At the Crossroads: A Journey to Brazil, Elegua, and Self
When I set foot in Brazil this past November, I had no idea how transformative the experience would be. As a Black woman in her 30s, navigating life, spirituality, and community has always felt like standing at a crossroads—a constant dance between the sacred and the mundane, the seen and unseen. This trip, though? It felt like Elegua himself was holding open the gate, whispering, "Come on in, it’s time."
Elegua at the Crossroads
For those unfamiliar, Elegua is the Orisha of doors, thresholds, and new beginnings. Receiving him earlier this year marked a turning point in my spiritual journey. At first, I was like, “Excuse me, Elegua? Aren’t I Oya’s child?” But the more I reflected, the more it made sense. Elegua’s energy has been a quiet but consistent presence in my life, guiding me to every “random” connection, every pivotal decision, every open door.
Brazil made that even clearer. From the clothes I wore to the rituals I observed, everything felt divinely orchestrated. I started to see the threads of my journey—the people, places, and lessons—woven into a tapestry that only Elegua could have crafted.
Lessons from the Land
Bahia, specifically Salvador, is a place where African spirituality is alive and thriving. Every terriero and ile (spiritual house) we visited felt like stepping into a living library. The seamless blend of the sacred and the everyday amazed me. I remember seeing cats lounging near altars, turtles wandering through courtyards, and people casually praying in between their daily tasks. It was a powerful reminder that spirituality isn’t separate from life; it is life.
The Sisters of the Good Death also left a lasting impression. These women, guardians of African and Catholic traditions, treated us like their own. Their kindness and wisdom were humbling. They spoke openly about misconceptions surrounding African Traditional Religions (ATRs), emphasizing that these practices are about liberation, connection, and love—not fear or “darkness” as they are often misrepresented.
Building Bridges and Finding Family
One of the most beautiful takeaways from this trip was the sense of community. I met God cousins, God aunties, and spiritual siblings I didn’t even know I needed. Mama Oseye, one of our guides, reminded me that no single spiritual house can teach you everything. “It’s okay to have community everywhere,” she said, as long as it aligns with your path.
Back home, I’ve often felt lost in the sea of my own Ile (spiritual house). As a Virgo, I crave structure, learning, and one-on-one mentorship. But I realized that growth sometimes requires stepping out of your comfort zone and building bridges with others. This trip gave me that clarity and the courage to seek what I need, even if it means moving differently.
Moving Forward with Elegua
2024 was a year of stripping away—letting go of relationships, habits, and even parts of myself that no longer served me. As we approach 2025, I’m stepping into what feels like an entirely new life. But what does that even mean? For me, it’s about refining my gifts, deepening my spiritual practice, and building community with intention.
Elegua has taught me that every choice, every path, leads to a lesson. And while the road ahead may not always be clear, I trust that the doors meant for me will open. Brazil was just the beginning, a reminder that at every crossroads, I have the power to choose love, growth, and alignment.
A Note to My Siblings
If you’re feeling stuck, confused, or at a crossroads in your own life, let me leave you with this: Listen to your gut. Trust your intuition. Seek out mentors and community that genuinely care for your spirit. And remember, it’s okay to not have it all figured out. The journey is the destination.
Here’s to stepping boldly into 2025—with Elegua at the helm and the spirit of Brazil in my heart. Ase
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