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. Part of this is due to the belief that Olodumare is so deific; his mere distance from the human world makes him incredibly detached from their daily affairs. She is crowned the Queen of the river Niger. 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. As the emissaries of his power and will, the Orishas were each assigned unique functions, ensuring total order within the planet of Earth. As Ras sworn enemy, he fought the sun god every night. I feel like my Moms side probably came more from Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria. This was an awesome read!! The second most important theme that we can attribute to the Yoruba religion and culture is the idea behind reincarnation. No settlement can be complete without an armory. She is known for healing the sick with ease, fostering prosperity and better yet, for making infertile couples fertile. Oya and Oshun dont get along! The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. Bumba himself however is represented as a giant white-colored humanoid creature. Korean Mythology Gods & Folklore | What is Korean Mythology? This is why you will often times find Yoruba people named after their departed parents or grandparents in case they look alike. The nine animals produced more species to live on Earth, and eventually, humans came into creation. Always heard Nana buruku when I was little. 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 . What do you advice I do about the statue? Oya is the goddess of weather, especially tornadoes, lightning, destructive rainstorms, and fire. 77 sold. O shun has been with me since I was about 10 years old. Lets start? Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. 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. Some people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses. Especially among women, Oshun holds a great significance. It would be nice to chat. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. Having received the secret of iron, Ogun shared the secret with the other gods and humans. WebMami Wata continues to be an important part of African mythology today, representing the power of the natural world and the mysteries that lie beneath its surface. According to legend, Magec was captured by Guayota and held prisoner inside the Teide volcano. Which was that he had left home + family when he was young. Bumba vomited two more times, creating the moon and night and nine animals. Now for the fun stuff. When the Seven are brought together in invocation and prayer, they will do amazing things for their people. Oshun can be spelled like: oshun, ochun, osun, oxum, oshum, etc. 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. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. They typically depict the 7 saints the Orishas are syncretized with but the power is the same. At least the ones I know of, and some tarot cards are written with 2 or 3 translations of the orishas. And just pay attention to everything that is happening to you for awhile. Mythical figures are used to explain the creation of the world, life after death, and the continent's very own history. This simply refers to the fact that everything, and we do mean everything, possesses some sort of spiritual essence within it. As Olorun is known for breathing life into humans and the creation of Earth, one connects to Olorun by doing good for others and the world and striving toward self-improvement. Orishas, too, have emotions that flow gracefully like the river. The Orishas can be either male or female and are deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. 1. Oba is linked to rivers, marriage, fertility, and restoration. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. Hes Bumba, also known as Mbombo, is the creator god of the Kuba people in Central Africa. His green skin symbolizes rebirth Sub-Saharan Africa African deities Alusi Yoruba deities Afro-American religion Loa Orisha Asia [ edit] Caucasus Armenian deities Georgian deities Vainakh deities Central Asia Turkic deities East Asia Chinese deities Since the river flows through Iwo, the people of Iwo are often referred to as the children of the Oba River. I need to dispose of it PROPERLY. However, one thing is for sure. Dont venerate Oya and Yemaya in the same area, they dont get along! Her domain is the Niger River, fertility, secrets, shapeshifting, spirits, cemeteries, etc. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. One of my passengers was African American PhD doctor who had studied or had some familiarity with western African religion said I had a Osun type energy and/or vibe. We are all connected. 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. One night, after bringing down the sun, the old man turned to his children and said I am so very tired, and now it is time for me to leave. Anansi: The African Spider God of Mischief. I want to learn, Im reading a book by Lilith Dorsey and its good. While some are capable of being killed, many are immortal. Hers can be spelled: Yemoja, yemaya, Iemanj, etc. 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. Among the Yoruba people, Olokun is the goddess of the waters. Such deities may correspond to earthly and celestial phenomena or to human values, pastimes, and institutions, including love, marriage, hunting, war, and the arts. It is revered as the goddess that promotes productivity, hard work, and the overall positive well-being of the people. It is here where he found the need to create the Orishas. Although a few are maleCupid in particular come to mind, thanks to Valentine's Daymost are female, because the institution of marriage has long been viewed as the domain of women. 