Eshu roads

Eshu (Èṣù, Elegba, Elegbara, Echú), the divine messenger of “God – Olodumare” and the
Orishas. Eshu can bridge the spiritual world with the tangible world. It is said that Eshu is
everywhere at any given moment, and waits at the crossroads between heaven and earth
between the two worlds. He is the divine messenger that clears a path for you, brings you
success, and provide you with wisdom and Ashé.

For Ifa followers, having a personal Eshu is one of the fundamental steps in their spiritual
journey. Typically done after you’ve had a “life path reading”. The reading would indicate
which of the 256 Odu, or spiritual experience you’re having in this life. This is why you will
often hear that Eshu has many paths (Spanish: “caminos”), the paths actually correlates to the
256 Odu. Your personal Eshu is created in a way that would resonate with you and your life
path. Your personal Eshu becomes your guardian, protector, and spiritual messenger. There
are many variations in how they look, so don’t fret if yours looks different from others you’ve
seen, Eshu is Eshu, no matter the size of how it’s adorned.

Eshu is often depicted with a single crimson parrot feather called “Ekodidé”. The feather
stands prominently upright on the forehead, it represents “enlightenment, pure thought and
intention, one that has no burdens weighting it down”. The bright crimson color is a beacon
for attracting “Ashé”. You might have seen newly Ifa initiates wearing an “Ekodidé” for days for
this same reason, new initiates are told not to cover their heads while Ashé is being drawn into
their crown.

As legend has it, each of the Orishas went to see “God - Olodumare” to present the many gifts
they had for humanity. These gifts were carried on their heads for Olodumare to bless. Eshu on
the advice of Orunmila, would not carry a burden on his head and went with just a single
crimson parrot feather on his head. Olodumare in turn bestowed Eshu the gift of Ashé to
carry, and designated Eshu to be the divine messenger and communicator between heaven
and earth; the divine mediator; the advocate for self-realization; one that has the power of
thought and intention to create a new reality; the catalyst for change and movement; the one
that could transcend boundaries and limitations of time and space. It has been said that “Eshu
throws a stone today and hits a bird yesterday”.

Your personal Eshu may also have a small blade sticking out, representing “protection” as well
as “creating a path for you” alike a machete cutting through the dense rain forest undergrowth
to walk through. Other common adornments include cowrie shells to represent a mouth and
eyes and alternating beads of red and black, it may also include a few white beads. It may be
encased in a conch seashell, or a combination of clay, cement and resin, often made to
resonate with your guardian Orisha as well (your guardian is also determined by divination).

For “Aleyos” (“the uninitiated”), the importance of having pure thoughts and good intentions
are often given little importance. But once you embark on the Ifa path and get a personal Eshu,
the importance of correct thinking becomes more apparent. With power comes
responsibilities and one should note that Ashé is greatly diminished when our thoughts and
actions lack good character. So it behooves you to always remember that “thoughts and
intention have power, and Eshu can hear them”. If you want to manifest positive changes in
your lives you must have pure thoughts and clear intentions. If your motivations are flawed in
any way, it invites the trickster side of Eshu, one that has repercussions to help you adjust your
character. It may manifest as simple mischief like losing your keys or being delayed, whatever
it takes to get your attention. You see, Eshu as your guide is also your spiritual teacher. Some
fear the trickster and they shouldn’t, there’s nothing to fear! Part of being on a spiritual
journey is to learn from your mistakes, grow spiritually and develop your character.

Eshu play an important role in any Ifa work, in fact, your personal Eshu as your guide should
always be by your side whenever you do a prayer, divination or Ebbos to the Orishas, because
it is Eshu that will carry your thoughts, prayers and messages to heaven and come back with
the Ashé. Eshu is always propitiated first before any other Ifa work to ensure success, then
thanked last to complete your Ifa work. Remember that “everything begins and ends with
Eshu”.

When you do seek guidance from Eshu, you should cusp your personal Eshu in your hands and
bring it up to your forehead. Pray and imagine your thoughts being transferred to Eshu. The
proximity of having Eshu that close to your forehead intensifies the connection.