Elegua and Eshu





Elegua and Eshu


ESHU is not the same as Eleguá; they're like two sides of the same coin, with separate but very closely connected identities . We can think of Eshu as Eleguá's shadow, or his reflection from the other side of the mirror. In many ways, they're opposites. All Santeros/as have an Eleguá who lives behind the door inside the house, but not everyone receives an Eshu. Usually, if someone who receives the warriors , given by a babalawo, that Elegua is known as ESHU, especially in Ifa-centric communities. Both Eleguá and Eshu are tricksters, but Eshu's tricks can be unpleasant or harmful. Outsiders have mistakenly called Eshu the devil - he's not, in Santería there is no devil - but Eshú can definitely be naughty and we shouldn't play around with him, because he's a very powerful force when he gets stirred up. Traditionally, no one in Santería is ever crowned with Eshu on the head, whereas many people are crowned with Eleguá. Eshu  eleke or beads is black and white. Should be the only eleke you put on. ( Should NOT be worn with the other Elekes ) According to the patakis, Eshu loves to eat and can be calmed by food, so sometimes people place a wooden bowl of table scraps outside the house for Eshú. Eleguá can also keep him under control, since the two of them understand each other and they often walk side by side. Metaphorically, Eshu and Eleguá can be understood as polar opposites, the negative and the positive, the dark and the light. They work together to create balance in life, because without the negative, we can't appreciate the positive. Life is made up of both good and bad. Eshu isn't really evil, he's just a bit uncivilized compared to the other Orichás. In many ilés, Eshu isn't considered an Orishá in his own right, but is simply a part of Eleguá. Regardless of how we imagine the Eleguá/ Eshu dichotomy, we can't conceive of Eleguá without thinking also about Eshu. It would be like trying to understand the daylight if we had never seen night.



Eleguá (Elegguá) is sometimes represented as a child, and sometimes as an old man. He represents the beginning and end of life, and the opening and closing of paths in life. Sometimes known as the trickster, he likes to play jokes on people. He enjoys candy and toys. Despite his childlike nature, however, he's a very powerful Oricha. He's one of the Warriors (along with Ogún, Ochosi and Osun). Eleguá is always mentioned first in any ceremony, because without his permission, the doors to communication with the other Orichas stay closed.


Eleguá's colors are red and black. His number is 3, or any multiple of 3. His day of the week is Monday, and the 3rd day of every month. Traditionally, the 6th of January and the 13th of June are recognized as his "saint's days" in Cuba. On these days, a feast may be given in his honor. In the Catholic religion, Eleguá is syncretized with the Child Jesus of Atocha, Saint Anthony of Padua, and the Anima Sola (soul in Purgatory). Eleguá and Ochún are good friends.


Eleke:  red and black
Feastday: June 13



Key Notes:

  • Eshu is given by Babalawo ( IFA )
  • Elegua is given by Santeros
  • Warrior are given by Babalawos or Santeros 


For more information you may contact me at :

Paul ( Omo Obatala )
305-975-1171
orishareading@gmail.com




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