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The Orishas (Gods of Santeria)- The 7 African Powers - Siete potencias - Español:
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Because the African slaves were not allowed to freely practice their own religion, they had to “disguise” or syncretize their gods, with those of the slave owners - the Catholic saints. The Yoruba people of West Africa recognize three levels of spiritual force: one creator god called Olodumare; numerous nature or messenger spirits (similar to Christian angels) called the orishas, and the revered spirits of the dead, called the eggun. Under the yoke of Catholicism, Olodumare was identified with Jehovah, and the orishas were identified with various Catholic saints or angels. In the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, seven of the many orishas were combined into a commonly seen image called "The Seven African Powers;" however, there are more than seven orishas, and most of them are identified with more than one saint. Below is a small list of what are called the Seven African Powers (marked with an asterisk “*”), and include Olodumare, the chief, main God (comparable to Jehovah, or God the Father to Christians).
Also included, are the corresponding Catholic saints which were syncretized with the Orishas.

Olodumare (God Almighty) - this is the Supreme God, the one and only creator of heaven and earth. He is father to all humanity. He is also believed to be somewhat distant and therefore created the Orishas (semi-gods) to deal with day-to-day human affairs. Santeria believes in one God, with semi-gods/Orishas created by Ollodumare, to help intervene in our lives. Read more about Olodumare


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Olorun

*Ellegua (Saint Anthony of Padua) - He is the owner of all crossroads (where all roads meet) and therefore has a strong influence on our destiny (he allows some things to get to you, and others not to). He is a fun Orishas, loves children and candy, can be tricky (loves a good joke and playing jokes) and his colors are red/black. read more about Elegua

*Obatala (La Virgen de Las Mercedes) - He is the father of all who are not initiated. The owner of every “head” on earth (whether the person knows it or not). Peace, the color white all belong to him. read more about Obatala

*Yemaya (La Virgen de Regla) - She is the owner of the ocean/seas. The goddess of extreme wealth and power, she is the mother of all the other Orishas. Power, the color blue all belong to her. read more about Yemaya

*Chango (Santa Barbara) - He is the god of thunder, lightening, music, commerce. A powerful temper and a healthy appetite, he is among the most beloved Orishas. His color is red. read more about Chango

*Oya (Santa Therese de Jesus)- All cemeteries belong to her. Powerful, volitile, she is not to be played with! Her colors are mooron. read more about Oya

*Ochun (La Caridad del Cobre) - She is the goddess of love, attraction, affair, and luxury. All ’sweet waters’ (rivers, streams) belong to her. She is very popular as she deals primarily in matters of love. She is tempermental, so you need to know how to approach her! Her colors are yellow. read more about Ochun

*Ogun (San Pedro) - He is the god of metals. He is a smith, and with his powerful weapons will protect and defend you to the death! A very strong-willed Orisha, he is also much loved (as are all of them) His colors are green and black. read more about Ogun

Osain (St. Joseph) is the Catholic Saint associated with Osain. This probably due to the fact that he has plants in his hands. Even though they are lilies, he is probably the only male Catholic Saint that has plants in his representation. read more about Osain


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