ARTWORK: When the pilgrims who traveled to this land entered in conflict with the native beasts that lived on it, the Originators, the heroes that rose among the humans were ascended to gods on faith. 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. The two animals started to spread the earth, covering a large area. Essentially, Orishas represent the powers of nature, as well as time, life, death, and rebirth. Oya married Shango and lived with him in his palace in Oyo. one who has knowledge without wisdom is merely a danger to themselves 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. The Alaafin was the head of one of the largest Yoruba states. She took the less ferocious form of a domestic cat in the first millennium BCE. His son Horus successfully fought against Seth, avenging Osiris and becoming the new king of Egypt. evolve through the form of a fish before becoming a human baby. Essentially, Orishas represent the powers of nature, as well as time, life, death, and rebirth. Through the Table of If strong-willed orisha that loves all the pleasures of the world: dance, from draught by flying up to heaven (turning into a vulture in the predynastic and dynastic periods in ancient Egypt. He talked to Obatala and assigned him the task of creating land. She hid among rams. Priests were trained to work with multiple orishas instead of being exclusively dedicated to a single one. If you wish to support me,please use the button below and buy me a ko-fi! In this Its said there are over 400 different Orishas out there! Whenever people are sad, for example, he appears in the sky as a rainbow and reminds people that beauty is all around them. She caused strong winds that lifted Omulus clothes, revealing his appearance. Shango called Eshu, then. But not a river or an ocean. He threw his stone on Ogun and Oguns body went ablaze. This dual role was in turn combined with the Egyptian concept of divine kingship: the king at death became Osiris, god of the underworld; and the dead kings son, the living king, was identified with Horus, a god of the sky. In Africa, however, there was no such familiarity between orishas, in part because their followers were not strongly connected. She also holds a buffalo (or horse) tail in the other hand symbolizing her power to tame the forces of nature and send eguns and bad energies away. There are more than 400 Orishas out there. wife of Ogn. As a spirit of Chaos and Trickery, he frequently tempts mortals from their moral path. In this universalized form Osiriss cult spread throughout Egypt, often joining with the cults of local fertility and underworld deities. Oguns permission would not be requested to make offerings to Nana. If youre interested in the religions themselves, I suggest reading the following articles: Though differences will always occur, all the 12 main Orishas Ill present here are mainly worshiped in Umbanda and Candombl. 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. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. with quick wits, quick temper and is the epitomy of virility. In order to do so, Ossain should remove the native plants. her children by watching the rivers and streams she rules over and While he was bathing, Eshu, the trickster, appeared and saw the situation. they rule over. Osiris played a double role: he was both a god of fertility and the embodiment of the dead and resurrected king. He also symbolized death, resurrection, and the cycle of Nile floods that Egypt relied on for agricultural fertility. Obatala created the world, all the living things, and human beings. The plantation was a success! humanity. 2023 All Rights Reserved. In underworld scenes showing the judgment undergone by the deceased after their deaths, Thoth is depicted as weighing the hearts of the deceased and reporting the verdict to Osiris, the god of the dead. He was represented as a mummified king, wearing wrappings that left only the green skin of his hands and face exposed. the role of translator for Obatal with whom he has a very close Ossain used to perform them all and during one of them, he entered the forest. Today, we refer to these areas as Yorubaland. Olorun who created the universe, it is Obatal who is the Even though he has this nice aspect, Ogun is mainly regarded as an impulsive man who uses violence to get what he wants thats why hes also associated with war! Shango learned how to control the fire and started using it to protect the ones who needed it. She became Oya Ibale, the queen of the dead. Just like her mother, shes also calm and tranquil. He did so and the king offered him lots of riches. He also symbolized death, resurrection, and the cycle of Nile floods that Egypt relied on for agricultural fertility. It says that he initially had nothing. they are about to do. Oy on Earth for a time. Orunmila's relationship with Osayn (the secrets of the plant Orisha Oya, also commonly known as Ians, is the Orisha of storms, thunder, and strong winds. Anubis was concerned with funerary practices and the care of the dead. And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. Before we can get to know each Orisha and their energies, we must understand their roots in the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. However, hes known for being vengeful and aggressive, mainly against women. themselves and are recognised through their different numbers and Kokou by Assasin Monkey Orisha Oshun wears golden yellow dresses. The first step he took on this realm became known as Ile-Ife (the capital of the Yorubaland). He could see the entire empire from there. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia entries about the topics. Oshosi is the third member of the group known as the Guerreros or An interesting piece of data that will illustrate how Orishas are present in these religions and also in others through syncretism: in Brazil, around 3.2% of the population follow the so-called other religions. He has a warrior side Orunmila is the orisha of wisdom and divination. Theres another story that tells how Oya became the queen of the dead, being responsible for sending eguns (souls of the dead) to the otherworld. He tried to create humans from air (his element), from wood, and from many other types of material, but he was not successful. complex, but no more so than any other living being such as you or I. She also had an important funerary aspect, being known as the lady of the west. (Tombs were generally built on the west bank of the Nile.) Among these religions we can highlight three, which are the biggest ones: These religions differ from each other, but their beliefs comprise the Orisha energy and presence. One day, Obatala was so busy that he asked Eshu to guard his house and prevent people from entering to offer him gifts. Firstly because of the eb she prepared to become a mother. However, a deal was made. Theres a story that explains how Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so powerful. Ogun, as a blacksmith and Orisha of wars, went well prepared for the fight. The purpose of this site is to share knowledge about the Goddess and mythologies in different parts of the world. In this role, it is not surprising that he has a very close And,in her Babal-Ay (originally Shopona) is a healing god. Ogun becomes aware of the situation. The orishas are equated with a variety of Catholic saints. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas. Elegba (also referred to Eleggua or Eleggu) is the owner of the ALA baniase: He who gives fourth and takes This name given for his great powers. He then shouted: Is the king a king even when he wears no clothes?. On this page, Ill present you all you need to know about Orishas and how to understand them in and out from their original context the Yoruba Religion. Yoruba mythology involves the presence of the supreme being and other more minor "gods" or "spirits" known as orishas (which are both male and female). Creation stories are found throughout the world. relationship with the orisha of divination, Orunmila. Second, they protected her from Shangos fury when she tried the magic powder made by Eshu to Sango (I wrote about it above, in Sangos section). Amaunet - The Ogdoad Goddess of the North wind, this carried the rain, she was the female form of the originally androgynous God Amun. The orishas are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. In the New World, Africans from many city-states were thrown together into common slavery. The god Seth was considered the murderer of Osiris and adversary of Horus. One day he reached Obatalas house. Osiris festivals symbolically reenacting the gods fate were celebrated annually in various towns throughout ancient Egypt. Orunmila is wisdom and Ogn out of the forests using her feminine wiles. Smart! Only Obatala knew how to use it because he was taught by Orunmila, the one responsible for divination, advice, and general knowledge. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He didnt need them. One day she asked a Babalawo for some advice and she was told she would have children if he made an eb (food offering) with lamb. https://www.britannica.com/list/11-egyptian-gods-and-goddesses, largest and most complex pantheons of gods. Theres a story explaining how she became so powerful and able to wield weapons and magic. (Sincerely, I would have done the same!). most often approach to aid us in money matters. Her element is fire and she wears red clothes. way Yemay displays herself as truly the mother of all. According to the form of the myth reported by the Greek author Plutarch, Osiris was slain or drowned by Seth, who tore the corpse into 14 pieces and flung them over Egypt. Everything consists of songs, stories, and practices. Umbanda, Candombl, Islam, Buddhism, and others belong to this group. He stood up using his walking stick and touched each one with it. As you They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Ogn that clears the roads with his machete. Regarding his trickster nature, Eshu is known for playing tricks, deceiving, and even helping those who ask him for help in doing some inappropriate things. Ochossi is intuitive and emotional. His youngest son, Obatala, asked if he could create a new realm made of earth. Ogun created many things that helped mankind to flourish. Though a specific number can't be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is an exciting notion around it. the cemetery. Anubis. way they have always received them, so that they will recognise our These macumbas can be done with the energies of the Orishas too, though this is not a requirement. Agemo - the chameleon servant of the supreme god Olorun. In the Middle Kingdom (1938c. This way, Eshu not only became knowledgeable but also rich and prosperous. No life existed in this water, though. Thanks! So we can say West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Benin, and Togo form the place where Yoruba is located. Ochossi learns it quickly from his brother and becomes a great hunter! And also, everyone who visited Obatala should pay tributes to Eshu when leaving. Because the festivals took place in the open, public participation was permitted, and by the early 2nd millennium bce it had become fashionable to be buried along the processional road at Abydos or to erect a cenotaph there as a representative of the dead. In his early days, he was very hostile, inflicting disease upon those who transgressed him. He is renowned for his skills in witchcraft and is a good friend to the nature spirits of Africa. This was not enough, he continued to be teased and provoked. According to the form of the myth reported by the Greek author Plutarch, Osiris was slain or drowned by Seth, who tore the corpse into 14 pieces and flung them over Egypt. Crash Course is on Patreon! 11. Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa. She usually holds a mirror in one hand. numbers four and six. Yemay lives and rules over the seas and lakes. https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed March 5, 2023). The stone was actually a thunderstone known as edum ar. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Orisana : the great orisha OBA ba. In the Old Kingdom (c. 25752130 BCE), before Osiris rose to prominence as the lord of the underworld, Anubis was considered the principal god of the dead. Today the massive temple complex devoted to Amon-Re at Karnak is one of the most visited monuments in Egypt. Each orisha has its own distinct personality and has a wide variety of strengths, weaknesses, and interests. She carries an Ibiri in her hand, which is a tool capable of warding off evil spirits. He is the owner of all While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. His element is water. An Orisha is a God or a Goddess from the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. According to the myth, Osiris was a king of Egypt who was murdered and dismembered by his brother Seth. Of course, he drinks it! Orisha Yemaya, also known as Yemanja or Janaina, is one of the most popular Orisha of all. The next step was the creation of all life. Identity. He is married to Obba but has relations The answers are given according to the way the shells fall on the surface. The heaven realm is the domain of Olorun, a sun god. Obatala knocked Eshu down three times and Eshu got back on his feet after all of them. Also observe how the As a prize, he took Eshus gourd for him. Osiris festivals symbolically reenacting the gods fate were celebrated annually in various towns throughout Egypt. If means something like the large abode and it was the first land created by Obatala, the Creator Orisha. Historically, If (aka Ile-Ife) showed advanced urbanism and is one of the most urbanized centers of ancient Africa. The idea was to create a space where all of them could go not only to play but also to walk and do other things. Osiris and Horus were thus father and son. Eshu is intrusive and sometimes aggressive. Oshumare met Eshu, the trickster Orisha. We are also blessed from time to time in the religion with the process). This fight was mainly a physical fight, no magic was involved. So she used her beauty and seduced many men to acquire their most treasured abilities. So if you find here something different from what you were taught as a practitioner, simply write me, so I can add a note stating this difference. 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. In particular, Elegba stands at the crossroads of Rather than willfully trying to misguide them, his aim is to enrich their life experience, leading them to a spiritual maturation through their transgressions. The person salutes the Orishas and talks to them during the session. Role. they are of one heart. Corrections? He wore metal armor and he had weapons in his hands. she is the queen of witches carrying within her deep and dark secrets. the human and the divine, as he is child-like messenger between the two Finally, there is Eshu, a trickster God, and patron of crossroads. Africa isnt a single place with a single pantheon, and wed be fools to try and cover all that in an eleven minute video. the femme fatale of the orishas and once saved the world by luring Many people, including Orisha and humans, used to visit Obatalas house. These devotees often commit violent acts of self-harm to demonstrate their tolerance to pain. Orisha Oshun, also known as Osun, is the Orisha of Rivers and Love. Once possessed by his spirit, the devotee experiences a frenzied blood-lust. He ran off with the clothes and left Obatala naked. white which is often accented with red, purple and other colors to They were originally divine spirits who incarnated as earthly human-like beings and became heroes of their people. One day, Orung waited for his father to be absent and raped Yemaya. Shes also the wife of Obatala, the Creator. A priest could only be dedicated to that single orisha of the city, and that orisha was honored above all others. On his head was the atef-crown, composed of the white crown of Upper Egypt and two ostrich feathers. He reigned for seven years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Oyo Empire. Forever. These gods, the Orisha, were Thoth, Kokou, Mujaji, Ptah, Nyami and Bast . As I mentioned above, Orishas are worshiped not only in their cradle but also in many other countries around the world. Like the volcano, Aganju is noted for his legendary strength and his ability to bring about drastic change. During the night, Shango took the mysterious red powder and climbed to the top of a mountain. I hope you could get a clearer picture of them and now youre able to familiarise yourself with these forces. Many countries in the Americas feature the Orishas in their religions. As such, the orishas came to be regarded as roughly equals as cultures mixed. Those who worship him often seek personal empowerment, in order to make themselves better leaders. There, she cried and formed the rivers that flooded the earth and created the oceans. Obatala descended from the sky and flipped the seashell on the water. name. Shango noticed she had taken the medicine and he got mad at her. In many ways, therefore, understanding an orisha is like understanding another human being. After a long travel, he went back to the forests, where he lives until today. There are stories that explain how he became a hunter, as well as how he started living in the forests. Talisman. over maternity in our lives as she is the Mother of All. orisha rules their head, must go to the river and give account of what Kokou is a warrior god, renowned for his violence and ferocity. In the end, he finds Ochossi and peacefully brings him back home. Obatala then began to build a city, but after discovering alcohol (brewed from palm leaves) he became distracted from duties. By about 2400 bce, however, Osiris clearly played a double role: he was both a god of fertility and the embodiment of the dead and resurrected king. 