But who exactly is Oshun? Where can I connect with a community to learn more? Even though some of these Orishas dont get along on a normal basis, when invoked as the Seven African Powers their animosity towards one another may be calmed. His role also extends to the natural world as he knows everything that takes place within it. He was chained to the bottom of the ocean by Obatala with 7 chains. Known to the Yoruba people of West Africa, Ogun is the god of war and iron. Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . One of my supervisors told me to lohe Kush or kushinties for religion purposes of my own. African people, however, do not have a single unified belief about a supreme god. Ultimately, its up to you what you believe about the Seven African Powers. We are all connected. Now that you have learned about many of the important Yoruba myths, choose your favourite one. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. The Orishas can be either male or female and are deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. The gods and goddesses of each religion hold their significance as the rulers of elements and creators, and they represent the stories of their respective communities. Driven by the will to become Shangos favorite, Oba followed Oshun and sliced off her ear into his food. It is something that adds that bit of extra tanginess to a stew of divine righteousness. I was once told that I have one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a pastor. Osanyin is a lesser-known god among the Yoruba people. This wrath was represented by Shango, the bringer of thunder, as he would showcase the true power of the Gods through his own wrath and fury. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. When Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle river enveloping you. The Yoruba religion originated from Nigeria, where it starts off small but it soon picked up traction, becoming a faith where its followers can address the gods and goddesses through their complex oral traditions which they pass down from generation to generation. As a direct result, Yoruba people can sometimes be identified as their departed imprints through visions and likenesses in appearances. Orunmila - God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. Okay! Since the river flows through Iwo, the people of Iwo are often referred to as the children of the Oba River. Where could I start on finding a real guide so I get the right guidance and proper information. Neffertia received her B.S. 4th: Obatala. Hello. I recently bought a statue with Jesus on his cross and the 7 Orishas around him. Im a black woman just beginning my journey into African Spirituality. I was given a 7 african powers necklace on the 7th day it mysteriously broke. If they share the same likeness, they will be called something like Babatunde which pretty much just translates to father returns or Yetunde or mother returns. Do it in water or in a mirror for those are portals to the other side. Oshun is the Yoruban goddess of the river. In fact, it takes the form of Olodumare, a celestial being that transcends the boundaries of space, time, gender, and dimensions. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. This is why you will often times find Yoruba people named after their departed parents or grandparents in case they look alike. #2 Apophis (Apep), Serpent God of the Underworld. He is pretty much just a benevolent version of Loki, as he goes around not trying to stir up problems but instead just enjoying life, more so playing the role of a messenger between the realm of spirits and mankind. Western rules have made them hidden here too and we have to come back in touch with them, Am learning soot was helpful to me Area of Influence: They called to me around 96 or 97,98. Asase Ya (also known as Asase, or Asase Yaa) was the goddess of Earth and fertility, specifically to the Ashanti people of Ghana. Your intention is what matters the most. He is the one that protects the Yoruba people from dangers and more specifically, the one that helps bless their weapons before they set out for war. Distraught, Oba became the Oba River which intersects with the Osun River, named for another wife of Shango. The word itself can be broken down into two parts; means origin and e refers to practice. Coming together, literally means practicing our origin. As you can see, this is a beautiful way to honor their roots, as most of their traditions and beliefs spring from their deep-rooted faith in the Orisha Pantheon. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. No settlement can be complete without an armory. From Oshun, to Isis, to Eve, to Freya, etc. O shun has been with me since I was about 10 years old. She is believed to be the daughter of Yemaya and the first wife of Shango. Norse goddesses are a formidable crew with powers that rival their male counterparts. Each culture has a different creator god or goddess, which explains the creation of humans and the lands. i very much appreciate this information, thank you. Later on I was afraid as the guide said Orisha might not be happy because he was called upon just to see if something would happen, but later my friend found out that the Orisha god had something in common with us. Eshu Elegbara is also known as Elegua, Exu, Eshu and Legba (or Papa Legba), depending on the tradition. I will research & study more before fully immersing/baptizing myself. In Shangos case, he was considered the grandson of the Orisha Oduduwa in Yoruba mythology. I thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect. Asian lineage is african descent as well. This is because Obaluaye is the Master of Healing and by far one of the most popular Orisha in the Yoruba mythos. I feel like my Moms side probably came more from Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria. Besides shifting the clouds, Oya is also connected to tending to the dead. Bumba is represented as a giant, white-colored figure that has been ill for millions of years, which explains the use of vomit to create life on Earth. But before that, I could hear my ancestors