Caribbean practitioners of the Yoruba traditions from Africa use Saint Barbara as a stand-in for Shango. This divinity transcends gender and represents the strong sacred energies of determination and commitment. Those seeking accomplishment in competitive arenas where strong will is required often invoke Shango in the form of Saint Barbara. The powers of nature are available to those who align themselves with this guiding principle. Images of Shango in Africa are shown with a thunderbolt over the head.
Illumination is one of the promised rewards of steadfast devotion to such deities.
The City of Santa Barbara got its name from the early Spanish navigator Juan Cabrillo. On December fourth, the great explorer stopped at a particularly lovely place on the California coast. He chose to name the spot after the patron of that day, Saint Barbara. The island and channel of the same name also got their designations on this occasion. It is fitting that a body of ocean bears her name, as Saint Barbara is also the patron saint of mariners.