Children of Saint Lazarus or Babalú Ayé: personality, love and religious path
The children of Saint Lazarus, religiously recognized as children of Babalú Ayé or Asojano, are often described as charitable, responsible, resilient, and sensitive to the suffering of others. They can be cheerful and helpful, but also reserved, solitary, and uncommunicative when facing difficulties. In love, they seek loyalty and support, while their religious path has particularities related to initiation and the transition to Ifá.
What does it mean to be a child of Saint Lazarus?
In Cuban popular religion, people whose tutelary orisha is... are called children of Saint Lazarus. Babalú Ayé o AsojanoSaint Lazarus is the Catholic name by which the people identify and honor this deity, especially during the celebrations of December 17th.
Asojano may also appear spelled Azojuano, Asojuano, Asowano, Azowano, or Azojano. These forms do not represent different orishas. They are variants that arose from the oral transmission of Arará and Lucumí names in Cuba.
Being a child of Saint Lazarus doesn't simply mean feeling devotion to him, fulfilling a promise, or having received his help. Religious affiliation is determined through the procedures recognized by the house of Osha or Ifá. Personal characteristics allow one to understand the symbolism attributed to its children, but they do not replace the determination of the tutelary orisha.
Characteristics of the children of Saint Lazarus
| Appearance | Key features |
|---|---|
| Personality | Charitable, resilient, responsible, sensitive, and reserved. |
| Virtues | Generosity, empathy, keeping promises, and the ability to support others. |
| Aspects that need to be taken into account | Isolation, complexes, pessimism, wounded pride, and difficulty communicating. |
| Love | Protective, committed, and affectionate, although they may hide their worries. |
| Family | Responsible towards their own and willing to support them during difficulties. |
| Spirituality | Deep connection with promises, health, service, and respect for elders. |
| Coronation | It can vary between Yemayá with gold for Babalú Ayé and the direct consecration of Asojano. |
| Relationship with Ifá | There are children of Saint Lazarus consecrated in Ifá; the practice depends on the odu and the lineage. |
What are the children of Saint Lazarus like?
The children of Saint Lazarus often possess a special sensitivity to illness, poverty, old age, and abandonment. They don't necessarily work in health-related fields, but they frequently become a source of support for family members, friends, or others going through difficult times.
They have a practical way of showing affection. They can offer companionship, meet a need, share what they have, or stay by someone's side when others withdraw. Their compassion rarely remains just words: when they feel committed to someone, they try to help in concrete ways.
They are also known for their great resilience. Many go through periods of hardship, misunderstanding, or profound changes that strengthen their character. They learn to value health, stability, and the support they receive because they understand the weight of trials and the importance of getting back up afterward.
Although they may appear cheerful, lively, and sociable, they retain a private, difficult-to-reach side. They don't always share their worries and may hide their pain so as not to become a burden. This blend of outward friendliness and inner reserve explains why they sometimes seem open, yet remain solitary individuals.
Personality of the children of Babalú Ayé
The personality of the children of Babalu Aye They typically possess two strengths: the ability to connect with others and a deep need to protect their inner world. They can converse, joke, and actively participate in their community, but they carefully select those who understand their fears and weaknesses.
They are observant and easily perceive when someone needs help. The suffering of others can affect them intensely, even when they don't express it. For this reason, they often attract people seeking advice, companionship, or a word of encouragement.
They are also usually responsible with their word. Promises hold an important place in the devotion to Saint Lazarus, and this sense of commitment is projected onto his followers. When they offer help or accept an obligation, they strive to fulfill it, even if they sometimes take on burdens greater than they can bear.
Their character should not be mistaken for weakness. They can be patient and understanding for a long time, but they react firmly when they feel used, betrayed, or scorned. If an experience deeply wounds them, they may withdraw without offering much explanation.
Virtues of the children of Saint Lazarus
The main qualities attributed to the children of Asojano stem from their connection to resilience, compassion, and service. They are people capable of understanding situations that others judge from afar.
| Virtue | How it usually manifests |
|---|---|
| Charity | They help those going through illness, need, or abandonment. |
| Generosity | They share resources, time, knowledge, and affection. |
| Resistance | They rise up after difficult stages and continue to move forward. |
| Liability | They strive to keep their promises and commitments. |
| Empathy | They understand other people's pain without needing long explanations. |
| Loyalty | They stay by their side during difficult times. |
| Modesty | They appreciate the help they received and recognize that everyone may need support. |
| Intuition | They perceive changes in people and in the environments that surround them. |
One of their greatest virtues is their ability to support others without demanding immediate recognition. They can make quiet efforts for their family or community and feel satisfied when they see someone overcome a difficult situation.
