When the Trickster Knocks at Your Door, Will you Answer?

Eshu, original pen and ink drawing

Guardian of the Threshold

Eshu is seen as sitting at the threshold, guarding the many doors and roads which make up the human journey through life. We move through the doors of childhood to adulthood, single life to partnerships, mundane to magic, despair to happiness, birth to death, all the while hoping we are taking the right door or right path which greets us along the way. In Yoruba spirituality, Eshu owns the roads and can provide opportunities and direction. When asked kindly Eshu can point the way but people must still decide for themselves which way to travel. Although Eshu can direct someone along a path, it may be a sunlit journey of opportunity or a dark, thorny trail if it is decided a lesson is to be learned. 

Messenger Between Heaven and Earth

As the messenger between Heaven and Earth Eshu communicates the prayers of mankind, not only to the ears of the other Orisa but to the Creator god. Spiritual tradition requires Eshu to be honoured first in any ceremony if messages are to be heard and blessings received. Gifts of toys, candies, rum and gin are much appreciated by Eshu. In many homes, a figure representing the god is created and placed behind the front door. A child’s toy representing youth and a walking stick symbolising old age are normally placed with him. The walking stick is painted in the two colours of the Trickster, either red and black or black and white, accented with eyes to remind people of his all-seeing nature. His presence as the gatekeeper ensures a balanced and safe home.

A Powerful Ally

The Trickster archetype found in the deity Eshu reminds us of the care and respect we must have for all life. Life isn’t just black and white, but contains shades of gray and all the colours of the rainbow. Though careful consideration and respect must be maintained, we cannot forget to make room for a small amount of chaos, the creative wellspring from which beauty and delight flow, where passions arise and the spices of life are experienced. The magic of Eshu wakes us up and teaches us to live life to its fullest potential. Although we must remember to be wary of the Trickster with his many names and guises, it suits us well to welcome him as a most powerful ally.