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. done in either world without his permission. No one wanted to dance with him as usual. All was lost. 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, Yoruba Religion and Mythology - An Introduction, 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. With time, he felt like this was a curse imposed by his mother, Nan. makes short work of a tree or a fire rage through an area, one has Olodumare is the source of ashe, which all living things must have in order to survive and succeed, including the orishas. Both in Umbanda and Candombl, as well as in other religions derived from the Yoruba, its common to call spells and magical works macumba. He is a man, he sometimes becomes a woman, and sometimes he becomes a snake. With her dance, she causes winds and shakes the iruquer, her baton with buffalo (or horse) tail capable of sending eguns away. Orisha Ochosi, also known as Oxossi or Od, is the hunter. The purpose of these stories today is to teach lessons rather than relate some literal truth. He made some oxen appear on the roofs of cattle sheds. In the forest. It says she wanted to become powerful and stronger than men. Oshn rules over the sweet waters of the world, the brooks, Olorun by Sanjana Baijnath Hes a healer who knows all the herbs and their properties, as well as how to perform spells and incantations. . Wherever he would go, his fame was already there. Thanks. Later, the sprouting grain symbolized the vital strength of Osiris. The In his fully animal form, he has a thin doglike body and a straight tail with a tuft on the end. He also taught humans agriculture. Hathor embodied motherhood and fertility, and it was believed that she protected women in childbirth. He also demanded that these seven backed yams should be planted in front of everyone. Seths appearance poses a problem for Egyptologists. Misc/Uncertain of locality Yoruba is no different. However, since Osiris, not Anubis, rules the Land of the Dead, a more accurate Greek equivalent to Anubis would be Thanatos. He threatened to kill people there until his mother intervened and offered him the crown as a way to make him stop. He is also the creator of rainbows and a rainbow can also be the personification of Oshumare. The battle started and Shango emerged victorious, against all odds. It is common in all pantheons, religions, and mythologies to find different tales for the same story. To acknowledge the Children are the Fish" to reflect the fact that her children are Article written by Simon E. Davies, Contributor to Ancient Code. Now that you have a background, we can go on. You pay nothing extra for it and you help to keep the website alive! and female paths. In later periods she was often represented as a regal-looking seated cat, sometimes wearing rings in her ears or nose. colors which are their marks, and each has their own favorite foods and As master of the deep, he has a great insight into the mysteries of nature. Some examples of his manifestations are Air, Agodo, Afonja, Obomin, and Lub. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. There is no expectation that each community would function exactly alike or understand the orishas in exactly the same way. Both continued fighting and Obatala eventually won it. The oldest known depiction of Osiris dates to about 2300 bce, but representations of him are rare before the New Kingdom (15391075 bce), when he was shown in an archaizing form as a mummy with his arms crossed on his breast, one hand holding a crook, the other a flail. witness to our destinies in the making as well. Then, he placed the five-fingered hen and the pigeon in this space covered by earth. Olodumare alone is self-sustaining, not needing ashe to be provided by another source. Angered that his sons alcoholism, Olorun sent his other son, Oduduwa, to salvage the mission. His color is In some traditions, she would welcome the setting sun every night; living people hoped to be welcomed into the afterlife in the same way. The Santeria faith teaches that every individual has a destiny from God, a destiny fulfilled with the aid and energy of the orishas.The basis of the Santeria religion is the nurture of a personal . After this, she fled to the top of a mountain, but he followed her. According to the griot spirits of the Djalia, the Orisha originated during immemorial times in the land that would become Wakanda. Ptah was the head of a triad of gods worshipped at Memphis. Most had a principle association (for example, with the sun or the underworld) and form. He is envisioned as an extremely wealthy deity, dressed in refined garments, adorned with coral beads and plumage from a hunted game. creator of the world and humanity. As the goddess of the sky, Nut engulfed the sun at night and brought it back again at the beginning of the day. This empire has mythical origins related to the last prince of the If kingdom.