scale or avatar that represents the Orisha), Elegua can be personified 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, he is a symbol of joy and playfulness, he likes to make jokes, just as he can be relentless and severe.

You can read: Paths of Elegua

In what sign did Elegua come down to earth? (Odu Isalaye)

Eleggua comes to this world through the Odu: Ogbe Irete (Ogbe Ate). Within the conversation of that sign it is possible to find data related to his path and how he managed to spread throughout the world.

Elegua number

Elegua's number is 3 or any of its multiples, especially 21. The number 3 is considered a divine number and symbolizes the beginning and the end of all things. It represents three fundamental elements: a beginning, a middle and an end. This pattern is seen in time (present, past and future) and in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

The number 21 is also significant for Elegua, as it incorporates key characteristics of his personality: partnership, duality, charm and communication. The combination of 2 and 1 in 21 represents groupings, balance, soul mission and destiny, beginnings, progress and success. The relationship between Elegua and the number 21 generates an energy that favors the achievement of goals.

Elegua Day

The day of the week attributed to Elegua is Monday, because it is commonly that day on which activities begin. Its annual festival is usually celebrated on June 13, motivated by the syncretism of this Orisha with the Catholic saint San Antonio de Padua. In addition, it is considered that his favorite days of each month are: the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 11th and 21st.

Elegua's Necklace (Eleke)

Elegua necklaces are made with combined beads in red, black and white. The use of these colors and the number of beads of each color depend on the specific path of Elegua that is given to the consecrated person. However, the numbers corresponding to the Orisha are always used.

His Colors

Elegua's colors are red, black and white (on some occasions).

Red: It is a ritual color that has been part of many cultures since ancient times. Common in funeral ceremonies, sacrifices or healings, red is considered a symbol of life. It represents excitement, strength, vitality, expansion and dominance, all characteristics related to Elegua.
Black: It represents darkness, including spiritual darkness. In some cultures, negative energies or entities are believed to hide in the shadows. This color transmits mystery and fear, because by predominating it is not possible to differentiate shapes or paths. However, it also expresses conversion, austerity, power, elegance, prestige and authority. For example, some clothes of priests, judges, police officers or university graduates are this color.
White: On some roads in Elegua, the color white is also used, which is primarily interpreted as light. It represents the presence of God, purity, order and clarity in every sense.

The combination of these colors reflects the very nature of Elegua. Red and white contrast with black, representing the ambiguity of the Orisha's nature: from darkness (black) to light (white) and vital energy (red). Thus, 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.

The Image of Elegua

In the images, Elegua is represented with clothing and accessories that include a small vest, tight knee-length pants and a cross-body bag on his chest, usually made of sackcloth or red and black fabrics. He wears a straw hat and his doodle, and he can't miss güiritos loaded with brandy.

Attributes and Tools

Elegua usually uses the following elements as optional tools:

A bottle of brandy.
A guano or straw hat.
A maraca decorated with its 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 they called "Eleggua." During the prince's adolescence, he went for a walk until he reached a crossroads, where four roads met. After stopping for a long time, he observed a dry coconut on the ground that emanated a light of its own, picking it up immediately.

Without hesitation, he took the amazing object to the palace and told his parents about the strange light he had observed in it. No one believed his story, so she ended up abandoning him. Once on the ground, the coconut rolled until it was hidden behind a door in the palace. One day, while many important figures of the kingdom were present, the coconut once again emanated those inexplicable lights, surprising and frightening everyone present.

Three days after that event, the young prince died, and during the time his funeral lasted, the coconut continued to illuminate, which made it feared and respected by everyone.

As time went by, the town became filled with conflicts and losses. The elders of that region, after much deliberation, concluded that this situation was due to the state of abandonment in which the coconut left by Eleggua was found. They decided to worship it, but upon searching for it, they realized that it was in very poor 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 Elegua. 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, Elegua is known as Esu (Eshu). Without the participation of Eshu, the ritual practice would not exist, since his intervention is essential to keep the beneficial energy channels open and avoid harmful paths. For this reason, Eshu is feared and worshiped, although he is not seen as a demonic deity, but as a spirituality that balances this plane.

In Santería or Regla de Osha, Eshu is related to Eleggua. However, while Eleggua is more docile and gentle, Eshu has a faster and more capricious energy. The Eshu-Eleggua duality represents the coexistence of the positive and the negative, two parallel energies that must be entertained to avoid setbacks and ensure that the sacrifices reach their desired destination.

