In order to understand Santeria I have defined a few of the terms that are extremely important if you wish to learn and or fully comprehend this Afrocuban culture.
By definition Santeria is A combination of religious traditions or beliefs that combines a similar African traditional religion. Santeria originated in the country of Cuba and Brazil. This religion is a combination of the traditional Yoruba faith and the worship of catholic saints.
Yoruba's are members of a West African Community based in the region of southwest Nigeria whoa are active members of the practice of Santeria. The Yoruba people pray and service the Orisha: An Orisha or as others may call it Orisa/Orixa is spiritual being or presence that is interpreted as one of the manifestations of GOD (Olofi) within the Santeria Religion or faith.
In order to determine who will be your crowned Orisha if this is the path that you choose to take, one needs to get their Guerreros or Elekes (collares) there are two sets of warriors (one form the babalaos) and the other from santeros meaning that the elegua that you get from the babalao is exu and the santero is elegua. The marking of the head can be done when you receive your mano de orunla, it is advised that the person who is doing such should already have Godparents. I have heard some people go and receive orunla with out having elekes , which would mean that they don't have any godparent representation, normally this is not very recommended.
For information and to learn more about this African based culture please visit MySanteria.com a Social network that will allow you to meet many Santeros from around the world that will introduce you and answer all of your questions.
Ruben Ricart
Webmaster of Spiritual Sites.
http://www.santeriareligion101.com
http://www.mysanteria.com
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