We’ll begin with Eshu; for no journey can begin without Him. In fact, “in the religion” (as we say) it’s impossible not to approach Eshu (known also as Exu, Esu, Ellegua and by the myriad other monikers applied to his countless aspects and manifestations) first--He is always acknowledged and ritually served before any other Orisha. This is because Eshu represents, literally and figuratively, the path you follow, the door you walk through (not to mention the key that opened that door), and the language you speak; He is the progenitor of all journeys and communication. Eshu encompasses the beginning and end of all things--no doors (actual or metaphorical) can be opened or closed without his divine ashe (life energy), including those leading to the other Orishas—even those of Heaven and Olodumare (God) Him/Herself. He is the veil that both conceals and reveals, the element of surprise that ensures evolution and infinite diversity, He’s the uncertainty that keeps life rich and interesting (for better or worse). Eshu stands at all spiritual crossroads; it’s fitting and natural that our first step begins with Him.

Eshu’s personality is playful and quick, and has the reputation for child-like mischievousness. But nevertheless, Eshu also possesses the deep wisdom of an Elder Orisha. He is the Orisha of all possibilities, mystery, magic, illusion, humor, laughter, sex—basically anything and everything that could be described as good, loud fun. Eshu rarely turns down a strong drink or a good cigar, and loves little more than to dance, joke and feast.

Eshu is commonly conferred upon an initiate in a ceremony referred to as “Receiving the Warriors”--for even though Eshu may share many characteristics of a child, he is also a man, a great warrior, who, along with Oggun, Ochosi and Osun (three Orishas also conferred in the initiation of The Warriors) has a responsibility to protect the initiate on his or her path through life. Initiates offer Eshu a simple ebo (sacrifice) of rum, cigars etc. every Monday in gratitude for (and to insure) His continued goodwill and favorable intervention. He manifests his ashe ritually through the colors red, black, and sometimes white, the numbers three and twenty-one and the many sacred herbs (ewe) that contain His ashe.