Shango (Sango, Songo, Xangó, Changó)

Most renowned Orisha

Head of the Orishas

Fire, Lightning, Thunder

Yemoja (Iemanjá, Yemayá)

Mother of the Orishas

Water, Oceans

Patron of (pregnant) women and children

Eshu (Esu, Exú, Echu, Eleggua, Elegba, Elegbara, Legba)

Patron of crossroads and travelers

Overseer of fortune and misfortune

Oshun (Oxúm, Ochún)

Patron of women, love, beauty, and intimacy

Horrible, destructive temper

Primary wife of Shango

Oya (Iansá, Iansan)

Tumultuous and destructive

Patron of tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters

Signifies change and transition

Ogun (Ogum)

Associated with iron and war

Patron of smiths

Orunmila (Ifá, Orumbila, Orula)

Associated with prophecy and destiny

Present at creation of the world

Associated with infectious diseases

Orisha of the Earth and earthly things

Orishanla (Orisa nla, Oxala, Oxaguia, Obatalá)

Shaper of all human beings

Owner of all "ori" (heads)

Creator of the land and humans

Oshoosi (Oxossi, Ochosi)

Orisha of the Forest

Patron of hunters and hunter communities

Usually a solitary "shaman"

Osanyin (Ossaim, Osain)

Orisha of wild plants and vegetation

Associated with magical and medicinal herbs

Requires tribute before entering woods

Nana Bukuu (Naná, Naná Buku)

The great grandmother of all Orishas

Primordial mother of all creation

Ultimate mother of all water

Patron of mothers and maternal issues

Orisha Oko (Oricha Oko)

Father and judge of the Orishas

Associated with farming, crops, and fertility (including pregnancy)

Patron of farmers

Aganju (Agayu, Agallu)

Hyper-strong Orisha of volcanoes

Symbol is the sun

Cultivator of growth and overcoming barriers

Foundation upon which societies are built

Oduduwa (Odudua, Odua)

Founder of the Yoruba dynasty kings

Brother of Obatala

First Orisha sent to earth (to complete creation tasks Obatala failed in due to drunkenness)