AREQUIPA, Peru – Leader of Santeria within the Yoruba religion and a warrior Osha, Shangó is one of the most powerful deities according to Afro-Cuban syncretism. He symbolizes justice and is associated with rituals of dance, virility, called the lord of thunder, lightning and fire.
He was in his time a king, warrior and witch, who by mistake destroyed his house, his wife and children, and then became an Orisha.
His tragic origin did not prevent him from becoming a saint of justice, dance and strength, owner of the Batá, Wemileres, Ilú Batá or Bembés drums, and music; He represents the need and joy of living, the intensity of life, masculine beauty, passion, intelligence and riches.
Shangó has control over the religious system known as the Osha-Ifá. Taking it as an element, it represents a large number of favorable situations and also unfavorable ones.
He is considered the first interpreter of the Ifá oracle, of which he later became owner. As priest of the oracle of Diloggún and that of Biange and Aditoto, Shangó has an intimate relationship with the world of the Eggun.
Within the world of Santeria it is related to the cults of San Marcos and also Santa Barbara. It is said that Shangó would have been the fourth Aláàfìn Òyó, who is “King of Oyo”, a son of Oranian and Torosi, the daughter of Elempê, the king of the tapas. He had three divinities as wives, including Oiá, Oshun and Obbá.
Their ties are extensive. Yoruba historians indicate that Shangó was the twin brother of Agayú, raised by Yemayá and Dada. Likewise, he is family to Eleggua, Orula, Oggun, Ochosi and Ozun; father of the imejis or jimaguas; and he is godson of Ozain.
Shangó, associated with the color red, is virile and daring, with a violent character, but at the same time he is just. He is said to punish liars, thieves and evildoers, with death by lightning considered a weapon of vengeance. It is said that a house struck by lightning is being marked by its anger.
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2024-02-24 20:38:45
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