Azabache or jet is a type of fossilized wood that has a long history of use in Africa, Cuba, and Latin America for its magical and spiritual properties. In these regions, jet has been prized for their ability to protect against the evil eye and bring good luck. The black beads in orisha elekes, ides,…
Introduction to Lucumi Beads and the Foundation of orisha Beadwork
t in a series of videos that explore and explain the types of beads used in Lucumi worship to make elekes, ides, mazos, and so on. I hope to grow this series to include how to make these items for the orishas according to traditional techniques.
Gala elekes and ides for Obatala and Elegua
Obatala and Elegua ides and gala elekes I made these for a friend who is crowing their first two santos. The “gala” elekes are multi stranded ones used to identify who is the guardian angel of the iyawo as it is bigger and fancier than the other elekes worn. I like to make these multi-stranded….
Letra del Año 2018 Odu of the Year from Cuba 2018
LETRA DEL AÑO 2018 Consejo Cubano De Sacerdotes Mayores De Ifá Predicciones de Ifá para Cuba y el Mundo Las primeras horas de este 2018 se reunió la Sociedad Cultural Yoruba de Cuba y el Consejo Cubano De Sacerdotes Mayores De Ifá para determinar el Signo de Ifa que regirá Cuba durante todo el año…
Iruke for Obatala Oshagriñan
I recently made an iruke (horsetail fly whisk) for Obatala Oshagriñan, the elder warrior Obatala. Oshagriñan is a strategist and alchemist and grants predictive vision to his children. Like Ayaguna, Oshagriñan takes a color other than funfun or the white color palette. Oshagriñan takes red or slightly orange coral (iyun), but not too much. Along with Czech glass white and…
When to Wear White?
The answer is ALWAYS! Guys and gals, I know you love black; I know it’s slimming, but it is a color that absorbs rather than reflects. Try and wean yourself off of black all the time – start with a light or white colored top; I promise you, you will look chic. Or, if you…
Olokun Tinaja Decorated with Seashells
Below you will see a video of an Olokun tinaja (tall lidded urn) I recently finished. It is covered in seashells, including cowries which are cemented in place. Some might think that this is for “Olokun de Ifa” as the Olokun that babalawos give is covered in cement with some shells. This tinaja is for…
Odu Odi-She (7-5 Odi Oshe)
7-5 Odi Oshe MAFEREFUN Oshún, Inle, Asojano, Oshosi, & Obatala HERBS EWE OF THE ODU: Curujey, zazafrán, hiedra, orquidea, and all parasitic plants PROVERBS OF THE ODU: The chickens don’t have any friends; if one draws near to another, it’s only to peck at her\ Many friendships that are not based on unconditional terms; people who…
Visions and Voices of Haiti by Phyllis Galembo book (Haitian Vodou, Vodun, Vodu not Voodoo)
Visions and Voices of Haiti by Phyllis Galembo This is a stunning book by the photographer Phyllis Galembo who has a keen interest in Afro-Atlantic religions, especially the portraiture of practitioners. This inexpensive book is well worth buying as it has eighty-plus brilliant color photographs, which are accompanied by captions and essays from experts of…
Santeria: African Spirits in America by Joseph M. Murphy
This was one of the first books I ever read on the religion when I could only dream about visiting a botánica in NYC as beautifully written about in this book. I recommend this book and others by Joseph Murphy to anyone interested in religion, from personal to academic inquiry. Murphy started the book as…
ELEGUA GARABATOS
ELEGUA GARABATOS These are handmade and beaded garabatos or guava wood hooks that Elegua uses to remove obstacles from the person’s life. Eleggua also uses it to bring blessings or ire to the person. Both are made with all Czech glass beads, one has a little beaded gourd with red parrot feathers, and both have…
Ore Yeye O & Omi O Yemaya: Goodness and Water Shout Outs!
Each orisha has a series of praises that are exclaimed at important times in ceremonies and celebrations. For example, when you hear someone singing for Elegua, you may hear a cry of “Laroye!” It is a way of honouring the deities, and flattering them. Two of the most commonly heard praises are for Oshun and…