Elegua Santeria
The Orisha of Lord of Paths and more

Elegua Santeria

Elegua Prayers

ELEGUA Santeria

Prayer to Elegua for Protection 

To Elegua, (also spelled Eleggua) the Lord of All Paths, illustrious warrior, immortal prince, I offer this humble prayer. Keep away from my abode all matters of evil and guard my home and those who reside in it when I'm awake or asleep, present or not. I ask Olofi God to bless you, Elegua, beloved Lord of all roads. Ashe (From Helping Yourself With Selected Prayers Volume 2)

PRAYER TO ELEGUA

Elegua, energy of opportunity, with all my respect, I honor and praise you. With humble respect, I ask for your blessings and ask you to allow all good opportunities to reach me and help me take advantage of all the great possibilities that life presents to me today and every day. With your help, let me choose the road to success and open the door of opportunities. Allow all positive things to reach me and block all possible things that may cause me harm. Help me live a winning and positive life. Elegua, you are my guide and my leader. With your blessing, all is possible for me. With you, I start my day, and with you, I finish (From Awo Orumila Ogundache- Prayer to Elegua).

ELEGUA PRAYER

With the permission of God, the Father, I call upon Elegua.

Please hear my plead and accept my prayer if you are near and I am worthy of your time.  I am at a crossroad in my life. I don't know where to go or what to do. I have tried everything along my path to move forward and have failed. All the doors of my existing world have been shut tight. I continue to move on only to face the same obstacles and rejections. Perhaps, this has to do with my karma or learning lessons I must face. If it is, let it be God's will. However, if it is not karma or a learning lesson, help me to overcome all obstacles in front of me that are keeping me away from my true destiny. God has blessed you to be the keeper of the keys to all paths and doors. Please open my path and allow me to move forward. Please guide me to find my true path. 

I place my trust in Elegua, for you are one of God's beloved messengers.

Amen 

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Elegua Santeria

Who is Orisha Elegua ?
Orisha Of All Roads

.The orisha Elegua is a highly respected and revered figure in various religions, including Santeria, Candomble, and Umbanda. Elegua originated from West Africa.

During the slave trade, Elegua, an orisha, was brought by the African people from West Africa to Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean countries,

In the Yoruba Religion, he is considered a divine messenger and holds great importance as the Lord of all roads. Elegua is often associated with crossroads, roads, and trickery, and is known to have a playful nature. Although he is typically depicted as a child, he can also be portrayed as a young adult man or an old man. Elegua is responsible for opening and closing paths in our lives and symbolizes both the beginning and end of existence.

It is of utmost importance, during all religious practices- ceremonies and rituals- that Elegua is the first to be called upon to allow our prayers to reach all the other orishas. Without Elegua’s approval, all ceremonies, prayers, or rituals involving other orishas will be rejected. Elegua serves as the gatekeeper between the physical and spiritual realms and possesses the key to open the gateway of connection. Through his connection with the spiritual realm, Elegua provides divine guidance and protection to his devotees. His devotees wear a beaded necklace consisting of red and black beads for protection and guidance.

In Haitian Vodou, Ellegua is often identified with Papa Legba due to their similar characteristics. Both are considered the Lords of spiritual crossroads and have the ability to grant permission to communicate with the souls residing in the spirit world. 

papa legba by Tai

It is important to note that communication between the physical and spiritual realms is only possible with Elegua's permission. However, it is also essential to understand that Elegua is one of God's spirit messengers and plays a unique role in the orisha faiths.

It is worth noting that the God (Oludumare) worshipped in the orisha faiths is the same God worshipped in other religions, as there is only one God. The name is different, but the Divine Creator is the same.

People often ask who Elegua is in the Catholic religion. Specifically, they want to know which Catholic saint Elegua is syncretized with. The answer is that Elegua is syncretized with the Holy Child Jesus of Atocha, Saint Anthony of Padua, and some literature says Anima Sola (Soul in Purgatory).

How To Build An Altar For Elegua

To properly honor Elegua, it is essential that his altar consists of the right offerings. The location is also important. Placing his altar and offerings near the doorway/front door is recommended. The best day to give offerings to Elegua is on Mondays.

What offerings does elegua like?

Since Elegua is associated with child's play due to his childlike energy, it is wise to offer hard candies and toys such as toy soldiers. balls, whistles, etc. Many devotees also offer stones and crystals, as Elegua is fond of them. Other offerings such as rum, cigars, smoked fish, beans, rice, toasted corn, chilean red pepper, chicken, corn tamales, and palm oil are also acceptable. When serving food-meat, it is recommended to use a red plate or cloth of the same color.

