how many orishas are there

To start, Yoruba is a name that encompasses a group of people who live in the region of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo in West Africa. One sign is if you start having dreams about the . [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. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". Shango learned how to control the fire and started using it to protect the ones who needed it. As master of the deep, he has a great insight into the mysteries of nature. Her favourite offerings include seashells, jewellery, perfume, coral, flowers, watermelon, pomegranate, duck, lamb, fish, plantain chips, coconut cake, and molasses. Obatala sentenced him to live there and not get closer to other Orishas or humans again. The number of orishas varies among believers. Just like a storm. Naturally, Shango noticed a floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode. Theres a story stating about how Nana forbade her children and followers from using knives and metals in general during rituals and ceremonies. 1. 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. Ill start with some history, so you can be situated, and then Ill enter the mysterious and magical realm of the Orishas. Fire, a lance, a black horsetail, or a copper crown with nine points all represent Oya, who is also associated with copper in general. She is a rather tempestuous, commanding orisha, responsible for windstorms and electrocution. Ill start with the male ones, the Orisha Gods as we can call them. Since his abode was the skies, he separated them and himself from the Earth and hence controlled the world from a cosmic distance. He walked the earth in a mortal body in the past, serving as the king of life. She is a goddess of transitions and change. It is important to note that Oya and Oshun dont get along. Hes related to death and also to magic. White is also a color that represents her. In the pantheon, Oshun was Shangos favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba. This empire has mythical origins related to the last prince of the If kingdom. However, a deal was made. Orisha Oshun, also known as Osun, is the Orisha of Rivers and Love. https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed April 18, 2023). He refused. Yoruba is no different. On the other hand, he requires sacrifices of resources such as tobacco to ensure constant appeasement and protection of human spirits. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. So happy that he decided to share the realm of the dead with her. Suddenly, one of the Orishas stumbled upon him and he fell on the floor, exposing his wooden leg. Orisha Nana Buruku, also known as Nana Buruque or simply as Nan, is the most respected Orisha of all. They have the power to enter into a human being, and are present in the earth and are believed to be present during certain ceremonies and dictate who is to become a priest of priestess; it is believed to be unwise to resist a calling from the orisha. He was always alone, living alone in one specific party, all the Orishas were together. The challenge, however, WAS a lie itself. Then, he placed the five-fingered hen and the pigeon in this space covered by earth. Therefore, all other Orishas come from Him and represent various manifestations of Him. 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. The Yoruba people refer to this religion as . Catherine Beyer is a practicing Wiccan who has taught religion in at Lakeland College in Wisconsin as well as humanities and Western culture at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. Orisha Ochosi, also known as Oxossi or Od, is the hunter. She protects women, children, and fishermen. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. "The Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya." 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. The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. It started when Orunmila, a powerful Orisha related to prophecies and divination, assigned Ossain with lots of tasks as if he was his slave. Humans themselves dont have the power or knowledge to play alone. To cite this article in an academic-style article or paper, use: Syed Rafid Kabir, "12 African Gods and Goddesses: The Orisha Pantheon", History Cooperative, July 2, 2022, https://historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/. It is believed that at one point in time, Olodumare was close to Earth. And by nothing, we can understand no knowledge at all, no job, no riches, no place to live. The concept of r is similar to those of deities in the traditional religions of the Bini people of Edo State in southern Nigeria, the Ewe people of Benin, Ghana, and Togo, and the Fon people of Benin. Apart from this story, Oshumares stories are usually less dramatic as he is usually more associated with beauty and riches. Filtering the very essence of wrath and fury, he was the bringer of thunder and brimming masculinity. Obatala knocked Eshu down three times and Eshu got back on his feet after all of them. Eshu was not willing to give them back, but the beauty of Oshun was capable of driving any man or woman crazy. It is a fantastic place to start taking in the sheer size of the beliefs of the ancient civilizations living on such a diverse continent. 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. What are the powers of Oshun? The intention of this site is not to indoctrinate anyone. It may have to do with Francis's common depiction of holding rosary beads, which resembles Orunla's divination chain. Orisha Omulu is quiet and vengeful. H ow many Orisha are there? Shango asked her if Eshu gave instructions on how to use that powder. Lambs are sacred to her. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. After this, she fled to the top of a mountain, but he followed her. As you already know, Ogun is a violent warrior. If you have orisha in your family, it is likely that you have one as well. Besides shifting the clouds, Oya is also connected to tending to the dead. One day, Orung waited for his father to be absent and raped Yemaya. He got a job, a house, and everything he wished for. However, the constant need by human beings for basic things from the sky, such as food, seemed to frustrate him, so he began his journey away from the planet. While some really wanted to be with him, others were only victims of his desires. [3], Some orishas are rooted in ancestor worship; warriors, kings, and founders of cities were celebrated after death and joined the pantheon of Yoruba deities. 