Shango: The Orisha King of Fire and Lightning

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Shango or Chango is an Orisha of the Yoruba or Santeria religion, is the god of thunder, fire and lightning. He was the one who taught the battle formations, a great military strategist who brought with him the cavalry as a combat troop and thus was able to increase the power of his army, conquering a large part of the territory and building an empire.

His popularity generated by his victories in different wars was so great that he was beatified and today he is asked and an offering is placed, asking him to be the one to help us solve and win any war that comes our way.

Who is Shango?

Shango was the fourth king of the Oyo empire in Nigeria. His cult and veneration has transcended on a large scale, in fact, it can be considered that he is the best known Orisha of the Yoruba pantheon.

About its origin it is said that "it was not born", it fell from heaven to earth enveloped in fire, generating a great roar, hence its association with thunder. When he went down to the world, he did so with his castle, his pylon and the board to guess. It represents virility, physical perfection, masculinity, war and male fertility. He is credited with the power to know what men speak in secret.

His messengers are: thunder, lightning and darkness. He has power over the royal palm, a place that is considered his natural throne. He is attributed as wives to the Orishas Oyá, Oba and Oshún, and is also related to the Orisha Yewá, with whom he had a brief affair. He is the father of the Ibeyis (the jimaguas). It is said that Dadá Obañeñe raised him, and that Yemaya also loves him as a son. He is a very good friend of Eleggua and Aggayú Solá.

He is a virtuous warrior. He was the one who taught the battle formations. He enjoys the virtue of being a great military strategist. He brought with him the cavalry as combat troops and thus was able to increase the power of his army, conquering a large part of the African territory, thus managing to build a great empire. It is estimated that Shango illuminates all the lands, because lightning and fire are known to all human beings.

Shango is an Orisha closely linked to acts of Justice. This can be clearly identified in the Odu of Ifa Ogbe Bara, as we can see through the following story:

The awo Ogbe Obara performed Ifá divination for Changó, who was going through many adversities in heaven. Similarly, Ogbe bara was very poor. At the end of the ceremony, he invited him to his house, however, Shango did not accept.

From heaven the Orisha observed that the world was very dirty and full of evil, for that reason he swore that he would punish all the evildoers of the earth.

It happened that while Shango was getting ready for battle, a tornado shook the roofs of many houses in the world, including Ogbe Bara's, although he was not in the place, but his wife was there.

While the trees fell and all kinds of structures collapsed, a song was heard that said: Arira, arira mo juare, Ule Ifá dowo reo, arima mo ju are.

When Shango heard that, he understood that one of the houses that was being affected was that of Ogbe Bara, who was his friend and benefactor, for which he reconsidered. He stopped the attack and returned to the sky.

This shows that this Deity has always been attentive to the acts of men and his anger can be implacable. But, in the same way, it is fair to those who deserve it.

Other names given to Shango in different regions

It is called: Shango, Chango, Olufina, Kabiosile y Alaafin.He is also identified as: obakoso, which translates as the King of Koso, or is interpreted as: the king has not died or the king did not hang himself. elite, which means: the owner of knowledge and the shining eye. Afonjá, King of the land of Oyo. Sango Ogigi, a very popular pseudonym in various parts of Africa; Y oramfe, which is the name by which it is known in Ile Ife, the central city of the Yoruba people, in Nigeria, Africa.

In addition, it is known as: jakuta, which is interpreted as: the one who throws or fights with stones. This name is attributed to him thanks to the existence of a mystical Deity other than Chango, who due to their similarities, the followers ended up merging their cults. The characteristics of Jakuta describe him as a guardian of social morality who, by order of Olodumare, punishes the faults committed.

Shango Characteristics

In religious tradition it is said that this Orisha is violent, aggressive, and righteous. They say he punishes bandits and liars. Party and dance lover. Indeed, the Odu of Ifa Oyekun Ogundá, states that the grace that characterizes Changó is that of being a very good dancer. In the rule of Osha and Ifa, a product of the diaspora in America, he is described as a womanizer, bellicose and presumptuous.

His affinity with celebrations goes beyond his love of dance, he is also passionate about music, virtuously playing the batá drums. Among his virtues stand out that he is very wise, fair and brave.