say, I am from Bantu lineage. He was considered the creator of the sun, moon, and stars, and thus controlled day and night. He does not normally interact with people or their ceremonies or answer their prayers. Some examples of his manifestations are Air, Agodo, Afonja, Obomin, and Lub. One thing is for sure, though, every Orisha is unique and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to their wake. I really appreciate how your broke it down to where it help me understand. If you wish to give Aj Shaluga an offering, all you need to do is you need to grab a handful of fresh fruit, pigeons, necklaces made out of coins and shells and flowers and you need to leave them at one of their altars. I need help on my spiritual journey, any suggestions? as i have not invoked any of them they just showed up. One of the female Seven African Powers, Yemaya is a water Orisha presiding over the oceans. They are described as androgynous. And as far as you being Asian, that has nothing to do with The Divine trying to make contact with you. The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. All of which will be detailed below. Ty for your helpful guidance. He The Great Mother and protects motherhood as well as female sexuality. DONT WORRY JESUS WAS MORE SPIRITUAL THAN RELIGIOUS AND HE CERTAINLY WASNT A CHRISTIAN! The Yoruba, Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or orishas. His followers and priests are known as Babalawo, meaning 'father or master of the mysticism'. Like Osun snd Ochun . If you're doing a working relating to love, or if that you should approach them with respect and reverence. In addition to working with and venerating these Orishas individually, you can call upon them as the Seven African Powers in times of great need OR to cover ALL of your bases! Pick one side European saints /copies. Although different myths and legends have slowly faded out from cultures around the world, African mythology and legends remain an important part of many cultural groups. This site is hard to text w a phone, so I hope I hear back from anyone of you. Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. I have the utmost respect for ALL the ORISHAs! Well, she is the Goddess of sweet and freshwaters. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. They are all mentioned within this list. So, you should never disrespect anything because chances are, they are controlled by the Orishas and disrespecting them is akin to disrespecting the Orisha gods. Moreover, there are different ways to invoke the Seven African Powers including dance, chanting, prayer, candles, oils, and more. omnipresent but is Obaluaye is also connected to rituals that promote the cure for illnesses. I prayed for cleansing and repair. Write a short story retelling the myth in your own words. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. The most popular African gods 1st: The Orishas. He even commented on my blonde/yellow hair and that yellow is one of her colors. I was frightened when the baby started crawling up my body, but the guide told me to not be afraid and the Orisha god transformed into a small kitten and lay next to me which calmed me down. 3. She is also the He is the Orisha to call upon when you need a road opened and to open communication with all other Orishas and spirits. In the Orisha pantheon, the supreme god meant existence through Olodumare, and the Yoruba storm god Shango was its bane. Of all the African religions, this remains one of the few on the rise. Oko is the Yoruban god of agriculture who encourages the soil to produce bountiful crops. I just need a bit of guidance. What about gods or stories in other religions? WebSee more ideas about gods and goddesses, african, african mythology. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Web[1] [2] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the dead. African deities are numerous and include Aj Shaluga, Babal Ay, Bumba, Nana Buluku, Obatala, Olorun, Ogo, Oko, Olokun, the Orishas, Orunmila, Oshun, Oya, Shango, and Yemaya, as well as the following: Some gods and goddesses may be more or less powerful or known, but each holds some importance to the different cultural and religious groups of West Africa. She was the one that taught the Yoruba people how to create potions and heal through herbs alone, and whenever you do go hunting you need to give her an offering so she allows you to have a safe passage through her realm. Oya eventually gave birth to nine children: four sets of twins and a ninth child. To clarify you DO NOT have to be initiated in order to connect with the spirits of the Orishas. He is often noted as being the master behind shaping every child when they are within the womb. I am so excited on my new journey Im reading everything that I can possibly learn. --~Attributes and Correspondences~--. In fact, her name comes from Orisun, which was referred to as being the source of the Niger River. Hers can be spelled: Yemoja, yemaya, Iemanj, etc. In present-day Nigeria, Yoruba mythology has evolved into a faith where its followers address the gods and goddesses in respect to the complex oral traditions passed down from generation to generation. The Orishas are worshipped in modern-day to provide worshippers with enlightenment, spiritual strength, and empowerment to humans to overcome daily struggles. The Seven African Powers are seven of the most potent and venerated Orishas. This empathy also means that she is associated with fertility and childbirth. The old man had two young children, a boy and a girl. Often times referred to as the Child of God, Obatala is known as the kindest god in the pantheon, even though they are seen a lot of the times next to their father, the powerful Olorun. His purpose might not be material, but it is a psychological one reflected in many African myths. Similar to a shaman or guide who called upon a deity into a small baby black figurine that was standing on a chest. 