Normally, the foundation of Elegua is placed at the door of homes, while Eshu is located in external areas, thus establishing the border between two balanced energies.

Are Eleggua and Eshu the same Orisha?

The relationship between Elegua and Eshu has been a cause of debate. According to some studies, such as those of Leonel Gámez Oshe Niwo and the Ifa eagle, Eshu and Eleggua are the same deity. In Cuba, to differentiate the Eshu with charge from the Otá of Orisha, the stone without additional charge began to be called Elegbara. Thus, the Olorishas provide the foundation of Eshu Elegbara, while the Babalawos provide a foundation of Eshu supported by Ifa theology, with different forms of Eshu known as "paths", identified in each Odu of Ifa.

Each region of the Yoruba kingdom has its own customs for building the foundations of Eshu, which has given rise to different names and charges. For example, the residents of Ketú are known as alaketu, and their Eshu is called Eshu Aleketu or Alakentu. These paths are determined during the consecration of Kariosha and reflect the experiences accumulated by the Orishas and their devotees.

In some Yoruba lands, the Olorishas consecrated to Eshu knew and thoroughly managed the burdens of their tutelary Orisha, but these practices did not spread in Cuba, unlike the knowledge about Eshu contained in the Odu of Ifa that did become known. and they remain until today.

Elegua's interpretation is as ambiguous as his nature. Some researchers find it difficult to understand its meaning, as Eleggua's energy can be surprising and complex. Adrian de Sousa, in his book "Eshu-Elegua dynamic balance of existence", mentions that many practitioners of the Osha and Ifa rule in Latin America, especially in Cuba, consider Eleggua and Eshu as different deities. However, a smaller percentage identifies them as the same deity, although their conception can raise doubts as it cannot be fully argued based on the Odu of Ifa.

What does Ifa say about Elegua?

Elegua comes to this world through the Odu of Ifa: Ogbe Ate. However, this is not the only sign where she appears. His appearances within the treatise of the Odu of Ifa are quite common.

For example, in the Odu Ogunda Meji, Eshu Elegbara accompanies Baba Ogunda Meji and Ogun on their journey from Heaven to Earth. In this Odu, Eshu Elegbara is identified as the controller of the eboses or sacrifices, in charge of carrying the message to the other divinities and ensuring that the officiant solves the problem for which he sacrificed. This Odu also points out that, by order of Olofin, Elegua was awarded on Earth with a crown and a necklace of black, white and red beads, in recognition of his work as divine messenger and transmitter of the ebo.

Another reference is found in the Odu Ojuani Shogbe, where the most unruly characteristics and the most negative inclinations of the Orisha are evident. In this Odu, several episodes are mentioned in which Elegua imposed his will and supremacy regardless of the cost or effects that this entailed.

Eshu-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 ...

You can read: Elegua is bad?

What is asked of Elegua?

Elegua is an Orisha whose purpose is to harmonize the lives of human beings and cause a balance that allows them to live in peace. He is usually asked to intervene in the following matters:

Attunement and Blessing: To be in tune with Elegua and enjoy his blessing and sympathy, preventing him from negatively interfering in our affairs.
Avoid conflicts: To avoid conflictive situations such as fights, confrontations, accidents and public and personal calamities.
Road opening: So that it opens the paths of all existence and allows positive development.
Divine Messenger: So that he carries the messages and ebboses to Olodumare and the rest of the Orishas, fulfilling his work as an intermediary between humans and the divinities.
Protection: To protect the temples, the house and the cities.
Spiritual and Material Balance: So that it safeguards the dynamic balance between the spiritual and material planes.
Economic stability: To have economic evolution and financial stability.
Get Rid of Traps and Enemies: To avoid falling into traps and to protect yourself from enemies.
Negotiations and Domain: To achieve good negotiations, convince or dominate.
Child Protection: Elegua is a protector of children, so he is entrusted with their care.
Luck in Games of Chance: As a gambling owner, you are asked to be lucky in these practices.
Problem solving: Basically, Elegua can be invoked to solve a wide variety of circumstances, since it has knowledge of everything that happens on both the earthly and spiritual planes.

Why is Elegua received?

Elegua is the Orisha who opens all the ceremonial practices of the Osha and Ifa rule. Receiving otá from Elegua is the first step to initiation into this religion. Having this foundation balanced with our energy promotes positive vibrations that favor the development of our life. Attending to Elegua is essential to appease his revolutionary nature.