His Colors

The colors of the Orisha Shango they are red and white. The use of the red color is attributed to him for the power it has over the red cloth, known by the Yorubas as the cloth of death; In addition, the color red is related to the passion, intensity, blood, fight, virility, danger and fire that this Orisha represents. The use of white color is identified with his affinity with Obatala, who is the only Orisha with the ability to appease Chango's momentum, therefore, its use acts as a balancer of his energy.

Chango Necklaces

The necklaces of this Orisha are made with beads of their colors (red and white). They are alternated using one of each color, or in groups of 6 or their multiples.

When is Shango day?

Shango day is very special, for years it has become a date of celebration in many Latin American countries. By tradition, the festivities for this Orisha are celebrated every December 4, this is because their festivities are the result of syncretism with the Catholic spirituality of Santa Bárbara. That is the reason why it is customary to say that this date is the day of Santa Bárbara Shango.

During the celebration in his honor it is customary to place some adimú or offering; a throne or altar is made where fruits, flowers and the different foods that this saint likes are placed. Also, it is customary to play the traditional Batá or Ilú Aña drum.

Another tradition that was inherited from our ancestors is the custom of serving Chango on Saturdays, since this is the day of the week that belongs to him. However, to entertain the God of fire it is not necessary to wait for December or for it to be Saturday. His children and anyone who has received his foundation can serve him or entertain him at any time, so do not hesitate to approach Shango any day you need him, he will always be willing to listen to you.

What is your number?

This Orisha is represented by the number 6. In the practice of Osha and Ifa, this digit represents barter, trade and negotiation. In numerology 6 symbolizes love, responsibility, justice, and formality; it also attracts negative aspects such as self-centeredness, stubbornness and the need to dominate. We find all these attitudes in the Orisha Shango, in fact, it is estimated that all the good and all the bad of human beings live in him.

Shango's dance

It has become clear that Shangó is an excellent dancer. His dance stands out above that performed by the rest of the Orishas. Indeed, within the Yoruba beliefs there is a saying that says: «Oni Sango to jo ti ko tapaa, abuku ara re ni», whose translation is: a Changó devotee who dances without moving his feet and legs dishonors himself. itself. That is why his children and followers must imitate him.

Music and dance are essential for practitioners of Santeria. Their songs, drumbeats and celebrations are essential for the performance of their rituals. When an Elegun Shango (horse of a saint or rider of Chango) is in a trance and is possessed by the energy of this Deity, he performs actions that he would never do in everyday circumstances, such as: passing the sharp edge of a knife through his tongue, or take palm oil (manteca de corojo) at high temperatures, without suffering any damage.

The movements during his dance are usually very energetic, he brandishes his ax with his hands as a sign of struggle and power; he makes gestures that refer to his virility, his sex; he pretends to be cooking or eating his amalá (typical Chango dish); he sticks out his tongue and makes gestures that symbolize drawing lightning from heaven to earth.

Chango costume

Shango's suit is usually made with red, white and gold fabrics. She wears a large 6-pointed crown, adorned with beautiful rhinestones and many snails (cauries), accompanied by African parrot feathers. He uses a sash from which 6 points hang, and a mariwo tied to his waist that represents his warrior skills. Their costumes are usually very showy and quite elaborate, highlighting their royal hierarchy.

Attributes and Tools

Among Shango's tools we have:

A wooden tureen or tray, preferably cedar, where your secret is kept.

A cedar pylon, which acts as a pedestal for his punt.

A red and white cloth, which adorns its foundation.

A double-edged axe, representing his strength and virility.

A cup, a symbol of royalty.

A maraca, with which his presence is invoked.

A turtle shell, which represents his shield.

A red flag, a symbol of power.

6 wooden axes of different models.

A lightning stone.

A mortar.

What is Shango's Odu isalaye?

As we have explained before, all the deities traveled to earth in the company of an Odu of Ifa. In the case of Chango, he arrives in the world accompanied by the Odu Okana Meyi.

