ESHÚ: Who is he?, as an orisha, his paths, and more

Eshú is a deity from Yoruba Mythology, considered a warrior, endowed with cunning, mischief and many more characteristics, all of them very interesting and which we will make known to you by reading this article, do not stop reading, so that you can tell with all the necessary tools to obtain the help of this Orisha.

Introduction

The Yoruba religion is part of everything commonly known as Santeria, which is nothing more than the heritage left by the African slaves, when they had to adapt their customs and cultures to the way of life in America; which they maintained thanks to the fact that they managed to syncretize their deities with the representative figures of the saints of the Catholic religion.

And it is precisely within this Yoruba mythology where we find Eshú, who was also known as Exu or Esu, and despite the variations in his name, his beliefs have always been similar at all times. He is part of the group of warrior Orishas, ​​but represents the deity as evil on some occasions.

When we contemplate the meaning of his name, as for Eshu, we find that it is “Sphere”, with which his presence encompasses everything that is infinite, that is in constant movement, being also considered as a communicator between the world in which we live and the sky.

Eshú is presented associated with the paths, which are the different directions taken by each person throughout their entire life. And for each of them, there is a manifestation of this Orisha, which is characterized by presenting certain qualities, which govern his actions before the world at all times.

The life of this deity is full of striking elements that make him an orisha with a large number of characteristics, considered within the Yoruba religious cults, and whose personality in many cases has been considered mischievous and cunning, but which is necessary to know. to be able to understand it properly.

For this reason, during the development of this article, we will let you know in a clear and precise way who Eshú is, so that everyone has the necessary knowledge about this Orisha, and can request his favors or help, at the moment in time. who consider it necessary. (We recommend you read the article about who Elegua is)

History of Eshú

In many of the stories and writings about Yoruba culture, Eshú is considered to be a malefic deity, as it is defined as the product of the mind of man; an Orisha who does not settle in any place and who consecrates his life with nature and plants. It is the complete opposite of the manifestation or essence of Elegua.

One story explains that Orunmila had taken over the Ori (cerebral manifestation) of Eshú, thanks to which he became famous. Then Eshú asked for it to be returned and in exchange what he gave him was the Yangi, a deity that he scandalized everyone; and which he placed outside so that he could be worshiped, which brought confrontation with the other orishas and especially with Shango.

So Eshú faced Shango, and every time he received a blow from him, he divided into many more parts; overcoming all of Shango’s blows, which allowed him to realize the choice he could make in his life. Well, it is said that Eshú manifests himself thanks to confrontation.

Within Elegua’s personality, there is a manifestation in which he appears mischievous, malicious, perverse and even possessed of a lot of evil, and it is precisely in this manifestation of his, in which he is identified as Eshú.

For this reason, it is manifested that Eshú are the 21 paths of Elegua, Saint Bartholomew himself, who is remembered as the devil who is loose every August 24. But it is generally considered that Eshú and Eleguá are two different figures, and because of them we are going to learn a little more about this aspect in order to better understand this.

Considering that Eshú is an entity, while Eleguá is a divinity, a deity. Both being considered both belonging to different lands and equally to different cults. Well, the field of the santeros is different from that of the Orúnmila and Babalawos.

Thus, Eshú is considered to belong to the land of Ifá; while Eleguá belongs to the land of the Oloshas or Osha. Where Eleguá is sought and consecrated, while Eshú is sought, made, loaded and then consecrated, this being the work carried out by the Babalawos or the Awos of Orúnmila.

This deity Eshú, since it is an entity, cannot be settled or carried on anyone’s head, and it is also considered that it does not possess the faculty of Diloggún, which is present in Eleguá. (see also everything about how to do the Prayer to Elegua)

Basically it can be said that Eshú is Energy, while Eleguá is Matter. Eshú being the first particle of life that has been created by Olorun, or Olodumare, considered the supreme god of the Yoruba cult and also has the presence of 201 cumins who are considered children of Orunmila. (You may be interested in knowing the Symbols of Buddhism)

Who is Eshu?

Eshú is considered to be an Orisha Oddé, which is one who is part of those considered warriors; but which governs all those manifestations of evil.

It is important to consider that in order for the good or benevolent to manifest, it is necessary to take into account the bad, and thus be able to take all the necessary precautions to prevent or avoid it.