Their experience with change can also make them good mentors. They don't always have all the answers, but they know how to listen with understanding, not just from a theoretical perspective.
Flaws and aspects that need attention
The same sensitivity that allows the children of Saint Lazarus to understand others can also lead them to accumulate worries, disappointments, and weariness. When they don't express what they feel, they withdraw and expect those around them to understand their silence.
They may also develop insecurities related to their appearance, health, financial situation, or past experiences. If they allow these wounds to define their character, they may become distrustful, pessimistic, or overly harsh on themselves.
| Appearance | Main risk |
|---|---|
| Isolation | To withdraw when they need support and guidance the most. |
| Lack of communication | Holding onto annoyances until they turn into distance or resentment. |
| Resorts | Feeling inferior or judged because of difficult experiences. |
| Excessive sacrifice | Taking on other people's problems to the point of neglecting one's own obligations. |
| Pessimism | Expect new difficulties even during favorable periods. |
| Wounded pride | Refusing help for fear of showing vulnerability. |
| Silent resentment | To remember a betrayal or a lack of gratitude for a long time. |
Another risk arises when they turn helping into a permanent obligation. Being compassionate doesn't mean taking on all the difficulties of family members, partners, or friends. They need to distinguish between supporting someone and assuming responsibilities that aren't theirs to bear.
What are the children of Saint Lazarus like in love?
In matters of love, those born under the name of Saint Lazarus are typically protective, responsible, and steadfast. They don't always express their feelings through grand displays, but they nurture their partners with presence, support, and concern for their well-being. For them, offering companionship during illness, loss, or financial hardship can be one of the most profound ways to demonstrate love.
They need relationships built on respect and reciprocity. They can give a lot of themselves, but they suffer when they feel their effort is received as an obligation or that they are only sought out to solve problems. They want to feel loved for who they are, not just for what they can contribute.
At first, they may be cautious and slow to show their vulnerability. They observe the other person's behavior and need to be sure they can trust them. Once committed, they strive to maintain the relationship and fulfill their responsibilities.
Their main difficulty in relationships is usually communication. When something hurts them, they may remain silent, withdraw, or change their attitude without clearly explaining what happened. They expect their partner to understand the problem, but this reserve can lead to misunderstandings and increase the distance between them.
| In balance | Out of balance |
|---|---|
| They protect and accompany their partner. | They can shoulder the entire burden of the relationship. |
| They are loyal and responsible. | They can hold a grudge for a long time. |
| They show love through actions. | They have difficulty explaining what they need emotionally. |
| They value stability and respect. | They may isolate themselves when they feel misunderstood. |
| They stay through the difficulties. | They may confuse love with permanent sacrifice. |
They need a partner who can appreciate their sensitivity without taking advantage of it. They also need to learn to receive care. The Asojano child tends to become a source of support for others, but a balanced relationship requires that they can rest, talk about their worries, and feel accompanied.
Relationship with family and people in need
The children of Babalú Ayé can take on a supporting role within the family. They are the ones who accompany an elder, help resolve an emergency, or remain present when others are absent. This responsibility can emerge from a young age and strengthen their maturity.
They have a special respect for the elderly, the sick, or the vulnerable. Not everyone develops this quality in the same way, but service and compassion are part of Asojano's religious image and are projected onto the behavior attributed to his children.
When they feel appreciated, they are attentive and protective family members. However, they can tire of always being the ones who solve problems. If their efforts aren't acknowledged, they distance themselves and may stop communicating their needs. Their lesson lies in helping without allowing the family to turn their generosity into an unlimited obligation.
Work ethic, responsibility, and the ability to overcome difficulties
At work, they are known for their perseverance and ability to keep going even when conditions are unfavorable. They don't always seek attention; they prefer to demonstrate their value through results, responsibility, and commitment.
They may be drawn to professions in service, healthcare, social work, elder care, counseling, research, or activities that involve solving human problems. This connection is symbolic and does not determine a person's profession.