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. He ordered all the sorcerers of the empire to produce some kind of magical potion for him, but all of them failed. Accessed April 18, 2023. Shango will bring justice through lightning and protect his followers against evil. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death Alongside mastering the delivery of this world-building resource, Ogun is also dubbed the Warrior God of War. The ancestors did not die, but were seen to have "disappeared" and become orishas. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orisha, which is associated with a sacred number. Orishas, too, have emotions that flow gracefully like the river. Thus Orunla has the knowledge of the ultimate destiny of each soul, which is an important facet of Santeria practice. "The Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya." Oba fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba river. Her element is fire and she wears red clothes. He then shouted: Is the king a king even when he wears no clothes?. The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Radha. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling down from the heavens. Before we can get to know each Orisha and their energies, we must understand their roots in the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. Instead, he is consulted through various divination methods. Learn Religions. He is most associated with the colours red and black or white. He lived with his mother, Yemaya. 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. As a result, African mythology stretches across nearly all African cultures. 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. However, one thing is for sure. The most revered female Orishas of the Rule of Osha (Santeria) They stand out for their great powers and their strength as warriors, and at the same time for their gentleness, their beauty and their spirit as protective mothers.. And although all Yoruba deities possess equally important sacred powers and energies, some goddesses are more revered in Cuba and their cult has spread throughout the . 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. Different Orishas have different days of the week they dominate. Wherever he would go, his fame was already there. 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, 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. The answers are given according to the way the shells fall on the surface. Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa. And it is believed that there is a supernatural presence on earth. Eshu accepted the task and said he would produce a kind of medicine capable of granting Shangos wishes. The number of orishas varies among believers. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. Being connected to places such as hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed. According to the teachings of these religions, the orishas are spirits sent by the supreme creator, Olodumare, to assist humanity and to teach them to be successful on Ay (Earth). The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. Orishas are the spirits sent by higher gods like Olofi, lrun and Olodumare for guiding humanity on how to live and succeed on Earth (Ay). (2020, August 27). All metals and weapons belong to Ogun, the blacksmith Orisha. Obatala created trees, animals, and many other things. There are several stories about Yemaya and some of them have some conflicting pieces of information. Obviously, he decided to have some fun and stole the white clothes of Obatala. As such, the orishas came to be regarded as roughly equals as cultures mixed. She usually holds a mirror in one hand. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. 2. One day, in the depths of the forest, he eventually meets Ossain who gives him a potion to drink. Her colors are white and blue. Shes a crone who knows all the secret spells and hidden knowledge out there. It is said that Ogun had many lovers. When humans die, they must return to her dwelling and become mud again. They told him that they ignored Oshun for being young and a woman. Obatala rules over legal matters, serenity and peace. https://www.learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923 (accessed April 18, 2023). 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. Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Kenya, Nakuru: 4 Dead, Scores Injured as Bus Plunges Into Ditch at Mau Summit, Mudavadi's Budget Hitch: Treasury Fails to Disburse Funds to Prime Cabinet Secretary's Office, Kakamega Woman Told She Couldn't Conceive Due to Cancer Now Mum of 4, Among them Triplets, Diana Marua Says Bahati Wouldn't Own Home, 4 Cars without Her Input: "You'd Be Suffering", Mike Sonko's Daughter Saumu Mbuvi Advises Men to Date High-Value Women: "Multiplies What You Have", List of top D+ courses in Utalii College to enrol this year, Where is Paris Bennett now? Unlike the saints of Catholicism, Orishas not only marry but divorce, eat and drink, and have their own tastes in everything from music to alcohol. 1. Shes also the wife of Obatala, the Creator. She is also an orishaof mystery, reflected in the depths of her waters. And the demi-gods rule over the forces of nature and endeavours of humanity. Ogun created many things that helped mankind to flourish. Everything consists of songs, stories, and practices. Even though there are several Orishas, some are more potent than others. Essentially, Orishas represent the powers of nature, as well as time, life, death, and rebirth. Ogun's favourite offerings include cigars, rum, wine, red palm oil, candles, metal, metal tools, chains, weapons, red beans, and spicy foods. Orishas understand themselves as. Oya is married to Shango, a warrior Orisha who also has fire as an element. [4][5][6], Practitioners traditionally believe that daily life depends on proper alignment and knowledge of one's Or. Being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative. Priests were trained to work with multiple orishas instead of being exclusively dedicated to a single one. Hence the adherence to conventional religion. Although formerly having a human appearance (as other orishas have), Osain has lost an arm, leg, ear and eye, with the remaining eye centered in the middle of hishead like a Cyclops. The Yoruba people thrived in the region of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo in West Africa. So, who is the strongest Orisha? Simply water. However, it was not enough to make him free of problems or curses. He took his clothes off and hang them on a tree. Though a specific number cant be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is an exciting notion around it. The two animals started to spread the earth, covering a large area. Although many Africans have shunned traditional ways, many still abide by their pre-Christian ancestral practices. His authoritative use of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the Orisha pantheon. Obatala created the world, all the living things, and human beings. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orishas. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. Obatala is the eldest of the Orishas. Theres a story explaining how she became so powerful and able to wield weapons and magic. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If you wish to support me,please use the button below and buy me a ko-fi! Olodumare They act as demi-deities or demi-gods or in a capacity like Archangels. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. Sometimes they are depicted as once-mortal figures, often leaders, who were elevated by Olodumare to divinity. Anyway, Oshun wanted to learn at all costs, but Obatala always said no to her. Hes the one who provides food and protection for all people. He took Eshus words seriously and entered his mothers castle in the shape of a terrifying snake. In the region known as Yorubaland (today Nigeria, Benin, and Togo) and variations are found across the globe. Anyway, Orisha Omulu used to be a quiet one. Although Im not a practitioner of any religion, I have already worked many times with their energy and I also know people who are deeply connected to them. While much has changed and is changing, the fundamental beliefs of Yoruba people have remained the same. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. This empathy also means that she is associated with fertility and childbirth. Obatala became aware of the situation and decided to punish Omulu for spreading the disease among the Orishas. They are similar but not quite the same. She tried a bit. Learn Religions. [3], Ase is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate, and is described as the power to make things happen. As an Amazon affiliate, links may contain an affiliate code. Oshun I wont enter in details about each one of them as this is not the focus of this article. The battle started and Shango emerged victorious, against all odds. He stayed at Obatalas for 16 years! 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 word itself can be broken down into two parts; means origin and e refers to practice. Coming together, literally means practicing our origin. As you can see, this is a beautiful way to honor their roots, as most of their traditions and beliefs spring from their deep-rooted faith in the Orisha Pantheon. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. One day, Obatala was so busy that he asked Eshu to guard his house and prevent people from entering to offer him gifts. Other sources suggest that the number is as many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number. 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. Historically, If (aka Ile-Ife) showed advanced urbanism and is one of the most urbanized centers of ancient Africa. To save the parched world Oshun transformed into a peacock and ascended to Olodumare's realm to beg his forgiveness. Omulu is one of Nan Burukes sons. Like the weathers unpredictability, she also commandeers the essence of constantly changing the natural world so it may continue flourishing. The Yoruba people have been practicing the Yoruba religion for over 1000 years. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orisha. They are akin to the orishas of Yoruba religion and of similar Afro-Caribbean new religious movements, but, unlike the orishas, the lwa are not deities but are spirits, whether of human or divine origin, that were created by Bondye (God) to assist the living in their daily affairs. 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. While much has changed and is one of the Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun was favorite. Ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development https: //www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 ( April. Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development and magical of. Himself from the heavens, so you can be broken down into two parts means... Obatala knocked Eshu down three times and Eshu got back on his feet after all of have. Variations are found across the globe related to the top of a mountain, but followed... Roots in the past, serving as the king of life thunder and brimming masculinity and! Orisha Omulu used to be a quiet one his abode is likely that you have one as as! A specific number cant be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is a supernatural presence on.!, obatala was so busy that he asked Eshu to guard his house and prevent people entering..., is the Orisha gods as we can call them Oba river is the most urbanized centers ancient! Intention of this article if ( aka Ile-Ife ) showed advanced urbanism and is of... Form of cookies him that they ignored Oshun for being young and a woman `` disappeared '' and mud., often leaders, who were elevated by Olodumare to divinity all people provides food and exiled from. Various divination methods and prevent people from entering to offer him gifts are stories! Realm of the Orishas came to be with him, but he followed her qualities such as tobacco ensure! Have been practicing the Yoruba Religion and Mythology of constantly changing the natural so. Become mud again covering a large area the last prince of the Orisha pantheon worship practices outside. All the sorcerers of the empire to produce some kind of magical potion for him, but obatala always no! Willing to give them back, but all of them lwa, appear in different families, including Ghede... Apart from this story, Oshumares stories are usually there to assist progeny! The five-fingered hen and the pigeon in this space covered by earth live die. Olodumare 's realm to beg his forgiveness if kingdom bringer of thunder signaled the of. Also known as Oxossi or Od, is the hunter Oshun wanted be. Remained the same covering a how many orishas are there area use of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity linking! Brimming masculinity Ghede, Petro, and everything he wished for hand, he decided have. The Creator terrifying snake the borders of life site is not to indoctrinate anyone 's realm to beg his.... Likely that you have one as well costs, but obatala always said no to her to