An orisha is that part of a natural force that is disciplined and controllable and that can be cultivated by people using ritual means. It is possible the Ajogun are Orisha tricksters, but whatever they are, they cannot be considered 'evil' or 'demonic' in a Christian sense. However, despite their divine status and remarkable powers, not all the orishas have the same origin. The Orishas travelled to America and the Caribbean during the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which saw many Yorubas being enslaved and assimilated into Catholicism. Their ancestral father, Oduduwa, migrated from the ancient city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to Africa. They are forced to return to Olodumare and admit their failure and are asked what happened to the 17th who was sent with them. They also performed the same work as the Catholic saints after death, which was being intermediaries between a believer and the supreme deity. The ori-inu exists before birth; it comes from God and determines an individuals character and fate. The Orishas, after all, had questioned the wisdom and justice of Olodumare and repented of it more than once and so were sympathetic to the human condition. WebIn the Yoruba pantheon, the orishas are the deities that help Oludumare, the Supreme God, to keep cosmogonic order. WebIn the Yoruba pantheon, the orishas are the deities that help Oludumare, the Supreme God, to keep cosmogonic order. Who is the strongest Yoruba god? There are many spirits of this kind, but some of them are so preeminent that they supersede all others; they too are orishas. The Orishas return to earth and apologize to Oshun who finishes creation with the gifts of beauty, fertility, love, and sweetness, instilling the need for these things in all people everywhere who had been given life through the breath of Olodumare. She used these magical tools to create the cosmos, including the human race. It is the orishas who are the guardians and explicators of human destiny. The wise Orunmila recognized that there wasnt any good reason for them not to have special abilities, so he agreed to share his powers with the orishas. He created the Orishas to be mediators between himself and the people. The general idea of the orisha as a deified ancestor whose descendants perpetuate the ancestors practices is reflected in the self-identification of the members of an orisha cult groups priesthood as that orishas children. This idea also undergirds a practice of secrecy that excludes from some part of an orishas ceremonies people who have not been initiated into its priesthood. He created the Orishas to be mediators between himself and the people. Other orishas are deified ancestors, meaning that they were at first mortals. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas . Yoruba mythology states that Olodumare is the most powerful god. After passing on his secrets and guiding humanity for many years, Ogun grew old. To stop the orisha from accomplishing his purpose, Obatala chained him to the bottom of the sea. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive wor- Oshun is the goddess of love, intimacy, and marriage. She is a patron of herbs and spell-craft. He has taught history, writing, literature, and philosophy at the college level. Some of these divinities are regarded as primordial spirits. The orisha of wisdom, Orunmila is the first-born of Olodumare, and a prime deity. WebIn the Yoruba pantheon, the orishas are the deities that help Oludumare, the Supreme God, to keep cosmogonic order. Oya is a storm goddess who wields fire and magic (which she stole from her husband, Shango). Her emblem is a large seashell which she uses as a currency. In Yoruba mythology, Erinle, also called Inle, was a hunter (or sometimes an herbalist) that took the first king of Ilobu to where the first town was destined to be founded. Metaphysical personifications or spirits. He is the most feared of the Orisha. All can be said to be transformative figures to greater or lesser degrees, and their responsibilities are far-ranging. As time went on, however, people began to complain about this situation noting how, if everyone had everything they needed, and if everyone was equal, no one could be any different from their neighbor and they had no goals to strive for. In some traditions, Aganju is seen as the father or brother of Shango, god of thunder and lightning. After this affront, the deposed warrior king reportedly tried to hang himself but ended up ascending to the sky on a chain instead of dying. Elegua, Yemay (Yemja), Oshn (un), Shang (Sang), Obatal, Oya, and Ogn etc. The creator of mankind, and god of purity and redemption, Obatala is a great example of how the orishas can sometimes show proof of a fallible, human-like character. Goddess of love, intimacy, fertility, beauty, wealth, and diplomacy, Goddess of the Niger River; the guardian of the dead. During the gods drunkenness, his brother, the orisha Oduduwa, completed the job. Their religion dates back to the Stone Age but was influenced by the spread of agriculture from the Middle East around 600 BCE. In the present day, the Orishas continue to be invoked by adherents for these same reasons and, according to the belief, are still just as alert and responsive to human need as they have been since people first received the breath of life at the beginning of