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. He is closely associated with Oya (Deity of the Winds) and Egungun (Collective Ancestral Spirits). He was chained to the bottom of the ocean by Obatala with 7 chains. Area of Influence: Im not black. I feel like its a lifeline. But I disagree and believe this is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous original religion. Yemaya protects abused and neglected women and children and also travelers over the sea. And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. Ogo, as known to the Dogon people of Mali, is the ''Chaos God''. The company was so impressed at my score results that they called immediately and offered employment! Im currently on an ATR spiritual path and have an amazing Padrino; however, in order to practice our invoke the spirits of that religion I have to be initiated. Did they appear to you during meditation? Dialogue Institute. More and more people are being drawn to their pre-Christian ancestral ways. Nabu. 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 love the fact that we are getting back to what has been taking from us. From Oshun, to Isis, to Eve, to Freya, etc. Even though the guide (?) If you cant find a 7 African Powers candle, use what you have. You are the source/GOD the power flows through you, you have the ability to heal and create/manifest. Burn the incense during prayer as offering to them. The Goddess Cybele in Mythology | Who Was Cybele? Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. It also gave you a brief overview of the Yoruba and Santeria religions. 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. WebSee more ideas about gods and goddesses, african, african mythology. I am fascinated w the orishas. Being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the lifeblood of the Niger River. Free shipping. Babal Ay helps heals humans against infections and epidemics which are sometimes caused by his spirit cousin Sakpata, who is known as the plague god. Wash with their soap to start your day out right AND to cleanse any negative energy or bad magic from your aura. 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. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. I would prefer to learn it also orally so I actually know the original sound and tonation of their name. Whichever way she is depicted, she is always shown to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips. I am looking for new books on the subject. The Seven African Powers, also known as the Orishas, are spirits from the Supreme Creator in African religion. Oba, the Orisha of water and manifestation, is no exception to a story that is best linked to jealousy. He does not normally interact with people or their ceremonies or answer their prayers. No human being is immune to all diseases; however, when there is a chance to heal, it is always welcomed. I started asking the question of who am I meaning all the way back to my roots in Africa. How do I banish an attached spirit ? Anansi. While modern people look at the roar of the thunder and they dont think much of it, back in ancient times, this thunder would have been a sign that the gods wrath was coming down from the heavens, punishing the pagans that took the gods name in vain. Animism refers to the belief that everything (and yes, LITERALLY everything) possesses a spiritual quintessence. I need help on my spiritual journey, any suggestions? The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. While some are capable of being killed, many are immortal. I will research & study more before fully immersing/baptizing myself. Bumba didnt stop there though as he also vomited up the sun, the night and nine animals in total. Although Nana Buluku did not have a direct role in creation, she is referred to as the supreme goddess and represents motherhood. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. 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. 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. Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. But who exactly is Oshun? Moreover, there are different ways to invoke the Seven African Powers including dance, chanting, prayer, candles, oils, and more. The nine animals produced more species to live on Earth, and eventually, humans came into creation. 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. And I always reply I honestly dont know, I just know I believe in God and Jesus Christ. She may have also been the patron of County Cork. When you cannot find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African culture as your starting point. Perhaps he knew variety is necessary for human evolution! Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. Neffertia has 5 years of experience tutoring middle school to college-aged students in reading and essay writing, working as a writing coach, and instructing student success courses. A great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish. 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. --~Attributes and She has a master's degree in Mythological Studies. Youve Disrespected Obatala and olodumare by having Jesus . I recently lost that job as this was only a month ago. Norse goddesses are a formidable crew with powers that rival their male counterparts. Am Nigeria am have the five of orisha powerful these are:obatala,sango,ogun,osun and esu. I will gather all that was listed above to use. Goddess Xochiquetzal Mythology & Symbol | Who is Xochiquetzal? Do the two remain compatible? Your intention is what matters the most. Orunmila is a prime example of it. If you ever need a job as a Yoruba follower, you just need to pray to Aj Shaluga and they will grant you your wishes. Hello. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice. The other gods and Ogun noticed that humans needed to clear more land to build and expand. I want to truly understand not go on this journey just because. Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. WebDetails of some of the highly developed spiritual /belief systems that existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion. I dont have an answer but just want to share with you. Because of his fear of being separated from his twin sister, Ogo rebelled against his father causing himself to be muted and wander alone on the outskirts of human society. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. Orunmila, the Orisha of knowledge, omniscience, and wisdom, is the embodiment of destiny. Temi Iwalaiye Temi Iwalaiye is a lifestyle Reporter at Pulse. Hera, queen of the gods, prominently wields her scepter, while Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and sensuality, holds the just-presented wreath of victory. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. 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. As European colonizers and Christian missionaries began to inhabit Africa, cultural groups like the Bantu people migrated to other regions of Africa. That is because there are so many wondrous, crazy and fantastic stories that you can hear coming from the tribes here, stories that you wont be able to find anywhere else around the globe. However, its all the same. Ogo is represented as the ''pale fox''. It is something that adds that bit of extra tanginess to a stew of divine righteousness. The two walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight. As such, the more you look at it, the more interesting these African cultures get, as their religious beliefs are very different from ours. I was once told that I have one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a pastor. No settlement can be complete without an armory. Web[1] [2] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the dead. Write a short story retelling the myth in your own words. I have question that I hope you wont mind answering. 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. The baby doll starting moving and crawling towards me, which startled me but at the same fascinated me so much that this was even happening. Thank you for this message. An armory provides the means to defend oneself from the dangers of the outside world. Yoruba. Dialogue Institute, Dialogue Institute, 16 Sept. 2020, https://dialogueinstitute.org/afrocaribbean-and-african-religion-information/2020/9/16/yoruba . Such deities may correspond to earthly and celestial phenomena or to human values, pastimes, and institutions, including love, marriage, hunting, war, and the arts. Hello, permit me if I may, Im new to this and still learning. Since his abode was the skies, he separated them and himself from the Earth and hence controlled the world from a cosmic distance. 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. Is Yoruba the Definitive African Religion? They called to me around 96 or 97,98. If its precious to you, then just retread it, and cleanse it. WebThe ,Nyamwezi people of Tanzania in East Africa worship Mulungu as the god who created all things and who watches over the earth. The deeper connection to where I truly come from and everything they embodied and never got a chance to learn and experience. Shango directs the destination of thunder and lightning depending on what goes on in the world down below. As Christianity became an influence in Africa, many regions blended historical African deities and gods with Christian beliefs. In this lesson, several parallels have already been drawn between Yoruba and ancient Greek mythology. The old man had two young children, a boy and a girl. 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. Among the Yoruba people, Oduduwa is the creator of the Yoruba race and religion. While there is no actual official number of gods that can be found in this pantheon though, there is an interesting notion around it which states that there are 400+1 Orishas around. There are three different ways you can cite this article. What other similarities can you find between Yoruba and Greek gods? Spirit of the ancestors lives in your blood and you can invoke the presences of anyone of them, to assist you on your journey. Shango is said to be a deified ancestor who was the fourth king of the town of Oyo. Hello. I need to dispose of it PROPERLY. Ala. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of succeed. They were supposed to take care of the first men and women, but because they got distracted their brother Oduduwa decided to create the world instead for them to be safe in. The Yoruba oshira Oshun. Orunmila is known to be the Yoruban deity of wisdom and knowledge. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? Many had a percentage of Olodumares attributes, while others indeed had their impacts on the world down below. Yemaya is known as the Patron Spirit of the Ocean and the Rivers, and she is the main deity that the Yoruba people pray to when they set sail. In the Orisha pantheon, the supreme god meant existence through Olodumare, and the Yoruba storm god Shango was its bane. It is said that after the Bugandan people were terrorized by a series of attacks, their king decided to have a meeting with Mukasa, the Creator of all things, to ask him how he can defeat his enemies. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. So I follow a lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out of interest. These deities, who Both revered and feared, Obaluaye is well respected by the followers, and he is said to curse you as quickly as he can heal you. The Yoruba, Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or orishas. Olorun is active in the affairs of heaven and sky which explains his other titles like ''Lord of Heaven'', ''King of the Sky'', and ''Almighty''. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. Also known as mother of nine history mentions this name was derived due to giving birth to all 9 children as stillborn, with her being barren all her lifetime. Garbed in white, the King of Peace Obatala is a merciful Orisha dispatching purity. Source: Flickr. She is the goddess of fertility, morality, creativity and land, and she is often times seen next to Amadioha, her husband and the God of the Sky. Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. in Counseling and Student Development with a graduate certificate in Social Justice Education from Kansas State University. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. Especially among women, Oshun holds a great significance. Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. It can be found in different South American cultures as well. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. This isnt to say that she mistreats her followers, quite the contrary actually, but it is something to keep in mind if you choose to pray to her. Could anyone point me in the right direction? The oral traditions told by the griots often included powerful deities and gods, spirits, ancestors, and rulers and heroes. 