They also have the capacity to rebuild themselves after financial losses or job changes. Difficulties may slow them down, but they rarely defeat them completely. When they find a clear goal and a community that values their effort, they develop great stability.
They must be careful not to take on too much responsibility. Working to exhaustion or taking on tasks that belong to others does not demonstrate greater strength. Asojano's resilience also teaches them to recognize their body's limits and to protect their health responsibly.
Spirituality of the children of Asojano
The spirituality of the children of Asojano is often marked by respect for promises, the importance of health, and the awareness that all stability can change. Many develop a sober devotion, based more on fulfillment than on ostentation.
Promises made to Saint Lazarus carry special weight. Those who undertake a religious obligation must understand its scope and fulfill it according to the guidance received. It is unwise to promise in desperation what one will later be unable to keep.
Their path also brings them closer to the value of service. Helping someone in need, accompanying the sick, or respecting the elderly can have a profound spiritual meaning for them. However, devotion does not replace medical care, nor does a person become a healer simply by virtue of their religious affiliation.
Asojano demands seriousness. Its foundations, ceremonies, and paths are transmitted within lineages that preserve Arará and Lucumí knowledge. Therefore, its children need elders who understand the consecration they have received and can guide them according to their house.
How can I tell if I am a child of Saint Lazarus?
The connection to Saint Lazarus is not established by similarities in character, illnesses suffered, dreams, promises, or personal preference. A person can feel great devotion to Babalú Ayé without him being their tutelary orisha.
The guardian angel is determined through religious procedures recognized by the corresponding branch of Ifá. In some houses, it is established through the use of the dilogún (cowrie shell divination); in others, Ifá intervenes through a ceremony known as the descent of the guardian angel. The result must be interpreted and confirmed by priests authorized to perform the procedure.
The characteristics attributed to the children of Asojano help to understand their symbolism and observe possible similarities, but the religious affiliation originates from the oracle and the ceremony.
Which saint do the children of Saint Lazarus crown?
The coronation of the children of Saint Lazarus depends on the lineage. In many Lucumí houses, Yemayá is crowned with gold for Babalú Ayé, while certain Arará branches consecrate Asojano directly through their own procedures. There are also Lucumí lineages that maintain a direct coronation ceremony for Babalú Ayé.
| Practice | Form of consecration |
|---|---|
| Lucumí houses | They frequently crown Yemayá with gold for Babalú Ayé. |
| Arará houses | They can consecrate Asojano directly according to their lineage. |
| Lucumí lineages with direct ceremony | They crown Babalú Ayé when they retain the necessary transmission. |
| Reception of the foundation | Receiving Babalú Ayé does not in itself equate to having him crowned. |
The practice of crowning Yemayá does not mean that the person's guardian orisha is changed. Yemayá serves as the foundation of the ceremony, while the gold and corresponding procedures acknowledge the relationship with Babalú Ayé.
Direct consecration should not be performed simply because a house claims to know it. It requires verifiable religious transmission, trained elders, and a community that can support all stages of the ceremony.
The direct coronation of Babalú Ayé in Cuba
Cuban religious history preserves examples of direct consecrations. One of the most important names is Armando Zulueta, associated with the formation of a Lucumí lineage of Babalú Ayé. Although Yemayá was placed on his head during his own consecration in a ceremony linked to Inle, he later participated in the direct initiation of priests of Babalú Ayé.
This precedent demonstrates that Cuban practice cannot be summarized in a single rule. The crowning depends on the history and knowledge preserved by each branch.
Receiving Saint Lazarus is not the same as crowning him
A person can receive the foundation of Babalú Ayé for health, protection, a promise, or because it was indicated in a consultation, without being a child of this orisha or having been crowned. Receiving, attending to, inheriting, or having a devotional relationship with San Lázaro are situations different from priestly consecration.
In various regions of Cuba, there was also a practice called "santo parado," which involved people who manifested an orisha or attended to a sacred object without having undergone the full initiation ceremony. Its existence is part of the historical diversity of the religion, but it should not be confused with Kari Osha or the Arará consecration of Asojano.
Can the children of Saint Lazarus practice Ifá?
