Obatala is the creator God, of whom all of the Orishas are but aspects. His color is white, containing all the colors of the rainbow. He rules the mind and intellect, cosmic equilibrium, male and female.
 
Obatala is the supreme deity of the  Yoruba pantheon, the great African tradition from which much of New Orleans Voodoo originates. As the Creator god, all of the other Orishas are but aspects of Obatala. Always male and female, Obatala rules the head, keeps the peace, and is the highest deity concerned with the daily lives of humans. Ruler of the mind and intellect, cosmic equilibrium, male and female, s/he carries the gifts of benevolence, wisdom, and power.

Ochosi is the Santeria Orisha that represents the forces of nature and justice. He is the patron of prisoners and the accused. Ochosi is a great magician and seer; as well as a warrior, hunter and fisherman. He symbolizes balance, judgment, and reason, and is described as a beautiful, wild hunter who wears skins.

Ogoun (or Ogun, Ogou) is a loa who presides over fire, iron, hunting, politics and war. He is also considered to be the Father of technology as we know it today. He is the patron of smiths and of the unemployed and is usually displayed with a machete or sabre, rum and tobacco. He is one of the husbands of Erzulie, but is also linked to Oshun in a fiery and passionate affair of the heart.

Ogoun is the traditional warrior, similar to the spirit of Ares in Greek mythology. As such, Ogoun is mighty, powerful, and triumphal; yet, also exhibits the rage and destructiveness of the warrior whose strength and violence can turn against the community he serves.
 
Ogun gives strength through prophecy and magic. It is Ogoun who is said to have planted the idea, led and given power to the slaves for the Haitian Revolution of 1804. He is called now to help people obtain a government more responsible to their needs.
 
In Yoruba mythology, Ogun (same as Ogoun) is a son of Yemaja (Yemaya) and Orungan. In Santería and Palo Mayombe, he is identified with Saint Peter. In all his incarnations Ogoun is a fiery and martial spirit. He can be very aggressively masculine, but can  rule the head of female, or effeminate male initiates to whom he takes a liking. He is also linked with blood, and is for this reason often called upon to heal diseases of the blood. In addition, he is often called upon to bring work to the unemployed.

Oshun is the Santeria goddess of love, art, and dance. Her greatest attribute is her ability to provide the emotions a solid foundation upon which to reside and grow. Oshun also provides gifts of money and material riches, sex, love, creativity, fertility, compassion, beauty, and laughter.

Oya is the Mistress of the marketplace and the one who rules over the winds and the hurricanes. She is very powerful and is likened to St. Theresa and St. Catherine. Her purpose is for ancestral connection and success in the marketplace, and is called upon when a great change is needed. She can be placed in the library or office of your home. She likes red wine, grapes, plums, and eggplant, so make sure you make these available to her as an offering for what you ask of her.

Shango is the god of fire, thunder, power, and sensuality. He has the power to help you win wars, defeat your enemies, and can help you gain power over others. He will ensure you are victorious over all of your difficulties. Shango is believed to have once been a Yoruban king; thus, he must be treated as such.

Yemayá is the Mother of the Seven Seas, the Santeria Orisha of fertility and motherhood. She offers protection to women. She is likened to the patron saints Lady of Regla, and Mary, Star of the Sea.

According to legend, Yemayá originated in Egypt as the Goddess Isis. It is thought by some that the Nubian slaves who returned to different parts of Africa may have brought Isis with them under the new name of Yemayá.

Myth has it that Yemayá gave birth to the 14 Yoruban Goddesses and Gods. When her uterine waters broke, it caused a great flood creating the oceans. The first human man and woman were borne from her womb.

Yemayá is the Creation Goddess, and is often depicted as a mermaid. She is associated with the moon, ocean, and female mysteries. As such, she is the governess of the household and the matters of women including childbirth, conception, childhood safety, love, and healing. Extremely compassionate and merciful, Yemayá rules the dreamtime, oversees the Moon, deep secrets, ancient wisdom, salt water, sea shells, and the collective unconscious.

Yemayá goes by a number of different names including Queen of Witches, Mother of Fishes, The Constantly Changing Woman, The Ocean Mother, Mother of Dreams and Secrets, Mother of Pearl, Mama Watta (Mother of Waters), and Yemayá -Olokun (powerful dream aspect).