Orishas are the deities of Santeria and related faiths. The Orishas are believed to be aspects of the Supreme deity, Oludumare, and followers believe that each person's destiny is guided by a specific Orisha from birth. Orishas are variously believed to be deities or divine messengers akin to angels, and are often associated with catholic Saints.

Orishas are closely associated with the Loas of Vodoun and the Orixas of Candomble and Umbanda.

For more information and profiles of the most well known Orishas, see: The Seven African powers.

Pronunciation: Ohr-eesh-ah • (noun)

Alternate Spellings: Oricha, Orixa