Diloggun Readings
Unlike other religions where God is distant and impersonal,
in Santeria we have a close, personal relationship with the orishas.
We do not cower before our gods, we speak with them, listen to them and follow
their guidance. The primary way we receive guidance from the orishas offer
is through diloggún divination.
The reading uses 16 cowries that have been opened,
consecrated and empowered (through blood sacrifice) to speak for the orishas.
Each orisha has his or her own set of diloggún, however Elegguá’s diloggun
are the ones used set for general consultations because he has the ability to
speak for all of the orishas. His set of cowries has 21 shells (only 16 of
which are used in a reading). Almost all of the other orishas have 18
cowries in their set.
Diloggun divination is one of the most complicated and
extensive divination systems in the world. Using the basic combinations of
odu (letters) that are part of the system results in 256 different
combinations. If you add in Opira (0) as an odu you can increase that number by
an additional 33 odu to a total of 289. By comparison, the Tarot is composed of
only 78 possible cards. A talented diviner dedicates his life to the study of
odu, learning all of their meanings, their associated legends, taboos,
strengths, weaknesses, ceremonies, offerings and parables.
What to Expect in a Diloggún Reading
In a Diloggun reading, Elegguá will speak to you
and reveal the energy pattern that is currently taking place in your life.
Think of it as him pointing out what crossroad you are at on your path to
destiny. The reading will reveal whether you are in a state of iré (balance and
blessings) or osogbo (unbalance and misfortunes). The nature and origin of that
iré or osogbo will also be revealed. If you are found to be in a state of
osogbo the diviner will prescribe ebó (rituals and sacrifice) to
alter your destiny and put you back on track to a balanced state of iré. At the
end of the reading you’ll be given an opportunity to ask any yes or no
questions about any aspect of your life.
It is through diloggún divination and ebó that we
are able to change our fate. These tools allow the orishas or
the ancestors to intervene on our behalf, to fend off the forces of
misfortune, and to put us back in line with our divine purpose. Diloggun is
also used to determine whether a person has a role to play in Santeria and
whether they should be initiated (as well what type of initiation they should receive). Diloggun
can be used to determine a person’s tutelary orisha as
well, but this should not determined until an individual is already preparing
for kariocha.
Diloggun divination can only be performed
by an Olorisha ( Santero ).
If you are interested in receiving a
diloggun divination, Paul ( Omo Obatala ). offers diloggun (cowrie
shell) readings through his website OrishaReading.com. If you would like to receive it in person you are
welcome to make an appointment.
Contact:
Paul Silverio-Benet ( Omo Obatala )
Phone: 305-975-1171
Email: orishareading@gmail.com
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