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Santer?a also known as "La Religi?n" or "The Way of the Saints," is an Afro-Caribbean religion derived from traditional beliefs of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The Santer?a/Yoruba religion is comprised of a hierarchical structure according to priesthood level and authority. Orisha "Ole" or temples are usually governed by Orisha Priests known as Babalorishas "father of Irish" or Iyalorishas "mothers of Irish", and serve as the junior Ile or second in the hierarchical religious structure. The Babalorishas and Iyalorishas are referred to as "Santeros(as)" and if they function as diviners of the Orishas they can be considered Oriates. The highest level of achievement for males is to become a priest of IFA (eee-fah). IFA Priests receive Orunmila who is the Orisha of Prophecy, Wisdom and all Knowledge. Ifa Priests are known by their titles such as "Babalawo" or "Father Who Knows the Secrets". Ifa Ile or Temples of Ifa serve as the senior to all Orisha Ile in the Traditional Orisha-Ifa / Santeria Community. The Sacred Oracle of Ika-Fun or Ika Ofun serves as confirmation.
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Who knows what "Santeria" means?
