Elegua oil

Nothing happens in Lucumí ritual until Eleguá has been greeted and fed. He holds the keys to every road, and he decides which ones open.

Origin & Traditional Use

Eleguá is the trickster and messenger orisha who guards crossroads, doors and every way between the human and spirit worlds. In Lucumí homes he is often kept as a stone or concrete head with cowrie-shell eyes, behind the front door. His colours are red and black, and he is linked with the Holy Child of Atocha and Saint Anthony of Padua. The oil is a modern devotional blend.

Uses by Tradition

Santería & Lucumí

• Candle offerings: anoint a red and black candle on a Monday and offer candy, rum, a cigar or toys.
• Opening roads: dress a candle when looking for work, a new start or a way out of a dead end.
• Initiates receive a consecrated Eleguá from their godparents; lay devotees use the oil for candles and prayer.

Folk Catholicism & Spiritism

• Holy Child of Atocha: dress a candle before his image, with a basket and staff, for travellers and prisoners.
• Doorway blessing: touch a drop to the inside of the front door, where Eleguá is kept.

A Simple Working

• On a Monday, set a red and black candle behind your front door.
• Anoint it with Elegua oil.
• Place three pieces of candy and a small glass of rum beside it.
• Light the candle and greet Eleguá first, asking him to open your road.
• Name the door you want opened.
• Let the candle burn out and leave the candy at a crossroads.

Pairs Well With

• A red and black candle: his colours.
• Hard candy: a classic offering.
• A cigar: a traditional gift.
• Road Opener oil: for paths that need clearing.

Lore & History

Eleguá is greeted first in ceremony so that the way is open for everything that follows. His Yoruba counterpart, Èṣù, is the messenger who carries sacrifice to the gods. He is one of the Warriors, received with Ogún, Ochosi and Osun.

What You Receive

Elegua oil, available in 2 dram, 1 oz and 16 oz sizes.