What is Santeria? An Outsider's Guide to the Faith

Imagine a belief system that weaves together the vibrant threads of ancient African rituals with the revered saints of Catholicism, creating a beautifully complex tapestry of spiritual traditions. Welcome to the world of Santeria, a faith steeped in history and mystery, drawing seekers and curious minds alike into its sacred fold. Born from the Yoruba people of West Africa, Santeria has journeyed across centuries and continents, kindling interest with its rich blend of traditions and deities.

With the utmost respect and sensitivity towards Santeria, we aim to peek behind the curtain. It's not our intention to appropriate but to appreciate and share its rich tapestry of history, faith, and practice. Whether you're a spiritual seeker or just plain curious, join us on this respectful tour into the heart of Santeria.

What is Santeria?

By definition, Santeria is an Afro-Caribbean syncretic religion, meaning it combines elements of different faiths into a new belief system. In this case, Santeria has its roots in the Yoruba people's spiritual practices and beliefs, who were taken to Cuba during the transatlantic slave trade. Forced to convert from their Yoruba religion to Catholicism by their Spanish colonizers, they merged their deities, or Orishas, with Catholic saints. This blending of cultures and faiths gave birth to Santeria, also known as La Regla Lucumi or the Rule of Osha.

What Does Santeria Mean?

The word "Santeria" itself is somewhat of a misnomer. It was originally used as a derogatory term by early Spanish colonizers who saw the Yoruba people's rituals and practices as primitive and superstitious. The term comes from the Spanish words for saints (santos) and worship (eria), but it does not accurately reflect the complexity and depth of Santeria as a faith. Some prefer to call it by its traditional name, Lucumi, or simply refer to it as the Santeria religion.

What Are the Beliefs of Santeria?

Santeria is a faith that emphasizes harmony with nature, balance in life, and honoring ancestral traditions. It acknowledges the existence of a Supreme Being, known as Olodumare or Olorun, who created the universe and all living things. Central to the practice of Santeria are saints known as the Orishas, powerful spirits that represent different aspects of life and nature. The Orishas serve as intermediaries between humans and Olodumare, representing different aspects of their divine power.

The Power of Orishas

These Orishas are revered and worshipped, often through offerings, prayers, and rituals. Each Orisha has its own unique characteristics and correspondences, offering guidance and protection to their devotees.

Yemaya: Revered as the Universal Mother, Yemaya symbolizes the embodiment of life itself, motherhood, and fertility in the Santerian practice. Look towards the vast, nourishing, and occasionally stormy sea—this serves to depict the essence of Yemaya's spirit.

Oshun: In the world of Santeria, Oshun represents the divine touch, guiding love, and inner beauty. Oshun, the Guardian of Love and Fertility, safeguards our rivers and freshwater bodies, promoting goodwill, healing, and the joy of existence.

Elegua: At the heart of uncertain congregations, you'll find Elegua, who offers guidance. This resourceful deity, regarded as the Wise Guardian of Crossroads and Beginnings, navigates our journeys, possessing the keys to fate, depicted with a sense of wisdom and youthful vigor.

Shango: Shango, the Forceful Guardian of Thunder, Fire, and Warriors, is recognized for his commanding presence. In Santeria, Shango stands for justice, safety, and upholding the righteous path. His influence is as impassioned as it is equitable.

Obatala: Obatala, revered as the Sky Father and shaper of human forms, is indicative of a serene, clear aura enveloping our world. In the realm of Santeria, Obatala represents purity, sagacity, and tranquility, offering ethical counsel.

Oya: Oya embodies the power of the storm, ushering in change. Known as the Guardian of Storms and Protector of the Departed in the Santerian tradition, she presides over winds, thunder, and commerce. Oya symbolizes transformation, safeguarding, and renewal through profound change.

Together, these Orishas form a divine pantheon that guides and influences the lives of practitioners. However, each Santerian community may have its own unique beliefs and practices, making the faith a beautifully intricate and diverse tapestry.

Respecting the Tradition

It's also crucial to understand that Santeria is a closed religion, meaning certain practices and knowledge are only passed down within initiated communities and families.

