What happens if you touch IFA beads?

Elekes can not be touched by anyone except for priests, and if they are touched, the person touching them must clean them. The beads all have different meanings and represent different divinities of Ifa. “I look at my beads as spirits. If something bad is about to happen to me, they start to itch really bad.

What is Orisha Elegua?

Eshu (aka Elegba and Elegua) is the orisha of chance and uncertainty. Known as the “trickster,” he lurks at gateways and doorways to introduce chaos and accident into the lives of humans.

What are Orisha beads?

The beads in the tradition of Santeria (also referred to as La Regla de Ocha or Lukumi) are called Elekes, or collares. These beaded necklaces are ritually prepared and ceremonially given to devotees. Each color combination represents a different Orisha (deity) of the Yoruba pantheon.

Can you sleep in your elekes?

The Elekes ceremony involves a Godparent consecrating the necklaces and giving them Ashé through a series of ritual songs, baths, and sacrifices (Ebo). Elekes should be worn at all times except when sleeping, bathing, drinking alcohol, or having sex.

Who are the 7 African powers?

Women ordinarily do not confer that initiation on men. Another common initiation is the intitiation into the Seven African Powers (Elegua, Obatala, Oggun, Chango, Yemaya, Oshun, and Orunmilla). Devotees from Cuba often replace Orunmilla with Babalu-Aye. The Seven African Powers are consecrated into one eleke.

Who is Elegua in Santeria?

Elegua (Yoruba: Èṣù-Ẹlẹ́gbára, also spelled Eleggua; known as Eleguá in Latin America and Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands) is an Orisha, a deity of roads in the religions of Santería, Umbanda, Quimbanda, and Candomblé. He is syncretized with Saint Michael, Saint Anthony of Padua, or Holy Infant of Atocha.

Who is elegua in Santeria?

What does green and yellow beads mean?

Green connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being. It connects us to nature and to empathy with others.​​​​ ​ Yellow (warm) Represents sunbeams, warmth, healing and motion.

Who is elegua in Catholic?

Who are the santos in Santeria?

Santería can in short be described through its pantheon consisting of approximately 20 santos (deities). Each santo is responsible for an area of nature, and are also associated with certain human qualities. Olofi, who rules the pantheon, is a withdrawn god.

What does the Eleguá necklace mean?

The color and design of the necklace represent life and death, war and peace, the beginning and end of all things. Eleguá is called the Lord of the Crossroads because he plays a role in every decision we make in life. With his help, things go smoothly. But, he can also put obstacles in our path, and life takes unexpected and negative turns.

What is an Elegua stone?

Through a special ceremony, a stone representing Elegua is prepared and charged with the Oricha’s aché, or special energy. Usually the stone is shaped into a head with a cement outer layer and cowrie shells for eyes and mouth.

What does Eleguá like to wear?

Eleguá likes all kinds of things associated with child’s play, like kites, whistles, balls, toy soldiers. He also likes keys, silver coins, a shepherd’s crook and a straw hat. He dresses in red and black, sometimes in Spanish colonial-style knee britches. On his head, he wears a red kerchief or cap, or a straw hat.

What are the days of the week for Saint Eleguá?

Eleguá’s colors are red and black. His number is 3, or any multiple of 3. His day of the week is Monday, and the 3rd day of every month. Traditionally, the 6th of January and the 13th of June are recognized as his “saint’s days” in Cuba. On these days, a feast may be given in his honor.