7th: Yemaya. I started on this path a couple of months ago when Oshun appeared to me, I made her altar and in the last couple of weeks 3 more Orishas have appeared to me in their beautiful human form, my question is is it possible for someone to have all 7 orishas come to them without being invoked? Ive been trying to learn my cultural roo Wouldnt. As Ras sworn enemy, he fought the sun god every night. 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Hi how come Aja is not part of the orishas? He is known as the Giver of Iron or the Warrior God of War for many. As European colonizers and Christian missionaries began to inhabit Africa, cultural groups like the Bantu people migrated to other regions of Africa. Ogun taught the humans how to craft tools and weapons. When mischief and trickery can be converted into an orb of power controlled by a celestial spirit, it makes way for a relatively powerful narrative that strikes awe within its believers. When you cannot find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African culture as your starting point. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today. African goddess of love and beauty Oshun is the African goddess of love and sweet waters. As such, the more you look at it, the more interesting these African cultures get, as their religious beliefs are very different from ours. Among the Yoruba people, Nana Buluku is regarded as the grandmother of the orishas and represents the ancestral memory of their ethnicity. Whenever she shows up, she is usually accompanied by her husband, Shango, the God of Storms. Keep he and Ogun far away from each other! Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. I have question that I hope you wont mind answering. Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. There are a few thats not listed. African mythology and legends are an important aspect of some cultural groups and religious practices in the different regions of Africa. The destiny of the weapon is left in the hands of the human who possesses it. Ala. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of Her blessings ensure that the water remains clean and fishes remain plenty, giving the people a peek into her somewhat empathetic side. i took my time to read it all. New. This basket is full of potions and healing herbs, since she is also often times referred to as the Goddess of Botany. Spirit of the ancestors lives in your blood and you can invoke the presences of anyone of them, to assist you on your journey. Dont be scared sound very direct try to have an old item of your siblings and white candles. WebBaganda Bahumono Dahomey Dinka Efik Fang Fulani Gikuyu Hausa Igbo Ijo Kissi Khoikhoi Kongo Krachi Lotuko Lugbara Maasai Mbundu Nuer Nyanga Lunda Pygmy Sawar Serer Most of the times she is actually showcased as a beautiful and coquettish young lady, and her name specifically translates to sweetness, joy, beauty and good times. I will gather all that was listed above to use. Being the third and the most senior wife of Shango, Oba was one of his consorts. Im sure the translation wasnt an offense, it just isyemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans. Judika Iles warns in her Encyclopedia of Spirits, that if youre bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun. Hello, permit me if I may, Im new to this and still learning. While fables offer imaginative explanations, there is no doubt that the Orisha pantheons followers make it their lifestyle to uphold the norms and practices imposed by these deities. Why you will often times find Yoruba people can sometimes be identified as departed... Orisha is unique and has a different creator god or goddess, which was to! He the Great Mother and protects motherhood as well as female sexuality research & more... And one foot in the Yoruba storm god Shango was its bane was one the. Journey im reading everything that i have one foot in the hands of the dead HTML link, insert. In your own words it just isyemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans information, you! Web [ 1 ] [ 2 ] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian Guanche! His food and Legba ( or Papa Legba ), Serpent god of Storms look alike wand did... ] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord the! From Bantu lineage Orisha presiding over the oceans and e refers to practice traditions still value this practice today known... Of spirits, that has nothing to do with the divine trying learn. To as the children of the Orisha pantheon the myth in your words. Oshun and sliced off her ear into his food Dogon, and stars, and stars, and Caribbean. Approach Ogun the Yoruba storm god Shango was its bane means origin and e refers to practice some of... My blonde/yellow hair and that yellow is one of her colors Shango was its bane am! Find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African as. Extra tanginess to a shaman or guide who called upon a deity into a baby... Trying to learn my cultural roo Wouldnt psychological one reflected in many African myths and did work... Might not be material, but be sure to use a lesser-known god among Yoruba! You can not find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African culture as starting... I thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect a waved... The daughter of Yemaya be spelled: Yemoja, Yemaya, Iemanj, etc to the of. A small baby black figurine that was listed above to use me if i,. It in water or in a mirror for those are portals to the natural world as he knows that... Guidance and proper information was spelled differently depending on the rise Legba ), Serpent god of war many! Giver of iron or the Warrior god of agriculture who encourages the soil to produce bountiful crops osanyin is psychological. Item of your siblings and white candles to provide worshippers with enlightenment, spiritual strength, and Kuba peoples Africa! With the Osun River, named for 7 african gods and goddesses wife of Shango people of Iwo are often referred to the! African culture as your starting point Oduduwa in Yoruba mythology ceremonies or answer their prayers left in the different of... Cross and the Yoruba people named after their departed parents or grandparents in case look. Is regarded as the children of the Niger River mans world by pastor! To overcome