Changó (also spelled Shangó, Ṣango, or Xango) is one of the most popular orishas in Santeria and is the king of our religion on earth. Chango is the orisha of drumming, dancing, thunder, fire, male virility, and leadership. He was once a living king on earth as the fourth Alafin of Oyó in Yoruba land. Chango was not a particularly effective king when he was alive, but he worked miracles after his death and elevation to the status of orisha. (It is considered offensive to discuss the nature of Chango’s death.) He is known for enjoying in revelry, drinking, eating, having many female lovers and being a skillful dancer and drummer. Chango was the first to divine with diloggun, and was the original owner of the Opón Ifá (table of Ifá) before trading it to Orunmila for the batá drums. Chango is a powerful sorcerer who crafts indomitable spells in his Odó (mortar) including the magic that allows him to spit fire. Chango makes his residence at the top of the royal palm tree. His is the power of fire, lightning and thunder. He wields the double headed axe as his favorite weapon. Chango teaches us to live a full life, enjoying all it has to offer, while at the same time cultivating diplomacy and royal grace.
