Eshu, Esu, Exu, Eleggua, Eleda, Elegba

Illustration from "African Tattoo Designs" by Yeye Siju Osunyemi (c)2007

These are some of the various spellings for the divine messenger between Oludumare and man. Eshu is a trickster who meets us at the crossroads of life.

He is the one to receive the first offering at any ritual. He is a powerful ally but a hard teacher as he helps us negotiate the crossroads of life. His colors are red and black and he is very fond of cigars.