Who are the Warriors? When we refer to this group of Orishas, we are speaking of ELEGGUA, OGUN, OCHOSSI, and OSUN. They are called collectively the Warriors, because it is there function to defend their owners and to open the way. Let us examine each of them, one by one, to better understand their place in the Religion.

ELEGGUA is the owner of all the roads in the world. He is really two Orisha in one, ECHU and ELEGGUA. Echu is the primordial trickster, who has existed since the world was made. Eleggua is Echu under the influence of Obatala, who guides him in doing good for humanity.

Eleggua is the first of the Warriors we will discuss. He is often depicted as a child, but at other times as a very old man. He is an Orisha of great power and can open your way or close it. He is the first to receive any blood offering when the Orishas are going to be fed. There is a story relating to the reason for this which we would like to share. Olofi, the Creator, became very ill and none of the powerful Orishas could cure him. Olofi sent for Eleggua, who lived in the woods and worked with herbs, to cure him. Eleggua came to Olofi's aid and made all the other Orishas leave, while he administered to the Creator with his herbs. Olofi was cured and in appreciation, He told Eleggua that in reward for his services, Eleggua would always be the first to eat when offerings were made to the Orishas. That is why Eleggua is always the first to be fed. If Eleggua is not propitiated first, he (being the Orisha of communication) can prevent the other Orishas from receiving their offerings. This Orisha you receive along with the other warriors, so that he can open your way for material and spiritual progress. His day is Monday, and that is when offerings are made to him on a regular basis.

OGUN is the second of the Warriors. Ogun is the Orisha of iron, of steel, corresponding to the blacksmith gods of ancient times like Vulcan. He is the Orisha of the sacrificial knife and certain prayers must be said when the Orishas are fed to Ogun, so that Ogun assumes the responsibility for the letting of blood. He is often associated with trains, because the railroad tracks are made up of iron and steel. He is an Orisha of extreme force and is very basic to the practice of this religion. He is truly a warrior and fights to defend you against your enemies. He lives in a cauldron of iron with his tools . His day is Tuesday.

OCHOSSI is the third warrior we will mention. He is the Orisha of the hunt and corresponds to the hunter gods that live in the forest. He is represented by a bow and arrow made of steel or iron that lives with Ogun in his cauldron. Ochossi is associated not only with the hunt, but also with prisons. He is often worked with to resolve problems with the police and court matters. Ochossi is also an Orisha that gives intelligence and prayers are offered to him so that he will give the ability to resolve problems.

OSUN is the fourth warrior, and is represented by a small metal staff with a metal rooster mounted on top. Osun represents your "head". His function is to warn of danger. He is never allowed to fall over, since that would be a sign of danger coming to you. He is usually placed in a high place in the home, so that he can better "see" and so that he will not be accidently overturned.

Why do we receive the Warriors? the answer is for our material and spiritual betterment. The warriors open the way and give protection. they make it possible for one to advance in the religion and receive other initiations. That is why sometimes new entrants are told that they need to receive Warriors as their first step in the religion, because they need the protection that the warriors can give.

We believe that one should receive Warriors from an Oluo or Babalawo, since they are the owners of the secrets of their preparation. There are 101 "caminos" or ways of preparing Eleggua, each in accordance with the particular Echu that walks with you. That is not to say that warriors given by Santeros are not valid, just that Oluos or babalawos have a more profond knowledge of the preparation of these Mysteries.

When you receive the warriors, you should always receive the name of your Eleggua, so that you know which "camino" of Echu walks with you.

The warriors are not only given to help you open your way, but also for other reasons. Sometimes those with health problems need to receive the warriors. Also, they may be necessary to resolve certain problems in the life of the person.

The main function of this religion is resolving problems. The Orishas are to be adored, but also their function is to make life better. Godparents also should be there to help you in learning how to work with the Warriors and other Orishas that you receive.

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