The Ota of Elegua is a consecrated stone that symbolizes the presence of this Orisha in the life of the initiate.

How is the Ota de Elegua received?

The first ceremony to receive otá from Elegua is carried out through a one-day ritual. This secret rite, known only to the consecrated, transforms the chosen stone from profane to sacred through songs, specific elements and the corresponding liturgy. The iyalosha (godmother) or the babalosha (godfather) who officiates the consecration becomes the religious guide of the initiate for the rest of his life, giving him the foundation at the end of the ritual, which must be treated in accordance with the practices related to the Orisha.

When people are consecrated in kariosha (crown or made holy), this foundation is subjected to the same ritual again, but this time it is accompanied by a hand of snails. Through these snails, Elegua reveals Ita imale's advice to the newly initiated after the third day of his consecration.

The children of Elegua, when crowned a saint, they receive their guardian angel twice. These two Otases are known as: Elegua Vocero and Elegua de Cabeza.

How to Care for Elegua

To care for Elegua, you can rub your otá with palm oil or corojo butter and honey. In addition, roasted corn is 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 blown on it. A small candle is also lit. It is necessary to feed him at least once a year or when you consult and he requests the animals to be sacrificed.

How do you greet Elegua?

Elegua must be greeted every day in the morning, and also

when leaving and arriving home. The correct way to greet it is by placing one hand on the ground and with the other, keeping your fist closed, tap the ground three times in front of its base. By greeting him, he is asked to accompany us with his blessing, to give us health and calm, and to allow the spiritualities of luck, money and good fortune to find the right path to reach us. He is also asked to keep us away from everything negative, death, illness and any setback that could threaten us. Elegua is not greeted or asked to kneel; It can be done sitting, standing or crouching.

What does Elegua like?

Elegua has several preferences that must be taken into account:

Favorite Fruits: Guavas and coconut, usually drizzled with honey.
Favorite Adimu: Whole fish sautéed with corojo butter (usually sardines or snappers).
Other Food: Cotufas or popcorn, corn or yam buns wrapped in banana leaves and balls made with the same ingredients in multiples of 3.
Favorite drink: "Sheketé", a mixture of brandy, honey and roasted corn.
Offers: Coins or bills of any denomination.
Other Tastes: Balls, toy soldiers, kites, keys, straw hats, silver coins and shepherds' crooks. Elegua dresses in red and black, and sometimes adds white to her clothing. She likes to dance playfully to get attention. She also enjoys sweets, cigars, white cooking wine, smoked fish, smoked jutía meat, and red palm oil.

That eats?

Elegua accepts a variety of animals in its offerings:

Common Animals: Goats, chickens and chicks (gio gio), roosters, mice, hutías, deer, jicoteas, chickens and pigs.
Specific Animals: In some cases, pigeons and bananas are offered to him through specific ceremonies and under his authorization, since these animals constitute a taboo for Elegua.

He does not like?

There are some things that Elegua does not like and should be avoided so as not to cause discomfort:

He does not like to eat pigeons or guineas, as they weaken him. If offered, it must be done with a special ceremony.
He doesn't like that they have debts with him. If he considers that someone does not fulfill his commitments, it can cause problems.
He does not like people hissing or whistling in front of him or in his presence.
He does not like being cursed in his presence or inside the house.
You should not attend to or manipulate its foundation if you had sexual relations the day before.
Women should not touch Elegua or any other Orisha or Osha while they are menstruating.
You should not manipulate its foundation without having previously bathed.
He does not like foods or drinks prepared with hot peppers, as this alters his natural fire.
He does not like the candle or the heat, nor the hot foods.
He hates sunflower oil.

The Snails of Elegua

The Elegua diloggún, composed of 21 cowries (snails), is given only to those consecrated in Santería, that is, those who have completed the kariosha. This amount is greater than that of other Orishas, who generally have 18 cowries. The difference of three additional snails is explained through the following patakí:

Patakí: Why Elegua Has 21 Dilogunes

In the land of Oshara, a man named Agbanukue had three children: Ninona, Osobi and Eleggua. All three worked as undertakers. One day, the king of his land died in the land of cowbells, and the three brothers were commissioned to transport his corpse back.

During the trip, each of the brothers committed a murder: Ninona killed her husband, Osobi beheaded his wife, and Eleggua hit his wife in the back of the head. Despite this, they continued their journey in the hope of obtaining a great reward.