It happened that by the time Shango was going to come into the world, he was just a scary child, he was scared by everything, with the crowing of the rooster, with the bellowing of the goat, even trembling like a leaf. Soon he understood that he couldn't go down to earth that way, because he couldn't live hidden forever. So, he decided to go see Orunmila, who gave him osode (divination) and saw the Odu Okana melli, indicating the sacrifices (ebbo) necessary to solve his situation.

After performing the ebo, Orunmila gave him 101 stones telling him that they were called "Afeke" and that would be his defense. When Shango held Afeke with his hands, his eyes immediately changed color, a warm fire arose in his heart, it was courage. From that moment on, all beings both on earth and in heaven escaped from his presence, because if someone made him angry, he would introduce his hand into Afeke and throw his sacred stones.

So it was, that ready to go down to ayé (the earth), Orunmila nailed a fork to the floor that symbolized that the "king of courage" had come down. In this way Orunmila managed to appease his anger, creating a deep bond with him. Finally, Afeke ended up serving only for the destruction of enemies.

Shango came down to earth in the Sign of Ifa Okana Meji.

You Might Also: All about the Orisha Elegua, The owner of the roads

Shango history

Among the Yorubas there are several legends and stories about Shango, but they all agree that he was an outstanding man who reigned in the land of Oyo, whose actions made him transcend. His ancestor worship eventually merged with the worship of the Solar Deity.

There is a legend that tells how Shango as a child confronted the King of his people ordering him to leave the throne, because he was the legitimate king. This King called all the inhabitants of his kingdom asking them who the father of the child was, but no one knew the child, much less his father. The King then instructed his servants to kill him by drowning him in the river, which they did. However, when they returned to the palace, the boy had already reappeared in front of the King. He wondered how was that possible? If his men had drowned him and returned.

I then ordered them to catch him, but Shango escaped and began to jump and run everywhere, he saw a big hole and entered it, he ran to the forest and found a huge tree, he jumped on it and suddenly he appeared hanging from one of his branches with a rope; was dead.

The women immediately returned and reported that the child had hanged himself. The King ordered a great sacrifice to be made. He bought a cow, a lamb, a rooster, a hen, oil, slugs, lard, a tortoise, a wild goose, a guinea fowl, and a pigeon. He asked his subjects to open a hole under the tree and ordered them to throw all the sacrifices into the hole and cut the rope. Then the body fell from the tree and the boy came back to life exclaiming: I did not hang myself! The people went to see the King, and he was surprised by the news and went to the forest to confirm if it was true.

Returning to the palace the child was sitting on the throne. The King ordered him to get up and give him back his place, but the boy refused, saying that his name was "Oba Koso" and that he had now become the king of that village.

Powers of this Orisha

When Orishanla (Obatala) was appointed by Olodumare his representative on earth, this in turn appointed Shangó as the spokesman who convenes the Divine Council, whose meeting is held every Saturday and its function is to judge the actions of men on the earthly plane, dictating sentence in proportion to the offenses committed.
It is "the great witness" in the religious consecrations of Ifá. Their presence is required in the ceremonies of: Olokun, Odduduwa, Igba Odu, Eggun, Osanyín, Asojuano, among others.

He owns the sacred Ilú Batá drums, made up of: the Okonkoló (minor), the Itotelé (medium), and the Iyá (major).

He is a brave warrior who breathes fire through his mouth and gets rid of his enemies.

He is a powerful fortune teller and healer.

When he came to earth he served as one of the founders of the Yoruba kingdom in Nigeria, King in the city of Oyo.

He owns fire, lightning and thunder.

Within the human body it manifests itself through states of anger.

Shango Image

In Yoruba land there are many temples in honor of Shangó. In them you can usually find images representing it. His visibly masculine figure is usually surrounded by three smaller images that are believed to personify his three wives. Also, it can be represented with a ram's head and horns, holding in its hand the handle of a double-edged ax, known as Osee Sango.

Around Chango you can find other elements such as: maracas or rattles made with guiros (Seeree Sango); an inverted mortar; a large pot of water containing some metal implements in the form of a chisel or axe; polished stones and lightning stones.

His earthly image describes him as a dark-skinned man, strongly built, very attractive, muscular, and virile. He usually has a bare back showing off his physical attributes. He always wears his crown. He wears shorts up to the middle of his leg and is usually barefoot.

