How do followers of Santeria know which Orisha they are children of or dedicated too?

I've been studying Santeria recently, and I came across something in a book that said that the Orishas would come upon their children and ride them, but only if they "belonged" to them.

Looking further I found that is a belief that they are dedicated to a particular Orisha.

This I found interesting--how does one know what Irish they are dedicated too? Is it a dedication ceremony at birth or is it just natural? Does everyone in Santerian belief, have an Orisha? what about converts to Santeria?

Why do you waste your time and life with nonsense and to what end? You seem intelligent with your question! Study the Truth the Way and the Life. Jesus!!!!

Isn't Santeria the Mexican hoodoo that steals the girls away from incarcerated men?

Answer: Although the religions are not the same, this bears some similarity to Haitian Voudon. You might see if the following website has any books available http://www.erzulies.com (the owner of the business practices Voudon, but carries information on Santeria as well)

I read a book about Santeria, but that was long ago. From what I recall, each person has a particular Orisha (even if they're not in the religion). It's sort of like a guardian angel, but the person's personality and skills will also be guided by their "saint". The dedication isn't at birth. The Orisha chooses the person. The person figures out which Orisha resonates for them and calls to them. Once the person figures out which Orisha they belong to, he/she can dedicate him/herself to that Orisha (in a special ceremony) and will have a shrine to him or her in their home.

- P.

From my one conversation with a follower of Santeria, it seemed to be similar to how one chooses matron or patron deities in Wicca.

I know what god I belong to because he called me.
Some figure out by learning about them all until they find the ones that resonate with them.

I'll ask Labgrrl to chime in. They had one come and discuss their religion in an anthropology class she took.