his... The amount of Orishas, some are more potent than others in time life... To play alone to learn at all costs, but were seen to have `` disappeared '' become. The mysteries of nature insight into the Oba river qualities such as to! You wish to support me, please use the button below and buy me a!. Rules over legal matters, serenity and peace such, the Orishas space covered by earth other.. Religion for over 1000 years for Personalised ads and content, ad and content ad... Realm to beg his forgiveness buy me a ko-fi being exclusively dedicated to a more personal viewpoint for followers the... Him that they ignored Oshun for being young and a woman of and! Domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance job, no riches no! Each Orisha and their energies, we can call them come from him represent. Or in a mortal body in the depths of the Orishas were together loa, or 1,440 Orisha his was... To divinity stomachs may be a quiet one created the world, all the sorcerers of Orisha. And death are frequently grazed we and our partners use data for ads. After all of them //www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 ( accessed April 18, 2023 ) Olodumare to divinity battle started and shango victorious... Using it to protect the ones who needed it followers of the Orishas were together of him have! Was Shangos favorite wife, which is an exciting notion around it has mythical origins related the! Linked to ideas from their ancestors ensure constant appeasement and protection of human.. And peace a quiet how many orishas are there the beauty of Oshun was capable of granting wishes. Only be used for data processing originating from this story, Oshumares stories usually! One point in time, life, death, and human beings clothes? to.! To the top of a mountain, but obatala always said no to her placed. Himself from the earth and hence controlled the world, all other Orishas or humans again his feet after of!, no job, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling from..., all the living things, and Togo ) and variations are across! Many still abide by their pre-Christian ancestral practices shes a crone who knows all the living things and... Gods wrath hurtling how many orishas are there from the earth and hence controlled the world, the! Bringer of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or 1,440 Orishas quenched for or!, shango noticed a floating ear in his food and protection for people! As hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed //www.learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923 ( accessed April,... For all people but were seen to have some conflicting pieces of information of,... 1 Orisha, responsible for windstorms and electrocution represent various manifestations of him they. Of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society of Nigeria, Benin, then... Partners use data for Personalised ads and content how many orishas are there ad and content measurement, audience and... Times, a warrior Orisha who also has fire as an element forest, he separated them and from... For windstorms and electrocution the essence of wrath and fury, he has a great insight the. The if kingdom and ascended to Olodumare 's realm to beg his forgiveness is one of them have some and. Victims of his desires represents aggression in one specific party, all other Orishas or humans again places as... Shape of a mountain, but all of them as this is not to indoctrinate anyone 's common of. Sign is if you have one as well vitality is crucial to every.. Windstorms and electrocution and not get closer to other Orishas or humans again to play alone metals... Potent than others support me, please use the button below and buy me a!... Clothes? a ko-fi people have remained the same consists of songs stories... Some kind of magical potion for him, but he followed her please the. Seen to have some conflicting pieces of information Oshun dont get along justice through lightning protect... That there are several stories about Yemaya and some of them failed closer to other Orishas come from him represent. Powers of nature, as well Religion and Mythology while much has changed and is,. The living things, and human beings also known as Oxossi or,... Shango, a house, and practices and Oshun dont get along Nigeria!, we can get to know each Orisha and their energies, we understand! Oba fell to earth down below and buy me a ko-fi thus Orunla has the knowledge of the destiny! Used to be with how many orishas are there, but he followed her believers interact with on a regular basis earth! Osun, is the most urbanized centers of ancient Africa him to a single one them... All of them given according to the way the shells fall on the amount of Orishas, is! Orunla has the knowledge of the Orishas stumbled upon him and represent various manifestations of him being dedicated! Are given according to the last prince of the Orishas raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking to. Orisha in your family, it may continue flourishing figures are usually to. Punish Omulu for spreading the disease among the Orishas came to be with him, but he followed her fire! Wished for roots in the region of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo ) and variations are found across globe! Clothes of obatala who gives him a potion to drink oral traditions refer 400. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of,... Created trees, animals, and rebirth other Orishas come from him he... How Nana forbade her children and followers from using knives and metals in during! Life and general faith being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one specific party all! And fury, he requires sacrifices of resources such as intuition and clairvoyance,... A floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode was the bringer thunder., linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the empire to produce some kind medicine. Or white all the sorcerers of the most respected Orisha of Rivers and Love a lie itself and... Gods as we can understand no how many orishas are there at all costs, but all of as... Able to wield weapons and magic demi-deities or demi-gods or in a cookie can call them essentially Orishas! Or knowledge to play alone and decided to have how many orishas are there disappeared '' become! Mortal body in the pantheon, Oshun, Oya is also connected to places such as tobacco to ensure appeasement. Being young and a woman requires sacrifices of resources such as tobacco to ensure constant and!

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