Shango and lightning

The lightning is related to the Orisha Shango in many ways. It is believed to be his messenger and a symbol of his power. One of the many stories that relate it to this element tells that Shango had three wives: Oba, Oshun and Oya. They used to fight constantly, they were capricious and despotic with the servants and subjects. One day, his faults and excesses reached the ears of Chango, who was greatly annoyed. His anger knew no bounds; even so, that did not achieve peace in his castle and his wives continued to create problems in his government, for which he decided to leave and leave everything. He retreated into a deep forest where his followers searched tirelessly for him, to no avail. However, Shango heard the voices of his subjects asking him to return, so he sentenced: "My power will come to you from here", sending his blessings from that place, but throwing his rays if something was not right. Finally, over time, it was returned to heaven by climbing up a long chain.

This explains why in Nigeria lightning was considered to be a type of divine punishment. Therefore, people who died from lightning or who had one fall on their house were interpreted as having committed very bad deeds. This generated terrible consequences for those involved in such situations, since they would not enjoy the support of the community for the funeral acts. The deceased lost the right to a proper burial, they were only transferred by Chango priests, along with their belongings, to a final resting place known as: "bad thicket". In the case of the houses where lightning struck, they could not be used until such time, the corresponding sacrifice will not be made, since it was estimated that Sango had taken possession of it and it would be disrespectful to dispute it.

Shango roads

Shango as a deity has no paths or different versions of himself. Rather, when we speak of his ways we refer to titles or names that have been given to him over time. Some of the names that refer to its greatness are the following:

Shango Alafi.
Shango Olufina Kake.
Obbalube.
Obara.
Alaye.
Chango Obba Koso.
Chango Ladde.
Obakoso.
alufina.
Deizu.
Debt.
Shango Oluous.
Sango Ebbora.
Changó Akoda (from Arará land).
Ekun (from Arará land).
Obbana.
Obba Bear.
Chango Ajokei (Arara).
eye.
Obba Bi.
Jakuta, Ogodo (from Tákua land).
Chango Dada.
Shango Fudewu.
Changó Awuru (from Arará land).
Sango Nipa.

Why is Shango received?

Shango is a fundamental saint for practitioners and initiates in Santeria. All people who consecrate themselves in Kariosha (are crowned holy) must receive it, regardless of who their guardian angel is. It is of vital importance, since it is an irreplaceable protector among the Orishas of the Yoruba pantheon. His hierarchy and powers make him a fundamental witness of our consecrations that will attest before Oloddumare of the rituals to which we were subjected on this earth.

How is it received?

Shango is an Orisha that is usually received during the initiation or coronation ceremony of a saint in the Osha rule. This ceremonial lasts 7 days, where in addition to receiving Shango's foundation, other Orishas are received. In case you need your foundation individually, it is possible to receive it through a ceremony that lasts three days; the first day its secret is consecrated; the second day rest is kept; and on the third day it is delivered into the hands of the initiate.

What is Shango asked for?

Chango is asked to protect us or free us from the following situations:

Before earthly or spiritual wars.

When our enemies lie in wait for us.

When suffering from illnesses and afflictions related to burns.

Faced with problems of depression and suicide attempts.

To achieve prosperity and development.

To achieve difficult goals.

Being victims of injustice.

To stand out, convince, charm, make good negotiations and successful agreements.

To have strength in the face of life's problems.

To have courage and face conflicts without fear.

To not fall into defeat in the face of conflicts.

To have clarity, mediumship and be a good diviner and a good religious.

To have fresh thoughts and mental clarity, in order to make the right decisions.

To get out of indecision.

To carry out successful planning and successful strategies.

To get love.

How do you greet Shango?

When thunder sounds and lightning strikes, it is customary to say aloud “kabiosile or kabiyesi”, which means: I greet your majesty. It is a reference to the supremacy of Shango, a way in which the highest leaders among the Yoruba are greeted. In addition, this is done due to the belief that when it thunders, the deity of fire has come to visit us.

When a ceremony is taking place and it is named, sung, or prayed to the Orisha Shango, all those present must rise up in their seats, or raise their heels gently if they are standing, as a sign of respect and reverence, this also constitutes a way to greet him.

