WritingsCLEANSINGS AND EWE ORISA ESU
Writings
In this section we offer some of the
Ewe (herbs) assosiated with Eleggua, and a cleansing for the home. The names
of some of this ewe are in spanish or Lucumi, and we have included the botanical
name of some of them; when searching for these at the local Botanica, you should
ask for it by the spanish or Lucumi name. The information we provide here is
an introduction only, and you should always consult a Babalawo or Iyalocha on
the proper way to use tham.
Abre Camino: As it name suggests (path opener), it is closely assosiated
with opening doors and roads of travel, or opportunity. My yugbona Ogbe-Owonrin
always suggested i take a little from his shrub and throw it in my pocket before
i hit the road. It is also used to cleanse a space.
Escoba Cimarrona Abutilum trisulcatum : Used to make a troublesome
spirit leave one's home; for this you hang the branches behind the main door.
Espartillo Sporobolus: Used to soothe tired feet; steep the leaves
in hot water and soak feet. Also used in the omiero for Eleggua.
Yerba Hedionda Cassia occidentalis: Very good for intestenal and
colon cleansing. Used for colitis.
Piñon Botija Curcas curcas: It is used to dispel,protect
from and prevent negative forces.Lydia Cabrera in el 'Monte' mentions old santeros
taking two leaves in cross form and wearing them in their shoes for protection
on the road. It is also mixed with salvia, basil, yam, epo, and ginger to wash
doors, and protect the home against witchcraft.
Piñon Lechoso: Used against "amarres amorosos" (love
potions).
Raspa Lengua Cosearia hirsuta: It is ground and mixed with cascarilla,
cinnamon, and refined sugar, and used against gossip.
Rasca Barriga Espadea amoena: During the "asiento" (recieving
the Orisa) of an Elegua, the Iyawo is hit and cleansed with the branches.
Masturzo Lepidium virginicum: Women make an irresitable perfume
using this ewe. Lydia in el 'monte' says in Cuba they go out on a friday before
the sun is up,to pick this ewe; they careess it three times, talk to it, and
then touch their faces with it. Then it is ready to be mixed with valerian cologne,
zun zun, and the dust of a lightning stone; they don't stay single for long
after using this powerful perfume. It is also good for the kidneys, liver, and
high blood sugar levels.
Gambute Bachiaria platyphilla: A "garrote" (a type of
club) is made from the thick branches of this ewe; it is placed next to Eleggua
so he can work with it to ward of witchcraft.
Espuela de Caballero Jacquinia Aculeata: The bark and stems are
placed on cavities to soothe the pain; also used in powerful cleansings.
Cayaya Tournefortia bicolor: The fermented bark and stems are
sprayed in a home where someone is ill, to purify it against sickness and contagion.
It also detoxifies the blood.
Caobilla de Sabana Rondeletia stellata: The salve of this ewe is used
to rub on and soothe insect bites, pricks from thorny plants, and small cuts.
There are other ewe that belong to Eleggua, including the ones used for his
omiero, a concoction used in "asientos" and cleansings. The ewe used
in this omiero are:
grama de caballo, lengua de vaca, espartillo, abre-camino, pastillo, yerba fina,
yerba hedionda, itamo real, meloncillo, and yamao.
The following is a cleansing for the home taught to me by Rosario, a strong
daughter of Shango. It isperformed with the guidence and assistence of Eleggua.
It is very efficent at elimanating negativity. Always consult your Oluwo, Padrino,
Madrina, or your Orisha to know if it is necessary and the right to do it.There
are many types of cleansings that work with different Orisa; we offer this one
of many , hoping some of our readers will benefit from this knowledge and Elegguas
ashe.
For this cleansing you will need a coconut (at least two), efun or cascarilla,
ammonia, a brown paper bag, inscense, and some food for Esu.
It begins with a prayer to Eleggua and meditation.Make a cross on the coconut
with the efun, and present the coconut to your Esu. Light some inscense, give
Eleggua some epo, and get him going by spraying the usual oti (rum or gin) and
guinea pepper, and blowing some gigar smoke on Esu. Ask your Eleggua to aid
you in cleansing the home with the obi (coconut). Then sweep every part of the
house, sweeping from the back towards the front door, and toss the waste in
the paper bag. All the while praising, or singing to Eleggua; asking him for
guidence.
After sweeping you can wash the floor with ammonia and water; make sure it's
dry before the next step. Take the obi (coconut) you prepared and roll it from
back to front, throughout the whole house; it is very important to pray to Esu
and ask for his help as you roll the obi. Once your done, put some food for
Eleggua in the bag with the waste, and take it and the obi outside. Go to a
crossroad and smash the obi against the curb; if it breaks all is ok, but if
not you have to take another obi, mark it, and repeat the rolling again. If
the second obi doesn't break, then you need to consult a babalawo or Iyalocha
to find out what else is needed. After the obi breaks, take the paper bag with
the waste and food, and leave at a dumpster for Eleggua. Once your done I recomend
cleansing yourself with the smoke of "zahumerio" (a type of inscence),
or sage; you can also take a bath with ewe (herbs).
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