Faith Zion

Faith Zion is a passionate expert in African culture, history, and mythology, with a focus on ancient African history. As a PhD candidate in History, she has dedicated her academic journey to unraveling the mysteries of African art, religion, and mythology, particularly during the Predynastic period. With years of experience in the field, Faith's extensive research has enriched her knowledge in various mythological traditions, including African, Norse, Greek, Egyptian, Mesoamerican, Japanese, and more.

How to Bless and Consecrate Elekes

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Elekes are sacred beaded necklaces acting as a linkage between wearers and the Santeria spirits. The religion is commonly spread in some African and Afro-Caribbean communities where participants wear necklaces for protection and spiritual provisions. To keep the necklaces functional, they need blessings and consecration periodically. Practitioners are advised to consecrate and bless Elekes for … Read more

8 Famous African Earth Goddesses and Gods

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Many cultures and religions across the world believe in different mythological earth deities. An intriguing fact is that despite holding the same rank as ‘earth gods and goddesses,’ these beings differ in the purposes they serve within their respective communities. Their roles are influenced by their unique backgrounds and the circumstances under which they came … Read more

Is Santeria Witchcraft?

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Religion and witchcraft have plenty in common. One can be confused with the other. Both have some type of sacrifice to their god(s). Some offer money, others worship through singing and dancing, and the bizarre ones slaughter people or animals to appease their gods. The type of worship is also sometimes similar as well. Santeria … Read more

9 Most Important African Gods of Healing

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Africa is a continent with many different cultures and traditions. Known all over the world is the African belief in traditional healing. Africans use locally available plants, herbs, and animal parts to cure many ailments. However, found deep in their mythological beliefs are supernatural beings they look to for quick recovery. Christianity was introduced in … Read more

Can Anyone Wear Elekes?

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Like most religions, there is a set of guidelines that Santeria practitioners should observe. Only those who meet the requirements of the Santeria religion benefit from its spiritual practices. Some of the eleke rules, which vary across Santeria communities, include not sharing the necklaces with another person, not taking drugs or alcohol while wearing them, … Read more

How to Feed Elekes

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Elekes are associated with the Santeria tradition, where the religion’s practitioners wear necklaces and bracelets believed to have a spiritual connection to different Orishas or supernatural spirits. Elekes are, therefore, a linkage between the believers and the five deities, whose spiritual connection must be renewed and maintained periodically. So, how do you feed elekes, or … Read more

12 Most Important African Gods of Wealth

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Maybe you have never taken a tour down the mythological history. Even so, you most certainly have heard of the Marvel Universe’s Thor. While that is purely a work of fiction, there is believed to have been a Norse god of Thunder in Greek mythology.  You may have also heard the names of gods such … Read more

Here’s what to do if someone Touches Your Elekes

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Elekes stands for beaded necklaces donned by the Lukumi or Santeria Religion faithfuls. The beads are usually 5, presenting supernatural entities called Oshun, Yemaya, Eshu, Chango, and Obatala. The necklaces are issued to new believers in an initiation ritual led by a Santeria religious leader. Being a consecrated necklace, it, therefore, matters when someone touches … Read more