A Mãe-de-Santo means a female priest in the Afro Brazilian religion. It means Mother of Saints. The term is Brazilian and is a translation from the African name for female priests “Iyálorisha” where the word Iyá means mother and the contraction l’orishá means of Orishás (gods) meaning altogether Mother of Orishás. In the Afro-Brazilian religions the priests are the owners of the tradition, knowledge and culture and the ones responsible to pass it on to the new generations because there are no sacred written books. The Spiritual mother, is a guide of the Terreiro, the spiritual center as it’s as well of the community.
She will channel information from the Saints and Spirits, depending of her vibration level. She will guide Figlios de Santos, till they will become ready to take refuge. Through a retreat combine with a several rituals including, sleep, food and drink.