On the other hand, the children of the alafin who have their crowned guardian angel, when directly greeting the Orisha, their foundation, or their elders, do so by lying face down on the ground and with their hands close to their body.

How is it taken care of?

In the offerings for Shango, the Amala Ila should not be missing, which consists of a dish prepared with corn flour cooked with okra. He likes plantains or green bananas, red wine, dry wine, gin, roasted corn, okra, corojo butter, yams, honey, sugar cane, yam soup, bean soup, mushroom soup and bitter kola nut. These types of adimuses are some of the preparations or ingredients that are placed on Shango to ask for good fortune and to free us from any adversity.

What does Shango eat?

The main animal for the sacrifice to the Orisha Shango is the ram (abo), although he likes and a great variety of animals are sacrificed to him. The turtle or turtle (ayakua) is also an animal that is frequently used in their consecration ceremonies. In addition, roosters, quail and guinea fowl are immolated as offerings to this divinity.

In specific circumstances, as long as it is registered under an Ifa or diloggun registry, you can eat: goat, turkey, dog, snapper, steers, pigeons, among others; using very special ceremonies for this, which should be officiated only if you have full knowledge about it.

Fruits for Chango

Different fruits are placed on this Orisha, among them the unripe manzano banana should never be missing. On their thrones are always present: green bananas, green banana, apples, mango, mamey, pineapple, coconuts, dried and fresh figs. By tradition, the fruits are oiled with corojo butter (epo) and in some holy houses they can also be wrapped in red cloth.

Most of the fruits, as well as their offerings, are taken to the royal palm after being presented to the foundation of the Orisha.

Herbs

There is a great variety of herbs with which the attributes of Shango are consecrated, among them we have: cedar, poplar, jagüey macho, royal palm, paradise, bledo, mahogany, sugar cane, bejuco tortoiseshell, mamey, piñon, breaks saraguey, rue , flamboyant, almacigo, palm, ceiba, peony, picadillo, lose course, kolá leaves, ero leaves, sandbox, atipolá, córdoban, mamey colorado, among others.

What does Shango like?

Chango likes honesty, he is against all actions that transgress ethical concepts or justice. Also, he is a lover of beauty and women; He is very attached to his children, to respect and to well officiated ceremonies.

With regard to his attentions, it can be said that his favorite foods are: the amala ilá (a dish of cornmeal cooked with okra, which should be served as hot as possible); red wine, and green bananas.

What are Shango's children like?

It is said that Shango is one of the Orishas that most influences the personality of his children. In general, the children of this deity (the Oni Shango) are very intelligent, in the religious aspect they are very dedicated and excellent diviners; They are usually energetic, vivacious, collaborative, very cheerful, and full of life people. However, marked differences are seen between men and women who worship this Saint.

The men who are children of Shango are usually very charismatic and can easily relate to many people. At first sight they will always attract attention, they can be good dancers, versed, some a little scandalous, praiseworthy, and they even have the reputation of womanizers.

In the case of women, they tend to be more withdrawn and less social, which prevents a good development of their interactions, some may have a very strong character or be quite stubborn. There is a myth that says that Shango's daughters are usually unhappy in love.

According to the Odu of Ifá Obara Okana, his children must be very obedient, because they can even pay with their lives for disobedience to Changó.

Taboo or prohibitions for the children of Shango

Changó does not like his children to smoke. It prohibits melon, oil from the almonds of palm nuts and the kola nut (with the exception of the bitter kola), the sheep, the goat, the chicken and all female animals.

He does not accept that his attributes are manipulated by women who are going through their menstrual period. He does not like the Eggun, the lies, or that their children are cowards.

Names of Saint or Kariosha for your children

Oba Efun Ekun: the king of the white leopard.

Oba Alabi: the king of the mantle of good.

Ikan Oni wasu: The king of the tongue of fire.

Oba aña: the king of the drum:

Oba Ashe: the king of luck.

Oba Dina: the king of the candle.

Oba di Melli: the king crowned twice.

Oba Oñi: the king of sweetness.

Oba Koso Kiesieko: the king who lives in the palm.

Oba Ilari: the king's messenger.

Oba Remi: my friend the king.