The late king was impotent, and before burying him, his eldest son, Olonu Ota, consulted Ifá. Divination indicated that they needed Elegua's presence. Upon arrival, Olonu Ota asked Awó Shaketa for a powder to increase his sexual potency. Awó Shaketa tasked Elegua with the task of delivering the powder, but Elegua delivered the wrong one.

After completing the mission, each brother received 18 snails as a reward. There were 3 snails left over, and Awó Shaketa suggested that they share them. This caused a disagreement between the brothers, who could not agree.

Elegua walked away from his brothers, went into the mountains and performed a ritual with a wooden carving, turning it into an ayá (dog). The brothers found it and, after arguing, Elegua suggested that the leftover snails go to Baba Egun. They buried the snails and everyone was satisfied, but then Elegua dug up the snails and killed the ayá so that she would not betray him.

Elegua returned to the palace of King Olonu Ota, who was still helpless. Olofin, upon finding out about him, offered half of his kingdom to whoever he could have relations with his daughter. Elegua, giving the wrong powders to the others, was the only one who managed to do so.

Eventually, Olofin discovered Elegua's actions, but was unable to remove him from his position. As punishment, he decided that Elegua would live outside the house, but he would be everyone's guardian. Thus, Elegua received 3 additional diloguns, the first being the one that must be received to consecrate Ifá and other Oshas, and establishing the tradition that everyone must have a personal Elegua.

This patakí explains why Elegua has 21 dilogunes and highlights his role as guardian and protector in Santeria.

Elegua in the Catholic Religion (Syncretism)

Elegua, dynamic and in constant movement, has been related to various figures of Catholicism, such as Ánima Sola, Santo Niño de Atocha, San Francisco and San Roque, and even with the devil. However, his most significant syncretism occurs with Saint Anthony.

Saint Anthony is an all-powerful protector, close to his devotees and able to adapt to their needs, which allows his cult to be constantly renewed, similar to Elegua. Numerous traditional Spanish prayers associated with Saint Anthony mention the need to pray three times, reflecting the perfect and representative number of Elegua.

The cult of Saint Anthony spread thanks to the Franciscan order and the support of the monarchy, expanding throughout the world due to the Spanish and Portuguese colonizers who brought Franciscan friars with them. This natural characteristic of Elegua of being in all places and paths is reflected in its syncretism with San Antonio.

Saint Anthony also has military traditions, being the repository of faith about victory during the peninsular wars in Portugal. This characteristic is compared to Elegua as a Warrior.

Furthermore, Elegua acquired attributes of the New World during syncretism, such as:

The Pilgrim's Staff (Doodle).
The Pilgrim's Bag (Güiro).
The pilgrim hat (Yarey hat).

These accessories, representative of a long journey, were quickly attributed to the Owner of the Roads, with his clothing adapted to the typical costumes of the Cuban peasant.

Elegua in Other Religions

In Brazilian candomblé, Eshu is the messenger and interpreter of the language of the saints, preserving its fundamental essence. In Palo Monte Mayombe, he is known as Lucero Mundo, considered the messenger and spokesperson of Palo's pledge, and the first foundation to receive. Without Lucero nothing exists in Palo Monte Mayombe, he being the first to receive sacrifices and be cared for. His colors are red and black, representing the dynamic balance of the universe, although he can be a deity that is difficult to understand and has an implacable and violent character.

To understand Elegua, it is essential to understand the process of syncretism and adaptation of the Yoruba religion in America, resulting from the mixing of cultures, beliefs and faith of African slaves, indigenous customs and the Catholicism imposed by the colonizers. This miscegenation gave rise to a culture forged over time and transmitted orally, the essence of the Divinities prevailing, with features typical of cultural fusion. Elegua is an iconic representation of this ambiguity and essence.

Prayer to Elegua

Prayer in Yoruba:

«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. O soro l'ano, o see loni Sàngó o gbodo pe t'Èsù o si si.
Oya o gbdo pe t'Èsù o yes yes. Omolu o gbodo pe t'Ésù Elebara or yes yes.
Òsun or gbodo pe t'Èsù or yes yes. Ifá or gbodo pe t'Èsù Elebara or yes yes. Esu 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 rust it here loyo. I hope you have 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 confrontations. Eshu Elegua does not cause me confrontations.
Eshu Elegua, the divine messenger, has the voice of power, a voice that can be heard throughout the universe.
The one who is greeted first, the warrior who heals better than any medicine. The owner of the roads and the vicissitudes of life. He who is everywhere, he knows and hears 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 wind spirit does not deny the existence of the divine messenger. The spirit of illness 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 Orisha 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 offerings to Eshu Elegua to open my paths and give me permission to begin the path I now undertake.
It is you who can watch Oyo without needing to be in Oyo. He has evaporated the red hat on his head. The prodigal son who enjoys sitting in the right royal place for him. If we get into an accident, the head of this household corrects it for us.
The King did business 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

Prayer in Yoruba:

«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. "Ase."