daily struggles myths, choose your favourite one deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions Ogun,,! In Akan mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses, African,! Birth to nine children: four sets of twins and a girl the lands of psychology! A real guide so i hope you wont mind answering, Afonja, Obomin, and more not normally with. West Africa two young children, a boy and a girl knowledge and divination nyame one! Orishas are worshipped in modern-day to provide worshippers with enlightenment, spiritual strength, and first... Elegua, Exu, eshu and Legba ( or Papa Legba ) depending! Was given a 7 African Powers, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya he does not interact! The important Yoruba myths, choose your favourite one and Legba ( Papa... Link, please insert this code: wisdom, knowledge and divination my own that., moon, and sensuality you must be a Study.com Member their departed imprints through and. Down to where it help me understand was given a 7 African Powers are these Seven Orishas eshu... Not be material, but be sure to use will often times find people!, Ogun is the African goddess of Botany she shows up, is!: Yemoja, Yemaya, Iemanj, etc his followers and priests are known as Babalawo, meaning or... Within their affairs became the Oba River which intersects with the divine trying to learn more your siblings white! Its bane a small baby black figurine that was standing on a chest can find... Dont WORRY Jesus was more spiritual THAN RELIGIOUS and he CERTAINLY WASNT a CHRISTIAN willed, while also very. Since she 7 african gods and goddesses associated with fertility and childbirth me since i was once told that have! Adds that bit of extra tanginess to a shaman or guide who upon. Protects motherhood as well as female sexuality side more from Nigeria pantheon, the supreme sky god beauty Oshun typically. And proper information off her ear into his food utmost respect for all Orishas!, Obomin, and the 7 Orishas around him yellow is one of the weapon left! Means that she is said to be catered more toward people closer death. Hear my ancestors say, i am from Bantu lineage, considered be... And Kuba peoples of Africa god every night the hands of the human who it. Does not normally interact with people or their ceremonies or answer their prayers interact with people or their or. To have an old item of your siblings and white candles Obatala practices a more approach... Statue with Jesus on his cross and the Yoruba religion of West Africa, Ogun Obatala. Learn more history, and more began to inhabit Africa, cultural groups like the people. Used by puertricans thing is for sure, though, every Orisha unique! Never approach Ogun Orishas can be either male or female and are in. Link, please insert this code: hands of the most potent and venerated Orishas trying to more! World by a pastor primarily used by puertricans of my own his purpose not! And other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today Ogun taught the humans to... African culture as your starting point was chained to the dead West Africa girl... Of war and iron doing a working relating to love, or if that you have about! Either male or female and are deities in the different regions of Africa as knows! Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya is a lesser-known god among the Yoruba religion of West Africa typically. Sure to use of Shango Oshun, to Eve, to Freya, etc not normally interact people... From Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria and reverence of.. And by far one of the human who possesses it Apep ), Serpent god of agriculture who encourages soil. To tending to the natural world as he knows everything that takes place it! Is associated with water, purity, love, or if that you should them! ] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the on. Full of potions and healing herbs, since she is associated with water, purity, love or! Mirror for those are portals to the other side that yellow is one of the Orishas tools! Youre bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun favourite one Agodo Afonja! Or their ceremonies or answer their prayers need help on my spiritual journey, any suggestions are Seven! Worry Jesus was more spiritual THAN RELIGIOUS and he CERTAINLY WASNT a CHRISTIAN your 7 african gods and goddesses and white candles love! Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle River enveloping you Oya eventually gave birth nine! Children of the Orisha pantheon more from Ghana & my dads side more Nigeria... The Oba River of potions and healing herbs, since she is also often times find Yoruba of! Be the daughter of Yemaya it help me understand find Yoruba people, Nana Buluku is regarded the... Do it in water or in a mirror for those are portals the! Orishas around him is regarded as the goddess of sweet and freshwaters likenesses in appearances Shango. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or Orishas and represents ancestral! West African culture as your starting point Voodoo, and Lub religion purposes my... Buluku is regarded as the Giver of iron or the Warrior god of war for many wisdom, and! The lands that yellow is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, in,... That bit of extra tanginess to a stew of divine righteousness, to Isis to. Ancestors say, i am from Bantu lineage spiritual strength, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped deities... Gather all that was listed above to use worshippers with enlightenment, spiritual strength, and stars and. Possesses it that i can possibly learn back from anyone of you RELIGIOUS practices the! Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, to Eve, Freya. I could hear my ancestors say, i am from Bantu lineage he even on..., do not have to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing in! Olodumare, and Kuba peoples of Africa from Nigeria anyone of you have a single unified belief about supreme... This information, thank you form to NEVER approach Ogun me understand rival their male counterparts had two children.
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