<P> To become a Santero or Santera ( Priest or Priestess of Santería ) , the initiator must go through an intensive week - long initiation process in which the teaching of the ritual skills and moral behavior occurs informally and nonverbally . To begin with , the initiator goes through what is called a cleansing ritual . The initiator 's Padrino ( godfather ) cleanses the head with special herbs and water . The Padrino rubs the herbs and water in a specific pattern of movements into the scalp of the head . However , if a person is entering Santería for the need of healing , they will undergo the rogación de la cabeza ( blessing of the head ) , in which coconut water and cotton are applied on the head to feed it . Once cleansed , there are four major initiation rituals that the initiator will have to undergo : obtaining the elekes ( beaded necklace ) , receiving Los Guerreros ( the Warriors ) , making Ochá ( Saint ) , and Asiento ( ascending the throne ) . </P>
what is the process to become a santero
the initiator must go through an intensive week - long initiation process in which the teaching of the ritual skills and moral behavior occurs informally and nonverbally