Eleggua is the Orisha of doorways and crossroads. He is one of the warriors, with Chango, Ogun, Ochosi, and Osun, and one of the Seven African powers.

Ellegua's colors are red and black. Eleggua is the mediator between humans and all of the other Orishas, and in this respect, has been compared to Hermes of the Greeks. Eleggua is the keeper of the gateway between the divine and material worlds.

Eleggua is the trickster, a force of chaos and entropy who serves to shake off stagnacy.

Symbols: A cement or stone head decorated with cowries; a crooked walking stick, keys.

Colors: red and black

Saint: St. Martin de Porres.

Eleggua's counterpart in Vodoun is Papa Legba; in Candomble, he is Exu.

For more information and profiles of the most well known Orishas, see: The Seven African powers.

Pronunciation: Ell-eh-gwa • (noun)

Also known as: Elegua, Papa Legba, Papa Le Bas, Exu, Eshu

Related Resources:

• Vodoun, the real Voodoo
• Hoodoo- An American magical tradition
• Pictures of orishas

Elsewhere on the Web:

• Babaluaye
  A short biography of an important Orisha (God).