If you are seeking Elegua's help in achieving your goals, you can offer him a bottle of brandy, a straw hat, silver coins or keys.

If you're curious about the straw hat, it represents Elegua's role as a diviner and healer.

Remember to use a black and red cloth for Elegua's altar and place it near the doorway.
According to originalbotanica.com , "The colors black and red are also associated with Elegua. Black is the color of the unknown, and it represents the mysteries of the world. Red is the color of power and energy, and it represents life and vitality. When worn together, black and red symbolize balance and harmony"

Elegua Santeria Blessings

Mr. R had lost his job and was facing financial problems.  Things were going from bad to worst. His financial woes kept pulling him down into a dark, endless abyss.

He decided to visit a Santeria practitioner for spiritual assistance. The solution to his problem, according to the practitioner, was orisha Elegua. He was told that Elegua had the power to open the doorway to opportunities and remove obstacles.

He received Elegua Orisha in the form of a stone. Cowrie shells were used to form eyes and a mouth. The stone was charged with a unique energy. He was introduced to Elegua and given instructions on the do's and dont's. From that point, Elegua adopted him - guiding and protecting him along the way. 

Gradual positive changes started to occur in his world. He was no longer struggling in difficult circumstances as he had secured a better job, resulting in a higher income. Consequently, he was able to comfortably pay all his bills, leading to an overall improvement in his financial situation.

He continues to give Elegua offerings and establish a deep connection to Elegua.  He is eternally grateful for all of his blessings.

Elegua Head and Elegua Collares (necklace)

My Introduction To Elegua

I was a teenager when I first heard the name Orisha Elegua. It was during a spiritual consultation with a Babalawo- a high priest in the Santeria religion. The name of Elegua was mentioned briefly. At the time, I had no clue who or what was an Elegua. It was later on that the true essence of Elegua began to reveal itself to me.

Although the consultation was focused on receiving collares or necklaces- a sacred representation of the various Orishas and a symbol of their presence and protection- I believe Elegua was preparing me for a new spiritual adventure. He was at the crossroad of my world, waiting to direct me into unknown territory.

It took a while before the final decision was made about receiving the necklaces. Certain decisions require full attention, and this was undoubtedly one of them.

When the decision was made, the preparations commenced immediately. It took several days to prepare the necklaces. When the process was completed, I was called and informed of the upcoming activity. The ceremony would take place as soon as possible.

The ceremony was an all-day event that consisted of various rituals. The experience was unforgettable. Later, I received Ellegua, the Warriors, and Osun. My Elegua was in the form of a large seashell.

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Elegua Offering

Elegua Conch Shell

Guerreros

The cost of all the items I received was relatively inexpensive. Nowadays, I am told that some individuals are charging hundreds of dollars for the same items. This is outrageous.

False Santeria Practitioners

Beware of false practitioners. While visiting a friend of a friend, I heard the most intriguing story. It was a story about a woman and her experience with Santeria.

Some time ago, the woman was going through a difficult time in all aspects of her life. Desperate to get back on track, she went to see a santero- santeria practitioner-for a spiritual consultation. He immediately told her what she needed to do. It included the Orishas' necklaces, Elegua and Osun. The cost would be in the hundreds. She agreed and received seven necklaces, Elegua and Osun. The Guerreros or Warriors were not part of the deal. As she waited patiently to see some improvement, she saw none. She felt her life going deeper and deeper in a downward spiral. Frustrated and angry, she placed all the items in her closet, hidden and forgotten for an incalculable amount of time.

When I asked her if I could see them, she agreed. After digging in her closet, she came up with the items. What I saw was shocking. The quality of the work was extremely different from that of a true Santeria practitioner. In fact, the items she was given were not prepared at all. The Osun, which is carefully prepared and sealed, was empty as if just purchased from a religious shop- botanica. Her Ellegua was a morbid-looking coconut with some cracks on the surface. It looked more like a discarded coconut. No cowrie shells were used.

As for her necklaces, no ceremony was performed. She was just told to go pick them up. For that, she paid several hundreds of dollars.

It is my opinion that a con artist pretending to be a santeria practitioner swindled her.

