How do I get started working with an Orisha?

[Dark_Tezcatlipoca]

I am interested in Eleggua in Particular. How do I get started working with him (I am uninitiated)? Should I make an altar with a statue of him (also should I make a clay statue of him as an anthropomorphic rock or in a more humanoid shape?). How do I make rituals to him? How do I talk to him?

Sorry for all the questions, but this really interests me.

[Teresa]

I would suggest that you begin by making a relationship with your Ancestors first. It may take a little research and some hard work, but it will pay off in the end. Begin with an ancestor altar, it can be for any ancestors that you can find information on. Your altar can be as simple as a white cloth on the altar and a glass of water and a candle or very elaborate altar with items they had when living, favorite drink and food, perfumes or after shaves, things in their favorite colors etc. Then sit in front of you altar and meditate on them. Welcome them to your altar area. Say some things aloud to them.

As far as the Orisha even if you are not initiated you can make an altar and work with them. Read up as much as you can on the Orisha that you wish to work with. Know what his colors are, what kinds of food offerings he likes, does he like cigars or cigarettes or colognes or coffee or cakes or candy? You can have Anything that you think would be related to him on your altar. Again your altar can be as simple as a glass of water and a candle for him. You can begin in the same manner as you would the ancestors. Sit in front of you altar and meditate on him. Speak out loud welcoming him to your altar.

I will look through my things I know I used to have some Non Initiate's Rituals once from a while back. If I can find them I will post one for ya as a guide.

[Dark_Tezcatlipoca]

I would suggest that you begin by making a relationship with your Ancestors first. It may take a little research and some hard work, but it will pay off in the end. Begin with an ancestor altar, it can be for any ancestors that you can find information on. .

What if I'm like a mongrel with no pedigree?
Could I just do an altar to "ancestors in general"?

[Aidron]

What if I'm like a mongrel with no pedigree?
Could I just do an altar to "ancestors in general"?

You could. Ancestors can be identified as occurring only a generation ago, you do not necessarily have to honor those in your family who lived 5 or even 10 generations ago in a name-specific manner since it is unlikely most people even know. For example, I honor my grandmother on my mother's side above all other ancestors because we shared a very deep bond for what little time I knew her in life and still do. She's still an ancestor, as is my own mother, who when she crosses over will be honored as the rest of them.

Now, if you were say adopted and have no clue what so ever about those who came before you, generic ancestor worship as well as including those you did know in your adoptive family is certainly valid. I have family members that married into my family that I honor because I happened to be closer to them than my own blood and because we shared a special bond. Genetically similar to them or not, they were part of my family.

[Teresa]

Great Answer as usually HCB ! :thumbsup: :T

I agree with Adiron, it can be generic. Trust me I am a heinz 57. ( some of everything )

[Aidron]

Great Answer as usually HCB ! :thumbsup: :T

I agree with Adiron, it can be generic. Trust me I am a heinz 57. ( some of everything )

Heinz 57! :falloffch

[plumedsnake]

. . . and I would suggest that you go for a divination as soon as possible if you can find a diviner.

[Teresa]

Good advice Ruben and plumedsnake!

[Saggitario]

What if I'm like a mongrel with no pedigree?
Could I just do an altar to "ancestors in general"?

One thing I've done, since I only vaguely know my ancestry, is to call to ancestors that may have fulfilled a certain role. For example, for help with health issues, I would pray to "Ancestors who were healers". This doesnt necessarily mean medical doctors, but also midwives, those with knowledge of homemade remedies, or even mothers who knew how to make their children feel better. Or, for help in overcoming a hardship, you could call on "Ancestors who were warriors", or for financial help; "Ancestors who were providers."

When doing this, if you put something on your ancestor altar that reminds you of of that role, I find it helps add a focal point to your prayers. You might put a medical tool (like a tongue depressor, or something) for healer ancestors, a plastic weapon for warrior ancestors, or some bread or money for provider ancestors.

Though, one thing to remember is to honor the rest of your ancestors during the process. Even though you are calling on specific ones to help, they are all important, and should be venerated

I hope that helped at all.

[Ochareo!]

I am interested in Eleggua in Particular. How do I get started working with him (I am uninitiated)? Should I make an altar with a statue of him (also should I make a clay statue of him as an anthropomorphic rock or in a more humanoid shape?). How do I make rituals to him? How do I talk to him?

Sorry for all the questions, but this really interests me.


