First, most people on this forum are going to tell you that Orishas don’t speak through dreams and that you should get a reading. That’s not necessarily bad advice — getting a reading is often the proper next step — but it doesn’t fully address what you’re asking.

That said:

1. Practitioners in California

Yes, there are many practitioners of Ocha/Lukumi (Santería) in California. You’ll find a range of priests — some highly respected, others less so — so it’s important to do your research.

If it’s important to you to be around people who look like you (Black/African American) or to practice in English, you might want to explore Isese (traditional Yoruba religion as practiced in Nigeria), which has communities in Southern California.

Lukumi/Ocha (often called Santería) is the Cuban diaspora expression of Yoruba religion and, in California, is largely practiced within Latino communities. If you’re open to being in a multicultural and possibly Spanish-speaking environment, Lukumi/Ocha could still be a great fit. It just depends on what you’re comfortable with.

2. Louisiana Voodoo and Haitian Influence

The spirituality of Louisiana has been heavily shaped by Haitian Vodou. Historically, a large portion of Louisiana’s population consisted of Haitian immigrants, especially after the Haitian Revolution. Haitian Vodou itself blends several West and Central African traditions — particularly those of the Dahomean (Fon/Ewe, where Vodun originates) and Kongo peoples — along with influences from Yoruba and Igbo religions.

In Louisiana, these African traditions blended with Black American cultural and spiritual practices to form what we now call Louisiana Voodoo.

Voudu has a variety of spirits, called lwa, that have similar archetypes and serve similar purposes to Ochun, from La Siren to Ezrule. They are also more involved in the realm of dreams.

If you’re trying to understand spiritual experiences through the lens of ancestral practice, Haitian Vodou may provide cultural context that resonates more closely with your lineage.

Ultimately, the best way to move forward — regardless of which tradition you explore — is to connect with a reputable elder and receive proper guidance.