In a clearer way, it can be said that Eshú is always cheating and deceiving not only the Orishas, ​​but also men in general, according to the stories of many Yoruba legends; This deity is thus an example of the misfortunes that surround life, when it is not in harmony with the world around us.

He is an Orisha who works directly with Orunla, being in charge of carrying the ebbó, which is the work in Santeria and also accounts for the offerings that are made. Generally, both the Oshas and the Orishas are always accompanied by a specific Eshú. (We invite you to discover who Oya is)

Eshú as Orisha

Within the Yoruba culture, the Orishas or Oshas are considered to be deities that govern the forces present in nature, and that govern all matters and manifestations of the life of human beings on earth.

The orishas are usually the emissaries of Olodumare on earth, and each one of them has their characteristic marks, numbers and particular tastes that must be considered when performing rituals and offerings to them by their followers, since with this they manifest their devotion just as they request their help.

This position of Orisha within the Yoruba cult is something that each deity has earned and many of them also stand out as warriors, this being the case of Eshú, who are called orishas of Oddé.

Which implies that this type of deities can only be delivered, during initiations, by priests with high hierarchy in the cult, being known as Olowus or Babalawos.

It is said that Eshú is the messenger between men and the Orisha. He is also considered the one who governs all manifestations of evil. However, many consider that he is the one who opens the paths and that there is no initiation without him presenting himself.

This Orisha has become a synthesis of the contradictions of man, with all his brilliant ego. Those who usually ask for his help and interventions from him as an Orisha, and praise him with offerings and gifts; receive generous help from him, ward off evils as well as oppressive spirits that are bothering him.

Considered the most reciprocal of all the orishas, ​​as he helps and is generous with all those who keep him happy; but on the other hand it can be fierce and close all the benefits and possibilities to those people who do not show their gratitude or dare to be careless with Eshú.

For this reason, within the Yoruba religion and cult, this messenger of destiny has been worshiped, since very ancient times, by the inhabitants of the African ethnic group, in settlers who occupy the territories of Nigeria and Benin, from which it has passed to the rest. in the world, being spread by slaves, especially on the Island of Cuba in other American countries.

Eshú and Elegua

As has been stated initially, during the development of our article, these two deities tend to be confused and sometimes treated as one, which is not the case. Well, each one has its own and specific traits, which is how to say that the good and the bad are equal.

For example, Eleguá is representative of the Santería cult, belonging to the earth, considered as matter. While Eshu belongs to the Babalawos cult, belonging to Energy and considered as an entity. Eshú guards the path of each person, trying to ensure that each one follows the one he has chosen, but Eleguá is only a messenger who links these people with the cult, all through communication with them, which is called diloggún.

In the universe there are a series of conflicts that often occur in duality, as is the case of Life and Death, which fall within the domain of Eleguá, but on the other hand there is Light and Darkness, which is the matter of Eshú’s domain. Probably for this reason, these two deities tend to be confused.

A basic element, which has been previously considered, is the fact that Eleguá is usually represented by a stone that has no charge, called Otá, also by some images syncretized with saints of the Catholic religion, such as the Santo Niño de Atocha or San Antonio de Padua.

While in the case of Eshú, he is represented by moldable creations, with snails, simulating human features, such as eyes, nose and mouth. They are figures made, consecrated and carried by the Babalawos.

Paths of Eshú

When talking about the paths of Eshú, it must be considered that there are many, since this is an Orisha, who has been in the world long before others. Considering that these paths are the manifestations with which this deity can be presented to the eyes of human beings, and based on the entire Yoruba religious cult.

For this reason, many consider that the paths are the different situations in which Orisha can help his devotees; Therefore, not only must Eshú be taken into account, but each of her paths must also be considered at all times. (Know who Oggún is)

Patakíes of Eshú

With the following story of the Yoruba culture, we will learn how the figure of Eshú was born, within the history of their religion. It is said that Orunla and his wife wanted to have a child and for this reason they went to Obatalá so that he would grant them this wish.

For his part, Obatalá was molding the first man in clay, but this required time and patience, which is why Orunla suggested that he take the clay that he was modeling to continue creating it on his own.

However, Obatalá explains to them that they must work on this figure for twelve months. Which…