Santeria Church of the Orishas
From Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers
The Santeria Church of the Orishas of California is a member church of the Association of Independent Spiritual Churches.
Our church is dedicated to the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería (Lucumí/Lukumí), the worship of our creator Olodumare, his eldest children the Orishas, and to honoring our Egun (our ancestors of blood and initiatory lineage). Our church’s mission is to make information available to those who seek to learn more about Santería (Lucumí), dispel misconceptions about our religious practice and to provide spiritual guidance and religious services where they are needed.
Santería is a religion that is capturing the interest of many people around the globe due to its deep mystical roots and powerfully visceral religious experiences. Santería, or La Regla Lucumí (or Lukumí) as it is more properly known, is one of the African Diaspora; religions spread around the world with the scattering of the enslaved African people brought to the new world. Santería originated with the traditional religious and spiritual practices of the Yoruba people of West Africa (centered around the modern day nations of Nigeria and Benin).
We also embrace the path and tradions of Espiritismo Cruzado. Thisis a form of Spiritualism that focuses its practices on working with the dead. The dead include both Ancestors of blood and initiation, as well as spirit guides, guardian spirits and elevated masters. Within a Lucumí cosmology, blood and initiatory Ancestors would be called Egun, while the rest would be called Ará Orún, or “citizens of heaven.” While traditional Lucumí ancestral work is pretty limited to working with Egun, Espiritismo Cruzado has a system in place to work with Ará Orún and other non-related spirits.
One of the primary goals of Espiritismo Cruzado is spiritual evolution. This includes working toward your own personal spiritual evolution and enlightenment as well as assisting other spirits with their evolution and enlightenment. Espiritistas often work to help spirits that are trapped, addicted, obsessed or dark in vibration to evolve, release their attachments to the physical world and move on to the next stage of their spiritual growth. This work is done by offering prayers, light and service to the spirits. To be clear, ANYONE can work with Espiritismo Cruzado regardless of initiatory status.
The Santería Church of the Orishas is a part of the Association of Independent Spiritual Churches. Our church was founded in 2012 by Rev. Dr. E., an Olorisha of Shangó in the Lucumí faith, and is based in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California.
We believe in the immanence of spirit, the intercessory power of prayer, and the efficacy of the practice of setting vigil lights for petitions and praise.
The Santería Church of the Orishas conducts daily setting of lights, offerings to the Orishas as determined through divination, and recitation of prayers for those who have submitted requests through the Crystal Silence League.
Read more about us at our Santeria Church of the Orishas website.
Contact Information
Santeria Church of the Orishas
We are located in the greater Los Angeles, California area. In Santería our personal homes are our churches. The Santería Church of the Orishas is located within a home.
Hours: Because our church is located in a private residence, we do not allow unscheduled visits.
Church Committees
As a part of the Association of Independent Spiritual Churches movement, the Santería Church of the Orishas participates in the following committees:
- AIRR: The Association of Independent Readers and Rootowrkers: Making ethical psychic readers and spiritual practitioners available to the public.
- CSL: The Crystal Silence League: A world-wide prayer and affirmation network available to the public.
- SAFE: Santeros Against Fraud and Exploitation: Educating the public about traditional practices in the Lukumí faith, and fraudulent activities in the community.
Our Services
Readings and Spiritual Consultations:
- Pre-scheduled reading, consultation or magical coaching
Candle Services:
We offer hundreds of different types of vigil candles, both religious and folkloric.
- Setting of lights for the Orishas
- Long Distance Candle Services for Spiritual Aid with Petitions and Prayers
- Ebó (offerings and rituals) as dictated through divination
- Spirtual Cleansings
