Oya: Santeria and the Orisha of the Winds

by Raul Canizares

Long before the women's liberation movement flowered in America, African women had an inspiring role model in Oya, queen of the Nupe, warrior wife of the great king of the Yoruba, Shango. Strong as an ox and more potent than lightning, Oya rules over storms, witchcraft, markets, the Niger River, and spirit mediums.