I am curiouse what drew your intrest to eleggua/elegba/eshu. Eleggua is the owner of the crossroads. Opens and closes all doors and paths. He is the one who show respect and honor before any oricha. He described as a mischiviouse child, however, he is not a child. He an awsome strong oricha. He is the oricha to go to for work, love, money etc. Eleggua's number is 3 and 21. Colors are Red and Black, or Black and White, depending on the path of eleggua that you recieve. It's not uncommon for non initiates or more commonly known as aleyos--To make shrines or alters for the oricha. Eleggua can be reached at four corners. Depositing canding at the corners brings good luck. Some of the other things you can offer is Cigars, wine, coffee. Eleggua loves all that. If you choose to continue to embrace this tradition. There is fundamental steps that one must persue prior to recieve eleggua and the warriors.

Someone advice to seek a reading. A reading will determine what steps you should take and if indeed you require to recieve Eleggua or other ceramonial steps, where you recieve elekes, warriors etc.....

In the mean time just talking to eleggua anywhere is fine. Oricha is not confined to a location they are everywhere.

Ochareo!

[Dark_Tezcatlipoca]

I am curiouse what drew your intrest to eleggua/elegba/eshu

He had a lot of similarities with Tezcatlipoca. Curiously, I began researching him on a monday, only to find out that was his day.

Lately I lost interest in Santeria because I have no friends or family involved in it that could possibly guide me. And the initiations and all, not something I can afford any time soon. So I just forgot about it. It is something that interests me but just not practical for me, at least not at this time.

[yemayashija]

Bendicion Ochareo!

I love Eleggua as well, and before I recieved him I left many an offering to him at the crossroads. I lit candles and offered candies, toys, rum, cigars, cane and keys to him and recited the prayer for the the gaurdian of the door to him to protect my home and loved ones, and cleansed my self with his candies. He has never let me down in anything I have asked of him, and has always carried my prayers to the other oricha as I needed. He has also been truly a powerful warrior in my protection from others who wish to do me harm. He saved my children from jail. He is a very strong Oricha indeed, and is very important for all to learn about first.

my first Eleggua was a mere coconut, but I'll leave that part to Ochareo.

[plumedsnake]

Eleggua's number is 3 and 21.

Ochareo!

I've also heard that Ogun is associated with 3. I guess this could be due to Ogunda being the 3rd sign of Dinlogun. Also Oya with 9 due to Osa being the 9th sign of Dinlogun. Is this accurate?

[Ochareo!]

He had a lot of similarities with Tezcatlipoca. Curiously, I began researching him on a monday, only to find out that was his day.

Lately I lost interest in Santeria because I have no friends or family involved in it that could possibly guide me. And the initiations and all, not something I can afford any time soon. So I just forgot about it. It is something that interests me but just not practical for me, at least not at this time.


I understand. Eleggua will put you the right person at the right time. Money is always an issue and thats find. Eleggua knows our circumstances.

[Ochareo!]

Bendicion Ochareo!

I love Eleggua as well, and before I recieved him I left many an offering to him at the crossroads. I lit candles and offered candies, toys, rum, cigars, cane and keys to him and recited the prayer for the the gaurdian of the door to him to protect my home and loved ones, and cleansed my self with his candies. He has never let me down in anything I have asked of him, and has always carried my prayers to the other oricha as I needed. He has also been truly a powerful warrior in my protection from others who wish to do me harm. He saved my children from jail. He is a very strong Oricha indeed, and is very important for all to learn about first.

my first Eleggua was a mere coconut, but I'll leave that part to Ochareo.


Santo Yemayashija:

I like your responce very true and the candies are great ebbos. Feel free to elaborate on the coconut. In some cases people seek a coconut in elgguas name and treated as mere representation, not eleggua himself though! dont get it confused. Eleggua is not an oricha or any oricha by the way; can not be purchase at any online, market, botanica etc.....BEWARE OF FRAUDS!!

Ochareo!

[Ochareo!]

I've also heard that Ogun is associated with 3. I guess this could be due to Ogunda being the 3rd sign of Dinlogun. Also Oya with 9 due to Osa being the 9th sign of Dinlogun. Is this accurate?


Plumsnake:

Actually oggun is more associated with 7. In the divination system of Diloggun Oggunda (3) is more associated with Oggun for multiple reasons, however, mainly because Oggunda talks about Obe (Knife) and the relationship with Oggun. 3, 7, and 9 all have a correlation. Oggunda gave birth to Odi and Odi gave birth to Osa and Osa gave birth to Oggunda. I rather not get into this area because diloggun is very complex.

Ochareo!

[plumedsnake]

Plumsnake:

Actually oggun is more associated with 7. In the divination system of Diloggun Oggunda (3) is more associated with Oggun for multiple reasons, however, mainly because Oggunda talks about Obe (Knife) and the relationship with Oggun. 3, 7, and 9 all have a correlation. Oggunda gave birth to Odi and Odi gave birth to Osa and Osa gave birth to Oggunda. I rather not get into this area because diloggun is very complex.

