Orishas

Elegua (Eleggua, Elegba) is sometimes represented as a child, and sometimes as an old man. He represents the beginning and end and the opening and closing of paths in life. Sometimes known as the trickster, he likes to play jokes on people. He is the repository of ashé. In particular, Eleguá stands at the crossroads of the human and the divine,...

Obatalá is the father of all the orishas and all humanity. Obatalá is the owner of all things that are white, as well as the human head and all of its thoughts and dreams. Though it was Olorun who created the universe, it is Obatalá who is the creator of the world and humanity. Obatala is the owner of all heads, because it is said that he molded...

Ogún (also spelled Oggun) is a powerful, fierce warrior who defends his people and fights against injustice. Ogun has the intelligence and creativity to invent tools, weapons, and technology. He is the father of civilization in many ways, for it is by his strength that the path from orun (heaven) to ayé (earth) was cleared so that humanity and t...

Oshún rules over the sweet waters of the world, the brooks, streams and rivers, embodying love, fertility. She is the youngest of the female orishas but retains the title of Iyalode or great queen. She heals with her sweet waters and with honey which she also owns. She is the femme fatale of the orishas and once saved the world by luring Ogún o...

Oyá is the ruler of the winds, the tornado and the gates of the cemetery. She guards the gates of the cemetery, making sure that the boundaries between life and death are respected. She is a fierce warrior who rides to war with Shangó (sharing lightning and fire with him). Oyá inspires fear, but she stands up and protects those who respect her. ...

One of the most popular orishas, Shangó rules over lightning, thunder, fire, the drums and dance. He is a warrior orisha with quick wits, quick temper and is the epitomy of virility. Shangó took the form of the fourth Alafin (supreme king) of Oyó on Earth for a time. He is an extremely hot blooded and strong-willed orisha that loves all the plea...

Yemoja is the owner of every drop of water but you will typically see her associated with large bodies of water like oceans and lakes. Although she’s maternal and nurturing, she’s also fierce. Her punishments can be terrible when she’s outraged, but she’s fair minded and forgiving when proper remorse is shown. Contrary to popular belief she is...