Open cowrie shell

In Santería, open cowrie shells, known as diloggún, are primarily used for divination and communication with the orishas. They serve as a fundamental oracle for predicting the future, analyzing the past and present, and advising on the steps to be taken (ebbó) to improve the life of the person seeking guidance.

·        Divination and Consultation: The santero or babalawo throws the cowrie shells (usually 16) on a table to interpret destiny.

• Communication with Orishas: Through the diloggún, the Yoruba deities are consulted to receive guidance.
• Interpretation of Signs: Open cowrie shells indicate the proximity of events and changes in fortune (money, love, health) depending on the position in which they fall.
• Guidance on Action: They are used to determine whether sacrifices or prayers (ebbó) are required to open paths