When a Santera believer takes the step to become an olosha, the transformation is a delicate one.

It literally involves being born again, and not in the Christian sense of the word. Our re-birth is one that carries a transformation of spiritual symbiotic nature. In other words, a spiritual force other than ours is aligned to our force during the kariosha or crowning ceremony and from that moment on, initiate and orisha coexist in a mutual codependent relationship. However, this is my very own point of view and I have yet to hear it being articulated in these particular terms by any other oloshas. Frankly, I am not sure that the scientific/spiritual approach would be one readily accepted by many who have no inclination to study or observation of natural sciences as they apply to religion. Iyaws enter a period of learning and repose for 12 months, this is known as The Year in White and most commonly as Iyaworaje. This period is marked by a set of rules and restrictions that are imposed to protect the iyaw. Rules are not arbitrary they are established because they are meant to protect the iyaw from any harm, after all they are the future of our religious community and must be cherished and revered. When an iyaw follows the rules it shows commitment, maturity, responsibility and respect for their new rank, to their godparents and most important, the head orisha. The way in which an iyaw chooses to carry on during this year can and will determine the nature of the relationship with the tutelary orisha for life. Take it from someone who has been there and done that. Basic Rules1. Caring for the Head: The head must be protected and covered at all times during the first 3 months of kariosha. Only elders (godmother/godfather or oyugbonakn) are allowed to touch it with no cover. The Iyawo must put some cocoa butter, and cascarilla (efn) on his/her head every day covered by cotton and then use a hankerchief or cap to protect the head.a. In case of accident medical staff is except from this rule and they can touch the head, they are blessed by

Oragun, orisha that protects internal organs. 2. Dress Code, Hygiene and Sex:a. White is the emblem of the iyaw and it must be worn for one year and 7 days after initiation; this is both in public and at home.i. Female iyaws wear for the first 3 months a shawl, skirt, bloomers, panties, stockings, brassiere, undershirt, slip, long or calf length skirt, shirt with sleeves and no cleavage showing, white closed shoes, handkerchief and hat. She must also wear all her elekes, bracelets and id.ii. Male iyaws wear pants, socks, white closed shoes, shirt with sleeves, undershirt, cap and hat. He must also wear his id and at the very least the bracelet of Obatal.b. Shoes or house shoes with socks or stocking must be worn at all times.c. Iyaws do not sleep naked (they use pajamas, underwear and socks to bed) or parade themselves naked in front of their orisha.d. Iyaws do not expose themselves to the elements, they use a white umbrella.e. Clothes must be clean, pressed and not have holes.f. Iyaws should take care to have a spare set of clothes at hand in case of accidents.g. Jewelry not represented the orishas is not allowed.h. The only exception when an iyawo does not wear religious attributes such as id and elekes (necklaces) is to go to bed.i. Some iyaws have work restrictions with regards to attire; those must be consulted during the process of it to seek leniency or modifications.j. The iyawo does not wear makeup, cuts his or her hair during the first three months and absolutely does not die his or her hair during the first year.k. The iyawo sleeps in clean white sheets and uses white towels, white toothbrush, comb and any other utensil must be white.l. The iyaw bathes twice a day, morning and evenings.m. A female iyaw does not touch her orisha during her menstrual cycle or partakes in any ritual while on her period.n. Iyaws should not engage in sexual relations for the first 16 days after kariosha, some houses have different rules, follow your house rules.o. An iyaw should not be promiscuous and engage in sex with various partners at the same time

or concurrently. 3. Mealsa. The iyaw eats on the mat for the first 3 months using a spoon, the dish and mug received during kariosha.b. If the Iyawo is to eat out, the utensils must be carried as well as the matt.c. The iyawo does not use fork and knife and will not lift the plate from the mat as he/she eats.d. The iyaw does not interrupt meals to take calls, text on mobile devices or engage in any activity that could cause stress during the meal.e. Leftover food is to be offered to Esh or Egn.f. Exceptions to rules due to work restrictions must be consulted during it. 4. Day-to-day a. The iyaw will not touch the uninitiated, this includes taking things from other peoples hands, handshaking, kissing on the cheeks or lips (other than spouse or their own children)b. The iyaw must be accompanied by the oyugbona when visiting an oloshas house for the first time after kariosha.c. The Iyawo must avoid going out before 6 am and should be back in doors before night fall. He/she should also avoid direct sun and being exposed to the sun at noon or to the night sky at midnight.d. The Iyawo will avoid sitting in public parks, standing on street corners, going to bar, night clubs, cabarets, market places, ruined constructions, jails, cemeteries, funeral parlors, hospitals, burials.e. The iyaw should never walk over holes in the ground and should be careful when entering a cave, tunnel, or a forest.f. The iyaw does not smoke or drink alcohol of any kind.g. The iyaw avoids crowded places such as movies, theaters, parties, raves, masquerades and does not attend parties that are not related to orisha activities.h. The iyaw should be escorted by elder at all possible times.i. The iyaw will refrain from using drugs, being involved in illicit activities, killing or doing anything that is outsides of the parameters of the law.j. The iyaw must have a head feeding done every month by either the main godparent of the oyugbonakn.k. The iyaw will not curse and will not lie.l. The iyaw will not carry weapons.m. The Iyawo

must avoid at all cost arguing, being involved in gossips, using profane language and being offensive to others; especially if the other persons are relatives, spouse or religious relatives. There may be variations to these rules and they will be imposed from house to house, however, if a person is considering dedicating his or her life to the orishas they should be fully aware of the commitment and requirements expected and be able to follow them. In todays society, where the common mindset pushes people to rush and to impose their will over that of elders, just because they can or because it is in their nature to be contrary and push the envelope, rules are seen as something to bent and broken. Rules for an iyaw are a safe haven; because an iyaw should be in a state of grace leaving the igbodu (ceremonial room) after kariosha, it is imperative to conform to new habits and continue to purification process started during the initiation. Only when an iyaw understands and accepts this process and is ready to release bad habits from before, will the iyaw truly profit from the initiation by evolving, growing and intensifying the changes that each tutelary orisha has in store for their new initiate. Following rules and the it will bring the road of blessings to unfold at your feet, iyaw. Do not ever forget, others may and will judge you during your first year and your behavior will reflect on your elders, but ultimately, your elders already have their path established, yours is just starting. Be kind to yourself and remember no one forced you to do kariosha, or so I hope. Honor your orisha by following rules and avoid a possible public or private embarrassment by either oloshas, or even worse, the orisha themselves.