For the Yoruba people, becoming one with Olorun is the goal of life and provides a place in the spiritual realm after death. Hades and Persephone Was it Really a Love Story? It is here where he found the need to create the Orishas. Yemaya has no meaning in Yoruba. Is Yoruba the Definitive African Religion? Of all the African religions, this remains one of the few on the rise. I just need a bit of guidance. These could be some of the many things that come into your mind when you think of the word Africa.. Oshuns aquatic finesse over the rivers of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the most critical Orishas. These are the Benin, Yoruba and Dahomey tribes, and despite the fact that prostitution is considered to be a taboo by most modern people, it is often times cited as a necessity by these tribes. 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. General African myths deal with confusion by introducing a force that counters it. Depicted often as a mermaid, Yemayas domain is over all things related to the ocean. Thank you for this message. Moreover, there are different ways to invoke the Seven African Powers including dance, chanting, prayer, candles, oils, and more. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. Kibuka is actually referred to as the God of War in the Buganda Empire kingdom. Oya can bring forth any conditions she wants like tornadoes, earthquakes, and storms. Distraught, Oba became the Oba River which intersects with the Osun River, named for another wife of Shango. figure did not say his name, I just knew in my dream telepathically I guess that this was one of the Orisha gods/goddesses. 2. One day at work, I broke down. However, its all the same. But while Africa does have an abundance of those elements, it also has a ton of beautifully diverse people and cultures that have lived amongst each other for thousands of years now. Officially, African gods and belief systems have been replaced by Islam and Christianity over the past century according to statistics (90%), but it is often an If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. Because of this Kibuka pretty much managed to destroy everyone in his path, bringing victory to the Buganda Empire kingdom. Hi everyone! 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. Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. I drive Uber sometimes & usually play West African AfroBeats music while driving. Ive been lazy about learning any culture. Because these belief systems have historically been passed down the generations verbally rather than in writing, there is a fair amount of variation in the mythologies. When Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle river enveloping you. Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. New. Osanyin is a lesser-known god among the Yoruba people. She may have also been the patron of County Cork. Her name literally translates to Earth, which is meant to indicate that she is the creator of our planet and the one that controls its every move. But who exactly is Oshun? Mythology #3: Nyame is the supreme sky god in Akan mythology. Though a specific number cant be placed on the amount of Orishas, there is an exciting notion around it. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. She gives abundant treasures and foods like the sea but can also be angered like the sea. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. I started crying out to God for help on this earth because I was experiencing what youre experiencing. These spirits are thought to give guidance for life issues and problems. Apophis was the opposition to the sun god, Ra, and represented everything that he did not. The old man had two young children, a boy and a girl. She is known for healing the sick with ease, fostering prosperity and better yet, for making infertile couples fertile. Id like a friend that wouldnt mind my questions, or be judgemental. Never invoke her and Yemaya or Oshun together (the only exception is when invoking the 7 African Powers!). I dont know about apps but try searching for audiobooks on the Orishas. Olokun is the ruler of the waters of Earth and is presented as both god and goddess depending on the religion. They believed ancestors are human spirits that exist after death and are still worshipped by their people. Im so proud of you. I need to dispose of it PROPERLY. Referred to as the all-knowing, Olorun is the most powerful and wisest god among the Yoruba people of West Africa. This powerful orisha is the messenger between worlds and is guardian of the crossroads. This belief has been with the Yoruba religion for many generations now, and it refers to the idea that deceased family members will be reborn as babies after their passing. Mythology Study Guide: Mythological Gods & Creatures, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Neffertia Tyner, Emily Teater, Sasha Blakeley, African Mythology and West African Mythology, List of African Gods and Goddesses: Names and Significance, Mythology Study Guide: Understanding Myths, Mythology Study Guide: Greek Gods & Heroes, Mythology Study Guide: Greek Goddesses & Heroines, Mythology Study Guide: The Trojan War, The Iliad & The Odyssey, Mythology Study Guide: Roman Gods, Goddesses & Heroes, Mythology Study Guide: Norse Gods, Goddesses & Stories, Gods & Stories from West African Mythology, South American Mythology: Gods, Creatures & Stories, Middle School US History: Homework Help Resource, SAT Subject Test World History: Tutoring Solution, Geography, Government & Economics: Homework Help Resource, Holt World History - Human Legacy: Online Textbook Help, High School World History Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, US History: Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, Holt United States History: Online Textbook Help, McDougal Littell World History: Online Textbook Help, Common Core History & Social Studies Grades 11-12: Literacy Standards, TCI History Alive The Medieval World and Beyond: Online Textbook Help, Anansi the Spider Stories: Lesson for Kids. 1. as i have not invoked any of them they just showed up. 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. WebThe ,Nyamwezi people of Tanzania in East Africa worship Mulungu as the god who created all things and who watches over the earth. African deities are a number of supernatural beings in the collective religions in the African continent. Beyoncs been identifying with her for years. ( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. Mischief is something that doesnt go unnoticed in African mythology in general. I would always call her mama.. she felt more of a mother to me than my own. Ogo's purpose was to be one of the founders and overseers of life on Earth. A relatively common theme integrated into the Yoruba religion is Animism. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. 4th: Obatala. Eshu Elegbara is also known as Elegua, Exu, Eshu and Legba (or Papa Legba), depending on the tradition. His answer was simple and swift, he ordered his younger brother, Kibuka, to fight on their behalf as their God of War. Modern African American, Afro-Caribbean, South American and many other magical people feel called to work with the Orishas, including the Seven African Powers. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Africa is easily one of the most diverse and beautiful places on our planet, but its not exactly as popular as other tourist destinations around the world. They say Ogun isnt just a spirit of iron, that he is iron. Hello can you please give me a free app to download to learn more about the Orishas please. Ive seen a few in Audible. Examine African oral traditions and stories, and learn about the folklore of West Africa. Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. A patriarchal spirit, he watches over children and families and is one of the most venerated Orishas in the African diaspora. I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. i very much appreciate this information, thank you. The Yoruba religion can be marked as a capstone of African beliefs due to its wide acceptance. Known as the spirit who never rests, Ogun is a shaman and healer and has close ties to blood. in Counseling and Student Development with a graduate certificate in Social Justice Education from Kansas State University. WebSpirits African mythology is filled with spirits, invisible beings with powers for good or evil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Home. Staff Works , https://africa.si.edu/collections/objects/4343/staff;jsessionid=D42CDB944133045361825BF627EC3B4C. That theyve always been saints. Just Started my journey in learning more of African Spirituality. WebThe following is a list of Yoruba deities Olrn - the supreme creator deity Aganju - Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness and rivers Aja - Orisha of the forest, the animals within it, and herbal healing Ayao - Orisha of air Babalu Aye - Orisha of the Earth and strongly associated with infectious disease (particularly smallpox, leprosy and AIDS) and healing Egungun 6th: Bumba. Angels, Gods, and Goddesses Oracle Deck and Guidebook Set (45 cards)(standard version) Go to cart. In the Yoruban religion, Olorun is considered the creator of the universe and the ruler of heaven. Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. Higher pay too by $3 more! 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. No, the 7 African powers when called on for ritual or a need wouldnt interact negatively with any other energy in the home. 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. I renounce Asa, also known as father god or the strong lord, that rules over mercy, help Do some research to find more details about the myth than are included here, and add them to your story. Some war gods, like Ares, are Athena. Oshun is depicted in the Yoruban religion as a protector and savior of the people. A white candle works for just about any invocation and for any deity. WebAbassi African God. Bumba is represented as a giant, white-colored figure that has been ill for millions of years, which explains the use of vomit to create life on Earth. 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. 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 To haphazardly throw Shango and Ogun on the same altar without doing research may anger them! Understand the culture and people from whence the Seven African Powers came. Interestingly, the Oba river intersects the Osun river at an explosive speed, symbolizing a long-standing rivalry between two of Shangos wives. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. Do the two remain compatible? 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. Obaluaye is also connected to rituals that promote the cure for illnesses. 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. Also commonly referred to as Mbombo, Bumba is actually the creator god of the Kuba people from Central Africa. In certain cultures Goddesses represent nature and the earth, motherhood and love. Which Orishas would this be? When it comes to the Yoruba people, Oshun is the one most commonly referred to as the Goddess of Rivers, but besides this she is also often times known as the Lifeblood of the Niger River and the mother of all rivers. I will research & study more before fully immersing/baptizing myself. Their androgynous trait is actually meant to represent fairness, forgiveness and compassion all at once. Olokun ("Owner of Oceans") is a God of the Sea. His healing powers range from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations. their all one, they each represent a different sense of being. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! Ahura Mazda. Among the Yoruba people, Nana Buluku is regarded as the grandmother of the orishas and represents the ancestral memory of their ethnicity. All rights reserved. Invoke her at the beach. Shango directs the destination of thunder and lightning depending on what goes on in the world down below. Nearly every spirit associated with the crossroads is a trickster, and Eshu Elegbara is no exception. There are thousands upon thousands of cultures to explore here, to the point where you could actually spend your whole life researching everything that Africa has in store for you and youd still fail to capture it in its entirety. At the same time, we can assure you that if you do end up doing your own homework, youll find more than a handful of customs and traditions that you yourself may start adoring just as much as we do. Not only does she hold control over it, but she also radiates the power of compassion and love. Orunmila is known to be the Yoruban deity of wisdom and knowledge. Hes The History of Guns, Greek Mythology: Stories, Characters, Gods, and Culture, Aztec Mythology: Important Stories and Characters, Greek Gods and Goddesses: Family Tree and Fun Facts, Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Names and Stories of 29 Ancient Roman Gods, Olodumare and his Journey Away from Earth, The Trojan War: Ancient Historys Famed Conflict, iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order, US History Timeline: The Dates of Americas Journey, Ancient Civilizations Timeline: 16 Oldest Known Cultures From Around The World, Why Are Hot Dogs Called Hot Dogs? All things and who watches over children and families and is guardian of the universe the! When Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle river enveloping you,! This powerful Orisha is the Trickster of the Kuba people from Central Africa a mother to than... Hunger or thirst the word itself can be marked as a mermaid, Yemayas is. 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Website in this browser for the next time i comment Orishas in the religions! Founders and overseers of life on earth with confusion by introducing a force that it. Meant to represent fairness, forgiveness and compassion all at once invoked any them... The opposition to the sun god, Ra, and storms invoke her and Yemaya or Oshun together ( only... Shaman and healer and has close ties to blood and who watches over children families. Eye of Olodumare with any other energy in the world down below Owner of Oceans '' ) is Trickster! My name, email, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst diseases and inflammations water...
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