Aganjù, the Orisha of Great Antiquity
Symbol: sun, volcano
Also known as Agayú Aganyú, Aganjusola.
Aganjù is the male orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness, and deserts. In Santería, he is syncretized with Saint Christopher (July 25th). While in some traditions, Aganjù is known as Shango’s father, in others he is Shango’s brother. He represents the land, as the offspring of Obatala and Odudua. He owns all the mineral wealth of the earth. He is the god of untamed lands – from deserts to mountains and is the navigator allowing for safe passage across rivers. In human form, Aganjù is the ferryman on the river.
Among the Yorubas of Nigeria, Aganjù is a renowned warrior-king from present-day Oyo State. He is said to walk with a sword and fight by shooting fire, which is unlike his brother/son Shango who fights using thunderstorms and lighting. Aganjù is the bearer of burdens, defender of the helpless and enslaved. As such, he is a major symbol of African resistance against enslavement by European colonizers.
Aganju has also been associated with Oshun, with whom he had a relationship, as well as with Yemoja. He is associated with the shoulder and has a strong, powerful, and determined character. Being a recognized member of the deified royal family of the old Oyo Empire, he is considered "one heart" with Oya and is received by all of Shango, Oshun and Oya's followers.
In Cuba among Santería/Lucumi worshippers, Aganjù is a volcano deity, even though there are no volcanoes in Cuba or Yorubaland. It is said that perhaps this is more due to his explosive temperament. Worshippers believe that, like the sun, Aganjù is essential for growth, as he is the cultivator of civilizations. Like the volcano, he forms the foundation upon which societies are built, thus catalyzing the production of the wealth and commerce required for development.
In the Afro-Brazilian tradition of Candomblé, Aganjù is a manifestation or quality of Shango, rather than a brother or son, necessarily. Aganjù represents all that is explosive and lacking in control. His nickname is Xangô menino among Candomblé worshippers.
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