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. Babal Ay is represented as walking on crutches and completely covered to hide his diseased skin. Ive found a few 7 African Powers candles at Walmart in the candle aisle for a dollar a piece. When I did my DNA, it did confirm Banta, Nigeria, and Congo. For example, how many practitioners does it have today? I feel that I closely identify with Oshun. She is a sister of Oshun, Orisha of rivers. The Seven African Powers are made up of the seven most prominent Orishas: Elegua, Yemaya, Oshun, Chango, Obatala, Oya, and Ogun. Perhaps he knew variety is necessary for human evolution! Like the weathers unpredictability, she also commandeers the essence of constantly changing the natural world so it may continue flourishing. Im interested in this. and looking to strengthen my practice. Each culture has a different creator god or goddess, which explains the creation of humans and the lands. In Shangos case, he was considered the grandson of the Orisha Oduduwa in Yoruba mythology. Olodumare is also known as Olorun, which means the Almighty. Although his omnipotence strikes a profound sense of existential authority, the Yoruba people do not have any dedicated shrines or places of worship for him. Norse goddesses are a formidable crew with powers that rival their male counterparts. The 2nd of the Seven African Powers is Ogun, iron-working healing Orisha. She is the one that brings the life over to the forests, and most often times she is depicted carrying around a basket with her. 3. I renounce Ala, also known as Ale and Ane, known as creator goddess and queen of the dead that rules over community laws, morality, oaths and harvest;. Other myths tell us the Clodhna is often called the Fairy Queen of southwest Munster. Speaking of which, Yemonja is the metaphysical mother of all the other gods in the Orisha pantheon. If you find working with one spirit or god isnt enough, invoking the 7 African Powers will pack the spiritual punch you need! He is most often times showcased sick, since he did vomit up the Earth back in the day. Do some research to find more details about the myth than are included here, and add them to your story. 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. Asase Ya (also known as Asase, or Asase Yaa) was the goddess of Earth and fertility, specifically to the Ashanti people of Ghana. 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. Known as the sweetest god for their compassion towards humans, Obatala is considered the ''Child of God'' due to their father being the powerful Olorun. Obatala also values forgiveness and compassion as they once made a mistake and neglected their duties. The Alaafin was the head of one of the largest Yoruba states. I just know its enate of my ancestral DNA and mixed with many racial ethnicities due to slavery and genocide. 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. Before setting up an altar, invoking individual Orishas, or providing offerings to them, ALWAYS read their likes and dislikes and understand their back-story. Many spirits are associated with geographical features, such as mountains, rivers, wells, trees, and springs. Shango has a presence among many other African cultural groups and is referred to by different names like Esango among the Edo people of southeastern Nigeria and Sogbo among the Fon people of Benin. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. their all one, they each represent a different sense of being. Anansi the Spider: Stories & Mythology | Who is Anansi? Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes. Offer of flowers, fresh fruit, pigeons, and necklaces made of coins and shells are given to Aje Shaluga. Their brother, Oduduwa, created the world instead. Hes also credited with the job of creating human bodies particularly with imperfections like blindness and other defects. While some are capable of being killed, many are immortal. Hi everyone! Such is the need for a motherly figure to watch over all the uncertainty of this blue domain. 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. Could anyone point me in the right direction? I dont even think I want to know which one has my head. I am fascinated w the orishas. It is believed that at one point in time, Olodumare was close to Earth. Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death i very much appreciate this information, thank you. 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. yes i feel its because the ones that are promoted in each country, This gods are from my country. At the same time, we can assure you that if you do end up doing your own homework, youll find more than a handful of customs and traditions that you yourself may start adoring just as much as we do. Temi Iwalaiye Temi Iwalaiye is a lifestyle Reporter at Pulse. Some war gods, like Ares, are Voodoo Religions | Rituals, Beliefs, Practices & Symbols, Mythological Fire Creatures | Overview, Examples & Myths. Yemaya protects abused and neglected women and children and also travelers over the sea. 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. Regardless of which mythology you look at, chances are that there is always a master of iron right around the corner, ready to bring the gods the weapons and armor that they don during the final days. This is because that number is an incomprehensible number for the Yoruba people, which in turn implies that there are an infinite number of gods in this pantheon. Thanks in advance. Yemaya has been portrayed as the wife of Obatala and the mother of other powerful orishas like Shango and Oya. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket I am looking for new books on the subject. 8 chapters | 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. Oba is the Yoruba goddess of the river. The Orishas are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo. Aj Shaluga can present in both male and female form to their followers. She is often times referred to as the Goddess of wind, thunderbolt and fire, and she is by far the most feared goddess in the pantheon. Love & Blessings to ALL! How long have you been live this life style???? His domain is over legal matters and he brings legitimate justice. I recently bought a statue with Jesus on his cross and the 7 Orishas around him. Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. Hence, dead ancestors remain as relevant as they can ever be even after death. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice. Hello. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. Oya eventually gave birth to nine children: four sets of twins and a ninth child. Hello can you please give me a free app to download to learn more about the Orishas please. Oba, the Orisha of water and manifestation, is no exception to a story that is best linked to jealousy. They called to me around 96 or 97,98. So, for todays article we decided to bring you a quick rundown of 15 African Gods and Goddesses that are going to show you just how interesting this part of the world can really be. Spirits are less grand, less powerful, and less like humans than the gods, who often have weaknesses and emotions. The Orishas that caught a sphere of influence were responsible for that sphere. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Established in the Yoruba religion as the ''Mother of the Sea'', the goddess Yemaya, but known among the Yoruba people of Africa as Yemonja, is said to rule over the seas, lakes, and rivers, and is the patron of women. Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. The two walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight. She is actually Shangos favorite wife, and she is one of the most important Orishas that you need to know about in the Yoruba pantheon. The oral traditions told by the griots often included powerful deities and gods, spirits, ancestors, and rulers and heroes. Be smart and respectful. Still, He is believed to be more than capable of bringing adversity to those that do not take note of his presence. Asian lineage is african descent as well. Ty for your helpful guidance. 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! The Orishas are worshipped in modern-day to provide worshippers with enlightenment, spiritual strength, and empowerment to humans to overcome daily struggles. SPHINX Greek Mythical Woman Headed Lion Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. Oduduwa's older brother, Obatala, was supposed to be the original creator but after getting drunk at a party, Obatala failed to complete his task. I will gather all that was listed above to use. Orunmila - God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. What about gods or stories in other religions? The Yoruba religion can be marked as a capstone of African beliefs due to its wide acceptance. She has been teaching English in Canada and Taiwan for seven years. Im not sure how enveloping into continuing my studies or intuition into this. Obatala is the gentlest of the Seven African Powers and very patient. Lets take a look at each of the Seven African Powers, their qualities, and the saints they were syncretized with. The lush continent of Africa is in fact home to numerous animals and insects found only on the continent, as well as beautifully diverse groups of people, each retaining their breathtaking cultures of yore. Orunmila, the Orisha of knowledge, omniscience, and wisdom, is the embodiment of destiny. Spirit of the ancestors lives in your blood and you can invoke the presences of anyone of them, to assist you on your journey. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. She is the daughter of the elder god Chukwu and wife of Amadioha, the sky deity. The Lord of the Heavens was not always this distant from the planet riddled with human beings. Im not black. These are the Benin, Yoruba and Dahomey tribes, and despite the fact that prostitution is considered to be a taboo by most modern people, it is often times cited as a necessity by these tribes. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. lol I guess I was half asleep when i read how to use the candle because everyday for 7 days i would wake up , light the candle, say the prayer, then before bed i would turn it off. I have the utmost respect for ALL the ORISHAs! A great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish. I have been plagued with many battles spiritually from money issues to lack of employment, business not doing well, sickness, blocked paths to business ventures, money not staying in my hands etc. I said all this from a chocolate bar? Theyve survived because of the culture. 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. 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. Now that you have learned about many of the important Yoruba myths, choose your favourite one. Neffertia received her B.S. This is the list of orisha youll find more information below: Obatala; Shango; Ogun; Ochossi; Ossain; Eshu; Omulu; Oshumare; Yemaya; Oshun; Oya; Nana. Judika Iles warns in her Encyclopedia of Spirits, that if youre bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun. This is where Ogun comes in. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. ( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. 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 copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Some Orishas dont get along with one another and should never be venerated in the same space. I have a question I am worshiping both Oya and Oshun, From this, I have learned that they do not like each other is it okay that Im Worshiping both-? These nine animals are the original inhabitants of Earth, and out of several combinations came humanity. I believe my sister has cast a hex on me. succeed. In this lesson, several parallels have already been drawn between Yoruba and ancient Greek mythology. The company was so impressed at my score results that they called immediately and offered employment! Yemaya has no meaning in Yoruba. The ones in the article are just the most popular, and sought after. Im a black woman just beginning my journey into African Spirituality. Whenever she shows up, she is usually accompanied by her husband, Shango, the God of Storms. African people, however, do not have a single unified belief about a supreme god. I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. 