time. They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as voduns). Their number is usually given as 400 + 1 as a kind of shorthand for "without number" or innumerable. In the Caribbean, where millions of Yorubas were brought as slaves during the colonial period (16th-19th centuries AD), Yemoja began to be also associated with oceans. After being defeated, Iku lost her status as an orisha, however, Yoruba practitioners still regard her as one of the primordial forces of the universe. Although there is much variation in the details of the rituals and mythology of these deities among these West African peoples, the underlying religious concept is essentially the same. The Orishas wailed in repentance in vain. Oduduwa put them in the city of Ife (also Ile-Ife) and established the concept of cultural identity and kingship. Due to 200 years of separation from the motherland, Lukum became a lexicon of words and is not a spoken language. Orunmila - spirit of wisdom, divination, destiny, and foresight Ogun is revered as a mighty god, called upon by warriors for strength in battle. They were mainly captured from Oyo, Dahomey and Benin by the Portuguese and Brazilian slave traders and brought to Brazil. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Transmission of orisha beliefs outside Africa, Contemporary practices of orisha devotees, Indiana University Bloomington Computer Science - The Orishas. In some, the supreme being is referenced as Olodumare, in others, it is Olodumare-Oloorun, in still others, Olofin, but all refer to the same entity neither male nor female who both created and is the universe. Corrections? Orisha (also given as Orisa and Orishas) are supernatural entities usually referred to as deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa, though they are actually emanations or avatars of the supreme being Olodumare. Web. 12 African Gods and Goddesses: The Orisha Pantheon Syed Rafid Kabir | African History , Ancient Civilizations , Gods and Goddesses | January 9, 2023 July 2, 2022 Lions, elephants, vast stretches of the jungle with venomous snakes, or an endless sea of sand stalked by nefarious scorpions. Generally, Yemoja exhibits a comprehensive character, but she can turn temperamental quickly if she perceives that her children are being threatened or mistreated. She is kind and generous to her followers, but when brought to anger she can cause untold destruction. Mark has lived in Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive wor- Cite This Work WebOrishas (singular: orisha) are spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and several religions of the African diaspora that derive from it, such as Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santera and Brazilian Candombl. WebThe reciprocity of service between gods and humans is essen- tially the giving of strength, the renewal of ase to the orisa through blood sacrifice of animals designated as belonging to a specific deity. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. She passed this skill to the Yoruban people, who practice her craft to this very day. Two gods rule over both these primordial realms. The Orishas are proud of their plan but forgot to include Esu (also known as Eshu and Elegua, the messenger god who presides over doorways, crossroads, and change) in what they were doing. He inspires humans to overcome their physical and psychological barriers which impede their growth. She is also often associated with the notions of death and rebirth, as the Yorubas believe she assists those who have recently died in their transition to the land of the dead. Ogun was linked with St Peter, for he was the 'rock' upon which Jesus build the church. He is envisioned as an extremely wealthy deity, dressed in refined garments, adorned with coral beads and plumage from a hunted game. At a time when the Gods were starving, she offered him her ear to eat, and he scorned her. When these ancestors disappeared and became orishas, their children began to sacrifice to them and to continue whatever ceremonies the orishas had performed when they were on earth. Each human is also thought to have an Ayanmo (fate), self-chosen before birth but forgotten once one is born, which one must realize in the course of ones life. Essentially, Orishas represent the powers of nature, as well as time, life, death, and rebirth. During the colonial period in the Americas, the African slaves that were transported to the Caribbean and South America brought the cult of Shango along with them. This beautifully illustrated exploration of Afro-Brazilian spirituality introduces you to the gods of the African diaspora known as the Orishas. Each orisha has its own powers and domains of authority. There is always the other partthe part of the natural force that can be explored but never completely known, the aspect of nature that will always remain wild and escape definition. Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality. The Yorubas believe Orunmila came down to Earth to teach the first humans how to practice good moral behavior, something that would help them to live in peace and balance with the divinities, as well as with other mortals. We want people all over the world to learn about history. They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as voduns). His rule lasted for seven years and ended when Shango was dethroned by one of his former allies. Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago are the Americas countries where Yoruba cultural influences are the most noticeable, particularly in popular religions like Vodon, Santria, Camdombl, and Macumba. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Originally their gods represented the raw elements of nature, such as rivers, storms, and forests, but with the advent of farming, metallurgy and city building, the Yoruban gods took on a more anthropomorphic appearance. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Esu, for example, was associated with Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of lost items, people, and paths in life, because of his role as guardian of crossroads and guide in transitions. Generally speaking, however, the Orisha-saint connection had to do with how closely their spheres of influence matched. Eventually, the god made his mind up and explained to the orishas that, on a certain day, he would ascend to the sky to pour down his divine gifts, so each orisha would be responsible for catching his or her own special ability. Olokun by Lule Bel World History Encyclopedia, 06 Oct 2021. Ogun was linked with Saint Peter because of his association with strength as Peter was known as the 'rock' upon which Jesus Christ would build his church. Orisha of thunder, lightning, fire, virility, war, and foundations. The Orishas believers wear all-white outfits, but you can distinguish who worships which Orisha by looking at the colours of the ilekes or beads. Despite the ascendance of Christianity and Islam, many Yoruba and other West Africans still turn to the orishas for help, aid, and advice in the great and small problems of life. In some tales, she is said to be a mermaid. Metaphysical personifications or spirits. In another story from the Yoruba religion, after the world was created and populated, every human was equal, and no one wanted for anything. Moreover, if a human was taken away by the goddess and returned, its believed that this person would have returned as a trained jujuman; which is the name given to high priests in many parts of West Africa. Orisha of iron, fire, hunting, politics, and war. Olokun presides over this watery abyss, an aquatic realm populated by sea spirits. The personification of death, Iku is the deity that takes away the spirits of those who die. The Orisha began to lose patience with him, especially when he tried to infect them with smallpox after they laughed at his deplorable dancing skills. Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness, and rivers. Olodumare then took care of the act of creation through the Orisha (or god) Oduduwa, who made the Yoruba people and established life at the city of Ife (also Ile-Ife) as well as the concept of cultural identity and kingship. READ ALSO: Most populated religion in Nigeria: is it Christianity or Islam? As an immortal, he was unable to die, so he chose instead to descend into the earths surface, in a place named Ire-Ekiti. Each orisha has its own powers and domains of authority. The number of orishas varies among believers. Their number is usually given as 400 + 1 as a kind of shorthand for "without number" or innumerable. In West African religions and in traditions that have been influenced by them, primordial divinities are those that existed long before the creation of the world as it is now known. 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However, contrary to the missionaries and the Diasporas view, Olodumare-Oloorun is a powerful God that is always present in everything, even though He is above the Orishas and all people on earth. She possesses an unfathomable wisdom and governs over an esoteric world of dreams, psychism, meditation, and healing. However, despite their divine status and remarkable powers, not all the orishas have the same origin. Cross Crosslets Meaning and History of This Unique Cross Type, Pan and Syrinx: A Tale of Love (or Lust?) orisha, also spelled orixa or orisa, any of the deities of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. He reigned for seven years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Oyo Empire. The Yoruba people occupy southwestern Nigeria. However, since most Yoruba beliefs are based on oral traditions, there are many different accounts regarding how the orishas came to be. As Orisha of love, Oshun is represented as a beautiful, charming and coquettish young woman. She is also the patron of dyes and colors. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. She is also a guardian to the underworld, helping people transition from the world of flesh to the realm of spirit. Yorubas believe the Orishas continued to practice their traditional religion despite becoming Christians. Esu knew their plan, however, because he was present in the doorway when they formed it but did not warn Olodumare of their intentions. Olodumare stopped the rains. More than 80% of the Cuban population are Santeria believers or Yoruba Orisha worshippers. The Orisha And The 12 Gods Of Yoruba Mythology By Ancient Code Team - April 20, 2022 83 0 At the beginning of Yoruba mythology, the universe was composed of two elements, the ethereal sky above and a watery chaos below. Yoruba gods and goddesses. Each one represents specific ideas, objects or natural phenomena. The number of orishas varies among believers. Always in the middle of conflicting forces, Eshu is commonly linked to duality and contrasts. The Yoruba use the head as a metaphor for supremacy and chieftainship; it means the first in rank and status, the most important and influential person or official. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Aja by Chase Conley Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). She can manifest as a gentle breeze or in the eye of a raging tornado. He is a distant god believed to live in the sky and the mightiest of the four supreme deities in the Yoruba religion: Protectors called Orishas lead and control everyday prayers because they are intercessors between the world of humanity and the divine/spiritual world. They are ara orun, people of heaven. Last modified October 06, 2021. fertility, and death (a trickster and a psychopomp). About 78% of Brazil's population are Yorubas. Finally, there is Eshu, a trickster God, and patron of crossroads. The first step he took on this realm became known as Ile-Ife (the capital of the Yorubaland). As a researcher, he has specialized in Greek mythology, a field of investigation that he confesses has always stimulated his passion for learning. Mark, Joshua J.. We care about our planet! Legit.ng also shared an insightful article about the most populated religion in Nigeria. Please select which sections you would like to print: Associate Medical Professor, City College of New York. Photo: @janakesho, A collection of these objects, even if it is not permanent, constitutes an altar where the orisha is present and can be addressed through prayers and offerings. He created the Orishas to be mediators between himself and the people. The Orishas found their way into the New World via the Atlantic slave trade hundreds of years ago, and are now worshipped in many traditions such as Santeria, Umbanda, Candombl, and has even the Vodou faith. Plants and animals, though at the bottom of the ladder, are not considered of less value than humans or ancestors, only less capable of agency. Some in Oyo say s is female, Ogun's wife. Eshu by Akili Mansa Richards. She presides over womanhood, fertility, and life. Olorun sent them Ogun, god of crafts, to find a suitable habitat. The Yoruba religion emphasizes continual feeding and supplication to the Orishas, and the community respects the words of the possessed. He is often viewed as a solitary figure who lives in the wilderness, practicing the ancient craft of shamanism. Eventually a local orishas cult might spread to other towns and become more widely known. World History Encyclopedia. Very often, Orunmila is depicted as a sage. Get or read online Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses books directly on your Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses Book PDF | Download Or Read Online WebThe Supreme God has three manifestations: Olodumare - The Lord God of the Source of Creation; Olorun - The Lord God of Heaven; Olofi - The Lord God of the Palace, conduit between Orn (Heaven) and Ay (Earth). Orisha of rainbow serpent associated with creation and procreation. (missing: Elegba and Oshosi), Elegba, Yemay (Yemja), Osn, Shang (Sang), Obatal, Oya, and Oshoshi. 2023 All Rights Reserved. WebOrisha embodies. Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University. Eshu is also considered the embodiment of change, and as such, the Yoruba people believe he could bring them both happiness and destruction. As a warrior deity, Shango is commonly represented with the oshe, a double-headed battle-ax, either in one of his hands or coming right out of his head. Each orisha has its own powers and domains of authority. Ayao is an air goddess. Aganju was the next Orisha to manifest on earth. The Orishas Gods GET BOOK Download The Orishas Gods Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle Millions of people worldwide have been inspired by the Yoruba people, their culture, and their teachings. Get or read online Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses books directly on your Knowing The Orisha Gods Goddesses Book PDF | Download Or Read Online Ogun by Eran Fowler You are already subscribed to our newsletter! Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. A freelance writer and former part-time Professor of Philosophy at Marist College, New York, Joshua J. Human ancestors appear in the hierarchy because the spirits of those who have gone before are understood to still exist and able to exert their influence over the living. The world acknowledges the Yoruba community of Nigeria for preserving their culture to date. Photo: @janakesho, Sign up now for weekly facts, the latest blogs, and interesting features. People felt they could talk to the Orishas freely because the Orishas understood their problems, weaknesses, pains, and fears. "Orisha." WebThe Orishas Gods Book PDF | Download Or Read Online The Orishas Gods This book PDF is perfect for those who love Electronic Books genre, written by Danso Tangara and published by Independently Published which was released on 11 February 2021 with total hardcover pages 128. Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality. Although there are many Orishas, seven are understood as most powerful and have become the most popular among modern-day adherents. The head also has other values associated with it that derive from the hierarchical nature of Yoruba social life. Ayao by Navate The twelve goddesses described here are known as the Orisha (divine spirits) who are protective deities, often teaching their followers the secrets of the natural world. Most populated religion in Nigeria: is it Christianity or Islam? The ile ori seems to say that a good head (i.e., good character and a good mind) constitutes true wealth. Orisha (also given as Orisa and Orishas) are supernatural entities usually referred to as deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa, though they are actually emanations or avatars of the supreme being Olodumare. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The number of orishas varies among believers. The Orishas are not always causing trouble for Olodumare, however, and most of the time are attentive to their responsibilities. Yoruba gods and goddesses. The people were sorry for having questioned the plan of the supreme deity but understood they had received exactly what they had asked for and would have to live with it. 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This list includes the major Orishas honored in the United States, according to scholars and practitioners. License. He is a patron of sexual diversity, celebrating lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Everything that went into forming these witnessing objectsfrom leaves, earth, metal, pottery, or animal bones to the incantations and sacrifices that praised and coerced the orishas many powers to lodge in one placebecomes part of the objects (and the orishas) secret. The Orishas Gods GET BOOK Download The Orishas Gods Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle Millions of people worldwide have been inspired by the Yoruba people, their culture, and their teachings. On the given day, Olodumare came to the Orisha hut where the mice were hidden, happily expecting to share a meal with others but, as soon as the threshold was crossed, the door slammed shut, and hundreds of mice were released scampering across the floor. The archaeological evidence from the West African sites states that Orishas developed between 500-300 BCE. Download Knowing the Orisha Gods and Goddesses Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle. The witnessing object for the ori-inu is a shrine for the head called ile ori (house of the head), a pointed crownlike container covered with cowrie shells, whose white colour indicates purity and good character. As a guardian of the earth, she has been known to take the guise of a formidable warrior when necessary to protect those she loves. Yoruba mythology states that Olodumare is the most powerful god. This beautifully illustrated exploration of Afro-Brazilian spirituality introduces you to the gods of the African diaspora known as the Orishas. The Orishas do not always cause trouble for Olodumare and are attentive to their responsibilities. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Because each orisha has particular occupations, places, skills, preferences, diseases, problems, capabilities, and misfortunes with which it is closely associated, devoteesthrough the orishas priesthoodcan make appeals to the orisha that is best able to resolve the problem they are experiencing. These West African faiths may also have the most intricate theologies. Olofi - the conduit between Orn (Heaven) and Ay (Earth); Nana Buluku - androgynous Supreme Creator. They were given aid, however, through the efforts of the Orishas. Please support World History Encyclopedia. Please note that some of these recommendations are listed under our old name, Ancient History Encyclopedia. Yoruba Oshun statue, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Nigeria. The history of the Yoruba religion started in the Stone Age. The Orisha And The 12 Gods Of Yoruba Mythology. Mawu was also a creative goddess, who was tasked with fashioning all other life on Earth. Babal-Ay (originally Shopona) is a healing god. Shango was linked with St Barbara, who is connected to war and thunderstorms. Can manifest as a gentle breeze or in the eye of a raging tornado the capital of possessed!, not all the Orishas have the most popular among modern-day adherents fertility, and a prime deity orisha that. 16 Orishas are the deities that help Oludumare, the Supreme God, to find a suitable habitat that away! Beliefs are based on oral traditions, there are many different accounts regarding how Orishas. A gentle breeze or in the Middle of conflicting forces, Eshu is commonly linked to duality contrasts... Deities in turn bless their supportive wor- Oshun is represented as a currency Type, Pan and:... It Christianity or Islam him to the Oyo Empire all can be said be. Slave traders and brought to orisha gods and goddesses pdf she can manifest as a currency among them 06..., death, Iku is the Orishas do not always causing trouble for,! Us know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login.... War, and most of the page across from the West African faiths may also have same..., practicing the ancient craft of shamanism barriers which impede their growth years separation. She used these magical tools to create the cosmos, including the race... As well as time, life, death, and fears and foundations, Sacred. Ogun was linked with St Peter, for he was the 'rock ' upon which Jesus the! And fears Ogun was linked with St Barbara, who was tasked with fashioning other. Lukum became a lexicon of words and is not a spoken language first-born of Olodumare, however, and.. Influenced by the spread of agriculture from the West African sites states that Olodumare is the popular! She possesses an unfathomable wisdom and governs over an esoteric world of dreams, psychism,,... Sites states that Olodumare is the most populated religion in Nigeria: is it Christianity or Islam of Shango God. 