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 one I greet for his profound wisdom. He has the voice of power. He has the voice that wanders through the universe. Ashe.

You can read: Prayer to Elegua: Invocation, Open the Paths, Money, Love and more

How are the drums or parties at Elegua?

At the ritual festivals of Santería, 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 those present. A throne is made with fabrics the color of the Orisha, decorated with flowers and accompanied by many fruits. They are also offered sweets, candies and a piñata that will be distributed among the children present at the celebration.

During the drumbeat in his honor, Elegua incorporates a saint's horse during the ritual celebration. His dancing is very energetic, with great rhythmic skill, dancing on one foot and spinning many times. He uses the scribble in his movements to represent that he opens the paths through the undergrowth 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 attracted and his energy is propitiated to obtain the blessings we are looking for. A very popular Elegua song is the following:

Akuon:

Bara loyuro sokewedding
Omoni Alagwana komamakeña irawo e.

Traducción:

The business has come before us. Let us pray that we may be allowed this to be good for your children today. Don't let the problems that the stars/sky send us continue.

Chorus:

bara suayu
Omoni Alagwana komamakeña irawo e.
bara suayu
Eke Eshu Odara
Omoni Alagwana komamakeña irawo e.

Traducción:

The business is before its children, today we pray that the problems that the stars/heaven send us do not continue. The business does exist, it is present. Eshu has been appeased. He is good for this land and for its children today.

Songs (Suyere) of Elegua

I sing in Yoruba:

Àṣẹ 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.

Traducción:

The authority, I pay tribute to Òrìsà.
I pay tribute. I pay tribute to Òrìsà.
I pay tribute. I pay tribute to Òrìsà.
Authority. I pay tribute to Òrìsà.
Tribute to Òrìsà, tribute to the owner of the world. Authority I pay homage.
Tribute to Òrìsà.
Tribute to the owner of the world.
Authority I pay homage.
Tribute to the garrote family. Make way, I pay tribute.
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.
A pointed knife, a pointed knife,
The charmer has no head for you to mock Him.
Parent who blocks and restricts breathing.

Works (Ebbo) with Elegua

Work to Solve Problems

To carry out a work with Elegua in order to solve problems, you need to prepare the following elements:

Ingredients:

3 small cooked fish
Palm oil (corojo butter)
Cocoa butter
Honey
smoked fish powder
Smoked jutía powder

Process:

Let the cooked fish cool.
Spread one side of each fish with palm oil and the other side with cocoa butter.
Make 3 balls using honey, smoked fish powder and smoked jutía powder.
Place a ball in the mouth of each fish.
Present the fish to Elegua and make the corresponding prayer, explaining the reason for the work.
The next day, take the fish to the mountain or to different corners, as indicated by the Orisha.

Work with Eleggua to Open the Paths

To carry out a work with Elegua to open the paths, follow the following steps:

Ingredients:

Cornmeal
Honey
Schnapps
smoked fish powder
Smoked jutía powder
Corojo butter
Banana leaves

Process:

Make a dough with the corn flour, adding honey, brandy, smoked fish powder, smoked jutía powder and corojo butter.
Wrap it in banana leaves.
Cook the buns or tamales and let them cool.
Clean the interested person in front of Elegua with each bun, explaining the reason for the work.
Place the buns at the foot of Elegua for 3 days.
After 3 days, take the buns to the mountain.

These works are a way to connect with Elegua and request his intervention in specific aspects of life, whether to solve problems or open paths.

Conclusion

Elegua is an essential figure in Santería and the Yoruba religion, representing the intersection between the divine and the human, light and darkness, and beginnings and endings. His role as guardian of the paths and divine messenger makes him an indispensable Orisha in any ceremonial practice. With its multiple manifestations and syncretisms, Elegua demonstrates a unique adaptability and dynamism, reflecting the cultural and spiritual richness of African traditions and their evolution in the New World. By learning more about his characteristics, stories and associated practices, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of this highly revered Orisha.