Initiations
Under "normal"
circumstances one would undergo initiation in this order. There
are often exceptions to a rule or specific circumstances which
necessitate specific (different) orders of events.Collares {Spanish}
Elekes {Lucumi}
Neklaces {English}
In this first initiation the new godchild of the household goes though several different rituals of cleansing, purification, removal of negative energy stuck from the past and prayer, grounding and connection with the owner of all Heads, Obatala. Once all cleansings have taken place and are approved by divination the new god-child ritually receives the first five beaded collares (elekes / necklaces) Those are from Eleggua, Obatala, Yemaya, Chango and Ochun. These elekes go through various ritual steps of preparation by the Priest before they are presented to the initiate.
Occasionally divination has mandated one or more additional elekes which would be received in the same ritual. The godchild receives instruction on care of their elekes, basic greeting and traditional procedures with their godparents, elders, ancestors and Oricha. The initiate remains "in white" for a short period of time as he/she learns and reintegrated with their head. Often 21 days is allowed to pass before another registro is done (reading with Eleggua) to ask about the next steps and present standing of the new ile member.
Guerreros (warriors)
The initiate receives Eleggua, Ogun, Ochossi, and Osun. These Oricha are prepaired with items and ingredients specific to the initiate, ritualally prepaired, ceremonially made, washed, blessed. fed ( Ebo = sacrifice) This begins the initiate's relationship with the path of these Oricha who pertain to him/her. The initiate now has living representatives of the Oricha in his/her home. There is ongoing education and instruction regarding the various ways one can work and communicate with his/her Santos (the newly received warriors). These Oricha protect, inspire, assist and direct their person in a lifetime relationship.
Once Guerreros are received, the order of potential initiations is determined on an individual basis with some order of events being the same for all and the order of many others being individualized.
Adimu Oricha
These initiations are of Oricha that may be received before, after or without the ceremony of Asiento. These Oricha are presented to the initiate as needed, determined through divination and circumstances throughout the initiate's practice and study. As this path takes into consideration the individual's need, talent and destiny, the initiation of the Oricha may come at different times as each individual unravels and understands their destined path.
In this manner various Oricha may be received without Asiento (the crowning ceremony at Priesthood) .... for example, Ibeyi, Oricha Oko, Ossain, Olokun, Inle, and others may arrive to meet specific needs of the of the practitioner.
Santo Lavado
Occasionally some are called to receive one or more Oricha without the ceremony of Asiento. These Oricha would otherwise only be received in the making of a Priest, however, in certain circumstances an individual has the need for one or more of these Santos in their life without undergoing Asiento. The potential reasons for this are many. Eleggua knows what we attempt to understand.
Receiving Santo Lavado may include one or more Oricha; often the guardian ruling Oricha of one's head is received; often others are received based on area of expertise of the Oricha and need of the initiate. After receiving one or more Oricha in this manner of initiation the initiate goes on in their study and practice and may receive other Oricha as need determines.
Mano de Orunla (for men) and Ico-fa de Orunla (for women)
This initiation is given by the Babalawo and confers "one hand" of Orunla in a lengthy and beautiful ceremony that includes an "Ita" ...a reading from the Babalawo delineating one's future destiny, work, and initation(s).
Plante de Orunla
In this ceremony the presiding Babalawo and other assisting Priests participate as the Babalawo calls down Orunla to determine the ruling Oricha ofr the initiate. This is a permanent and unchanging fact once known. The initiate will then be directed in how to further their work and bonding with "owner of their head" through the reading (Ita) given.
Asiento (Crowning)
Called "Making the Saint" or "Making the Head" is the crowning of the guardian Oricha on the head of the dedicant. In this lengthy initiation ( months of preparation prior to initiation, one to two weeks of constant Ritual, long study and seclusion after) The new Priest receives the Oricha, Obatala, Chango, Yemaya, Ochun and often others, such as Oya, Olokun, Agayu, etc. depending on the Oricha to whom the new Priest is crowned. This is a complex process which is difficult to comprehend until the time it becomes a reality in the life of an initiate.
There are far more members of the religions of Santeria and Palo Mayombe who remain satisfied and carry on with their path of various stages of initiation and practice. Fewer members are called to the Priesthood. It is always better to follow one's calling, one's destiny than to resist it.
