Eleggua's Coconut; Cleansing, Healing, Protection.
The coconut arrived from Asia to Europe and was later introduced by the European colonists in America during the times of the invasion, beginning specifically in Panama, where the climatic conditions were perfect for its planting and cultivation, and from where it was later migrating throughout the continent, reaching its maximum splendor and cultivation in the tropical areas of the Caribbean, from where it did not take long for form part of the magical and esoteric folklore of the indigenous peoples, who, beyond discovering its esoteric and mystical uses, frequently implemented it in their religious practices.
Sympathetic Magic and Physical Characteristics.
The coconut has a hard rind that is resistant to external conditions, a white and slightly sweet center, and three holes in the shell that form a tiny human face, which is why the indigenous peoples were quick to call them 'coconut,' a word of Portuguese origin that translates as 'head' because they believed that these fruits were possessed by the spirits of the enslaved people who were dying of hunger. They thought eating them was like eating the meat of their ancestors, for which it was a prohibited act. Coconut water was implemented in purification rituals through baths to cleanse the body and mind against harmful thoughts and external influences.
Due to these physical characteristics, the coconut, as well as the shell of the turtles and the popular morrocoys (red-footed tortoises) in Venezuela, is used to represent protection and longevity, the holes in the bark that resemble the face of a monkey or a human being, are the reason why coconuts began to be used in altars to symbolize or channel the presence of the ancestors in the place.
In the Yoruba tradition and Afro-Caribbean religions, the coconut is sacred and is attributed to Obatala (Orixa patron of all things white) and Eleggua (the Orixa who knows, opens, and closes all roads) in Santeria, Candomble, and Umbanda.
Coconuts are used in these practices to carry out various ebboes/ebo (rituals) and to honor the Orixas, used for cleaning and manufacturing chamalongos used for divination.
Obatala and Elegua
Due to its white center and its uses in healing, the coconut is naturally attributed to Obatala. It is used to complement healing, protection rites, and spiritual cleansing.
"When you let the coconut roll, you let Eleggua open your paths'', is something familiar to hear from the mouths of santeros in Venezuela; The coconut is also attributed to Eleggua, who is syncretized with 'El Nino de Atocha' of the Catholic faith. The coconut is placed on the ground and allowed to roll in different directions, opening the paths and dispersing any obstacles on them.
In Spiritism
Coconuts are covered with husks and honey, lit on an altar with candles to attract protection, and buried in the corners of a house under construction to manifest stability, progress, and growth.
While a half-opened coconut is used as a bowl to fill with offerings to the orishas, placing inside it; various fruits, flowers, honey, essences, and river water.
Coconut water is used to prepare sweet baths that attract love, money, health, and prosperity.
With Love, Elhoim Leafar. Dowser. Tarotist. Spiritual Worker.
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