Shangó
The Orisha of Thunder, the King Who Breathes Fire.
Kawó Kabiesilé!
The roar of thunder in the heavens signals the presence of Shangó, the King of the Orisha. In life, Shangó was the third Alaafin (King) of Òyó, the empire of the Yoruba. Upon his death, it’s said that he ascended directly to heaven and became an Orisha because of how devoted his people were to him. Shangó’s worship displaced that of the older thunder deity Jakuta so completely that Jaukta has become one of Shangó’s most common praise names.
A hot Orisha associated with fire, thunder, and masculinity, Shangó requires the cooling influence of his father Obatalá to avoid becoming a tyrant. Their pact is symbolized by the red and white beads of Shangó’s eleke. By this balancing act, Shangó demonstrates to us all that sometimes the strongest sword is diplomacy.
Shangó in Cuba is the ultimate ladies’ man, married to Obba Nani, Oyá, and Oshún. He is the essence of life itself - the King of drumming and dancing, wine and women, who enjoys life to its fullest. For this reason, Shangó steers clear of death and the dead.
Shangó’s closest bond is with his mother, Yemayá. Their connection is reiterated in many ways throughout our religion, most notably in that they always eat together in ceremony. Shangó’s deference to Yemayá reminds us that a good child has the blessings of God and his mother.
It’s also said that in his fiercest aspect, Shangó rides into battle with Oyá, just as the thunder precedes the lightning. Though he is the master of diplomacy, it is no mistake that his symbol is the double-headed axe we called the Oshé Shangó. When a battle is unavoidable, Shangó does not hesitate to fight for what is right.
Maferefun Shangó!