Ildeu

Who is Ildeú?

Ildeú is the third of the Jimaguas (the divine twins) in our religion. His name comes from the word IDOWU, which is used only for the male child born after a set of twins. He is a son of Oshún and Shangó, as told in the sign Ogbe Bara.

In a patakí of the sign Ojuani Metanla, it is explained that Ideú was abducted from his land and taken to another, where he became an awó; for this reason he is the only one of the three who holds that rank. This is perhaps what explains the belief that Ideú is a son of Ochún and Orula.

Prosperity and material stability are attributed to this santo, which is why those who receive him notice an almost immediate favorable impact in that regard. The Oriaté Willy Ramos puts it this way: «this Oricha brings balance to people who are going through a difficult time in their love life and gives firmness within marriage.» For this reason, the same author notes that some people call him the Lucumí cupid. Ildeú, like his brothers Taewo and Kainde (the first and second jimagua, respectively), is of great use in overcoming wars of every kind.

Fundamento

This Santo carries five otá (stones). Some place five cowrie shells with him; others give him a full hand of cowries. This depends on the house and the branch. In addition, he carries five pieces of jet, five corals, and semiprecious stones. These are used because this deity is a son of Oshún, and she is fond of riches. The number and kind of stones he carries is determined by each house, and five small machetes are placed with him. The doll that represents him is dressed in white for a year; afterwards, he is dressed in yellow. In some houses of elder santeros there is no doll at all; in other houses it is made of wood.

Eleke

His eleke (necklace) is made of honey-colored beads and coral. It is strung with 25 honey-colored beads and one coral bead.

Dilogun

In the odu Oche Melli, Ogbe Che, and Oche ni logbe, receiving this santo is prescribed in order to find stability. This santo may also be given to an aleyo, depending on why and for what purpose he is being given. To receive the third Jimagua, one must already have the other two, since Ideú lives at their feet.

Foods

He eats two chickens and two pigeons. Some people offer him hens, on the grounds that he is a son of Ochún; but, being a jimagua, he should properly eat chicken.

Herbs

They are the same herbs used in the ceremonies of Ochún.

Works with Ildeu

Work at the feet of Ideú for the children of Ochún

When daughters of Oshún are in the process of dying (when their time is fulfilled and they are held in a needless agony that threatens to drag on indefinitely), a work
is performed with him at the door of the house so that death may finally arrive there. Ochún is placed there as well. Ideu means the one who holds the doors of death; he is the third of the Jimaguas in our religion. His name comes from the word
IDOWU, used only for the male child born after a set of twins; he is a son of Oshún and Shangó, as told in the sign Ogbe Bara.