Santería ritual powders are used to purify, protect, consecrate, or support spiritual work. They are applied to specific items, always in connection with the intention of the ritual or the religious tradition being followed. Their use varies according to lineages and religious houses (ilé), but some uses are widely common.
To protect a home
One of the best-known uses is to place a small amount of powder on a doorstep, window sill, or in the four corners of a room to symbolically mark a protected space. Efún (cascarilla) is particularly used in this context to purify and preserve the home.
For drawing
Some powders are used to draw lines, circles, crosses, or other symbolic marks on the floor, a ritual surface, or an object. These markings serve to delineate a consecrated space or to support a ceremony. Their form depends on the tradition and practice being followed.
On ritual objects
Powders can be applied to statues, sacred vessels, talismans, candles, or other objects used during spiritual practices to prepare them or support them during the ritual.