Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orisha, which is associated with a sacred number. 3. So, in reality, Oya really is the goddess of change. Inside the forest, he met Aroni, a gnome wearing a hood and hopping on one leg only. Number. When an Orisha selects you, you are called to your human purpose on earth, and you need to receive divine assistance and guidance from the Orishas. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. She tried a bit. There isnt an exact number, but sometimes it goes up to 700, 900, or even 1440 Orishas. [7] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors. She is associated with Our Lady of Candlemas, St. Teresa and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. And, of course, he got mad. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Another belief revolves around reincarnation. Irunmole took upon a human identity and lived as ordinary humans in the physical world, but because they had their origin in the divine, they had great wisdom and power at the moment of their creation. Most African traditional religions are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices. Ochossi was saved! Readings/Resources Contins, Mrcia. This was not enough, he continued to be teased and provoked. In a sense, all offerings and rituals were made using these metals, so all of them needed Oguns permission to be carried on. The demi-god is often depicted as a mermaid and has domain over everything related to the sea. Orunla, or Orunmila, is the wise orisha of divination and human destiny. Shes also associated with riches, pregnancy, and fertility. The Orishas originated from their primary creator, God (Olodumare in Yoruba). Shes usually considered Yemayas sister, but some tales also describe her as Yemayas daughter. To save the parched world Oshun transformed into a peacock and ascended to Olodumare's realm to beg his forgiveness. Anyway, Oshun wanted to learn at all costs, but Obatala always said no to her. Each African city-state had its own single, patron deity. It says the Orisha threw a party and Omulu went wearing his traditional straw clothes. Her blessings ensure that the water remains clean and fishes remain plenty, giving the people a peek into her somewhat empathetic side. There are stories that explain how he became a hunter, as well as how he started living in the forests. Shango has three wives, Oshun, Oya, and Oba. How old is the Orisha religion? Theres a story that explains how Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so powerful. Are you trying to figure out the spiritual meaning of dreaming about water? His purpose might not be material, but it is a psychological one reflected in many African myths. In the region known as Yorubaland (today Nigeria, Benin, and Togo) and variations are found across the globe. It is said he was the emperor of Oyo, today Nigeria. Olodumare is also known as Olorun, which means the Almighty. Although his omnipotence strikes a profound sense of existential authority, the Yoruba people do not have any dedicated shrines or places of worship for him. Many people, including Orisha and humans, used to visit Obatalas house. Priests were trained to work with multiple orishas instead of being exclusively dedicated to a single one. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. 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 concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. Modern people often underestimate the might of a crackling burst of thunder. His colors are green, red, white and yellow. Learn Religions. 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. However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. Once, he wanted to enhance his powers in an absurd way. 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. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. When they were all amazed by the situation, the man exchanged the baked yams for proper yams. Weather is a fundamental aspect of any significant settlement. 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. Orisha Sango wears red clothes and carries two double axes in his hands. Driven by the will to become Shangos favorite, Oba followed Oshun and sliced off her ear into his food. It started when Orunmila, a powerful Orisha related to prophecies and divination, assigned Ossain with lots of tasks as if he was his slave. The Yoruba religion and its beliefs influence human life in both the African continent and other regions. Eshu stood at a crossroad and stopped everyone on Obatalas behalf. 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). One day, Orung waited for his father to be absent and raped Yemaya. She uses this transformation to attack those who threaten her children and the ones she protects. What are the powers of Oshun? Ase is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger orisha. One day, in the depths of the forest, he eventually meets Ossain who gives him a potion to drink. Although she is mostly related to the sea and the salty waters, she is also worshiped by people who live far from the oceans. Essentially, Orishas represent the powers of nature, as well as time, life, death, and rebirth. Yemonja is the Orisha of the ocean. [3], Ase is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate, and is described as the power to make things happen. The table of Ifa, the most complex of divination methods used by trained Santeria priests represents him. [2], The orishas found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santera, Candombl, Trinidad Orisha, Umbanda, and Oyotunji, among others. The first way is to look at your ancestors and see if any of them have had any orisha in their lives. She is also a warrior, sometimes depicted as putting on pants or even a beard to go to war, particularly at Chango's side. People who were watching suggested Eshu could make use of his magical power to beat Obatala. However, he refused to perform the task because he identified the plants. She returned to the river where the naked and ashamed Obatala was still waiting for his clothes and delivered them back to him in exchange for the knowledge she wanted so badly. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. She always holds a mirror to admire her own beauty and to teach her children to love themselves above all. Everyone got surprised because he was looking handsome. She is also associated with rivers and other sources of fresh water. Orishas (singular: orisha)[1] 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. When humans die, they must return to her dwelling and become mud again. When mischief and trickery can be converted into an orb of power controlled by a celestial spirit, it makes way for a relatively powerful narrative that strikes awe within its believers. Oshumare met Eshu, the trickster Orisha. One day, Obatala decided to bathe in a river. He can be represented as an old man or as a young one. His element is fire and he wears black and red clothes. 3. But not a river or an ocean. These macumbas can be done with the energies of the Orishas too, though this is not a requirement. So, how many African Orishas are there? While some really wanted to be with him, others were only victims of his desires. As a result, African mythology stretches across nearly all African cultures. The intention of this site is not to indoctrinate anyone. In the pantheon, Oshun was Shangos favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba. Obatala created the world, all the living things, and human beings. Gary Edwards (Author), John Mason (Author), This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 16:52. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922. Ochossi is intuitive and emotional. Thanks! An Orisha is a deity or a spirit within the Santeria religious tradition. Oya is a strong warrior who rides to battle with Shango (sharing lightning and fire with him). Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orisha, which is associated with a sacred number. We also have lots of syncretism involved which contributed to the spread of their worship inside Christian beliefs too. The ancestors did not die, but were seen to have "disappeared" and become orishas. Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa. And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. So you may think about the total as often as you like, but there will always be one more Orisha to consider. As for the 400+1 concept, the 1 is an incredibly sacred number that tells you that there are countless Orishas, but you will always be one count short if you try to comprehend it. His healing powers range from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations. Mason-Dixon Line Some cultures have a monthly program, while others follow the regular week. Destiny is an important notion to believe in because it continually shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in its belief. Some describe the orishas as being manifestations or aspects of Olodumare. I hope you could get a clearer picture of them and now youre able to familiarise yourself with these forces. Due to its diversity, African religions can be classified into countless smaller ones. Trickster gods are present in many cultures around the world. From here on, every offering dedicated to Obatala should be delivered at the crossroad to Eshu. Continue with Recommended Cookies. So, who is the strongest Orisha? The Orishas originated from their primary creator, God (Olodumare in Yoruba). Olodumare relented and returned the water to the world, and the peacock transformed into a vulture. Even knives must be made of wood. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with people who may also find it interesting. Therefore, among the 7 African powers, Eshus is one of the most significant, considering its relevance and reliance by virtually everyone. Oshun is also considered a Mother Goddess and its very common for her worshipers to be known as children of Oshun. They were about to kill him too! Shango asked her if Eshu gave instructions on how to use that powder. Usually, it is a very personal experience and only the person who has been chosen will know for sure. Olodumare, in response, created a great drought that none of the orishas could reverse. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. As you already know, Ogun is a violent warrior. Oshuns aquatic finesse over the rivers of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the most critical Orishas. Orisha Ochosi, also known as Oxossi or Od, is the hunter. 4. Oya married Shango and lived with him in his palace in Oyo. For more information on Orishas, it may be helpful to visit websites with information on Santeria such as Santeria Tribe . Some people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses. She is also associated with tuberculosis and intestinal disorders. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. What is a good starter tarot deck? 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Many countries in the Americas feature the Orishas in their religions. 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. Back to Oyo, Oya delivered Shango the red powder. Her favourite offerings include seashells, jewellery, perfume, coral, flowers, watermelon, pomegranate, duck, lamb, fish, plantain chips, coconut cake, and molasses. He ordered all the sorcerers of the empire to produce some kind of magical potion for him, but all of them failed. Even if he needs to fight Ossain in his realm, he wants his brother back. How many orishas can you have? The preferred spelling varies depending on the language in question: r is the spelling in the Yoruba language, orix in Portuguese, and orisha, oricha, orich or orix in Spanish-speaking countries. How many orishas can you have? Other times they are birthed as higher beings. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling down from the heavens. Shes impulsive, aggressive, and cant be controlled. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. Some say Shango had 3 wives. Defined as an embodiment of wind, she is Shangos wife and hence the direct caterer of his will. Oya is married to Shango, a warrior Orisha who also has fire as an element. The lush continent of Africa is in fact home to numerous animals and insects found only on the continent, as well as beautifully diverse groups of people, each retaining their breathtaking cultures of yore. He is most associated with the colours red and black or white. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. It may have to do with Francis's common depiction of holding rosary beads, which resembles Orunla's divination chain. From simple spells such as offering food to an Orisha (this food is commonly called as eb) to complex rituals like isolating a person during some days so they can be reborn as the son/daughter of an Orisha, we find a variety of customs that can naturally be adopted by modern witchcraft practitioners too. 1. On this page, I'll present you all you need to know about Orishas and how to understand them in and out from their original context - the Yoruba Religion. Obatala is the only deity with no permanent gender, and the demi-god is androgynous. When she offered mud, he was finally able to create perfect human beings. Yemaya is the sister of Oshun, the deity of rivers. In order to do so, Ossain should remove the native plants. Some orishas based on historical figures are confined to worship in their families or towns of origin; others are venerated across wider geographic areas. They often act on behalf of the worshippers on Earth and even sometimes against them. And the demi-gods rule over the forces of nature and endeavours of humanity. Ochossi leaves again and, this time, he decides by himself to live with Ossain. 2. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Manage Settings Hes a healer who knows all the herbs and their properties, as well as how to perform spells and incantations. The only exception is when you are invoking the seven African powers together. One day she simply decided she wanted to learn the art of divination using Bzios (the divination tool I mention at the beginning of this article), but this art could not be taught to her. [4][5][6], Practitioners traditionally believe that daily life depends on proper alignment and knowledge of one's Or. Orisha Ossain is the Orisha who rules over the forests. Lions, elephants, vast stretches of the jungle with venomous snakes, or an endless sea of sand stalked by nefarious scorpions. Hence, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and natural instinct among those who believed in its smithing magic. Or devotees strive to obtain Ase through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. Their tales and beliefs are as old as time, predating our common era. Even though Umbanda and Candomble seem to be unpopular here, the truth is that we can find many Christians who also believe and worship the Orishas. Shangos favourite offerings include copper, mugwort, conqueror root, lots of spicy food, red foods and red palm oil, liquor like red wine and rum, sugar, and cascarilla. Apart from this story, Oshumares stories are usually less dramatic as he is usually more associated with beauty and riches. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". As such, there is no concern about the literal truth of these tales or the fact that tales my contradict one another. Osain is a nature orisha, ruling over forests and other wild areas as well as herbalism and healing. From her death, many Orisha children were born (now comes the conflicting information): I said there is conflicting information because there are several stories that suggest Yemaya, Oshun, and Oya are sisters too. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. The deity's most outstanding characteristics include patience and gentleness. Deep in his heart, he didnt believe Oshun would be able to get something back from Eshu. The demi-god is also a remarkable spirit of healing and peace. He learned how to impress others with his beauty as a woman and also as a man; he also learned how to scare people as a snake or even as a snake-monster being. Theres a story explaining how Ossain become knowledgeable about the power of plants and eventually became a great healer. Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. As a prize, he took Eshus gourd for him. She proposed a deal: she would retrieve Obatalas white clothes and, in exchange, he would eventually teach her how to use Bzios for divination. Such is the need for a motherly figure to watch over all the uncertainty of this blue domain. Each region has their own main Orishas and stories may also vary. This duality of vulnerability to conditions and protection against them makes up the next Orisha. Naturally, Shango noticed a floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode. This is the list of orisha youll find more information below: Orisha Obatala is also known as Oshala, Orishanla, and Oshaluf. Orunmila, the Orisha of knowledge, omniscience, and wisdom, is the embodiment of destiny. The Orisha are the foundation upon which the religion is built. Ifa religion history, rules, initiation, sacrifices, voodoo, and facts. It was a strange red powder. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. They may not participate in all the customs, but they do know and praise these Gods too. She is particularly associated with feminine beauty, as well as relationships between people in general. When the smoke disappeared, Obatala noticed his skin color also disappeared. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. 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. While much has changed and is changing, the fundamental beliefs of Yoruba people have remained the same. 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. He lived inside a forest and he would have sexual relations with any woman who entered the woods. 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. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. Hence, she is much revered and respected. His colors are green and yellow. Filtering the very essence of wrath and fury, he was the bringer of thunder and brimming masculinity. 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