Search results
Orishas (singular: orisha) [1] are divine 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 Haitian Vaudou, Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santería and Brazilian Candomblé.
People also ask
What are the powers of the Orishas?
What is the difference between the Old World and New World Orishas?
What is the importance of Orishas in Yoruba mythology?
- Eshu: The Divine Trickster
- Ogun: The Master of Iron
- Shango: The Bringer of Thunder
- Oshun: The Mother of Rivers
- Obatala: The King of Peace
- Oya, The Goddess of Weather
- Obaluaye, The Master of Healing
- Yemonja: The Whisper of The Ocean
- Orunmila, The Oracle of Wisdom
- Oba, The Flow of The River
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Mischief is something that doesn’t go unnoticed in African mythology in general. Trickster godsare present in many cultures around the world. It is something that adds that bit of extra tanginess to a stew of divine righteousness. When mischief and trickery can be converted into an orb of power controlled by a celestial spirit, it makes way for a r...
No settlement can be complete without an armory. An armory provides the means to defend oneself from the dangers of the outside world. This defense was a top priority in a hostile place like West Africa. And what better tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron? Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. Hence, the material having...
Modern people often underestimate the might of a crackling burst of thunder. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods’ wrath hurtling down from the heavens. In the Orisha pantheon, the supreme god meant existence through Olodumare, and the Yoruba storm god Shango was its bane. Filtering the very essence of w...
The natural world generally flourishes with life. This wouldn’t have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. Nearly every culture associates rivers with something benevolent. After all, they are essential natural resources giving way to life thriving within...
While many Orishas are imaged through physical manifestations such as lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs. Peace, honesty, and creativity are just some of them. Garbed in white, the King of Peace Obatala is a merciful Orisha dispatching purity. He is often noted as being the master behind shaping every child when they are ...
Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. A great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. Weather is a fundamental aspect of any significant settlement. Oya is the Orisha of the weather. Defined as an embodiment of wind, s...
The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. No human being is immune to all diseases; however, when there is a chance to heal, it is always welcomed. This duality of vulnerability to conditions and protection against them makes up the next Orisha. Obaluaye, also known as Babalú Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within...
The ocean is vast and seldom cruel, and it is impossible to predict what lies beneath deep waves and endless stretches of water. Such is the need for a motherly figure to watch over all the uncertainty of this blue domain. Yemonja is the Orisha of the ocean. Not only does she hold control over it, but she also radiates the power of compassion and l...
The concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. Destiny is an important notion to believe in because it continually shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in its belief. Orunmila, the Orisha of knowledge, omniscience, and wisdom, is the embodiment of destiny. His purpose might not be material, b...
Orishas, too, have emotions that flow gracefully like the river. Oba, the Orisha of water and manifestation, is no exception to a story that is best linked to jealousy. Being the third and the most senior wife of Shango, Oba was one of his consorts. In the pantheon, Oshun was Shango’s favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba. When Oba asked Oshun ...
Learn about 12 of the most well-known Orishas, the deities of the Yoruba religion from West Africa. Discover their attributes, symbols, and stories, such as Eshu, Ogun, Shango, Oshun, and Obatala.
Orisha, any of the deities of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as voduns).
- George Brandon
- Catherine Beyer
- Orunla. Orunla, or Orunmila, is the wise orisha of divination and human destiny. While other orishas have different "paths," or aspects to them, Orunla has only one.
- Osain. Osain is a nature orisha, ruling over forests and other wild areas as well as herbalism and healing. He is the patron of hunters even though Osain himself has given up the hunt.
- Oshun. Oshun is the seductive orisha of love and marriage and fertility, and she rules the genitals and the lower abdomen. She is particularly associated with feminine beauty, as well as relationships between people in general.
- Oya. Oya rules the dead and is involved with the ancestors, cemeteries, and the wind. She is a rather tempestuous, commanding orisha, responsible for windstorms and electrocution.
Nov 22, 2023 · The rich tapestry of Yoruba deities, or Orishas, has played a pivotal role in shaping African culture. From the main god to male and female Orishas, each deity carries distinct powers and roles that permeate daily life and spiritual practices.
Aganjú - orisha that was a warrior king, walked with a sword as a staff, and is associated with fire. He is not associated with volcanoes in Yorùbáland in West Africa, contrary to what is believed in Cuban-style practice of orisa.
Jun 1, 2023 · Learn about the orishas, the gods of the Yoruba pantheon, who are involved in daily human life and the elements of the universe. Discover their origins, names, domains, and roles in Yoruba religion and culture.
