Many have portrayed this old form of magic, known as Santeria, as only rituals where animal sacrifices are made, and the devil is worshiped. But the truth, I fear, is something else. If we look deeply into the history of Santeria, we will find that Santeria is a religion of the old world, which has a lot of power, beauty, and knowledge for us to learn from. This religion originated in the Yoruba homeland in Africa, now known as Nigeria, and is among the most potent magical religions to date. However, much of the meaning of Santeria is explained as worshiping the devil. But if we understand the name Santeria itself, it proves that it has nothing to do with the devil because the name Santeria is a Spanish term that, if translated, would mean “worshiping the saints.” Hence, it is believed that the saints, when worshiped, would come down to earth to help, console, and bestow power on their followers and those who pray to them.
Worship of Saints
The saints are worshiped in different deities and are known as orishas. The priest who practices the form of worship is known as a Santero. Still, to attain priesthood in Santería, one must complete three initiation levels. Thus, Santeria is often also termed the religion of initiation. This religion believes in only one God and has many saints, orishas, each of whom controls a different aspect of nature and human behavior. It is believed that only the Babalawo, or high priest, can summon orishas, and that the power is then passed down to santeros to perform various duties as needed.
Misconceptions about Santeria
Santeria, a closed religion, has drawn false advertising that animals are sacrificed while performing rituals. Even the Santeros do not come into the limelight to provide viable reasons to support the sacrifice of animals. Yet at least it’s known by the ordinary person that in very few rituals and ceremonies, chickens are sacrificed and later consumed by the Santeros themselves. However, since the Santeros remain quiet about explaining why chickens are offered in some rituals, the delusion of animal sacrifice prevails strongly, giving the Santeria religion a look of being evil.
Good herbalists
We should also know that all the santeros, or priests, of the Santeria religion are good herbalists, because most rituals and ceremonies performed within this religion use herbs and flowers as components or ingredients of magic. It is believed that the main reason for performing a magic spell in Santeria is to obtain the power of the saints, or, as it is better known, the ashe, to fulfill a specific need or attain a goal.
A sympathetic magic
The first thing a santero would do is perform an ebbo, an offering or sacrifice to the orishas to gain ashe from the desired deity. Ebbo is also performed from time to time to show love, affection, and respect to different orishas. Santeria’s whole concept of magic falls under sympathetic magic, and there is no black magic in Santeria. The evil form of magic or black magic is known as Palo Monte or Palo Mayombe. It is usually cast by another tribe, the Bantus or Congos, who do not follow the Santeria religion.