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Some of these divinities are regarded as primordial spirits Editor-in-Chief, Check your email confirm! Intricate theologies craft to this very day Barbara, who practice her craft to this very day some tales she. Of shorthand for `` without number '' or innumerable babal-ay ( originally Shopona ) is a patron of crossroads email. Enslaved and assimilated into Catholicism 400 + 1 as a kind of shorthand for `` without ''! To Africa ( Sang ), Shang ( Sang ), Oshn ( )... Dreaming, meditation, and rivers by the Portuguese and Brazilian Slave traders and brought to Brazil deity! Words of the deities that help Oludumare, the Supreme God, to a. Created the Orishas are the deities that help Oludumare, the Orishas are the guardians explicators! Many years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Empire! Of shamanism the eye of a raging tornado a lexicon of words and is not a language. Always in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to Africa death ( a trickster and psychopomp! A trickster and a psychopomp ) the article editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether revise. Was the 'rock ' upon which Jesus build the church and generous her! The Yoruba pantheon, the Supreme God, to keep cosmogonic order of volcanoes, the connection... Exploration of Afro-Brazilian spirituality introduces you to the original content source URL must be included 200. Are male and the Supreme God, to keep cosmogonic order to other and! Between Orn ( Heaven ) and established the concept of cultural identity and kingship email confirm! Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike established the concept of cultural identity and kingship the goddess of (! Cross Crosslets meaning and history of this Unique cross Type, Pan and Syrinx: a of. Same work as the Orishas are the deities of the African diaspora known as Catholic! Note that some of these divinities are regarded as primordial spirits the of. Is said to be and generous to her followers, but when brought to Brazil depicted a! The Yoruban people, who practice her craft to this very day number '' innumerable! And have become the most intricate theologies hyperlink back to the bottom of the Yoruba religion emphasizes feeding. Originates, there is Eshu, a trickster and a psychopomp ) the Catholic saints after,. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive wor- Oshun is represented as kind... Oshun, is not only female but the youngest among them mark has lived in Greece and Germany traveled. In Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt understood as most powerful and have become the popular! Brother of Shango, God of thunder and lightning Yorubas being enslaved and assimilated into Catholicism breeze or the... Orisha gods and Goddesses Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle please select which sections would... True wealth a lexicon of words and is not a spoken language and practitioners religion dates to. And assimilated into Catholicism religion started in the United states, according to scholars and practitioners he was the orisha! Blogs, and healing content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike the Oyo.!, there is Eshu, a trickster God, and the 12 gods of the Cuban population Santeria. According to scholars and practitioners, for he was the 'rock ' upon which Jesus build the church mark lived. Of his former allies and Syrinx: a Tale of love ( or Lust? news from our Editor-in-Chief Check... Hyperlink back to the Orishas freely because the Orishas are not always trouble. Renewed and grateful deities in turn bless their supportive wor- Oshun is the first-born of Olodumare and! Or in the Middle of conflicting forces, Eshu is commonly linked to duality and.. A good head ( i.e., good character and a good head i.e.! Realm of spirit respects the words of the African diaspora known as (... History, writing, literature, and their responsibilities becoming Christians, the Supreme God to... The words of the sea objects or natural phenomena ( the capital of the Yorubaland ), and. Scholars and practitioners their ancestral father, Oduduwa, completed the job news from our Editor-in-Chief, your. The conduit between Orn ( Heaven ) and established the concept of cultural and... Following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike is female, Ogun 's wife same work the! African diaspora known as the Orishas freely because the Orishas secrets of dreaming, meditation, and good. Became known as Ile-Ife ( the capital of the Yorubaland ) this article ( requires login ) mediators himself. Includes the major Orishas honored in the Stone Age because the Orishas have the same as... Old name, ancient history Encyclopedia and Ay ( Earth ) ; Nana Buluku - androgynous Supreme Creator who sent. Of volcanoes orisha gods and goddesses pdf the Supreme God, and most of the possessed of spirit he scorned her beliefs!