Spiritual Chango -A Powerful Warrior
Spiritual Chango
Chango or Shango is one of many deities in the Santeria religion. According to Wikipedia, Santeria is an, "Afro-Caribbean religion derived from traditional beliefs of the Yoruba people of Nigeria." It was introduced to the New World by enslaved Africans. Although the slaves were forced to convert to Christianity, they secretly continued to worship and practice their religious beliefs. To avoid severe punishment, and "preserve their traditional beliefs, the slaves disguised their orishas," (deities) "as Catholic saints." In Santeria, Chango is synonymous to the Catholic saint called Saint Barbara. Both share the same characteristics- their colors are red and white; she holds a sword, and he carries a double-edged ax; she holds a goblets in her right hand, and he has a mortar; and she is linked to thunder and lightning, and he is affiliated with fire, thunder and lightning.
Santeria is comprised of a Supreme Being, known as Oloddumare, and orishas (deities). In Migene Gonzalez-Wippler's book, Santeria, The Religion, she writes that the, "orishas were created by Oloddumare to manifest his will and express his essence in nature...The orishas are not really gods, but children and servants of Oloddumare." One can surmises, after reading the above-mentioned statement, that orishas are messengers of God doing His work. A santera, priestess of Santeria, once told me that Santeria was an earth religion, "where all aspects of nature are loved and respected."
Now, that some basic information on Santeria has been provided, lets go back to Spiritual Chango. Shango is the most well-known and revered of the orishas. As mentioned previously, Shango is associated with fire, thunder and lightning. He carries a double-headed axe which represents expeditious and balanced justice. His colors are red and white; and his sacred number is six. He is the owner of music and the Bata (three double-headed drum). Migene Gonzalez-Wippler depicts Shango as,"...an incorrigible woman chaser and a lover of food and dance." In Migene Gonzalez-Wippler’s book, The Santeria Experience, A Journey into the Miraculous, she writes about the power and greatness of Shango, which she had the pleasure of witnessing first hand. During her college years, she began to question her religious teachings. Not seeing any logic behind her beliefs, she decided to dismiss them. She was no longer religious or spiritual. Then, one day, something happened that changed her perception completely. She understood that not all things needed to have a logical foundation for it to be real. It was during a stormy night, with announcements of hurricane alerts, that she and a companion disregarded all warnings and headed out to a party. On the way to the party, the weather had gotten worst making it difficult to drive. Nevertheless, they continued on. Suddenly, the car skidded and plunged into a ravine. Although she was dazed, but not hurt, her companion was unconscious and badly injured. Due to the darkness of the night and torrential rain, she was unaware of her whereabouts. Alone in a dark and isolated area, she managed to pull herself out of the car. With every second, her desperation intensified. Her friend needed immediate help, and there was no one in sight to help them. Her only option was to call Shango for help, as she did many times in her childhood. "With great effort I stood up, using both arms to protect my face from the violence of the rain. Struggling to keep my balance, I looked up to the sky,...'Chango,' I cried out with all my remaining strength...Stop the rain. Show me the way to safety..."
From a distance, the sound of, "a soft peal of thunder," became distinct. "I listened anxiously and the thunder reverberated once more...thunder continued to grow closer. Suddenly a blinding flash crossed the sky. I watched aghast as a lightning bolt slashed through the darkness and fell directly in front of me. Almost simultaneously, the rain and the wind diminished in intensity, until only a few drops were falling softly over me...I walked out of the dark ravine, following the fiery path, as lightning bolt upon lightning bolt guided my steps." For Those Who Believe, Everything Is Possible When I decided that I wanted to include Chango in my website, I proceeded to paint a picture of him. The task was not easy. He was refusing to come out on canvas. The more I tried to paint him, the more difficult it became. It was as if I was opening the door for him, and he was refusing to enter. Since Chango can be very demanding, I knew that I needed to use another approach. I decided to put down my brushes and listen- in a spiritual sense. The thought came to mind that I needed to write first and paint later. From early on, I have been told that I am 'hija de Chango' (daughter of Chango). The bit of information that I possessed on Chango was not enough. I needed to re-acquaint myself with him. I needed to learn more. After connecting with Chango, he began to materialize on canvas. I felt as if he was giving me permission to proceed with the painting.
During the process of doing the Spiritual Chango painting, I felt a strong urge to place a red and white beaded necklace in his hand. In the painting, he is reaching out in a giving gesture. The necklace represents protection. In addition to providing protection, Chango clears the path for his followers to continue their earthly and spiritual missions. All he requires is to be faithful and conduct oneself in a proper manner. After the completion of the Spiritual Chango painting, I noticed that there was a face on the left side of the double edge ax. I have no idea how it got there, or what it means. See picture below.
Could it be a reflection or representation of one's soul, or is it a spirit manifestation? What is your opinion? Go below to Content Invitation and share your thoughts. For all those who believe in Chango, may he guide you in the right path and protect you from all evil. May Spiritual Chango be with you now and always.
End of Spiritual Chango.
Spiritual Chango -Go to Art Gallery
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