Description
Changó’s Characteristics
In human form, Changó was a king in Oyo, the Yoruba ancestral homeland. As an Oricha, he shows many of the qualities we associate with human kings: he’s proud, fierce, brave, a magnificent warrior, intelligent, hardworking and, above all, he likes to be acknowledged as the leader so he doesn’t have to take orders from anyone. He knows how to be a good friend, he’s a master at divination, and he’s a great healer. But, he also shows imperfections that remind us of his time on earth. For example, he’s a great womanizer, and a bit of a libertine. He seduces with his charm and his lies. He’s a fast talker, and can be manipulative. He can also be a compulsive gambler and wasteful with money. When his ego gets out of control, he’s arrogant and domineering. As long as his children are obedient, he’s a good father, but he’s very critical and quick to punish them if they don’t live up to his standards. Changó’s children are like their father, strong willed, energetic, full of fire, extraordinarily intelligent, sometimes arrogant and self-absorbed. They often have stormy tempers, although they like to have a good time, go to parties, flirt, dance. They’re very charismatic and like to be the center of attention.