Oloyu Ekun Oba: the leopard-eyed king.

Oba Ladde: the king's crown.

Odu Ara Oba: the king of lightning stone.

Oba Erula: the king of war.

Oba Kiyesi: the king of power.

Shango in the Catholic religion (Syncretism)

In syncretism Chango is related to Santa Bárbara. Many of us have found this association strange, since, being a divinity that represents virility and masculine image by nature, why associate it with a female saint of the Christian religion?

Why is Santa Barbara Shango?

The answer to this is really unknown, many Iworos, Santeros or Babalawos have different theories. It is said that it is due to their common attributes. Santa Bárbara has a castle, a cup, a sword and a red cape, which are similar to the Orisha.

One theory interprets that the syncretism with Santa Bárbara is not born directly from her relationship with Chango, but with a deity called "Oshe", who lives in front of her batea and has a double-edged ax on her head. In Africa, in front of Chango altars is this feminine agboran. This figure has a very calm and serene expression (similar to Saint Barbara) and holds in her hands a mortar with lightning stones, these elements can be related to the cup and the wafer that the saint has in her hands.

We could say that our ancestors took Santa Bárbara as a representation of that agboran that lives in the sanctuaries of Shango.

Another very popular story maintains that Shango disguised himself with Oya's clothes in order to escape from Ogun, when he had him cornered. Due to this patakie, some Iworos consider that for this reason the syncretism of Shangó with a feminine spirituality is carried out. However, deepening the Yoruba customs and the process of syncretism, a reason as simple as that is not a sufficient reason to carry out such a fusion. Even so, it has been transmitted among many members of the religious community.

Song of Shango with its meaning

Ẹ wé my l'èrè, (È) 'lúbe, Ọ mà me

You flatter me to have the profit,

The owner of the bright red, you are very satisfied.

Ẹ wé wé my. Ọ May. Sango, Ẹ wa 'yè. Ọ May

You flatter me, you flatter me. You are very satisfied.

Sàngó, You are looking for life. You are very satisfied

Ẹ wé my l'èrè, (È) 'lúbe, Ọ mà me

You flatter me to have the profit,

The owner of the bright red, you are very satisfied.

Ẹ wé wé my. Ọ May. Sango, Ẹ wa 'yè. Ọ May

You flatter me, you flatter me. You are very satisfied.

Sàngó, You are looking for life. You are very satisfied.

mo jẹ. mo jẹ

I eat. I eat.

mo ni jẹ 'rè mi' ye

I eat my earnings to survive.

mo jẹ ákúkOoh mo jẹ ògèdè Mo jẹ àmàlà

I eat a rooster. I eat banana. I eat mashed yam

mo jẹ àgbo

I eat ram

Ọba (a) do pe (è) my Ọba Aladó

Magic Pumpkin King

The spirit King owner of

the magic pumpkin is full.

Aladó pe (è) me Ọba

The owner of the magic pumpkin

The King's spirit is full.

Prayer to Shango translated

Je ko ye mi Shango Baale Koso Aremu bale Agboradu

Ogboran mu dun dakun mo and me. Aremu njo or Buru igba ni Bogpe.

Meaning:

Let everyone alert their children, so that "Shango" will not be accused of kidnapping.

When he wants to be aggressive

Transform a tree into a man.

When he wants to be aggressive

transform a man into an animal.

Works (Ebbo) with Shango

Work to defeat enemies:

A branch of a star apple tree is torn off and a paper is tied with the general names of the enemies or of the person who wants to harm us. A hole is opened in the root of the tree and the mooring is buried, it is covered and a candle is lit upside down, telling Shango: My father, God of thunder and war, may it be you who fights for me and may it be your will to destroy my enemy! Ashe.

Work to get money

The star apple is opened, corojo, sugar, gin, calm balm are made into it and the full name of the person you want to ask for money is placed inside. A candle is placed daily for six days. After that time, and the candles consumed, everything is left in a framboyán bush.

Work with Shango for Love

A lamp is made at the foot of Chango to attract with: a clay pot, the name of the person six times on a piece of paper pierced by pins, a lightning stone, red precipitate, quicksilver, rainwater, river water, brandy , corojo butter, red wine, cooking oil, six lit wicks and a rooster is given to Shango to secure the mooring.

