Santería necklaces and bracelets are more than adornments—they are lifelines woven with intention and power. Known as elekes or collares, these sacred strands act as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. Each one is a vessel for divine presence, carrying the blessing and protection of the Orishas, the powerful spiritual forces that guide us through life.

To wear an eleke is to walk with spirit. It is a daily act of devotion, strength, and communion with energies that transcend this world. Whether you're navigating challenges or honoring your lineage, your eleke is a shield, a signal, and a sacred connection all in one.

The Origins of the Eleke Tradition

Santería, or La Regla de Ocha, has its roots in the Yoruba traditions of West Africa. Enslaved Africans preserved their beliefs through secret practices, blending them with Catholicism to survive colonization. The Orishas were mirrored in the saints, and the religion lived on, disguised but undiminished.

Elekes emerged as both symbols of faith and tools of resistance. What looked like simple jewelry was a portable shrine—a way to carry your gods with you in plain sight. Today, each eleke still represents resilience, ancestry, and sacred identity.

Receiving an Eleke: A Sacred Initiation

Receiving your first eleke is a rite of passage. It marks a new chapter in your spiritual path and brings you into direct relationship with the Orishas. This is not a casual act or fashion statement—it is a purification ritual and spiritual rebirth.

Traditionally, your godparent (padrino or madrina) will prepare the elekes through prayer, herbal baths, and blessings. During the ceremony, your head is cleansed with holy water and sacred herbs—an act that opens your spiritual channels to divine wisdom. The beads are then placed on your body as a sign of your commitment and protection.

Once consecrated, the eleke becomes a living ally. You are now responsible for treating it with the same reverence you'd offer the Orisha it represents.

Can I Buy an Eleke for Myself?

Yes—but only from a trusted spiritual source, and with deep respect. While traditional elekes are conferred through ceremony, you can still begin your journey by purchasing one from a reputable spiritual store, such as Original Botanica. It’s important to cleanse and dedicate your eleke before wearing it. If you’re not yet fully initiated, consider it a first step—an invitation for spiritual connection, not a substitute for full ceremony.

If possible, consult with a spiritual advisor or godparent before wearing your eleke. And remember: this is a sacred necklace, not costume jewelry. Treat it as such.

The Orishas and Their Elekes

Each eleke corresponds to a specific Orisha and is made of bead colors and patterns that reflect their energy. Some of the most common include:

Elegua (Red and Black): Guardian of crossroads and open doors.
Obatala (White): Bringer of peace, wisdom, and clarity.
Yemaya (Blue and White): Ocean mother, nurturer, and protector.
Shango (Red and White): Warrior, ruler of thunder, fire, and justice.
Oshun (Yellow and Amber): Orisha of rivers, love, beauty, and abundance.

Some wear a full set representing the Seven African Powers, offering a balanced connection to all the major Orishas for protection, success, love, and spiritual alignment.

Wearing and Caring for Your Eleke

Your eleke is a spiritual tool. It should be worn with intention and kept in a sacred space when not in use. Here are guidelines to follow:

Kiss it each time you put it on or take it off.
Store it wrapped in a clean white cloth or placed on your altar.
Never wear it while bathing, swimming, partying, drinking alcohol, engaging in sex, or during menstruation (for women).
Never sleep with it on unless sick or given permission by your godparent.
Only you or your godparent should touch it.

What Happens if My Eleke Breaks?

This is often a sign of protection. Your eleke may have absorbed or deflected a spiritual attack. If it breaks, collect the beads if possible, thank the Orisha, and consult your godparent or cleanse the area. A replacement may be needed, but this is a message—listen to it.

How to Cleanse Your Eleke

Your eleke absorbs energy constantly and must be cleansed regularly. To do this:

Fill a white bowl with water, Florida Water, crushed cascarilla, and basil leaves.
Place a white candle nearby.
Submerge the eleke and say, “Orisha mi, cleanse and restore. Remove all that no longer serves.”
Let it soak for an hour. Pat dry with a white cloth and leave it overnight on your altar.

Do this monthly or after intense spiritual activity or emotional strain.

Wearing Multiple Elekes

If you’re connected to more than one Orisha, you may wear multiple elekes. Always wear and remove them in the order you received them. Speak to each Orisha briefly to honor them and create energetic harmony.

If your energies feel unbalanced, let the beads rest on a white cloth for 24 hours with a glass of water nearby. You can also anoint your neck or wrist with a balancing oil blend made from Elegua, Shango, and Yemaya oils mixed into jojoba oil.

Signs the Orisha Is Calling You

Sometimes, the Orisha chooses you before you even receive your beads. Recurring dreams, sudden emotional connections to a color or symbol, or a deep pull toward a particular deity may be a sign. If thunder always grabs your attention, or if you’re fiercely driven by justice, Shango might be close. If you find peace by the ocean and are drawn to motherhood, Yemaya may be calling.

Daily Practice: Activating Your Eleke

Start your morning by holding your eleke to your forehead and greeting the Orisha. A simple invocation such as:

Obatala, bring me clarity and peace today. Let my words be calm and my mind clear.

Anoint the beads with a drop of the corresponding oil. Keep Florida Water spray with you to refresh the energy as needed throughout your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

As sacred items, elekes come with important traditions and responsibilities. Whether you're new to Santería or deepening your practice, these frequently asked questions offer guidance on how to honor and care for your eleke with the respect it deserves.

Can I wear my eleke all the time?
No. Avoid wearing it while sleeping, bathing, partying, drinking, or during menstruation. Only wear it with reverence and intention.

What if someone else touches my eleke?
Cleanse it with Florida Water and a white cloth. If it feels spiritually “off,” perform a full cleansing ritual.

Can I wear an eleke if I haven’t been initiated?
Yes, if you purchase it respectfully and treat it with sacred intent. But understand that deeper relationships with the Orishas require formal initiation over time.

Why do people wear more than one eleke?
Each eleke honors a different Orisha. Wearing more than one reflects deeper spiritual alignment and growth in your practice.

A Living Connection to the Divine

Your eleke is more than beads—it’s a living bond to the sacred. When honored, cleansed, and worn with intention, it offers powerful protection, clarity, and guidance. Whether you're just beginning your path or deepening a long-held relationship with the Orishas, your eleke will walk with you, protect you, and remind you that you are never alone.

Let it be your banner, your prayer, and your shield.