Ochareo!

Thank you. I understand if you don't want to get too deeply into the diloggun. I know about the different signatures giving birth to each other. I also know that Ogun features strongly in Odi (at least in Ifa he does, it is a very physical sign).

I find it interesting the mention of Candles. I've never offered candles before. I guess this must be a Roman catholic influence in the diaspora. Could you please elaborate on how to offer candles to Eshu? Thank you

Ire o, ati alafia

[Ochareo!]

Candles are used often but for eleggua. I was taught that the candle is to assist eleggua to illuminate your path!

Ochareo!

[plumedsnake]

Candles are used often but for eleggua. I was taught that the candle is to assist eleggua to illuminate your path!

Ochareo!

Will any candle do or are there specific candles? I ask because I've walked past a shop from time to time that has different coloured candles and different saints on the candles etc.

[yemayashija]

Will any candle do or are there specific candles? I ask because I've walked past a shop from time to time that has different coloured candles and different saints on the candles etc.

Not to take away anyone's business or kick salt on them, but all you really need is a white candle. the colored candles have many uses and meanings, some are just color correct to the specific oricha. some have herbs, incense or honey mixed in as an additional offering to the specific oricha.

But, I always tell people to keep it simple, white works just fine. I prefer to burn 7 day glass encased candles, to represent the need for continuous light to be shown on my path every day. I also personally believe, that if I am asking an Oricha or a spirit to expend their precious energy on me and my life, that I give them some energy from the continuous flame of the candle to replace what I am gaining from them and as a sign of respect.

But safety must always come first and I always recommend when utilizing glass candles that people get a coffee can or other large can and fill it partially with sand to prevent accidental fires, tipping over or the can heating up and burning the surface it is on. plus, sometimes when asking for things of protection nature, the glass candles sometimes explode when the bad influence is removed.

what ever candle you choose, just make sure it is spiritually cleansed before you use it. I can not stress how important it is to remove the energy of others from candles before you use them, they should only carry your desires, needs and intentions to the one you are offering them to; not the cashier's and stock person's and yours.

[yemayashija]

this evening I will sit down and write out how someone with out recieving Eleggua can have a representation of Eleggua and the pataki or story behind it, as well as one or two prayers for Elegguas blessings and protection that are my favorites.

[Teresa]

But safety must always come first and I always recommend when utilizing glass candles that people get a coffee can or other large can and fill it partially with sand to prevent accidental fires, tipping over or the can heating up and burning the surface it is on. plus, sometimes when asking for things of protection nature, the glass candles sometimes explode when the bad influence is removed.

what ever candle you choose, just make sure it is spiritually cleansed before you use it. I can not stress how important it is to remove the energy of others from candles before you use them, they should only carry your desires, needs and intentions to the one you are offering them to; not the cashier's and stock person's and yours.

Excellent Advice!:thumbsup:

[Teresa]

this evening I will sit down and write out how someone with out recieving Eleggua can have a representation of Eleggua and the pataki or story behind it, as well as one or two prayers for Elegguas blessings and protection that are my favorites.

Thank you so much, we would appreciate that .

[aranarose]

Not to take away anyone's business or kick salt on them, but all you really need is a white candle. the colored candles have many uses and meanings, some are just color correct to the specific oricha. some have herbs, incense or honey mixed in as an additional offering to the specific oricha.

But, I always tell people to keep it simple, white works just fine. I prefer to burn 7 day glass encased candles, to represent the need for continuous light to be shown on my path every day. I also personally believe, that if I am asking an Oricha or a spirit to expend their precious energy on me and my life, that I give them some energy from the continuous flame of the candle to replace what I am gaining from them and as a sign of respect.

But safety must always come first and I always recommend when utilizing glass candles that people get a coffee can or other large can and fill it partially with sand to prevent accidental fires, tipping over or the can heating up and burning the surface it is on. plus, sometimes when asking for things of protection nature, the glass candles sometimes explode when the bad influence is removed.

what ever candle you choose, just make sure it is spiritually cleansed before you use it. I can not stress how important it is to remove the energy of others from candles before you use them, they should only carry your desires, needs and intentions to the one you are offering them to; not the cashier's and stock person's and yours.

I love the 7-day candles. For the amount of burn time you get, they are actually quite cheap. I've found them in local grocery stores for around $1. I've found plain, with no labels, in many colors, as well as ones labeled with various saints, which is useful to me as I tend to work with the saints more than the Lwa.

