QUEEN OF THE WHITE CLOTH  //  After reflecting on my brief time as an iyawo and writing “Wearing White,” I started coming across so many breathtaking photos of Santeras and aborishas wearing all white with their elekes.

It is unlikely that they are iyawos because you’re not allowed to have your photo taken at that time, but regardless we do often wear white like this in Lucumí tradition and these images capture so much of its beauty and power.

Honestly, this is a legitimate concern to have because the rituals, traditions, and practices of Lucumí (Regla de Ocha) call for a lot of materials and live animals (for ebo), which can sometimes be very costly. The costs are necessary to properly have ceremonies in the traditional way, but unfortunately, it’s not always affordable depending on your situation.

The answer regarding the costs of elekes specifically is that it really depends on the particular ilé! I can give you a general sense of how much you’ll want to save up for, but it’s going to vary a lot depending on different variables. 

The cost for ceremonies usually comes in two parts:

Achedi - A payment in cash that is formally presented and plays a role in the ritual of readings, ceremonies, and initiations. This varies a lot by the ilé. For elekes, the achedi usually ranges somewhere from $200-$500. Also, not everyone always receives a full set of elekes. Usually, if you receive less elekes, then the achedi will also be proportionally less.

Supplies & Materials - For any ceremony, ritual, or initiation, there will almost always be materials that you need to purchase and bring yourself. The act of gathering these supplies is a part of the process, and sometimes it’s even challenging to find (and afford) some of those materials. Exactly what you’ll be asked to bring and how much it will cost depends again on the ilé and on where you are able to purchase the supplies. I’d recommend saving up about $100-$150 for this.

I know this may be discouraging, but I hope it gives a realistic sense of what to anticipate. For some folks, it’s a year or even much longer of working with an ilé before they have enough money saved up and supplies gathered for receiving elekes. Every step of the way takes preparation, and different people are ready at different times!

By the way, you not have to receive elekes to practice Lucumí, you simply have to join an ilé and follow the guidance of the priests and priestesses. Only if elekes are marked for you in divination are they something you would be required to work towards within the tradition.

Ashe, and blessings to you on your journey!