Okay, folks, let’s dive into my little experiment with Santeria, or as some might call it, “witchcraft.” I’m not claiming to be an expert, just sharing my personal journey here. So, take it all with a grain of salt, alright?
My First Steps
I started by, well, Googling. Seriously. I needed to get a basic understanding of what Santeria even is. It’s a blend of West African Yoruba traditions and Catholicism, brought over during the slave trade. Super fascinating history, honestly. I wanted to approach it respectfully, so learning the background felt crucial.
Finding My Way
Next, I tried to find someone who actually practiced. This was way harder than I thought! I looked for local botanicas (shops that sell religious items) and asked around, discreetly, of course. Eventually, I found an older woman, a “santera,” who was willing to chat with me. We had coffee, and she explained some of the basic concepts, like the Orishas (spirits) and the importance of offerings and divination.
Setting up a Simple Altar
Based on what I learned, I decided to create a small, personal space. Nothing fancy, just a little corner in my room. I used a white cloth as a base and placed a few candles on it. White is a significant color, representing purity and peace. I also added a glass of water – that’s a pretty common offering for many spirits. No, I did not use any strong alcohol, it’s just plain water.
My Daily Routine
Every morning, I spent a few minutes at my little altar. I lit the candles, said a few words of respect to the Orishas (even though I didn’t know them well yet), and just sat in silence for a bit. It became a kind of meditation, a way to center myself before starting the day.
Trying Some Basic Offerings
- Fruit: I offered slices of fruit, like oranges and bananas. They’re supposed to be pleasing to certain Orishas.
- Water: I already mentioned the glass of water. I made sure to change it daily.
- Candles: Different colored candles are associated with different Orishas, but I mostly stuck with white for simplicity.
The Divination Thing
Okay, this is where it gets a little… out there. Santeria uses different methods of divination, like reading cowrie shells. I didn’t have any cowrie shells, so I tried a simpler method using coconut pieces (obi divination). It’s basically a yes/no system. I asked a question, tossed the coconut pieces, and interpreted the way they fell. Honestly, it felt a bit random, but it was interesting to try.
What I Learned (So Far)
This is an ongoing process, folks. I’m still learning. But here’s what I’ve taken away so far:
- Respect is key: This isn’t something to mess around with lightly.
- It’s about connection: It feels like a way to connect with something bigger than myself.
- Patience is important: There’s a lot to learn, and it takes time.
It is all for today. I just tried these steps and record what happened when I do these. It is my first time to explore the Santeria. I will keep learning and share what I observed. I will update the process, stay tuned!
