Santería

In the billions of years that humanity has been around, religion has always been one of the many things used to distinguish people. Connecting and yet separating people drastically. Beliefs are enough to start witch hunts, and alienate one another. One of the many belief systems that have supported this thought is Santería. Santería is a religion that is similar to many others starting with the belief of God that created the universe. The core beliefs of Santería are Ashé and Iwa Pele. Ashé gives us the power to create and wisdom to see things through. Iwa pele is living our lives with good grace and purpose.

     Like many of the more spiritual religions this one was practiced by the slaves. They would hold rituals as well as song their praises while working in the fields. That is until they were banned from continuing to practice it. Not understanding made many people fear Santería. The idea of Santería being witchcraft started due to many not understanding the religion worked. Much like voodoo, stereotypes and assumptions began a fear that spread like wildfire quickly. Unlike the catholic belief of worshipping one God and only him; those whose practice Santeria worship their ancestors as well as the Orishas. Orishas are often portrayed as saints and as time progressed the two religions started synchronizing. They believe that he also made lesser deities (Orishas) to look after the world in place of him. Orishas are deities that can be compared to the Greek gods of Greek mythology; or the saints of Catholicism. It is believed that each Orisha can be prayed and worshiped in a time of need in order for help. There are many Orishas that are in Santería. Here are just a few:

Yemaya (Yemọja) : “Mother Of All” Being one of the most well known Orishas, she is associated with motherhood and the ocean. Nurturing but Tough Love. She is used for cleaning and cleansing one spiritual self with her oceanic waters. She is syncretized  to Mother Mary in Catholicism. Those who tend to seek her guidance are in need of comfort and inspiration. Colors that can be associated with her are blue and white. Offerings consist of shells, oceanic objects, sea salt water, and Rum.

Oshún: similar to Yemoja, she is a River goddess and can be attributed to water. There is a myth that without Oshún there would be no life on Earth. It is said that with her ‘sweet and powerful waters’ spread out over the Earth and brought life back to it. Being sisters with Yemoja, her waters always follow back to the ocean. Unlike the tough love of her sister, she is a goddess of romantic love, beauty and female sensuality. Known as a protector and savior of humanity those who seek advice from her are for spiritual balance. Her colors are yellow and gold, offerings commonly are honey and sunflowers.

Oya: a Wind goddess, she can be attributed to lightning, rainstorms, and much more. Oya much like her sisters Oshún and Yemoja embodies a protective mother. She is quick to help those who call on her for help with her speedy wind qualities but is not afraid to ‘give you a swift kick’ if needed like a stern mother. Oya is also known as a protector of women. She is the Gate Keeper of the Cemetery and often is associated with spirits.  

 These are a few; but not the only Orishas associated with Santería. Alters are built in order to offer up blessings for Orishas on feast days, as well as when needed. 

     Of course like all religions there will be a good side and a bad side. With the existence of good there is always the counteract of evil lingering in the shadows. However, that doesn’t mean it should over power a religion and make it evil. Everyone should take a chance to learn from other cultures. Take a step back and erase the bias that we tend to develop out of our own mortality; and try to understand a different view. I can’t say we can learn, or even understand a whole new belief system. I’m not even asking you to challenge and change what you believe. Just to understand that other views may be different, not necessarily wrong. Who knows? You may end up learning something along the way.