One cannot simply convert to Santeria. It is a calling that must be accepted by both the individual and their elders. The process of initiation is extensive, involving rigorous training, rituals, and ceremonies. Once initiated, practitioners are known as santeros or santeras and are responsible for upholding the practices and traditions of their community. Daily offerings, prayers, and divination rituals are common among Santeria practitioners, helping to maintain a strong connection with the Orishas and seeking guidance for life's decisions.

Cultural sensitivity and ethical practices are paramount in understanding and engaging with Santeria. As with any faith, it's important to approach Santeria with an open mind and heart, without judgment or prejudice. Respect for the practitioners and their beliefs is essential, as well as seeking permission before participating in any rituals or ceremonies.

As outsiders, it's our responsibility to honor this sacred tradition and its boundaries. By doing so, we can learn and appreciate the beauty and wisdom of Santeria while fostering mutual understanding and respect.

How is Santeria Practiced?

Santeria's rituals and traditions are rich and varied, often deeply personal, involving a mix of song, dance, offerings, and prayer, creating a vibrant tapestry that reflects the history and belief system of its practitioners. These rituals serve not only as a means of communication with the Orishas but also as a way of maintaining the balance and harmony between the spiritual and material worlds. Among the most sacred ceremonies is the initiation ritual or "making Santo," where the initiate is said to become one with their guardian Orisha. This involves a series of elaborate ceremonies, including purification rituals, sacrifices, and the revelation of the initiate’s Orisha lineage. The initiation process is intensive, requiring deep commitment, as it marks a profound spiritual rebirth and the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Orishas.

Another key part of Santeria practice involves divination, often done through the Ifa oracle system, where sacred palm nuts or cowrie shells are cast to interpret messages from the Orishas. This divination process helps guide practitioners in decision-making, understanding their destiny, and connecting with the divine. Also, offerings or "ebbos" are essential — these can vary from simple fruits and sweets to elaborate animal sacrifices, based on the Orishas being honored and the requests or thanks being made. Through these rituals, practitioners show their dedication, appreciation, and aspirations, finding a sense of unity and purpose in their community and the universe.

Busting the Myths Surrounding Santeria

It’s time to shine a light on some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the vibrant and deeply spiritual tradition of Santeria. Often, what we see in pop culture and media paints Santeria in a rather mysterious, if not outright negative, light. It's portrayed through a lens of sensationalism that emphasizes exoticism over understanding, leading to a slew of misunderstandings about this rich faith tradition. Since Santeria is a closed religion, not everyone gets to see its true essence, and it can be all too easy to accept these portrayals as the whole truth.

In reality, this religion is rooted in beauty, nature, and a profound connection with the divine. Santeria teaches harmony with the natural world, respect for ancestors, and a deep reverence for life in all its forms. This faith emphasizes the importance of community, healing, and the pursuit of wisdom and justice through the guidance of the Orishas.

Is Santeria a form of witchcraft?

No, Santeria is not witchcraft, but they have a few things in common: folk traditions, fortune-telling, and misunderstood negative connotations. For Santeria, it's a misconception largely rooted in a clash of culture and colonialism, where the religious practices of West African slaves were demonized by their oppressors. This misconception is further fueled by a lack of understanding and representation in popular media.

Does Santeria involve animal sacrifice?

Yes, but it's often misinterpreted and has even been debated in the U.S. Supreme Court. These sacrifices are made as offerings to Orishas, followed by a feast to further honor the saint. This tradition serves as a means of communion, not ill-intent. In fact, harming another living being goes against the core values of Santeria.

Conclusion

As you continue to explore the multifaceted layers of Santeria, remember to do so with the reverence and respect that all faiths deserve. Seek out genuine and knowledgeable sources, engage in cultural exchange responsibly, and foster an appreciation for the beauty and diversity that Santeria adds to our global tapestry of beliefs. By approaching this ancient and revered tradition with an open mind and a spirit of reverence, you may find a depth of wisdom and spiritual connection that enriches your understanding of the world.