▷ Elegua《Attention, Petition and Offerings》

Last Update: May 13, 2022

Elegua is one of the main figures of the Yoruba pantheon, since it represents the beginning and the end, good and evil. It is one of the most important deities together with Oggun, Ochosi and Osun.

In this article you will know the most important aspects related to this Orisha, how to care for him, how to make the offerings, what are the alternatives, what phrases to say to him, food and animals.

Who is Eleggua?

As one of the main figures, Elegua is in charge of open the roads and be one of the first protections when someone decides to join the Santeria religion. By uniting with Oggun and Oshosi, he becomes one of the strongest and most capable warriors.

Those not initiated must compulsorily receive and venerate itsince it is one of the entities that will observe what are the correct paths to follow.

is an entity with a lot of power, since he has gone and returned from the world of Ará Onú. In addition, he has 21 pieces, which represent the number of his paths.

In the Catholic Religion

The Yoruba religion had a lot of contact with the Catholic religion, therefore, many Yoruba deities are also represented in the church. Elegua is recognized in the Catholic religion as the Holy Child of Atocha or Saint Anthony of Padua.

Known as the owner of all doors, who opens and closes roads. their colors they are black and redcontrolling the kingdoms of evil and good, creating balance.

In Palo Mayombe

In the mayombe stick it can be a figure benevolent and lovingbut it can also be a figure of evil and to be feared.

He is considered the owner of the ashe of the universe, that is to say of the blessings of the earth. Owner of the 21 paths that every Olorisha has to know, in addition to the 101 paths that the babalawos know.

What is your day?

Monday and Wednesday are the dates where much more attention should be paid to this saint. Although it does not have a particular date or day for your devotion, it is recommended to do the prayers, offerings or rituals these days of the week.

On the other hand, the main offerings should be made every 21 daysrepresenting the path of Elegua.

Pataki of Elegua

Each Orisha has a particular number of shells that represent it, in the case of Elegua it is the only deity that has 21 snails. These were assigned to the god in a pataki.

Another patakie of Elegua is when the god was walking with his entourage, when he found a very bright object that came out of the ground. It was one energy that possessed three eyes.

In addition, the pataki related to the consecration of Elegua is known through A coconut. In this case, Elegua meets a coconut, which has a spiritual connection.

Prayer to this orisha

exist many prayers to venerate to Elegua, but now we will introduce you to the main one. But first you must do the following:

head over to the altar or to the prayer space. When you are in front of the saint touch the floor three times, without kneeling. Says you name. Sprinkle the figure with drops of brandy while reciting the prayer.

When you finish, you should mention the problems and the situations that are present in your life and that you are looking for a solution with the work of Elegua.

How to attend it?

It is important cater to this god to have his blessing. In addition, being a saint that initiates in Santeria receive, it is very important that they know this.

things that are recommended place him on your altar are:

Besides, one must speak to the saint, giving you the information you need to start your job. The problems must be expressed in a clear and simple way, without many details. This means that Elegua can give you good indications on how to solve it.

It is important to remember that Elegua will not solve everything, since as a person also you have part of power in the solution of what happens to you.

How to talk to him?

When speaking to him you must place the offerings that we previously mentioned. you must keep a cordial and respectful tone with the god, explaining what is happening to you in a safe, simple, clear and calm way. This will help the god to clearly understand the purpose of your request.

What offerings are given?

To make the offerings you must follow a series of steps so that it is done properly:

you can do it one day Monday or Wednesday, before noon.
Wash the figure of Eleggua. Expose it during a moment in the sunso that you feel satisfied. Now he lays down three jets of ritual water and you must recite the following: “Omí tuto, Ana tuto, Tuto okan, Tuto laroyé, Tutu elei”. Start doing requests from didara, oriré and owó. That is, health, luck and money respectively. You must say a prayer of thanks, praise and blessing.
Now make the offerings, rubbing the Corojo (Epó) with butter.
put honey, roasted corn and smoked fish.
grab three peppercorns and blow them with brandy and tobacco.

In general the offering to this god It is made in conjunction with prepared food, such as:

These foods can be left for three days at the altar, asking the orisha according to the problem you have. After the three days have passed, you must take the offering to the jungle.

How do you know if he is angry?

He is not usually known as a vengeful Orisha, usually being someone who will protect you. if you are respectful with him and give him enough attention.

In the event that you invoke it to make bad to other people, he can get upset and abandon you to return all the negativity you asked for. Since he doesn’t like those kinds of requests.

You must go to him with good intentions, as well as feelings of faith and respect. This will prevent him from getting upset, opening doors and positive paths to guide us on the spiritual path and wisdom.

How are the children of Elegua?

Los hijos de Elegua, has a series of particular characterisitics which are usually very similar to that of the saint. The most important are the following:

The fact that you are a son of Elegua and have these characteristics does not mean that another person cannot have them, remember that the saint is the one who says whose son you are. Personality is a set of factors that make you unique.

What are the herbs of this orisha?

It is very important to know which are those herbs that Elegua likes the most, since they are important when making offerings and rituals. In addition, in the most relevant ceremonies related to the saint.

Now we will give you a list of Elegua herbs and plants that are widely used in santeria and in the mayombe stick. They are the best-known name of the plant, generally used in Cuba or in other countries, in addition to its scientific name.

Elegua is positioned as one of the most important saints of the entire Yoruba pantheon, that is why it is important that you venerate and respect him as it is due and as it is established in the santera religion. This will help the saint protect you as well as your relatives from any problem.