Also known as La Regla de Lukumi (Lukumi’s Rule or The Way of the Saints)
Afro-carribbean religious tradition based on Yoruba traditions from Nigeria
Based on a hierarchical structure of priesthood and authority
Temples known as “ile” are governed by Orisha priests known as Babalorishas, the “fathers of Orisha” and Lyalorishas, the “mothers of Orisha”
Highest level of achievement within Santeria is reaching the ifa (ee-fah) priesthood
Ifa priests receive Orunmila who is the Orisha of Prophecy, wisdom and all knowledge
Ifa priests are known by their titles
Babalawo = Father who knows the secrets
Lyanifa = Mother of DestinyThe Ifa ile (also known as Temple of Ifa) serve as the senior Orisha within the traditional Santeria communities
There are seven powers of God or “Siete Potenica”, these are:
Elegua
Oggun
Oshun
Chango
Obatala’
Yemeya
Onrula Santeria is based on the west Africans religions that were bought to the new world by slaves that were imported into Cuba to work on the sugar plantations.
These slaves bought with them voodoo style ritualistic traditions, such as trance for communication with ancestors and deities, animal sacrifice, sacred drumming and dance
The birth of Santeria stemmed from the fusion of BaKongo (Congo), Dahomean and Christian beliefs
The beliefs of Santeria/Lukumi prevent any non adherents from participating in any ceremonial rites, thus almost all of the Lukumi rituals are reserved for priests and the newly initiated.
In the beginning, the traditions and belief of Santeria were communicated orally, however as time has progressed some have written books on the traditions
The most controversial traditional practice of Santeria is animal sacrifice, however many misconceptions surround these ritualistic deaths.
Orishas who perform these rituals are trained in humanistic ways of performing ritualistic slaughter.
Chickens are the most common animal used for ritualistic slaughters. The blood of the chicken is given to the Orisha, while the meat is cooked and consumed by all.
Within the ritual, many will perform drum music and dancing, this is designed as a form of prayer and can sometimes induce a trance like state in which the priest will become possessed/channel an Orisha. In this state the Orisha can perform healing or even pass on messages from the spiritual realms.
Within the Lukumi/Santeria beliefs, ancestors (egun) are held in very high regard and all ceremonies within this religion begin by paying homage to the lineages that have passed.