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Although essentially polytheistic, Santeria recognizes the existence of a supreme god, Olodumare, who reigns over a pantheon of divinities known as “Orishas”, reflecting the pantheon of the Yoruba.

These deities personify aspects of nature and the spirit. The most important orishas are: Eleggua, Oggun, Oshosi, Obatalà, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, Oya and Orunmila. The spelling of the names varies according to the sources.

Certain Orishas are said to be “de cabecera”, spiritual entities that are received by those that partake in the initiation ceremony of Kari Osha. Whatever the identity of the guardian angel, the orishas that are “de cabecera” must be received, which is why they are called “de fundamento”, or major orishas. In the time of the ancestors these deities were present on a material plane and were crowned before going back to the spiritual plane. The minor orishas are all the entities that are not guardian angels and which therefore cannot be crowned in the initiation ceremony. They are mythological entities, not spiritual entities such as the major orishas.

The world was created by Olofin. Olorun is the sun and Olodumare is nature. Together they form a trinity. Olofin, or Olofi or Alafin, the creator, was greatly disappointed by the avarice and meanness of humankind. He decided to retreat from the world, but before he did he divided his power among the orishas so that they could govern. No one can communicate directly with Olofin, who only receives his messenger Eleggua.

Each orisha has a number and color(s), as well as favorite objects, such as food, an amulet or a day of the week. Those who wish to venerate him wear his colors, make a necklace of beads following certain rules, and make offerings of his favorite foods. He can be communicated with in various manners: oration, ritual divination, and offerings that include sweets, candles, fruit, and sacrifices, called “ebbo”. Ebbo is widely defined, but refers primarily to animal sacrifice. It is used to solve important problems: to prevent sickness, death, and disgrace.

Each orisha is the guardian of an aspect of human life. There are a great number of orishas, but a hierarchy exists in the Yoruba pantheon. The more important orishas, especially Eleggua/Eshu, Oggun and Oshosi, called “the warriors”, are the supreme caretakers.