What is an Orisha?

The spiritual system of brujería incorporates Orishas as powerful deities that originated from the Yoruba religion of West Africa and spread through Afro-Caribbean traditions such as Santería (Cuba) and Lukumí. The spiritual entities of Orisha play a central role in brujería rituals, mainly in Mexico and Veracruz and other locations with Afro-Latinx communities where brujería merges with Santería and Espiritismo and folk Catholicism.

The Orishas rule over natural elements and human life events, while each deity has its own set of sacred colors and numbers and specific offerings and symbols. The following guide explains the most frequently worshipped Orishas in brujería together with their symbolic meanings.

Eleguá (Eleggua, Elegba)

  • Role: Guardian of the crossroads, messenger of the gods, opener of doors.

  • Symbols: keys, small children’s toys, stones, crossroads.

  • Colors: red and black, or red and white.

  • Number: 3 and multiples of 3.

  • Offerings: candies, coins, cigars, coconuts, and rum.

  • Meaning: Eleguá must always be honored first in ceremonies, as he governs fate, decision-making, and opportunity.

 

Yemayá (Yemoja)

  • Role: Orisha of the ocean, motherhood, and protection.

  • Symbols: seashells, fish, moon, waves, fans.

  • Colors: Blue and white.

  • Number: 7.

  • Offerings: molasses, watermelon, fish, and seawater.

  • Meaning: Yemayá is the nurturing mother, protector of children and women, and associated with healing, wisdom, and the sea.

Changó (Shangó)

  • Role: Orisha of thunder, fire, drumming, power, masculinity, and justice.

  • Symbols: Double-headed axe, drums, fire.

  • Colors: Red and white.

  • Number: 6.

  • Offerings: Apples, bananas, red wine, spicy food.

  • Meaning: Changó represents passion, leadership, and righteous anger

Oshún (Ochún)

  • Role: Orisha of love, fertility, beauty, rivers, and wealth.

  • Symbols: mirror, honey, gold fans, rivers.

  • Colors: Yellow and gold.

  • Number: 5.

  • Offerings: honey, cinnamon, oranges, pumpkins, sweet things.

  • Meaning: Oshún governs love, sensuality, creativity, and prosperity. 

Obatalá

  • Role: Creator Orisha, god of peace, wisdom, clarity, and purity.

  • Symbols: white cloth, doves, staff, crown.

  • Colors: White (sometimes with touches of silver).

  • Number: 8.

  • Offerings: white coconut, white flowers, milk, cotton.

  • Meaning: Obatalá is seen as the father of all Orishas and humanity

Ogun

  • Role: Orisha of iron, war, labor, and technology.

  • Symbols: machetes, chains, anvils, and tools.

  • Colors: Green and black or green and red.

  • Number: 3.

  • Offerings: rum, red meat, cigars, and iron tools.

  • Meaning: Ogun represents strength, protection, and work.

Ochosi (Oxóssi)

  • Role: Orisha of hunting, justice, and the forest.

  • Symbols: bow and arrow, hunting gear.

  • Colors: Blue and yellow or green.

  • Numbers: 3 and 7.

  • Offerings: game meat, fruits, and candles.

  • Meaning: Ochosi helps people who are seeking justice, lost things, or freedom. 

Babalú Ayé (also known as San Lázaro)

  • Role: Orisha of illness, healing, and epidemics.

  • Symbols: crutches, dogs, sores, grain.

  • Colors: purple, brown, black.

  • Number: 17.

  • Offerings: beans, popcorn, rum, and grains.

  • Meaning: Called on for healing diseases and pandemics.

Orula (Orunmila)

  • Role: Orisha of wisdom, divination, and destiny.

  • Symbols: Opele (divination chain), green and yellow beads.

  • Colors: Green and yellow.

  • Number: 16.

  • Offerings: palm oil, coconuts, roasted yams.

  • Meaning: Orula is the master of divination (Ifá) and the one who knows all fates.