Aje is a Yoruba mythological goddess behind human prosperity. The Yoruba community believes she blesses her worshippers and the people closest to them with immense wealth. Early before the 19th century, Aje would provide her followers with cowry shells, a unique form of payment that was used at the time. Among the 401 gods and … Read more
Elekes are consecrated beaded necklaces worn by Santeria and Lukumi religious practitioners. The necklaces present different Orishas, and wearers from other traditions must follow the rules for utmost protection. Failure to follow elekes rules means the wearer cannot receive protection from the respective Orisha. The rules may differ between Santeria communities, but the most common … Read more
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
Olodumare and Jesus are two supernatural beings believed by two different groups of people. The former is the Supreme Being of the Yoruba people (located in Nigeria, Ghana, Cuba, Brazil, and other countries) who is believed to be the creator and lord of heaven. The latter is the son of Jehovah – the God of … Read more
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
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
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
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
Africa boasts of some unique musical beats and instrumentals that have existed for centuries. This is attributed to its wide collection of instruments which were majorly used for communication, rituals, entertainment, and artistic expression. Some of these instruments were made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, reed, horn, ivory, gourd, and fruit, while others … Read more
If you live in the southern part of Florida, you are probably aware of the infamous Santeria belief system. Despite being similar in many ways to orthodox Christianity, it has strange rituals that are uncommon in the Christian faith. The common one is sacrificing animals. Animal sacrifice is no doubt at the center of Santeria. … Read more