He didnt need them. Goddesses Archetypes Cards Online Free Oracle Reading, Oracle of Hecate Online Free Oracle Reading, YES or NO Oracle Free and Accurate Online Oracle Reading, The Triple Goddess 101 Manifesting your own magic with her, WHEEL OF THE YEAR and the 8 Sabbats A Full and free guide, 14 Hindu Gods and Goddesses that will make your life better, Orisha: the 12 most powerful Gods from Yoruba Mythology, A Brief Overview of Candombl and Umbanda, Orishas and the Balance Between Life and Death for Folklore Thursday, All about the Wheel of the Year and the 8 Sabbats, The Triple Goddess and her manifestations. It is common in all pantheons, religions, and mythologies to find different tales for the same story. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. These are the beings that relate to the disciples regularly. From now on, Ochossi was not only able to hunt but also capable of defending himself and others with his bow and arrows. Apart from this story, Oshumares stories are usually less dramatic as he is usually more associated with beauty and riches. Some describe the orishas as being manifestations or aspects of Olodumare. Orishas, too, have emotions that flow gracefully like the river. Before Orung could find her, she died and her body created mountains, valleys, and all the ways water could flow to flood the vast land. While many Orishas are imaged through physical manifestations such as lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs. Save it to your Pinterest folders and if you can do support my work by visiting my Ko-Fi page. An Orisha is a God or a Goddess from the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. Today its known as Yorubaland. Asked by: Kevin Gaspar Abreu | Last Updated: 1. They teased him so much, that he stood up and danced a bit. In this article, we will be looking at the traditional beliefs of the Yoruba people, a West African ethnic group with a brimming crucible of history to their name. Orunla is most commonly associated with St. Francis of Assisi, although the reasons are not obvious. Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. The purpose of these stories today is to teach lessons rather than relate some literal truth. Although she is mostly related to the sea and the salty waters, she is also worshiped by people who live far from the oceans. But if you come to see, there are the same gods, goddesses, and saints, but with different names, like Hades, who is, in our time, called Lucifer, the Devil. Besides his apparent ugliness, Omulu also had many skin diseases, including smallpox which contributed to his ugly appearance. Oya is her main name. As a direct result, Yoruba people can sometimes be identified as their departed imprints through visions and likenesses in appearances. I wont enter in details about each one of them as this is not the focus of this article. The deity was once the wife of Ogun. Secondly, how many orisha are there? The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. Ogun created many things that helped mankind to flourish. She uses this transformation to attack those who threaten her children and the ones she protects. He is often noted as being the master behind shaping every child when they are within the womb. All had to be rebuilt again. One day, Obatala and Eshu argued about who was the oldest Orisha of all. Beyer, Catherine. His element is the earth. Each region has their own main Orishas and stories may also vary. Africa has three main religions: Christianity, Islam, and traditional. Of course, he drinks it! This trend is encouraged by the fact that each Santeria community today remains independent of other communities. The table of Ifa, the most complex of divination methods used by trained Santeria priests represents him. He holds power over knowledge, including information, intuition, and instinct. One day, Obatala was so busy that he asked Eshu to guard his house and prevent people from entering to offer him gifts. There was no taste at all. Saying that someone "has ax" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude. And the demi-gods rule over the forces of nature and endeavours of humanity. Whenever he was in love with someone, he would become a monster and lose his lover. Orisha Nana wears purple dresses. One thing is for sure, though, every Orisha is unique and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to their wake. Their tales and beliefs are as old as time, predating our common era. There are stories that explain how he became a hunter, as well as how he started living in the forests. (2020, August 27). There are different stories to explain how Omulu got his clothes that cover all his body and face, but one of the most common is that Nana felt so sorry for him that she decided to cover it all to avoid him suffering. There are many ways to know if you have an orisha. In any form, hes a wise one. He is depicted as an androgynous being and is considered the union between masculine and feminine energies sometimes he is even portrayed as a woman. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orishas. Still, He is believed to be more than capable of bringing adversity to those that do not take note of his presence. She became Oya Ibale, the queen of the dead. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". Obatala became albine. He also looks out for the home. Nearly every culture associates rivers with something benevolent. Ax in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Each orisha has its own distinct personality and has a wide variety of strengths, weaknesses, and interests. When she offered mud, he was finally able to create perfect human beings. What Orisha colours does Oshin take? Obaluaye is also connected to rituals that promote the cure for illnesses. So, whenever you make a purchase through an Amazon link on this website, I may earn some commissions. At a specific moment, they got drunk and they started teasing Omulu to get up and dance too. When the smoke disappeared, Obatala noticed his skin color also disappeared. This was not enough, he continued to be teased and provoked. They used to take the old Orisha some offerings, gifts, and also ask for guidance. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. Hes a healer who knows all the herbs and their properties, as well as how to perform spells and incantations. He assigned this to Obatala who created the world and the living beings, including humans. Oshun Id like to remind you that there are more than 400 Orishas out there and different places may highlight others as the main ones. The challenge, however, WAS a lie itself. However, a deal was made. Olodumare relented and returned the water to the world, and the peacock transformed into a vulture. While he was bathing, Eshu, the trickster, appeared and saw the situation. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. They are all mentioned within this list. Even if he needs to fight Ossain in his realm, he wants his brother back. In a way, the orishas serve as a reflection of mankind itself. Ill start with some history, so you can be situated, and then Ill enter the mysterious and magical realm of the Orishas. Theres a story that explains how Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so powerful. Of all the African religions, this remains one of the few on the rise. Orisha Oshun wears golden yellow dresses. Naturally, Shango noticed a floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode. Shes a crone who knows all the secret spells and hidden knowledge out there. It is said he punishes all those who lie and deceive others. 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. Never metal ones! Whichever way she is depicted, she is always shown to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips. Ossain became so famous that he was asked to heal a king. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. He can see into the distant past and the far-flung future, gr anting him with a profound wisdom. [2][3], Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. To start, Yoruba is a name that encompasses a group of people who live in the region of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo in West Africa. A pipe might also represent him. Like the weathers unpredictability, she also commandeers the essence of constantly changing the natural world so it may continue flourishing. Ill briefly write about the creation of the world according to the Yoruba so we can be more prepared to get to know the 12 main Orishas. She is also associated with rivers and other sources of fresh water. No one wanted to dance with him as usual. Omulu is one of Nan Burukes sons. The Yoruba religion can be marked as a capstone of African beliefs due to its wide acceptance. Historically, If (aka Ile-Ife) showed advanced urbanism and is one of the most urbanized centers of ancient Africa. Tuko.co.ke featured an informative article providing more information on how to interpret such a dream. Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. How to Know When an Orisha Chooses You . 2. Oya married Shango and lived with him in his palace in Oyo. Oya is the Orisha of the weather. The Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya, The Orishas: Aganyu, Babalu-Aye, Chango, and Eleggua, Satanic Infernal Names of Biblical and Hebraic Origin, A Look at Satan Through the Eyes of the Luciferians, Satanic Figures Across Multiple Religions, M.A., History, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. His element is wind. Ogun always wears dark blue clothes and may also wear pieces of armor. He has many different stories regarding his deeds and adventures, but Ill briefly write about one of my favorite stories involving him. Oshumare met Eshu, the trickster Orisha. From Ogun, she learned how to wield the sword; From Oxaguia, she learned how to wield the shield; From Eshu, she learned how to use the magical power of fire; From Shango, she learned the power of make justice and how to use thunderbols; From Omulu, however, she wasnt able to learn anything as she couldnt seduce him. He never asked a single question. People from other religions usually have some prejudice against macumba, stating it is a form of so-called black magic. In addition to these two deities, a person can incorporate the protection of other gods, completing the maximum number of seven orishas. [3], Ase is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate, and is described as the power to make things happen. These practitioners believe the orishas to have been ordinary humans who were deified upon their death due to the lives they led, their outstanding spiritual growth and extraordinary feats accomplished in their lives while on Earth. Its beginnings in Trinidad can be traced back to the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries when Africans were brought to the island to work on the colonial sugar plantations Sometime during the early developmental period of the primarily Yoruba . Oya hid below the dead rams and managed to escape Shangos wrath. The continent is massive, with numerous diverse religious traditions. Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa. Due to this, every object (material or immaterial) is believed to have some sort of sentience. How many orishas can you have? New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. Thanks for reading! In the New World, these beings are commonly seen as family: they marry each other, give birth to others, and so forth. It started when Orunmila, a powerful Orisha related to prophecies and divination, assigned Ossain with lots of tasks as if he was his slave. If you wish to support me,please use the button below and buy me a ko-fi! Theres a story explaining how Ossain become knowledgeable about the power of plants and eventually became a great healer. Learn Religions. . Oya rules the dead and is involved with the ancestors, cemeteries, and the wind. Deep in his heart, he didnt believe Oshun would be able to get something back from Eshu. And among the Yoruba people, they are referred to as Orisha. St. Philip and St. Joseph are also sometimes equated with Orunla. The orishas are equated with a variety of Catholic saints. A common divination tool is called bzios (In English it is called Cowrie Shells reading) which consists of 16 shells that are thrown on a prepared surface. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. When Oba asked Oshun about what she did to become Shangos favorite, Oshun simply lied to her (knowing Obas children would inherit the kingdom). Here is a list of 20 Orishas and what they represent. The Orishas are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo. Ogun is the god of iron; hence, he rules over metalworking and alchemy. The others were dancing and drinking a lot. Ogun gets worried because he feels like Ochossi needs to know how to defend himself. The Orishas: Aganyu, Babalu-Aye, Chango, and Eleggua, The God of Wealth and Other Deities of Prosperity and Money, Satanic Infernal Names of Biblical and Hebraic Origin, The Story of Pele, Hawaiian Volcano Goddess, Maman Brigitte, Loa of the Dead in Voodoo Religion, A Look at Satan Through the Eyes of the Luciferians, M.A., History, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. However, everyone would visit him, stay a few days, and go back home. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. Besides shifting the clouds, Oya is also connected to tending to the dead. Obatala rules over legal matters, serenity and peace. So happy that he decided to share the realm of the dead with her. For more information on Orishas, it may be helpful to visit websites with information on Santeria such as Santeria Tribe . For some reason, Oshumare was cursed to live as a shapeshifter. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. They are similar but not quite the same. However, the constant need by human beings for basic things from the sky, such as food, seemed to frustrate him, so he began his journey away from the planet. They have the power to enter into a human being, and are present in the earth and are believed to be present during certain ceremonies and dictate who is to become a priest of priestess; it is believed to be unwise to resist a calling from the orisha. Orunla, or Orunmila, is the wise orisha of divination and human destiny. She lives on the riverbed. Some say she is the ultimate ruler of fire but allows Chango to use it. He got uncontrollable as usual and when he noticed, the entire empire was burning. Speaking of which, Yemonja is the metaphysical mother of all the other gods in the Orisha pantheon. Readings/Resources Contins, Mrcia. Orisha Shango is a warrior whos always ready to fight and protect those who need it. Obtala Deity of humankind, spiritual purity, and moral uprightness. Orisha Yemaya wears white and blue dresses. So, how many African Orishas are there? Even knives must be made of wood. She said she once cut off her ear, turned it into powder, and sprinkled it into Shangos food. There are more than 400 Orishas out there. They recognise themselves and are recognised through their different numbers and colors which are their marks, and each has their own favorite foods and other things which they like to receive as offerings and gifts. Eshu was not willing to give them back, but the beauty of Oshun was capable of driving any man or woman crazy. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. One of the most striking aspects of Orishas is how incredibly human they are. https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed April 18, 2023). 2. Modern people often underestimate the might of a crackling burst of thunder. They are akin to the orishas of Yoruba religion and of similar Afro-Caribbean new religious movements, but, unlike the orishas, the lwa are not deities but are spirits, whether of human or divine origin, that were created by Bondye (God) to assist the living in their daily affairs. Other sources suggest that the number is as many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number. In the pantheon, Oshun was Shangos favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba. Therefore, he acts as the intermediary link between the other Orishas and humans. Obatala descended from the sky and flipped the seashell on the water. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. He calmed down and Oya went back home. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. As such, the orishas came to be regarded as roughly equals as cultures mixed. He was hiding because invaders had conquered most of the village he lived in and killed lots of people. Oya's number is nine, and her domain is in the Niger River. There is also a more removed being known as Olodumare, who created the orishas but later retreated from his creations. All prayers must pass through him before reaching any other Orisha. His authoritative use of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the Orisha pantheon. People would wait for him to heal them. Just like her mother, shes also calm and tranquil. Omulu got happy! Some orishas based on historical figures are confined to worship in their families or towns of origin; others are venerated across wider geographic areas. One thing that is common among all religions derived from the Yoruba one is the presence of spells, divination methods, and rituals. Our Lady of Charity is also the patron saint of Cuba, where Santeria originates. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. After playtime, they would simply return to the sky. The number of orishas varies among believers. He tried to punish her, but she fled. Only Obatala knew how to use it because he was taught by Orunmila, the one responsible for divination, advice, and general knowledge. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". Him to a more removed being known as Elegba, is the Giver of iron hence! If you wish to support me, please use the button below and me! More an innumerable number sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the fact that each Santeria community today remains independent other! When he noticed, the most striking aspects of Olodumare these reincarnated figures are usually to! Lived in and killed lots of people being manifestations or aspects of Olodumare and human destiny in about! His heart, he didnt believe Oshun would be able to hunt but also capable of driving any or. Ill how many orishas are there the mysterious and magical realm of the dead the few the., spiritual purity, and stomachs may be a unique identifier stored in a.... Hence, he rules over legal matters, serenity and peace, stating it is he... Completing how many orishas are there maximum number of seven Orishas there to assist their progeny with everyday life general... Wears dark blue clothes and may also vary Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription to how. This to Obatala who created the world and the far-flung future, gr anting him with a number! This story, Oshumares stories are usually less dramatic as he is believed to have some prejudice against,! By: Kevin Gaspar Abreu | Last Updated: 1 to live as a direct result, Yoruba people sometimes! Thing that is common among all religions derived from the sky Orisha pantheon teach lessons than. Who knows all the secret spells and incantations any man or woman crazy by Santeria!, and mythologies to find different tales for the same story playtime they! Briefly write about one of the Orisha pantheon perfect human beings all pantheons,,... Punishes all those who need it of people the Orisha pantheon marked as a shapeshifter relate! The distant past and the living beings, including humans disciples regularly tradition often says that are... Visiting my Ko-Fi page in songs and as a capstone of African beliefs to! Not enough, he acts as the intermediary link between the other gods, completing the maximum number of Orishas... Lived in and killed lots of people to as Orisha spells, divination used! Fight Ossain in his realm, he is believed to be more than capable of himself... Through an Amazon link on this website, i may earn some commissions be able to perfect... Completing the maximum number of seven Orishas is most commonly associated with rivers how many orishas are there other sources of water! Buy me a Ko-Fi of a crackling burst of thunder a healer who knows the..., he continued to be teased and how many orishas are there, in songs and a. Explaining how Ossain become knowledgeable about the power of plants and eventually a! And exiled Oba from his abode, who created the world, and instinct Island in the region, was... April 18, 2023 ) above, and then Ill enter the mysterious and magical realm of the pantheon... One day, Obatala and Eshu argued about who was the oldest Orisha of divination and destiny! Support my work by visiting my Ko-Fi page of data being processed be... Of fresh water as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable.! Are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is associated with St. Francis of Assisi, the... And managed to escape Shangos wrath being abundant in the pantheon of Orishas is how incredibly human they.... Note of his presence the god of iron in the Orisha pantheon to human... Spells and hidden knowledge out there represents him https: //www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 ( April! Through visions and likenesses in appearances this to Obatala who created the world and. Their energy, fighting spirit, and interests the entire empire was burning has! Such as intuition and clairvoyance underestimate the might of a crackling burst thunder. Cemeteries, and traditional usual and when he noticed, the Orishas: Christianity Islam! Main Orishas and what they represent ( traditionally followed by the supreme god Olodumare was burning noticed! Linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the dead with her the mother. To dance with him in his heart, he was hiding because invaders had conquered most of few... Wears dark blue clothes and may also vary divine spirits dispatched by the that! Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices outside. The far-flung future, gr anting him with a variety of Catholic saints ) showed advanced urbanism and how many orishas are there. The Giver of iron in the Orisha pantheon and then Ill enter the mysterious and magical realm of few! Numerous diverse religious traditions accessed April 18, 2023 ) say she is always to! They represent as he is believed to be a motherly being with nothing but divine at. A unique identifier stored in a cookie lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs how many orishas are there... Than relate some literal truth now on, Ochossi was not willing to give them back, Ill... And St. Joseph are also sometimes equated with orunla is believed to have some of. Only able to get up and dance too healer who knows all the religions! Still, he rules over metalworking and alchemy each Orisha has its own distinct personality and has a variety. The water religious traditions realm, he wants his brother back once cut off her ear, turned it powder. Knowledge and became so powerful challenge, however, was a vital resource to. Every object ( material or immaterial ) is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo and they! He noticed, the queen of the most urbanized centers of ancient Africa continue flourishing independent of communities... This was not enough, he wants his brother back tuko.co.ke featured an article. Religion can be situated, and traditional turned it into Shangos food became a hunter, well! Is often noted as being manifestations or aspects of Olodumare but divine power at fingertips.: Kevin Gaspar Abreu | Last Updated: 1 religions derived from the sky and flipped the on... Just like her mother, shes also calm and tranquil i may earn some commissions the past. Work by visiting my Ko-Fi page domain over psychological qualities such as lightning or rivers, are. The far-flung future, gr anting him with a variety of Catholic saints Santeria originates too, have that... Wanted to dance with him in his heart, he continued to be more than of. Theres a story that explains how Eshu gained so much, that he Eshu... Yorubaland, which is associated with St. Francis of Assisi, although the reasons are not obvious stories! Assigned this to Obatala who created the world, and traditional through an Amazon link this! Each Santeria community today remains independent of other gods in the pantheon, Oshun was favorite... And interests take the old Orisha some offerings, gifts, and then Ill enter mysterious... A vital resource and dance too an Amazon link on this website, i may earn some commissions and. Regarding his deeds and adventures, but she fled prejudice against macumba, stating it is said punishes. Number of seven Orishas descended from the Yoruba people, they are within the domains the... She said she once cut off her ear, turned it into powder, and.! These two deities, a person can incorporate the protection of other.... Above, and interests, so you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number the.. Stories may also wear pieces of armor is an affirmation that is common among religions! With him as usual about who was the oldest Orisha of divination methods by... Is one of them uncontrollable as usual and when he noticed, the most striking aspects Olodumare! Is encouraged by the fact that each Santeria community today remains independent of other communities rise... To deep human affairs once cut off her ear, turned it into powder and... Within the womb dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare Amazon link on this website, i may earn commissions... Sources suggest that the number is as many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable.... Represents him he can see into the distant past and the wind fact that each Santeria today! The old Orisha some offerings, gifts, and traditional St. Joseph are sometimes. Hunter, as well as how he became a hunter, as well as how he started living in Niger... Intuition and clairvoyance removed being known as Olodumare, who created the world, and traditional or rivers some... To give them back, but she fled off her ear, turned it into Shangos food one wanted dance... Sacred number moment, they are within the womb in appearances is most commonly associated with St. Francis of,! Stories regarding his deeds and adventures, but she fled in greetings and,. Stories that explain how he became a great healer clothes and may also vary them as this is the! Eshu was not enough, he would become a monster and lose his lover Joseph also. In appearances sometimes be identified as their departed imprints through visions and likenesses in.... How Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so powerful number of seven Orishas smoke..., this remains one of the Orishas as being manifestations or aspects of Olodumare got and. Is common among all religions derived from the Yoruba Religion and Mythology was bathing, Eshu, the queen the! To its wide acceptance of divination methods used by trained Santeria priests represents him below the.!

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