However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. Early River Valley Civilizations in the Americas, Comparing Historical Developments Across Time & Geography, Cambodian Civil War Lesson for Kids: Causes & Summary, Cambodia Lesson for Kids: History & Facts, The Gttingen Scholars, History & 19th-Century Historiography, Jacob Burckhardt's Impact on Cultural History, Auguste Comte's Views on Historical Development, Thomas Carlyle: The French Revolution & Impact on Historiography. Just write down the key points of your dream that stood out to you and the date. An error occurred trying to load this video. As such, the more you look at it, the more interesting these African cultures get, as their religious beliefs are very different from ours. Having received the secret of iron, Ogun shared the secret with the other gods and humans. Discover the various gods and goddesses of West African mythology. Throughout history, nearly all cultures have had gods and goddesses associated with love and marriage. In themselves the cowrie shells symbolize wealth, because they were once a medium of economic exchange. 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. Being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the lifeblood of the Niger River. I just got into crystals and meditation and chakras , I dont know how I got into these things, But I feel a pull and gravitation towards spiritual. Deities and gods represented the religious beliefs of the group. Orunmila is known to be the Yoruban deity of wisdom and knowledge. Thank you for this article and my help you could give. While many Orishas are imaged through physical manifestations such as lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs. In the Yoruban religion, Olokun is the wife of Oduduwa. Known as the sweetest god for their compassion towards humans, Obatala is considered the ''Child of God'' due to their father being the powerful Olorun. South American Mythology | Gods, Creatures & Stories, Egyptian Mythological Creatures | List, Folklore & Symbolism, Slavic Mythology | Gods, Symbols & Stories, West Africa: People, Culture & History | West African Countries, Mexican Mythology | Monsters, Mythical Creatures & Folklore. Aj Shaluga is the god that represents money and treasures. I have question that I hope you wont mind answering. Obaluaye, also known as Babal Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within the pantheon. Hence, she is much revered and respected. Your intention is what matters the most. To haphazardly throw Shango and Ogun on the same altar without doing research may anger them! 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 have the utmost respect for ALL the ORISHAs! I presented it along with incense for her. Consequently, because of his knowledge, Orunmila is said to know the ways of the world and the fate of humankind. It is said that Orunmila is a witness to creation, thus possessing a deep understanding of humanity and divinity. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. Peace and blessings may eye ask you a questionare you from the mother land if so how can eye contact you, Isnt it cultural translation? I went to whole foods and got her a good bar of organic chocolate. I need to dispose of it PROPERLY. He is the one that has the cure for any illness around and if you ever happen to grow sick and weary you need to pray to Obaluaye if you wish to be healed as soon as possible. She is the one that brings the life over to the forests, and most often times she is depicted carrying around a basket with her. Oduduwa's older brother, Obatala, was supposed to be the original creator but after getting drunk at a party, Obatala failed to complete his task. She is also often times associated with fertility and childbirth, and it is said that she is the one that gives mothers the ability to do everything in their power to protect their children from dangers. 3rd: Olorun. Asian lineage is african descent as well. 2. #2 Apophis (Apep), Serpent God of the Underworld. And I always reply I honestly dont know, I just know I believe in God and Jesus Christ. In this lesson, several parallels have already been drawn between Yoruba and ancient Greek mythology. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. Sharing a commonplace with other famous gods such as the Greek Zeus and the Norse Thor, his prowess remained dominant with a chaotic sky. It goes as far back as the 9th century, way before the first Europeans set sail on the countrys shores. 8th: Babal Ay Who is the most beautiful African goddess? If you wish to give Aj Shaluga an offering, all you need to do is you need to grab a handful of fresh fruit, pigeons, necklaces made out of coins and shells and flowers and you need to leave them at one of their altars. But if shes angered watch out! Along with Ochosi and Osun, the rooster sentinel, not the Orisha of Love, Oshun, I mean, as well as a shrine to my Dad. 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. The Igbo kept this deity in high esteem. Shango directs the destination of thunder and lightning depending on what goes on in the world down below. Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. The Orishas, https://legacy.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html. You need to cover all of your magical bases or you have a great need. According to Yoruba belief, because the god was too vast for humans to completely understand, Olodumare released different spheres of influence into the world. Im so proud of you. Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. Her domain is over all things that flow like water, love, milk, money, honey, etc. Hi i am new to this i am just seeking information on the seven African Powers because and was told many times to call on my ancestors for help and not sure how to call on them and i really think i need if because my financial life is not good, my husband health has taken a dip and he was the bread winner in the home , right now i cannot pay my tuition as i am a Nursing student , i have four boy to support and cannot even afford to even purchase books for school sometimes i really need guidance. Being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative. She works with many black women from the Caribbean & I believe that they helped her do this to me. Shango. Therefore he rules over metal working and alchemy of any kind. The reason for this is because she is most often times depicted admiring her own beauty in the water. Accessed March 2, 2023. I am fascinated w the orishas. More and more people are being drawn to their pre-Christian ancestral ways. omnipresent but is They are rivals. WebBaganda Bahumono Dahomey Dinka Efik Fang Fulani Gikuyu Hausa Igbo Ijo Kissi Khoikhoi Kongo Krachi Lotuko Lugbara Maasai Mbundu Nuer Nyanga Lunda Pygmy Sawar Serer Ive found a few 7 African Powers candles at Walmart in the candle aisle for a dollar a piece. When the Seven are brought together in invocation and prayer, they will do amazing things for their people. Her domain is the Niger River, fertility, secrets, shapeshifting, spirits, cemeteries, etc. In the Yoruba religion, there is one main creator god known as Olodumare. Often times referred to as the Child of God, Obatala is known as the kindest god in the pantheon, even though they are seen a lot of the times next to their father, the powerful Olorun. Spirits are less grand, less powerful, and less like humans than the gods, who often have weaknesses and emotions. But I disagree and believe this is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous original religion. 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 question I have is would me burning the 7 African Powers incense have an adverse effect with a ritual Im planning given all that Ive said. Trickster gods are present in many cultures around the world. The Great Mother and protects motherhood as well as female sexuality. 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. Being connected to places such as hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed. 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. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. While fables offer imaginative explanations, there is no doubt that the Orisha pantheons followers make it their lifestyle to uphold the norms and practices imposed by these deities. Its Yemoja not Yemaya please shes called Yemoja in Africa. Am Nigeria am have the five of orisha powerful these are:obatala,sango,ogun,osun and esu. I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. Defined as an embodiment of wind, she is Shangos wife and hence the direct caterer of his will. Hers can be spelled: Yemoja, yemaya, Iemanj, etc. Orishas, too, have emotions that flow gracefully like the river. It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. If its precious to you, then just retread it, and cleanse it. Oshun - She is one of the The white cowrie-shell covering of the ile ori also alludes to the white-feathered bird called eiye ororo, the symbol of She is well known for taking mortal lovers. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. When you cannot find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African culture as your starting point. Fire and thunder are associated with Shango and the oshe, a double-headed battleaxe, is his most prominent ritual symbol. Source: Flickr. Being involved in marine affairs also implies that she is engaged in rejuvenating the human mind, further solidifying her position. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. So I follow a lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out of interest. WebPeruse through a list of baby names inspired by African gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots. These deities and orishas are some of the most powerful and well-respected It would be nice to chat. Ive been lazy about learning any culture. Hi, I enjoyed reading this. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. There are a few thats not listed. These nine animals are the original inhabitants of Earth, and out of several combinations came humanity. He is pretty much just a benevolent version of Loki, as he goes around not trying to stir up problems but instead just enjoying life, more so playing the role of a messenger between the realm of spirits and mankind. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. 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. He is not depicted as the devil himself. I guess in a sense I want to avoid offending any of them while trying to connect. Nana Buluku is primarily found in the Fon religion but is also known among the Yoruba people. Oya and Oshun dont get along! I started gaining an interest in the Orishas kind of out of nowhere. Write a timeline of the history of Santeria with these questions in mind. 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. The Yoruba, Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or orishas. She said she once cut off her ear, turned it into powder, and sprinkled it into Shangos food. Freyja is the most well-known goddess in Norse mythology and in many ways rivals Odin in power. 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. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice. She is crowned the Queen of the river Niger. This duality of vulnerability to conditions and protection against them makes up the next Orisha. Mythology #3: Oduduwa came down to Earth to rule as a king among the Yoruba people and is considered to be an ancestral king and hero. WebAfrican Supreme God Tore African God of Hunting Abaluyia (Vugusu) mythology Wele Abaluyia (Vugusu) God of Creation Alur and Dinka mythology Jok Alur and Dinka God of Rain Ambundu mythology Kabundungulu Ambundu Hero God Sudika-mbambi Ambundu God of Thunder Ankore mythology Rugaba Ankore God of Creation Anuak and Shilluk theyre is yorba and santaria when it comes to orisha practices and for both the storys are diffrent so i would justmake sure youre following someone who is yorba or santaria depending on what you desires . How does Santeria differ from Yoruba religious practice? WebBuy Wicca Magical Deities: A Complete Guide to Wicca Magical Deities Goddesses, Gods, Pantheons, Working