Conclusion

When searching for a santeria practitioner, it is extremely important to take proper precautions. Get as much information as possible about the person. There are many individuals claiming to be something they are not.  Remember, a dedicated santeria practitioner is not out to exploit people. Their goal is to educate and assist people to live a better life

Although I am not a santera-priestess, and never will be, I respect all the good aspects of santeria. I cherish my Elegua, and believe that he placed me in the path of santeria to show me its beauty and power.

Although I have traveled on many different spiritual paths in this lifetime, I have not forgotten and will always remember Elegua.

Blessings 

May the spirit of Elegua help you reach your destiny.

May Elegua protect and guide you to navigate life's many challenges.

Amen

Elegua holds the keys to open doors to opportunities.

Comments

At the tender age of 45 

Bendiciones to all!! At this tender age of 45 I have come across the existence of Elegua! In sharing an apartment with my esteemed and most valuable friend, I was introduced to the magnificent Elegua! My friends I have not done any ceremonies, rituals, or spells. I have simply put a mustard seed of faith in Elegua and my paths are being opened like the Moses and the Red Sea! Everyday I play music and sing to elegua and I am happy!!

by G
(nyc)

Elegua’s help and Love

I must say that ever since I received my warriors Elegua of all of them has been a tremendous positive force in my life. I received them in 2015. My experience with Elegua has been life-changing. YOU MUST BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK HIM FOR. He will usually bless you with what you ask but if the request is really not what’s right for you, in the long run, he will let you learn this the hard way to teach you. The thing of Elegua as a messenger from God and him being able to deliver messages to God in a timely manner. You must stay true and faithful. To show him thanks light candles to the left of him on Monday’s and every third of the month. Cook him chicken and rice and let it be by him for 3 days. Fill his bowl with candy, he enjoys rum, agutiente, cigars, and coffee. Do not only give him offerings “oti” when you are asking for something, instead make it a habit every Monday and 3rd of the month. If this is done faithfully and with a pure heart the benefits are endless. Those of you that are skeptical I understand your ignorance towards this but please do not knock it until you have a good understanding on how it works and the True meaning behind it all. Elegua is a master warrior and takes care of the ones that love and believe in him and this is a Fact! Ashe Ire

Name unknown

Ms L from California

Hello, well I have an elegua. First,  I was going through a rough time in my life when this lady came into my life and she told me that she will help me live the path that I needed to live. I was crying and crying and didn’t know where to go, where to turn, or who to turn to but she came into my life so I thought to myself that God brought her to me. So, she told me, I needed to buy an elegua. That he was going to help me open my doors and shut all the bad doors that were  around me. So, then I told her OK how much. She said 1800 and I said OK, if this is going to help me OK. So, then she said I’ll give you a mass with it and things will go better so she gave me the Elegua and all she told me was to light candles and that I had to buy ochun and oya and Chango and obatala, and each one cost thousand 1800 dollars. So, I got all these santos and she said good things were coming to me. Well, I started to notice that everything was going wrong. I started to notice that she was telling me that I only had three days to live and that she needed money from me to save my life. So, then I started to be smart and ask her if I have my elegua, he should be a big help and when was she going to do my mass.  Then, she started ignoring my calls. I haven’t heard back from her so I have all these santos that I’ve been praying to and keeping my candles on giving them their liquor, their coconut,  their food, making offerings and I’m trying my best.  Is there any type of advice you can give me or send me a number to anybody for anybody to help me. I’m just looking for help I’m looking to be set on the right path. Thank you for listening to my story.

Ms L
(Los Angeles )

Single mother of two. Husband is in jail. He left me with his mother. I was very frustrated being there always hearing n seeing faces of people that didn't want me there. So, one day I started crying. I couldn't take it anymore. I started praying to elegua. "I promise you this in return that you please get me out of here. It doesn't matter how; doesn't matter what I have to go through just as long as my daughters and I are out of here and healthy. May nothing ever be missing in my house such as food is ok," I prayed. Two weeks later, I was out of that house, everything was paid for- hotels and foods. In a week, I found a place. Thanks to him I haven't gone without food,and my bills are paid. My health is great; and I have two beautiful daughters that are happy. May elegua blessings be heard.! He is every powerful! Amen! He is here. Open your heart and have faith.

Ms G
(Puerto Rico)

Keep the faith and don't give up. Elegua has your back. All you need is faith and believe. Blessings to all.

It is important to remember that when an orisha chooses you, you will always be under their protection.

Special thanks to Tai for photo of Papa Legba.

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