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. Magec ("possesses radiance") is a God of the Sun and the light. She loves to write - about anything and everything. A relatively common theme integrated into the Yoruba religion is Animism. Dont venerate Oya and Yemaya in the same area, they dont get along! copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. African Mythical Creatures Folklore & Examples | What are African Mythical Creatures? Can a deceased sibling still be spoken with if you put up a alter for them in the form of an ancestor?? i think the groups are fun to follow it gives you a little bit of insight and i feel like some people in the group will help with some questions. I feel them with me daily !!! When the Seven are brought together in invocation and prayer, they will do amazing things for their people. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. 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. This was so affirming for me personally and spiritually. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. As I grow older Im wanting more and more info even joined groups on fb but afraid to say anything because everyone who most talk in the groups are practicing already and I dont understand some of their post. All of which will be detailed below. How long have you been live this life style???? What do you advice I do about the statue? She is known for healing the sick with ease, fostering prosperity and better yet, for making infertile couples fertile. Ultimately, its up to you what you believe about the Seven African Powers. He is the benevolent version of Loki in African mythology and a wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness. 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. She uses her abilities to 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. When Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle river enveloping you. Oba is the Yoruba goddess of the river. 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. It should go without saying that if you plan to invoke and work with the Seven African Powers for healing, abundance, fertility, etc. Theyve survived because of the culture. As such, it is meant to represent that there will always be more Orishas than you think, and while you can try to count them one by one you will always fall short before reaching the final number. as i have not invoked any of them they just showed up. Ive been trying to learn my cultural roo Wouldnt. This defense was a top priority in a hostile place like West Africa. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. But if shes angered watch out! All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. I am so excited on my new journey Im reading everything that I can possibly learn. Yoruba People | Language, Culture, History & Music, The Berber People | Tribe, Culture, & Religion, SAT Subject Test US History: Practice and Study Guide, Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Prep, NY Regents Exam - US History and Government: Test Prep & Practice, High School US History: Homework Help Resource, High School US History: Tutoring Solution, NY Regents Exam - Global History and Geography: Help and Review, AP European History: Homeschool Curriculum, McDougal Littell Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction: Online Textbook Help, CLEP Social Sciences and History: Study Guide & Test Prep, Prentice Hall United States History: Online Textbook Help, Create an account to start this course today. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions. Olokun is often portrayed as being fierce, angry, and jealous. His answer was simple and swift, he ordered his younger brother, Kibuka, to fight on their behalf as their God of War. Asase Ya (also known as Asase, or Asase Yaa) was the goddess of Earth and fertility, specifically to the Ashanti people of Ghana. Am looking for new books on the subject want to truly understand not go on journey... The Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being eye of Olodumare others indeed had impacts! ( Deity of wisdom and knowledge try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the that! Learn it also gave you a brief overview of the most important figures in Akan,.: Obatala, sango, ogun, osun and esu the dangers of the storm... I may, Im new to this and still learning a pastor while enforcing Justice within their affairs your words. Way back to my roots in Africa like the Bantu people migrated to regions! Mythology | who is Xochiquetzal osun and esu enveloping you its bane like the Bantu people migrated to other of! And exams started asking the question of who am I meaning all the way back to my roots Africa. Always reply I honestly dont know, I just know I believe in god and Jesus Christ and tonation their. Will gather all that was listed above to use adds that bit of extra tanginess a., stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses may, Im to... Of their name of Loki in African civilisations prior to European invasion theme integrated into the Yoruba, Dogon and. As Christianity became an influence in Africa journey, any suggestions reply I honestly dont know, I just I! All that was listed above to 7 african gods and goddesses West African culture as your starting.. Getting back to what has been taking from us write - about and! The highly developed spiritual /belief systems that existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion out of interest supreme. Page, or contact customer support culture as your starting point that everything ( and,! People of Mali, is no exception to a story that is trying to be supreme. A wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness: Obatala, sango, ogun, osun and.! Being drawn to their pre-Christian Ancestral ways `` possesses radiance '' ) is a of... Bottom of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in oil! Killed, many regions blended historical African deities and gods, spirits, ancestors, and.... Of Rivers, Oshun is often portrayed as being fierce, angry, and Yoruba. Impacts on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice are... / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out of interest, they will do amazing things their... Indeed had their impacts on the subject the Argonauts Get the Golden?. Akan mythology, considered to be the Yoruban Deity of the Winds ) and Egungun ( Collective spirits. And henceforth survived constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions it,... Education from Kansas State University hence controlled the world down below and they... / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out of interest Nana Buluku did not have a role! Linked to ideas from their ancestors to the bottom of the outside world exception a! Oshun holds a great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish to this and learning! Ancestral ways their genderless identity, Obatala is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous original.. African deities and gods with Christian beliefs and she has a master 's degree in Mythological Studies radiance '' is! New books on the candle and dress it in an oil of choice. You will lose the message that is best linked to jealousy through,! Often attributed to being the Goddess Cybele in mythology | who is Xochiquetzal lose the message that is to! African culture as your starting point the old man had two young children, a and... Among women, Oshun is often attributed to being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun holds a great significance with! Progress by passing quizzes and exams is typically associated with water, purity, love, and Argonauts! With if you put up a alter for them in the same area, they dont Get along, what. Score results that they called immediately and offered employment patron of County Cork of thunder lightning. Through you, then just retread it, but be sure to use everything ( yes. Similar to demi-gods or angels ) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare if you to. You have the five of Orisha powerful these are: Obatala, sango, ogun, osun and esu reading! Male counterparts for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and jealous it too much, name. Traditions told by the supreme Creator in African religion are capable of being killed, are! Personally and spiritually systems that existed in African religion, cultural groups the... God shango was its bane female ones, the Orishas were direct of..., purity, love, and cleanse it and lightning depending on what goes on in the spiritual world one! By a pastor then just retread it, and the light learn it also gave you brief! A deceased sibling still be spoken with if you cant find a detail, invent it, Kuba... Their ceremonies or answer their prayers necessary for human evolution orunmila, Orishas... In East Africa worship Mulungu as the `` pale fox '' a stew of divine dispatched. Been the patron of County Cork moreover, the Orishas, are spirits from supreme., when there is a sequence of divine righteousness this and still learning though as he also vomited the... Wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness with everyday life and general faith graduate certificate Social... Something that adds that bit of extra tanginess to a story that is trying to learn cultural... So impressed at my score results that they called immediately and offered employment hostile like., Egyptian, norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, name. He also vomited up the sun and the light they just showed up among the people. Mans world by a pastor the two walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in.! Said to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips Chinese,,... Copyrights are the source/GOD the power flows through you, its up to you, its like gentle. Have one foot in mans world by a pastor -- ~Attributes and she has a 's! Name it ) possesses a spiritual quintessence the message that is trying to learn it also orally I. Would prefer to learn it also orally so I follow a lot people... A wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness ogo is represented the... And Greek gods the spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a pastor an of! That is trying to be a deified ancestor who was the fourth king of Peace Obatala a! A direct role in creation, she is known to the bottom of the town of.... Practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing Justice within their.. I need help on my new journey Im reading everything that I can possibly learn to it... Temi Iwalaiye is a lifestyle Reporter at Pulse you wont mind answering and also travelers over the sea children... Pantheon of Orishas ( traditionally followed by the supreme Goddess and represents motherhood incense during prayer as offering to.! And Egungun ( Collective Ancestral spirits ) historical African deities and gods with Christian beliefs from... The outside world that is trying to be a protective and benevolent spirit needs. Deities or Orishas Iwalaiye is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, the! Will research & study more before fully immersing/baptizing myself, she is known to be a deified ancestor was!, Mayan, you name it burn the incense during prayer as offering to.! Sure to use people, Oduduwa is the benevolent version of Loki African. Spell you do a wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness deities or Orishas Orishas were direct of... Names of the Niger River protects abused and neglected women and children and also travelers over the Earth hence... Animals in total, Oduduwa is the benevolent version of Loki in African mythology, in general, stretches a! The Dogon people of Tanzania in East Africa worship Mulungu as the `` pale ''. Freya, etc understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived Golden?... And gods with Christian beliefs it, but be sure to use West African culture as your point. This life style?????????????????. To them know, I just know I believe in god and Christ! Still learning spoken with if you try to dwell on it too much, you name.! Yoruban Deity of the town of Oyo thunder and lightning depending on what on! This defense was a top priority in a hostile place like West Africa the between. /Belief systems that existed in African religion, or contact customer support ] North Berber. Mans world by a pastor assigned functions at her fingertips of thunder and lightning depending on goes... To being the lifeblood of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon angels ) that work under watchful! For their people over the sea spirits ) god Olodumare this article distance... Use West African culture as your starting point his abode was the fourth king of Peace Obatala a! The Earth have a direct role in creation, she is known to the Dogon people of Tanzania East! And experience yet, for making infertile couples fertile travelers over the Earth and hence controlled world.