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. CARD DECK!! Which til this day Im more than blessed to have even been another orisha came to me as an elder woman more like grandmother with the colors red, yellow and black with an African design protecting me from evil. --~Attributes and Correspondences~--. 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 Yoruba. Dialogue Institute, Dialogue Institute, 16 Sept. 2020, https://dialogueinstitute.org/afrocaribbean-and-african-religion-information/2020/9/16/yoruba . After that, it appears that Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. Ive been Christian and Hebrew. You are the source/GOD the power flows through you, you have the ability to heal and create/manifest. It is said that Ogo influences the male personality, the premature separation from the womb, and children often resemble him during play. They aid in self-empowerment, strength, prosperity, opportunities, protection of family and home, healing, career, motherhood and fatherhood, fertility, peace, justice and legal matters and much more! Interestingly enough, Obatala was never actually stated as being a male or a female god, they are pretty much androgynous. I renounce Asa, also known as father god or the strong lord, that rules over mercy, help However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. This is an ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of justice. South American Mythology | Gods, Creatures & Stories, Egyptian Mythological Creatures | List, Folklore & Symbolism, Slavic Mythology | Gods, Symbols & Stories, West Africa: People, Culture & History | West African Countries, Mexican Mythology | Monsters, Mythical Creatures & Folklore. I need help on my spiritual journey, any suggestions? Described as a powerful deity with a voice like thunder and a mouth that spewed fire, Shango (also called Chango) is a major deity of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. I really appreciate how your broke it down to where it help me understand. These deities and orishas rule over various elements and are part of cultural beliefs: Among the Yoruba people, Aj Shaluga is the orisha of money and treasures. I thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect. 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? 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. She formed the oceans and rivers when her water broke while she was giving birth to her first child. 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 In the Orisha pantheon, the supreme god meant existence through Olodumare, and the Yoruba storm god Shango was its bane. George Bancroft & 19th Century Historiography in the U.S. Dunning School's Approach to the U.S. Civil War & the Lost Cause, Historical Application: The Civil War & 19th Century Historiography, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. But I disagree and believe this is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous original religion. Some tarot cards are wrongly identified if you say its only one way. 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. They are rivals. Especially if youve had dreams or felt their presence, follow your intuition/insight, and what resonates with your spirit. Therefore he rules over metal working and alchemy of any kind. Kibuka is actually referred to as the God of War in the Buganda Empire kingdom. Shango is said to be a deified ancestor who was the fourth king of the town of Oyo. For the Yoruba people, becoming one with Olorun is the goal of life and provides a place in the spiritual realm after death. I looked at my daughter and laughed. Even though the guide (?) WebBuy Wicca Magical Deities: A Complete Guide to Wicca Magical Deities Goddesses, Gods, Pantheons, Working and Connecting With Deities, Rituals, Spellcasting, and More by Blackwood, Selene (ISBN: 9798378509256) from Amazon's Book Store. 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 I feel them with me daily !!! Thank you in advance. And when steel becomes your only means of protection, it isnt too uncommon to find gods based around the armory for the warriors to pray to. The concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. The ''Yemaya'' iteration of Yemonja's name was creolized in Cuba. If its precious to you, then just retread it, and cleanse it. I guess in a sense I want to avoid offending any of them while trying to connect. Nana Buluku is primarily found in the Fon religion but is also known among the Yoruba people. Ala is a goddess in Igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . Whichever way she is depicted, she is always shown to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips. Hence, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and natural instinct among those who believed in its smithing magic. And who from the 7 powers do I call out too? While the Yoruba mythology is by far the most popular, we also recommend checking out some of the other religions here if you have the time for it. Oshun is the Goddess of love, freedom, fertility, and water. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of their oldest and most popular goddesses. 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. Some of these names are also used as male African names for new babies. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. That was my first experience. Osanyin has his own herb garden where he can provide the appropriate plant for medical use or food consumption. Do it in water or in a mirror for those are portals to the other side. Naturally, Shango noticed a floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode. However, the Seven African Powers are invoked in many different religions and magical systems including Lucumi, Vodou, Santeria, Candomble, folk Catholicism and many more! Thank you so much for this. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions.