Quick information about the name Ogou Shango and veve in Voudou.
Ogou and Shango are actually two distinct deities from different African and Afro-Caribbean religious traditions.
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Ogou (Ogun):
- Origin: Ogou is primarily associated with the Yoruba people of Nigeria and is part of their traditional religious beliefs. However, Ogou/Ogun is also worshiped in various other African and diasporic religions, including Vodou in Haiti and Santería in Cuba.
- Attributes: Ogou is often depicted as a warrior deity, associated with iron, war, labor, and craftsmanship. He is considered a powerful and protective figure, and his devotees seek his assistance in matters of conflict, work, and other challenges.
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Shango (Xango, Chango):
- Origin: Shango is an Orisha, a deity, in the Yoruba religion of Nigeria. Like Ogou, Shango has also been incorporated into other Afro-Caribbean religions, including Santería in Cuba, Candomblé in Brazil, and Vodou in Haiti.
- Attributes: Shango is associated with thunder, lightning, fire, and dance. He is often depicted with a double-headed axe, and he is considered a powerful and passionate deity. Shango is also associated with justice, and his worshipers may seek his guidance in legal matters.
If you see the name "Ogou Shango," it's because this is a syncretic or blended representation that combines aspects of both Ogou and Shango in a particular cultural or religious context. Syncretism is common in many Afro-Caribbean religions, where deities from different traditions may be merged or identified with each other.