Siete Rayos means “Seven Lightning Bolts.” He is the spirit of lightning and fire: divine justice and righteousness. He is a volatile, highly masculine spirit and aggressively protective of his devotees. He may or may not be the same spirit as Shango (regardless, they are often identified with each other). Like Shango, he is a beloved, highly popular deity. Siete Rayos is venerated in Palo spiritual traditions.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Nsasi (Bantu)

ORIGIN:

Congo

CLASSIFICATION:

Nkisi

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Those who have been struck with lightning and survive may consider themselves his children.

ELEMENT

Fire

COLOURS:

Red and white

TREE:

Royal palm—a tree that’s frequently lightning struck: thus, it’s seen as attracting the spirit, drawing his energy to Earth or containing reservoirs of his power.

ALTAR:

Gather stones from the forest and use them to create an altar at the base of a royal palm or anywhere that has been struck by lightning.

OFFERINGS:

Red wine, rum, bananas

SEE ALSO:

• Mpungu
• Nkisi
• Shango

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.