Pataki: Shango crowned Yemaya

It happened that once Yemaya was having a hard time, and it was through divination where Orunmila consulted Ifa and gave him the Odu of Ifa Obara Dila, Orunmila told him: If you want to improve your situation you cannot deny or protest your luck, recommending him to do a sacrifice, which, she performed right away.

Yemaya left Orunmila's house and entered the mountain where she saw a child who told her: mother help me with this basket. That child was Elegua, when taking the basket everything that was inside fell on top of Yemaya; as it contained corojo butter, his suit got dirty. At that moment Yemaya remembered Orunmila's warning "you cannot deny or protest your fate". She went on her way.

Then, she found an old man, he asked her for help to carry his bag, in doing so he dirty his clothes again with the content, and as if that were not enough, the old man ended up making fun of her. It was Elegua in disguise once again. Yemaya followed the path, repeating the incident again with another person who helped later. But she continued her course without protesting or complaining about her luck.

When she was tired of walking, she saw that a very beautiful city, with large buildings, was a short distance away. Upon arrival, he stopped at the gate of a grand palace and wanted to enter, but the guards refused him entry.

She sat down in front of the palace and began to cry, thinking that her sacrifice had been in vain, until she fell asleep. Upon waking up, he noticed that there was no one at the door due to the changing of the guard and entered the palace. I was amazed to see so many beauties. Until she was spotted by the king of the people, who immediately got up from his chair, went to where she was and knelt down saying: "My mother, give me your blessing." After that, he got up, asked Yemaya to kneel, took off his crown and put it on her.

Everyone was amazed and they knelt in front of Yemaya and gave her Moforibale, at that moment she became the queen of that town. The king of this story was Shango.

History: The first Shangó sanctuary on earth.

It happened that the Awo Ogbe Otrupon wanted to come down from heaven to earth, so he was advised to make a sacrifice with gourds before embarking on his journey. He did what was recommended and that later earned him to save the family he was born into when he came to earth. It turned out that this family had unknowingly inherited a debt with Changó, by buying a house whose previous owner had offended that Deity.

Ogbe Otrupón planted the pumpkin seeds around his house and sprinkled them with palm oil. His crop germinated and covered his house with weeds, preventing Chango from launching his usual attack the following year.

Changó was transfigured into a man and went personally to the house that had pumpkins planted to find out what was happening with the person who had offended him, realizing that he no longer lived there, he insisted that they give him information regarding the former owner, but the new residents did not they knew his whereabouts, the only thing they could tell him was that they sometimes saw him in the market.

Chango looked for him in that place, and when he found him, he was struck by lightning in the chest, dying immediately. The next day, he showed up again at Ogbe Otrupon's house thanking his parents for helping him find his offender, and from that moment on he swore that he would never attack a house where he saw pumpkins. Also, he recommended to the owner of that place, that whenever he heard his war cry, immediately sprinkle palm oil on the floor, so that he would know that the house belonged to a friend.

In addition, Changó promised the man that he would ask Oloddumare for a special favor for him. Little time passed when Ogbe Otrupon's mother became pregnant, giving birth to a boy who was born inside a bag. Knowing that, Chango returned once more to earth transfigured into a man, he advised them to look for palm oil, a rooster and a knife. When they brought all the elements, Shangó cut the bag with the knife and the boy came out with a lightning stone in his right hand and an ax in his left hand. He instructed that they bathe him with palm oil and preserve the elements that he had brought from heaven.

Seven days later, Changó returned and asked for the rooster, which was immediately sacrificed with the ax on the lightning stone. He remembered that this creature was the blessing that he had asked Olodumare and that his name would be "Oke", who would become a prominent disciple of Changó on earth.

Before retiring, he advised that after 3 months they should sacrifice a father ram and a mortar in his name. From that moment on, this became a sanctuary for Shango, being the first known in this world, and therefore, Oke was his first priest, Shango's eldest godson.

Shango Phrases

When I feel bad, I just have to fix my CROWN and remember that I have done SHANGO.

Shango says: No matter how big the war is, he will always make you the winner.

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