Santería Initiations Explained: From Guerreros to Becoming a Babalawo

Santería Initiations: Understanding the Path from Guerreros to Babalawo

In Santería, also known as La Regla de Ocha–Ifá, initiation is not pursued for power, status, or money.
Initiations are spiritual milestones designed to help a person align with their destiny, receive the blessings of the Orishas, and move forward in life according to divine guidance.

Each level of initiation deepens the initiate’s knowledge, responsibilities, and commitment to the Orishas and to their spiritual house (Ilé).
All initiations are recommended and approved by the Orishas themselves through divination.

Levels of Initiation in Santería

Santería follows a structured spiritual progression. Not everyone will receive every initiation,
as each step depends on the individual’s destiny and what the Orishas reveal through divination.

Guerreros (Warriors)

The Guerreros initiation is often the first major step in Santería. In this ceremony, the initiate receives several Orishas:
Eshu Elegguá, Ogún, Ochossi, and Osun.

These Orishas are traditionally kept near the entrance of the home and are cared for regularly.
They serve as protectors, guides, and guardians of the initiate’s spiritual path.

• Elegguá opens and closes roads, removes obstacles, and delivers messages between humans and the Orishas.
• Ogún clears obstacles, provides strength, and defends the initiate against spiritual and physical challenges.
• Ochossi represents justice, accuracy, and guidance, helping the initiate avoid traps and injustice.
• Osun represents spiritual stability and personal well-being and serves as a warning sign of danger.

Elekes (Sacred Necklaces)

Receiving the Elekes, also known as sacred necklaces, places the initiate under the protection of their godparents’ Orishas and formally brings them into a Santería spiritual house.

This ceremony marks the initiate’s entrance into the religion and establishes a spiritual bond with the Orishas. Only initiated Santeras and Santeros may perform this ceremony.

Mano de Orula (Hand of Orula)

The Mano de Orula is a serious initiation into the world of Ifá as practiced within Santería.
It is known as Ikofá for women and Awofakan for men.

During this multi-day ceremony, divination is performed using Ifá to reveal the initiate’s life path and guiding Odu. This Odu remains with the person for life and offers spiritual guidance, warnings, and insight into their destiny.

Men who receive Awofakan may later be called to become Babalawos, depending on what Ifá reveals.

Kariocha (Making Ocha)

Kariocha, also called Making Ocha, is the initiation that crowns a person as a full Santera or Santero.
During this ceremony, the initiate’s tutelary Orisha is ritually crowned on their head, marking a deep spiritual transformation.

After initiation, the new priest or priestess must complete a year-long period known as Iyaworaje,
during which they follow strict spiritual rules and disciplines.

Making Ifá: Initiation as a Babalawo

Making Ifá is the initiation that consecrates a person as a Babalawo, meaning “Father of the Secrets.”
Babalawos specialize in the deepest forms of Ifá divination and spiritual remedies within the Santería tradition.

This initiation carries immense responsibility, lifelong study, and strict ethical obligations.
Not everyone is called to this path, and it can only occur if confirmed by Ifá through divination.

Godparents, Ilé, and Spiritual Lineage

All initiations in Santería take place within a spiritual house (Ilé).
When initiated, a person becomes part of a godfamily that includes godparents, godsiblings, and elders.

Godparents are responsible for the spiritual guidance and education of their godchildren,
while godchildren are expected to respect and honor their elders in the tradition.

Can Santería Initiations Be Done Online or by Mail?

Santería initiations cannot be performed online, by mail, or through the internet.
All authentic initiations require the physical presence of the initiate and the completion of sacred ceremonies.

Any individual or group offering remote or mail-order initiations should be avoided,
as such practices are not recognized within the religion.

How to Begin the Initiation Process

Every spiritual journey in Santería begins with divination.
Before any initiation can take place, the Orishas must be consulted to determine whether initiation is necessary and appropriate.

The Orishas decide the path — priests and priestesses serve only as their messengers.

Begin Your Santería Initiation Journey