Azowano is one of the names for Babaluaye. This Orisha is syncrenized with San Lazaro. The reason for this is that Babaluaye had dogs as companions and also because he had one leg that was made of wood. This Orisha is very feared by the Yoruba, because he is the Orisha of sickness. He must be treated with great respect and no promises made to him can be broken, because he will exact payment of any debts. He is the Orisha of smallpox and other communicable diseases. His healing powers are very great and for that reason, many receive him to resolve problems of health.

His ceremonies are very complicated and involve many different parts. Often it is determined by divination that one must receive this Orisha to solve a health problem. This is generally why those who do not have the ceremony of making the Saint completed receive him. After making the Saint, almost everyone receives this Orisha sooner or later, since he is so powerful and since one needs to have received this Orisha in order to give him to others in need. This Orisha is very miraculous and has even been known to help those walk again when medical doctors had given up. Asowano or Babaluaye is an Orisha of much respect. His feast day is the 17th of December, the day of San Lazaro.

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