Lord Shango
Perhaps one of the most popular of the Orisha and with one of the most powers of energy is Shango, also spelled Chango, Xango or Sango. His lore states that He was the fourth king in the Yorubaland Oyo Empire and was very powerful. But much controversy was with His reign.
Symbol is the Veve of Shango
Some of the people in the Oyo Empire thought He was unfair. When two of His ministers challenged Him for the throne, Shango fled into
the forest. He wandered into the forest for a long time and eventually it is said, that He hung Himself from a tree. It is said that after He was found a great thunderstorm ripped through His empire and killed the ministers who challenged Him, and destroyed their homes. It is said that Shango went to the heavens and throw lightning volts at them.
the forest. He wandered into the forest for a long time and eventually it is said, that He hung Himself from a tree. It is said that after He was found a great thunderstorm ripped through His empire and killed the ministers who challenged Him, and destroyed their homes. It is said that Shango went to the heavens and throw lightning volts at them.
The Attributes of Shango
Another story stated that Shango was so fascinated by magick that He accidentally created lightning and it destroyed His family, and He hung Himself in sorrow and remorse. At any rate the consistent story is that He became an Orisha Ancestor who the Yoruba people came to adore .
Shango's energy is said to be the most intense and powerful, perhaps because He was a born leader, strategist, and very strong willed. Shango has the abilities to control all extreme energies-- good and bad, dark and light, empathy and aloofness, peacefulness and war. His god-children (devotees) admire His problem solving abilities, and His devotion to getting things done.
Shango's energy is said to be the most intense and powerful, perhaps because He was a born leader, strategist, and very strong willed. Shango has the abilities to control all extreme energies-- good and bad, dark and light, empathy and aloofness, peacefulness and war. His god-children (devotees) admire His problem solving abilities, and His devotion to getting things done.
The Powers of Shango
Shango is also known for His sexual prowess, fertility and His ability for procreation. When He married Oshun She bared Him twins, thus giving Him the reputation of being a fertility god, or the god of multiple births. He may have also gotten His fertility title because He is a woman chaser. He loves women and He doesn't mind letting them know it. Shango is married to three Orisha goddesses; Oya, Oshun and Obba. Shango wields a double-edged axe as a king wields a scepter. The ax represented His power over extremes and His power of two directions.
Shango and Thunder
Shango enjoys the power of the lightning bolts and the roar of Thunder. It is said that Shango creates thunder and lightning by casting stones to the ground. Wherever lightning strike His priests search the surrounding areas for the thrown stones which usually has a double-headed axe shape called thunderstones, which are believed to have mystical power.
Tributes of Shango
Many seek Shango when energies are needed in defeating enemies. Others seek Him for victory, sensuality, virility, justice, protection, fire magick, martial arts, male health problems, finding a husband or wife, good luck, bringing money, solving legal matters or finding a new job.
He is associated with lightning, thunder, drumming and the root chakra. His colors are red and white. Beads are made up of six red beads followed by six white beads. Then, a red bead alternates with a white bead six times. The pattern is repeated until the preferred length is obtained. His numbers are 4 and 6. He is often associated with Thor and Zeus.
Shango likes His food spicy and sweet. Apples, red rooster, honey, sugar cane, hot peppers, bananas, red wine, spiced rum and cinnamon. His symbols are a ram or axe.
He is associated with lightning, thunder, drumming and the root chakra. His colors are red and white. Beads are made up of six red beads followed by six white beads. Then, a red bead alternates with a white bead six times. The pattern is repeated until the preferred length is obtained. His numbers are 4 and 6. He is often associated with Thor and Zeus.
Shango likes His food spicy and sweet. Apples, red rooster, honey, sugar cane, hot peppers, bananas, red wine, spiced rum and cinnamon. His symbols are a ram or axe.
Altar to Shango
For Lord Shango Today We Offer Sweets for His Sweet Tooth.