Trance Possession
Folkloric representation of a ceremony
Drumming and dancing ceremonies sometimes lead to trance possession by initiated priests and priestesses in the congregatation. Within the Santería community, possession is very important because it allows for direct communication with the Orichás when they mount a human body (called the caballo or horse). Academics, psychiatrists and medical doctors have carried out convincing studies to disprove the legitimacy of trance possession, suggesting that it's induced through hypnotism, mass hysteria, or that it's simply a kind of performance art. Nevertheless, for millions of people around the world, trance possession is not only real, but also sacred. When Santeros allow themselves to be possessed, it's not for their personal benefit, but for the good of the religious community. They willingly enter into a state of altered consciousness in order to let the Orichás speak through them. Scholars who have made a serious study of trance possession in Santería point out that when the members of a religious community recognize a phenomenon as authentic and real, it gains legitimacy within that social and cultural framework, whether outsiders to the group believe it or not. Santeros/as are the first to admit that someone can "fake" possession, but they also believe it's possible to tell when a possession is "real." Most active practitioners of the religion have witnessed at one time or another an authentic possession, and most believe that the Orichás visit us in human form when they take possession of someone's body. It's a manifestion of the invisible in the visible world, a metaphysical concept shared by many religions. The person who is possessed usually has no memory of the event, and can't enter into conversation with the visiting Orichá. That's why possession takes place within a sacred and shared space, such as the drumming and dancing ceremonies, where the whole community can witness and remember the visit.
Possession Is for the Benefit of the Whole Community
Ochún dances for her admirers
Generally, members of the community are atuned to what's happening during a ceremony and recognize signs that one of them is entering into a state of possession. They crowd around the individual, dancing and chanting, and sometimes calling out to the Orichá, encouraging him or her to "come down" into the body. Sometimes the possession can appear traumatic, even violent. The one possessed may fall to the floor and begin to shake, or run around the room in a disoriented state. Most often, the Orichá will inhabit the body of one of his sons or daughters during the special toque or rhythm played in honor of that Orichá. For example, during the toque for Obatalá, one of Obatalá's sons or daughters may be possessed. During any given drum ceremony, it's possible for several people to be possessed, each one by a different Orichá. Once it's clear the Orichá is in possession of the human body, the caballo is taken out of the room by other Santeros/as and dressed in ceremonial garb representing the Orichá who has possessed him or her. Orichás cross gender and can inhabit the body of a man or woman, regardless of the gender of the Orichá. Women who are possessed by Ogún or Changó, for example, will take on masculine traits, such as a virile swagger or a boastful way of talking. They will be dressed in the male Orichá's clothing and interact with others as if they were male. The same is true of men who are possessed by a female Orichá like Yemayá or Ochún. They will take on feminine qualities, dance seductively, and show feminine grace when interacting with others. The Orichás, once in possession of the human bodies, join the party. They wander among the guests, dance, talk to people, eat, drink, and sometimes hold court, giving advice and greeting their followers. Although this may appear to be nothing more than a party, it's important to remember that it is, above all, a sacred experience. The attendees are deeply honored to have the Orichás present, and there's a certain excitement and electricity in the air, as at any event where there are very distinguished guests.
The Body is the Host for the Orichás
The body is a vessel for the Orichás
For people who think of the body only in biological terms, it's difficult to understand what prompts the possession trance. But, for practitioners of Santería, possession is the temporary departure of the individual's soul to make room for the Orichá. It's a form of sacrifice, since it means giving up individual consciousness for a time to benefit the community at large. The Orichás comfort and heal people through their intervention. They share blessings with them. Although outsiders who witness a trance possession may be seriously disturbed by what they see, for members of the community, it is a positive and welcome experience. Santeros/as report they feel joy, peace, and love when in the presence of the Orichás. Those who acted as the "horse" for the Orichá return to consciousness at the end of the drumming ceremony, usually exhausted and totally spent. Members of the community generally form a protective ring around the individual when the Orichá enters and leaves the body, to make sure the individual suffers no physical harm. At the end of the ceremony, once the Orichá has departed, the one who was possessed is gently led to another room, dressed again in the clothes worn prior to possession, and encouraged to rest.
Not all Santeros/as are meant to be caballos for the Orichás. Many are never possessed, either because they're unwilling to surrender their bodies or because the Orichás don't choose them. If someone who has not been initiated into Santería is present at a ceremony and feels trance possession coming on, this person will be taken out of the house, away from the drums, and encouraged to return to full consciousness. It's normally not a good idea for the uninitiated to fall into a trance possession state because the aché (spiritual force) of the Orichás is too strong for the uninitiated.
In traditional ilés (religious houses) it's not permitted to take photographs or videos of someone while in a trance possession, but the video below shows an approximation of what a trance possession is like. Note that it's not taking place within the sacred space of the ilé, but at the sea shore, in honor of Yemayá.
Not all Santeros/as are meant to be caballos for the Orichás. Many are never possessed, either because they're unwilling to surrender their bodies or because the Orichás don't choose them. If someone who has not been initiated into Santería is present at a ceremony and feels trance possession coming on, this person will be taken out of the house, away from the drums, and encouraged to return to full consciousness. It's normally not a good idea for the uninitiated to fall into a trance possession state because the aché (spiritual force) of the Orichás is too strong for the uninitiated.
In traditional ilés (religious houses) it's not permitted to take photographs or videos of someone while in a trance possession, but the video below shows an approximation of what a trance possession is like. Note that it's not taking place within the sacred space of the ilé, but at the sea shore, in honor of Yemayá.