And about the glass breaking, I learned that the hard way. Was doing a particularly tough working, and before the candle burned completely down, the glass shattered into small bits. It's the only time I've had that happen, but it made me especially careful ever since then.

[Dark_Tezcatlipoca]

Was doing a particularly tough working, and before the candle burned completely down, the glass shattered into small bits. It's the only time I've had that happen, but it made me especially careful ever since then.

plus, sometimes when asking for things of protection nature, the glass candles sometimes explode when the bad influence is removed.


Call me skeptical but I think this naturally happens depending on the conditions. Its not about some mystical "energy" involved, just physics.

[~Elise~]

Call me skeptical but I think this naturally happens depending on the conditions. Its not about some mystical "energy" involved, just physics.

Okay--you're skeptical. (that was easy)

Just because you're skeptical, doesn't mean that the energy work, and the results, are any less valid.

JMO and YMMV

Elise

[aranarose]

Call me skeptical but I think this naturally happens depending on the conditions. Its not about some mystical "energy" involved, just physics.

I have to wonder if you're that skeptical about the effects of energy work on a candle and believe it to only be physics, why you're seeking to work with the Orishas?

I mean no offense, but the Orishas, the Lwa, the Spirits, etc., are beyond physics, and most skeptics I know wouldn't even dream of working with them.

It is my experience that energy work is valid and powerful. I've seen amazing results since beginning to work with the Saints and the Lwa, things have happened that are, to me, far beyond coincidence, and far beyond explanation by science.

[yemayashija]

Call me skeptical but I think this naturally happens depending on the conditions. Its not about some mystical "energy" involved, just physics.

ahhhhhhh science, i love science! yesterday's magick is today's science....

okay let's break it down to a physics level.

1. all living things require energy, true or not?
2. all living things expend or give off energy, true or not?
3. combustion such as a flame, gives off energy. true or not?
4. thoughts have been found to be wave forms or energy as well, true or not?
5. energy once created, continues away from the site of origination infinitely in all directions unless it is given a path to follow or is gathered and held. true or not?
6. if energy is gathered or created on a large scale, and the containment area is not large or strong enough to hold it, what happens? it bursts... true or not?

7. when a positive force meets a negative force (say as in magnets) it is drawn to the negative force. true or not?



so, my point being ..... if all these things are true, why is it so unbelievable that the positive energy created by my being and directed into the candle to join with the energy of the candle's flame, continuously for 7days and nights. could not cause a build up of stored energy that can no longer be held by the candle's glass and cause it to shatter? this all seems like a very natural conclusion pointing to an obvious positive result on my part of having created the energy I had originally hoped for? and to continue; why would it not be natural for that released positive energy to disperse in all directions until it finds the negative force?

I am sorry, but it seems really simple and natural to me; and that is how all magic or mystic workings should be.....natural.

But it is ok for you and others to be skeptical, that is your right. besides skeptics keep things interesting, and if everyone believed and practiced the same thing, not only would it be boring, but there would never be a need for progression.

p.s. energy is not mystical, it's is how you get it created and to manifest that's mystical.

[Ochareo!]

Will any candle do or are there specific candles? I ask because I've walked past a shop from time to time that has different coloured candles and different saints on the candles etc.


Plumsnake:

The candle is traditionally gold or when all fails white is fine. Recently botanicas have 2 candles for Eleggua. On that is white with a black and white draing of a head and there is another one that is for the orichas. Red and black. Either is fine. The difference is in its objective and purpose. If you are doing an ebbo then the latter 2 but quiet frankly any that I mention will do fine and serves its purpose.

Ochareo!

[Ochareo!]

Call me skeptical but I think this naturally happens depending on the conditions. Its not about some mystical "energy" involved, just physics.


Actually thats incorrect to a point. In some cases like you said its the condition or how the wick was lying on the candle case causing heat in one area can cause the candle to break. However, depending on the energies involved a candle can just break with nothing wrong with its original state. Lets not ignore the true exisitance of energies that do exisit and can make things go POP!

Ochareo!

[DixieWitch]

I actually had a candle break that I took as a sign. I was told it was because of the place I put it, but I don't think it did! I had an Our lady Guadalupe candle plus a plain white candle. I set them both up on my mantle of the fireplace. They sat up there fine, right around a few other items. I walked away and the Our Lady candle slid off but I caught it. So I put it in a different area and put the other candle where the Our Lady candle was. It sat up there fine, along with a clock right next to it. When I turned my back to walk away, the Our Lady candle fell off and hit the brick below and severely cracked. I've since placed other similar items in the same areas as the Our Lady candle with no problems what so ever. In fact right at this moment, my glass bowl of shells for Yemaya is sitting in the same exact place and it hasn't moved!