Bestiary

Shango is the god of justice — the kind of justice that’s nei­ ther kind nor impartial, but which rains down heavily on those who commit crimes. His flaming chain crashes down across the earth, shaking the mountains and the skies. When the sunlight flees and thick clouds roll across the sky, that’s a sign that Shango is near. Also known as Badé, Chango, Xangô, or Jakuta, Shango

assumes several manifestations, like Airá, Agodo, Afonja, Lubé, and Obomin. All of his identities, however, are noted for their rage.

Even before his assumption into godhood, “the Lord of the Ax” was a fearsome man of great intellect and terrifying anger. He is the celestial embodiment of masculine passion, intensity, and patriarchal power. Like the mortal warrior king he once was, Shango is a master tactician and formidable combatant. When he’s not working on battle strategies or punishing errant souls, however, Shango enjoys courts of law and universities, as he’s also the ori­ sha of mathematics and intellect. Through many ups and downs, Shango learned (often the hard way) to temper his energy, and so matured into a graceful and diplomatic god. His ruling of justice helped him to realize that many people need a second chance, as well as a firm hand to get them there. Despite his wisdom, or perhaps because of it, Shango is also a proud pyromancer who casts down thunderstones from the skies in order to punish wrongdoers, and who uses a mortar and pestle to craft enchantments that help him control fire and cast devastating spells. Shango’s devotees call upon his fire, his passion, his potent sense of rightness, and his prowess in battle. Among West African slaves and their many descendants, this god personifies resistance, fury, and fiery justice.

Shango loves to dance. Whenever he hears drums, he can’t help but seek out the beat. When the ceremonial bata drums roll like thunder, players beating them so furiously the musicians glow with sweat, the sounds of the rhythm drawing everyone into a hypnotic trance, Shango is there having the time of his life. Shango’s a huge fan of beautiful ladies, too… which often gets him into trouble, as he’s married to Oshun, the Goddess of Love.

A devotee can summon Shango when that person needs strength, a just decision, or simply a good time. To call upon his presence, make an altar and lay out bright red apples, deep red wine, spiced rum, bananas, amala (a cornmeal dish made with okra), tools made of cedar, beads, and turtle shells, and then play drums in order to summon and appease him. Once the devotee allows the rhythm of those drums to put her into a deep trance, Shango tests that devotee with a steady supply of hard alcohol. If the mage can stay dancing and alive through Shango’s ordeal, he will grant that person his power.

Shango is a proud god who never refuses a challenge or a fight. Some folks call him a tyrant, but that’s the necessity of being a strong king. He cannot tolerate weakness except in those unfortunates who’ve been laid low by injustice. Shango is not a violent person on principle, but violence is often a very effective way to solve certain problems. Despite his fearsome might, however, this Loa prefers fighting with strategy over pummeling someone with his fists.

Surrounded by fire, Shango is a strong and muscular man, powerfully built, with long beads of red and white draped around his neck. He carries a double-headed ax in one hand, and a flaming length of chain in the other. His voice speaks deep as thunder, and lightning sparkles in the darkness of his eyes.