Mulungu, is thought to be. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. Driven by the will to become Shangos favorite, Oba followed Oshun and sliced off her ear into his food. Youre correct. Beyoncs been identifying with her for years. what i do is follow certain people on youtube who talk about the storys of the orishas which i find to be very important , you can learn a lot about the orishas and lessons through the stories. Oshun is depicted in the Yoruban religion as a protector and savior of the people. Thank you so much for this. Oya is by far one of the most ferocious and protective gods that the Yoruba pray to. The dead doesnt just include a human being; it consists of the natural world in the sense that dead trees would have to fall to make way for newer ones. West Africa is anything but peaceful, as war can break out at any point between tribes, which is why steel is a more useful keeper of peace than words will ever be. Id like a friend that wouldnt mind my questions, or be judgemental. Webbtl - creator of human bodies; orisha of light, spiritual purity, and moral uprightness Odduw - progenitor orisha of the Yorubas gn - orisha who presides over iron, fire, hunting, agriculture and war Ok - a hunter and farmer Osanyin - Find three similarities and write a paragraph explaining the relationships between the different religions. Though a specific number cant be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is an exciting notion around it. Eshu, the Divine Trickster. New. It is said that Ogo influences the male personality, the premature separation from the womb, and children often resemble him during play. I was once told that I have one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a pastor. Thanks so much for reading this lengthy post!! Higher pay too by $3 more! Sasha Blakeley has a Bachelor's in English Literature from McGill University and a TEFL certification. If you're doing a working relating to love, or if 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. You need to cover all of your magical bases or you have a great need. Lets get this new spiritual awareness and help on the road!!!! The reason as to why she is the goddess of prostitution is because that is the most common practice in the Caribbean Islands. Area of Influence: copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Also commonly referred to as Mbombo, Bumba is actually the creator god of the Kuba people from Central Africa. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. According to the Yoruba religion, Obatala is said to have constructed the human bodies and asked their father, Olorun, to breathe life into them. Artemis (Greek) Artemis is a goddess of the hunt in Greek mythology. 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. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. Lions, elephants, vast stretches of the jungle with venomous snakes, or an endless sea of sand stalked by nefarious scorpions. As I grow older Im wanting more and more info even joined groups on fb but afraid to say anything because everyone who most talk in the groups are practicing already and I dont understand some of their post. Mythology #3: Oya and Oshun dont get along! Another of the female Seven African Powers, Oshun is the Orisha of the rivers. 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. WebPeruse through a list of baby names inspired by African gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots. How old is the United States of America? Since the river flows through Iwo, the people of Iwo are often referred to as the children of the Oba River. His role also extends to the natural world as he knows everything that takes place within it. If you find working with one spirit or god isnt enough, invoking the 7 African Powers will pack the spiritual punch you need! He actually has three different wives, Oshun, Oya and Oba, and he is often times depicted with either one of them or all three being by his side. Mischief is something that doesnt go unnoticed in African mythology in general. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling down from the heavens. He is said to be half man, half fish. Well, she is the Goddess of sweet and freshwaters. Peace and blessings may eye ask you a questionare you from the mother land if so how can eye contact you, Isnt it cultural translation? They believed ancestors are human spirits that exist after death and are still worshipped by their people. After that, it appears that Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her. Free shipping. But before that, I could hear my ancestors say, I am from Bantu lineage. Oya ya is the goddess of winds, lightning, and violent storms, death, and rebirth. The Alaafin was the head of one of the largest Yoruba states. #2 Apophis (Apep), Serpent God of the Underworld. Both revered and feared, Obaluaye is well respected by the followers, and he is said to curse you as quickly as he can heal you. African god of fertility Ala - She is the most respected god in Igboland. He is known as the Giver of Iron or the Warrior God of War for many. But I disagree and believe this is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous original religion. Youve Disrespected Obatala and olodumare by having Jesus . Ala is a goddess in Igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria. Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. Angels, Gods, and Goddesses Oracle Deck and Guidebook Set (45 cards)(standard version) Go to cart. It goes as far back as the 9th century, way before the first Europeans set sail on the countrys shores. Write a short story retelling the myth in your own words. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. Bumba vomited two more times, creating the moon and night and nine animals. African deities are a number of supernatural beings in the collective religions in the African continent. Can a deceased sibling still be spoken with if you put up a alter for them in the form of an ancestor?? The goddess represents the earth, fertility, creativity, and morality. Olokun ("Owner of Oceans") is a God of the Sea. Thank you for sharing. Like the weathers unpredictability, she also commandeers the essence of constantly changing the natural world so it may continue flourishing. Some recollections tell us that there are as many as 700, 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around. He Her domain is the Niger River, fertility, secrets, shapeshifting, spirits, cemeteries, etc. 3. The idea of having a trickster god may sound like something made up by the Nordics, but African cultures werent all that far off from this concept either since they had Eshu right around the corner. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. These spirits are thought to give guidance for life issues and problems. No, the 7 African powers when called on for ritual or a need wouldnt interact negatively with any other energy in the home. A note on online sources: Ive done considerable research on the Seven African Powers, and I find it interesting that because of the forced syncretization of the Seven African Powers with seven Catholic saints, some sources claim the original 7 were never Orishas. In Shangos case, he was considered the grandson of the Orisha Oduduwa in Yoruba mythology. 106 lessons. Use the following activities to learn more. Another belief revolves around reincarnation. People believed that spirits possess powers that can be used for good or evil and are often associated with environmental and geographical features like thunder and mountains. He is also commonly seen having two dogs to help sniff out infections. Now that you have learned about many of the important Yoruba myths, choose your favourite one. The History of Guns, Greek Mythology: Stories, Characters, Gods, and Culture, Aztec Mythology: Important Stories and Characters, Greek Gods and Goddesses: Family Tree and Fun Facts, Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Names and Stories of 29 Ancient Roman Gods, Olodumare and his Journey Away from Earth, The Trojan War: Ancient Historys Famed Conflict, iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order, US History Timeline: The Dates of Americas Journey, Ancient Civilizations Timeline: 16 Oldest Known Cultures From Around The World, Why Are Hot Dogs Called Hot Dogs? Aj Shaluga is responsible for providing fair wages to their people for work activities and money to cover the needs of Yoruba families. I ran outside and started calling the feminine Orishas I learned about in this book by Lillth Dorsey, Orishas Goddesses and Voodoo Queens. Lets start? While this Orisha is not one of the most popular or powerful gods around, Aj Shaluga still has a decent following due to them being associated with happiness, stability and spiritual wealth. 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. In themselves the cowrie shells symbolize wealth, because they were once a medium of economic exchange. The Goddess Cybele in Mythology | Who Was Cybele? Among the Yoruba people, Oduduwa is the creator of the Yoruba race and religion. 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. The Seven African Powers are made up of the seven most prominent Orishas: Elegua, Yemaya, Oshun, Chango, Obatala, Oya, and Ogun. Imbolc - Feb 2nd Ostara - Mar 21st/22nd Beltane - April 30th/May 1st Lithia - June 21st/22nd Lammas - July 31st/Aug 1st Mabon - Sept 21st/22nd Although there are countless Orishnas, twelve stand out for their role in Yoruba mythology. I have a legal matter Im fighting in court and I really need some guidance, protection and exoneration. Now that we are accustomed to the most popular religion in Africa, lets just talk about the 15 Gods and Goddesses that we have in store for you today, starting off with: Interestingly enough, Oshun was actually not that popular in western media until a while ago, when Beyonce mentioned her in her Lemonade music video. According to Yoruba mythology, Oba gave Shango her ear to eat, which eventually leads to their separation. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Then there are Christians who calls it witchcraft like my church, to be honest I always get asked are you Christian, baptise, what is your religion? Early River Valley Civilizations in the Americas, Comparing Historical Developments Across Time & Geography, Cambodian Civil War Lesson for Kids: Causes & Summary, Cambodia Lesson for Kids: History & Facts, The Gttingen Scholars, History & 19th-Century Historiography, Jacob Burckhardt's Impact on Cultural History, Auguste Comte's Views on Historical Development, Thomas Carlyle: The French Revolution & Impact on Historiography. 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. There is no official African religion out there, and that is because there are countless cultures and practices that are spread all across the continent. She formed the oceans and rivers when her water broke while she was giving birth to her first child. Orunmila is a prime example of it. Because of her affiliation with water, protection, and fertility, Yemonja is considered to be the most nurturing of the orishas. Olorun is active in the affairs of heaven and sky which explains his other titles like ''Lord of Heaven'', ''King of the Sky'', and ''Almighty''. She is crowned the Queen of the river Niger. The ocean is vast and seldom cruel, and it is impossible to predict what lies beneath deep waves and endless stretches of water. His purpose might not be material, but it is a psychological one reflected in many African myths. Bumba, also known as Mbombo, is the creator god of the Kuba people in Central Africa. Whichever way she is depicted, she is always shown to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips. So, in reality, Oya really is the goddess of change. The puertricans call her Yemaya, because they say its a translation of Spanish. WebAfrican Supreme God Tore African God of Hunting Abaluyia (Vugusu) mythology Wele Abaluyia (Vugusu) God of Creation Alur and Dinka mythology Jok Alur and Dinka God of Rain Ambundu mythology Kabundungulu Ambundu Hero God Sudika-mbambi Ambundu God of Thunder Ankore mythology Rugaba Ankore God of Creation Anuak and Shilluk Anu The Sumerian God of Sky and Heavens Enlil The Sumerian God of Air and Power Enki The Sumerian God of Wisdom and Earth Ninhursag The Sumerian Mother Goddess of Mountains and Nurturing Nisaba The Sumerian Goddess of Writing Marduk The Babylonian Storm God Sin The Akkadian Moon God Theyve survived because of the culture. Oduduwa came down to Earth to rule as a king among the Yoruba people and is considered to be an ancestral king and hero. It is believed that at one point in time, Olodumare was close to Earth. I just need a bit of guidance. The other gods and Ogun noticed that humans needed to clear more land to build and expand. I thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. Most African traditional religions are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices. She has a master's degree in Mythological Studies. It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. This is because Obaluaye is the Master of Healing and by far one of the most popular Orisha in the Yoruba mythos. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. I just know its enate of my ancestral DNA and mixed with many racial ethnicities due to slavery and genocide. I love the fact that we are getting back to what has been taking from us. Thanks in advance. I remember my mom honoring them, but were too young to remember how to work with them. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. I believe my sister has cast a hex on me. While many Orishas are imaged through physical manifestations such as lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs. Freyja is the most well-known goddess in Norse mythology and in many ways rivals Odin in power. Being able to prevent death from happening simply means that it was not their time to go yet, and if you can do that you need to thank Obaluaye because they were the ones that gave you the answers you needed when you searched for a way to heal them. I see more that i s imperative to my calling. I grew up in a christian church and I am at an age where I have decided to embark on my journey to learn and explore spirituality as my ancestors did prior to being brought over to America. She may have also been the patron of County Cork. Among the Yoruba people, Olokun is the goddess of the waters. According to the Kuba people, Bumba vomited into the universe and produced the sun which dried up the water on Earth creating land. Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. Anansi the Spider: Stories & Mythology | Who is Anansi? WebAbassi African God. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. If you cant find a 7 African Powers candle, use what you have. Same with Yemaya. The Yoruba, Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or orishas. Rulers and heroes are sometimes transformed into minor deities, as they are seen as people who have done great things for their communities and upheld values that are important to the group. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Nyx, The Greek Goddess of Night: What Was Her Story? They typically depict the 7 saints the Orishas are syncretized with but the power is the same. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I want to truly understand not go on this journey just because. Intention is energy, spirit is energy. Olokun - God of the Sea. omnipresent but is Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. Your intention is what matters the most. I feel them with me daily !!! Some Orishas dont get along with one another and should never be venerated in the same space. The second most important theme that we can attribute to the Yoruba religion and culture is the idea behind reincarnation. They were supposed to take care of the first men and women, but because they got distracted their brother Oduduwa decided to create the world instead for them to be safe in. Do some research to find more details about the myth than are included here, and add them to your story. I was trying to find out more, and then stopped. in my opinion think its a great idea to learn a lot about orishas and the practice before taking further steps . I recently bought a statue with Jesus on his cross and the 7 Orishas around him. Questio , did u ware it while washing and bathing. I will gather all that was listed above to use. Due to its diversity, African religions can be classified into countless smaller ones. The most popular African gods 1st: The Orishas. Just Started my journey in learning more of African Spirituality. Greetings! One thing is for sure, though, every Orisha is unique and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to their wake. Although they are a minor orisha, Aje Shaluga has a vast following as they are associated with happiness and joy, stability, prosperity, and spiritual wealth. Write a timeline of the history of Santeria with these questions in mind. This powerful orisha is the messenger between worlds and is guardian of the crossroads. Could anyone point me in the right direction? The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. The notion of reincarnation is that deceased family members make their journey back to life as a new baby in the same family they once departed from. She has inspired numerous artists, allegorists, writers, etc. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. The Great Mother and protects motherhood as well as female sexuality. She is actually often times honored and celebrated by the Igbo people, especially so during the yearly yam festival. Consequently, because of his knowledge, Orunmila is said to know the ways of the world and the fate of humankind. A lifelong fan of mythology and all things ancient, Adrian has always been fascinated by the rich stories and legends of different cultures, and he loves nothing more than diving into a good mythological tale. But while Africa does have an abundance of those elements, it also has a ton of beautifully diverse people and cultures that have lived amongst each other for thousands of years now. Babal Ay is recognized among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin as the ''Healer God''. I went to whole foods and got her a good bar of organic chocolate. Some tarot cards are wrongly identified if you say its only one way. Along with Ochosi and Osun, the rooster sentinel, not the Orisha of Love, Oshun, I mean, as well as a shrine to my Dad. In certain cultures Goddesses represent nature and the earth, motherhood and love. Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. Goddess Xochiquetzal Mythology & Symbol | Who is Xochiquetzal? Human spirits exist within the mind, and hence, tending to its development is what Orunmila really does. I renounce Asa, also known as father god or the strong lord, that rules over mercy, help When I did my DNA, it did confirm Banta, Nigeria, and Congo. Anyhoot, I started immersing myself in Nigerian culture, 1st with the Nollywood movies and the AfroBeats music and eventually with some of the food. If you do actually spot him and decide not to give him an offering, he is definitely going to play tricks on you, but for the most part he just wants to have fun and be left to his own whims instead. There are thousands upon thousands of cultures to explore here, to the point where you could actually spend your whole life researching everything that Africa has in store for you and youd still fail to capture it in its entirety. You should never take her name in vain as if you dare to disrespect her, she will convince her husband to stop the rain from coming down, causing the people to suffer tremendously because of it. I feel like its a lifeline. Where do they live? All of which will be detailed below. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions. Shango is one of the hot orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. I need to dispose of it PROPERLY. While some are capable of being killed, many are immortal. Shango directs the destination of thunder and lightning depending on what goes on in the world down below. She is known for healing the sick with ease, fostering prosperity and better yet, for making infertile couples fertile. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. I had the same question and was told that , now today I am baptized and has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. Im kind of confused because I dont think about Orisha and the religion at all, if not barely except for the time I see it mentioned once or twice in a while on twitter- but I think this dream must be significant? Oya is the goddess of weather, especially tornadoes, lightning, destructive rainstorms, and fire. I dreamt of a woman with her face covered from the top of her white glowing crown, long red dress with glowing white heart on the front . I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. As they migrated and settled in new homelands, they created myths and legends to tell the story of the history of their people. Oshun. Oshun - She is one of the 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! When you cannot find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African culture as your starting point. A patriarchal spirit, he watches over children and families and is one of the most venerated Orishas in the African diaspora. Many spirits are associated with geographical features, such as mountains, rivers, wells, trees, and springs. However, its all the same. 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. Ase & Namaste , This is a blessing to hear. Burn it every day for 7 days along with the prayer on the label. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death They say Ogun isnt just a spirit of iron, that he is iron. Do some research on your own to find out how Santeria works. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 Yemaya is known as the Patron Spirit of the Ocean and the Rivers, and she is the main deity that the Yoruba people pray to when they set sail. New to the 7 african powers. I felt like water had come over me and I was breathing under the water. After his death, he was deified as an orisha. This is an ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of justice. Like the gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt and Rome, there is always a supreme being keeping watch over all. This basket is full of potions and healing herbs, since she is also often times referred to as the Goddess of Botany. I said all this from a chocolate bar? His answer was simple and swift, he ordered his younger brother, Kibuka, to fight on their behalf as their God of War. Kibuka is actually referred to as the God of War in the Buganda Empire kingdom. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Aphrodite Goddess Statue made of Marble Greek Roman Mythology Sculpture at the best online prices at eBay! YES MA AM !! Oguns polarity is present in his healing abilities and his ability to destroy. After reading about her, her colors are some of my favorite colors, especially yellow! Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. Never invoke her and Yemaya or Oshun together (the only exception is when invoking the 7 African Powers!). As for the 400+1 concept, the 1 is an incredibly sacred number that tells you that there are countless Orishas, but you will always be one count short if you try to comprehend it. I am looking for new books on the subject. She manifests as a horned water buffalo or a beautiful woman. Northern Hemisphere. Some war gods, like Ares, are Which Orishas would this be? It will break sooner or later, especially if made w silk thread. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. But last night I had the strangest dream where there was some type of male figure?