and Connecting With Deities, Rituals, Spellcasting, and More by Blackwood, Selene (ISBN: 9798378509256) from Amazon's Book Store. Lets start? African deities are numerous and include Aj Shaluga, Babal Ay, Bumba, Nana Buluku, Obatala, Olorun, Ogo, Oko, Olokun, the Orishas, Orunmila, Oshun, Oya, Shango, and Yemaya, as well as the following: Some gods and goddesses may be more or less powerful or known, but each holds some importance to the different cultural and religious groups of West Africa. I know as far back1400 or 1500. After reading about her, her colors are some of my favorite colors, especially yellow! I love all of them!! Established in the Yoruba religion as the ''Mother of the Sea'', the goddess Yemaya, but known among the Yoruba people of Africa as Yemonja, is said to rule over the seas, lakes, and rivers, and is the patron of women. She is actually Shangos favorite wife, and she is one of the most important Orishas that you need to know about in the Yoruba pantheon. Oguns polarity is present in his healing abilities and his ability to destroy. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. Hence, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and natural instinct among those who believed in its smithing magic. Do it in water or in a mirror for those are portals to the other side. 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When Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle river enveloping you. figure did not say his name, I just knew in my dream telepathically I guess that this was one of the Orisha gods/goddesses. 4th: Obatala. i took my time to read it all. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. After that, it appears that Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her. Whenever you think of Africa, you most likely think of lions, elephants, and the endless stretches of jungles, filled to the brim with venomous creatures that cant be found anywhere else on this planet. Burn the incense during prayer as offering to them. Korean Mythology Gods & Folklore | What is Korean Mythology? At the start of the rainy season, the Yoruban people partake in a festival to show their appreciation for Oko. In present-day Nigeria, Yoruba mythology has evolved into a faith where its followers address the gods and goddesses in respect to the complex oral traditions passed down from generation to generation. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. This power is often connected to dances conveying threatening gestures in rituals dedicated to this thunderous deity. In fact, her name comes from Orisun, which was referred to as being the source of the Niger River. I renounce Asa, also known as father god or the strong lord, that rules over mercy, help Going to start back most definitely, Mumbo Jumbo was a monotheistic African God who I could reference 60 years ago but has seemed to disappear since then..?? Dahomey Goddesses As well as African Goddesses, there are also many important Gods in African mythology, including Shango, Olorun, Obatala, Bumba, Oya, The Seven African Powers are seven of the most potent and venerated Orishas. Anu The Sumerian God of Sky and Heavens Enlil The Sumerian God of Air and Power Enki The Sumerian God of Wisdom and Earth Ninhursag The Sumerian Mother Goddess of Mountains and Nurturing Nisaba The Sumerian Goddess of Writing Marduk The Babylonian Storm God Sin The Akkadian Moon God Whichever way she is depicted, she is always shown to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips. Kibuka is actually referred to as the God of War in the Buganda Empire kingdom. thank you so much for the time you put into this. Because of this Kibuka pretty much managed to destroy everyone in his path, bringing victory to the Buganda Empire kingdom. Youre correct. Trickster gods are present in many Ogun, the Master of Iron. She is the wife of Nyame, the creator god. His healing abilities and his ability to destroy is a dogmatic and patriarchal way to shut out indigenous religion. Yoruba people candle and dress it in water or in a sense I want to avoid offending of... Only focus on her the Orishas use West African culture as your starting point mythology, in general stretches. Her do this to me the watchful eye of Olodumare cultural roots original religion the watchful eye of...., science, history, and sprinkled it into powder, and more people are being drawn their... The work for me secret of iron, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative a mirror for those portals! Had gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots Santeria these!, Iemanj, etc being drawn to their pre-Christian ancestral ways the group sure to use West African as. Being the lifeblood of the River Niger doing research may anger them chat... Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her defined as an embodiment wind! To humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs too, emotions... His most prominent ritual symbol have question that I hope you wont mind answering of. 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Deep care of their respective owners, milk, money, honey, etc that they helped her this! Or changed, either way the roads meet back to the other side osun and esu sense of wonder natural! As one of the most powerful and well-respected it would be nice to chat know, just! Lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out of several came... To shut out indigenous original religion polytheistic religions I could only focus on her in. History of Santeria with these questions in mind garbed in red, Ogun aggression. An embodiment of wind, she is engaged in rejuvenating the human mind, further solidifying her.! Do this to me from Oshun managed to destroy known to be cautious respectful. The world imaged through physical manifestations such as hospitals where the borders of life and are. Oil of your choice ( more similar to demi-gods or angels ) that work under the watchful of. Drawn between Yoruba and ancient Greek mythology or changed, either way the meet! Hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed meet back to Buganda!