Yes, there are children of Saint Lazarus who have been consecrated as Ifá priests. Therefore, it cannot be said that all children of Babalú Ayé are forbidden from entering Ifá. However, some houses maintain restrictions or require particular ceremonies due to pacts, odu, and knowledge specific to their lineage.
The discussion often revolves around the nature of Asojano, his connections to Yewá, Orun, and the dead, and with interpretations preserved in different Ifá signs. Other branches recall that Babalú Ayé holds the title of Oluo Popó and maintain that there are religious grounds for his children to reach the priesthood of Orúnmila.
The decision should not be based on a general statement. First, the person's odu, their previous consecration, the guidance received, and the practices of the elders responsible for leading them to Ifá must be considered.
When a house permits this practice, there may be ceremonies and precautions that should not be disclosed outside of a religious context. The important thing is to acknowledge that the practice exists and that the differences between branches should be explained without turning a particular custom into a universal prohibition.
Advice for the children of Saint Lazarus
| Council | Sense |
|---|---|
| Keep the promises you make. | A promise made carries special weight in the devotion to Saint Lazarus. |
| Take care of your health responsibly. | Faith is helpful, but it does not replace prevention or professional care. |
| Don't carry all the problems. | Helping others doesn't mean neglecting your own needs. |
| Speak up before you isolate yourself. | Expressing annoyance prevents silence from turning into resentment. |
| Learn to receive help. | Those who support others also need support and rest. |
| Respect the knowledge of your lineage. | Asojano's practices change between Arará and Lucumí houses. |
| Don't make promises out of desperation. | A religious obligation must be assumed with awareness and guidance. |
| Avoid living from a place of hurt. | Trials can strengthen character without making it hard. |
Frequently Asked Questions about the children of Babalú Ayé
What are the children of Saint Lazarus like?
They are usually charitable, responsible, resilient, generous, and sensitive to suffering. They help those going through difficulties, although they can be reserved, solitary, and not very communicative about their own problems.
What are the children of Saint Lazarus like in love?
They are protective and committed. They show affection through actions, support, and presence during difficult times. They should be mindful of the tendency to hold grudges, isolate themselves, or take on all the responsibility for the relationship.
Are the children of Asojano the same as the children of Babalú Ayé?
Yes. Asojano is one of the names used for Babalú Ayé within the Afro-Cuban tradition. Azojuano, Asojuano, Asowano, and Azowano are variants of spelling and pronunciation.
Which saint are crowned for the children of Saint Lazarus?
In many Lucumí houses, Yemayá is crowned with gold for Babalú Ayé. Arará houses and certain Lucumí lineages may consecrate Asojano or Babalú Ayé directly.
Can the children of Saint Lazarus be babalawos?
Yes, there are children of Saint Lazarus who have been initiated into Ifá. Some houses maintain restrictions or particular ceremonies, so the initiation depends on the odu, the lineage, and the guidance of the elders.
Do all Asojano's children have the same prohibitions?
No. Personal prohibitions are established through the itá, the odú, and the guidance of the religious house. There is no single list that can be applied to all of your children.
Sources and editorial criteria
The description of the children of Saint Lazarus was developed by comparing Cuban religious repertoires, historical research, and testimonies from lineages linked to Babalú Ayé. Popular characteristics were distinguished from consecration practices, because the latter depend on knowledge transmitted within each household.
- Natalia Bolívar Aróstegui and Valentina Porras Potts, Orisha ayé: mythical unity from the Caribbean to Brazil, for the characteristics attributed to the children of Babalú Ayé and the Afro-Cuban context.
- David H. Brown, Santería Enthroned: Art, Ritual, and Innovation in an Afro-Cuban Religion, for the historical development of the consecrations and lineages of Osha in Cuba.
- Michael Atwood Mason, “Armando Zulueta, Founder of the Babalú-Ayé Lucumí”, on the formation of a Lucumí lineage of Babalú Ayé.
- Michael Atwood Mason, “Babalú-Ayé and the Santo Parado”, for the historical forms of relationship with the orisha outside of the full seat.
- Ernesto Valdés Jane and Project Orunmila, Ceremonies and paths of Asowano, for names, terms and practices preserved in Osha-Ifá documents.
The differences between the Lucumí coronation, the Arará consecration, and the initiation into Ifá are presented as lineage practices. No descriptions are given of the burdens, secrets, or confidential procedures of the ceremonies.
