| Aganjú is an Òrìsà of great antiquity He is highly regarded for his role in assisting humans in overcoming great physical as well as psychological barriers. |
| Gods of the World Chango/Shango |
| In Yoruba mythology, Aganju is the Orisha* of volcanos, the wilderness, and the rivers. Because the Afro-American religions were transmitted as part of a long oral tradition, there are many regional variations about Aganju and the other Orishas. Aganju may also have been the third king of the Nigerian Oya kingdom. Like the Egyptian pharaohs, his position as a divine ruler was solidified through various rituals and religious festivals. Aganjú is one of the most popular Orishas and can be compared to Sky father in Native American traditions. In other traditions Chango/Shango and Aganju are 2 different Orishas. Aganju is the Volcano, Shango is the Lighting. It is also said that Aganju is the Father of Shango. Aganju’s sacred number is six and his symbol is the oshe, a double-headed axe, which represents swift and balanced justice. He is owner of the Bata (three double-headed drums) and of music in general, as well as the Art of Dance and Entertainment. Aganjú is regarded a force that, like the sun his symbol, is essential for growth and the creation. Like the volcano, he forms the foundation upon which societies are built. As Lord of Caves, he owns all the mineral wealth of the earth and can be appealed to part with some. He also acts as the god of untamed lands, from deserts to mountains and is the navigator, knowing the safe passages and fords across rivers. This is why he is associated with Saint Christopher. He is also known as Xanjo or Jakuta. Aganjú is the third Òrìsà that came to earth and is married to Yemoja (Yemaja, Iemanja) Queen of the oceans and rivers. Yemaja is said to be Oshun’s mother in some tales and her sister in others. In other traditions Aganju has three wives and his favorite, because of her excellent cooking, is Oshun. His second wife Oba, a river goddess, offered Aganju her ear to eat. He scorned her and she became the Oba River, which merges with the Oshun River to form dangerous rapids. Lastly, Oya, Queen of the whirlwind, was Xango's third wife, and stole the secrets of his powerful magic. He is the father of Orunjan, Ogun, Oko, Olokun, Shankpanna and Shango. In the Afro Brazilian tradition of Candomble, he is the god of thunder and lightning. Agayu is pictured as carrying the Earth or Elegua on his shoulders. His colors are deep brown and milky white, with accents in orange. Agayu’s necklace can also include accent beads in red, yellow, light and dark blue, green, and coral—there should be nine colors in all. Aganju is the bearer of burdens, the defender of the helpless, down trodden and enslaved. Aganju is a force of life that overcomes obstacles and does the impossible. Because of this, he was a major symbol of African resistance against the enslaving European culture. In the future, may people everywhere who are persecuted and marginalized be inspired by Agaynu and overcome oppression. * Orisha’s, like Gnostic Aeons, are emanations of the one supreme God, the unknown creator of all things. The African God Olorun, like the Gnostic God Bythus, is perceived to be distant, unknowable and unapproachable by humans. |