Daughter of Oshun. Oshún is a Yoruba orisha, daughter of Yemoja a Nigerian river goddess. Oshún is protector of the family and pregnant women.
What is Oshun the goddess of?
She is one of the most popular and venerated Orishas. Oshun is an important river deity among the Yorùbá people. She is the goddess of divinity, femininity, fertility, beauty and love.
Why is Oshun called the mother of Nations?
She carries the title of “Yalodde”, meaning “mother of nations”. She is a symbol of exile and independence, and signifies victory over the ruling government. Oshun is regarded as the Aphrodite of the Yoruba pantheon because of her many love affairs and amazing powers of seduction.
What is the story of Oshun and Oya?
There are many interesting stories about the romantic, passionate inter rivalry that existed between Oshun and Oya. In fact a certain confluence of two rivers at a rapid in one of the wetern state of Nigeria is named after Osun and Oya due to the intimidating turbulence that marks the point of intersetion.
Who is Orisha Oshun?
Osun (Ozun) (not orisha Oshun) is a major Orichá (manifestation of a god) in the Santería religion of the Caribbean (Cuba and Trinidad) brought over by West African slaves during the transatlantic slave trade. Traditionally, Osun is a to the other Orichás, and he protects the orí (head) of Santería practitioners.
What does it mean to be the daughter of Oshun?
She is considered one of the most powerful of all orishas, and, like other gods, she possesses human attributes such as vanity, jealousy, and spite.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
What does it mean to be Oshun?
Oshun, also known as Oxum and Ochún, is a supreme being or Orisha of the Yoruba people – the largest ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria. In the Yoruba religion, she's also called the river goddess and is commonly associated with fresh and sweet waters, love, purity, prosperity, fertility, and beauty.
What does Oshun goddess mean?
Oshun, also spelled Osun, an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality.
Is Oshun the daughter of Yemaya?
Oshun is the youngest of the Orishas & is either the daughter of Yemaya or her younger sister according to different versions of her story.
How do you know if you are a child of Oshun?
She is one of the most popular and venerated orishas. If you see the number 5 a lot (my two most recent apartments were on the 5th floor), are attracted to the color yellow or gold and enjoy sweets, specifically honey, then you too may be a child of Oshun.
Why is Oshun important?
Oshun is an important river deity among the Yorùbá people. She is the goddess of divinity, femininity, fertility, beauty and love. She is connected to destiny and divination.
What is Oshun's number?
associated with the number five. Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty. She loves honey, sunflowers, oranges, cinnamon, and pumpkin, and her favorite birds are peacocks and vultures.
Why is Oshun yellow?
When she came down to earth, she wore a gold dress and jewellery. This is the reason why her worshippers also wear gold and yellow attires in festivals honouring her. When the gods came down, they completely disregarded Oshun while they engaged in the work of creating the earth.
Who is Oshun married to?
Oshun Ibu D'Oko -- Oshun, the wife of Orisha Oko. This Oshun is pictured as a furrow to be plowed and a giant vulva, while her husband Orisha Oko is a farmer and pictured as a giant phallus. This is one of Oshun's most obviously procreative manifestations.
Are Oshun and Yemaya the same?
In her version of the story, Yemayá and Ochún are sisters who trade physical attributes to help each other. Here is how she phrased the tale: Ochún era una mulata muy linda, tenía un cuerpo muy ele- gante, muy bonita. Pero, no tenía pelo.
Who is Yemaya husband?
She was married to Aganju and had one son, Orungan, and fifteen Orishas came forth from her. They include Ogun, Olokun, Shopona and Shango. Other stories would say that Yemaya was always there in the beginning and all life came from her, including all of the orishas.
Yoruba Meaning
The name Oshun is an Yoruba baby name. In Yoruba origin the meaning of name Oshun is : Goddess of the Oshun River
African Meaning
The name Oshun is an African baby name. In African origin the meaning of name Oshun is : Goddess of the Oshun River
What is the Orisha of Osun?
She is the orishá of the fresh water of rivers and waterfalls; of wealth and prosperity; of love; and of beauty. Followers seek help for romantic problems from Osun; the orisha is also responsible for marriage and other relationships. As the orishá of financial life, she is also called the "Lady of Gold".
What is the significance of the Queen of Osun?
She is connected to destiny and divination. During the life of the mortal Osun, she served as queen consort to King Shango of Oyo. Following her posthumous deification, she was admitted to the Yoruba pantheon as an aspect of a primordial divinity of the same name.
What is the goddess of gold?
As the orishá of financial life, she is also called the "Lady of Gold". This referred to copper at one time for being the most valuable metal of the time. Osun is worshiped at rivers and waterfalls, and more rarely, near mineral water sources. She is a symbol of sensitivity and is identified by weeping.
What is the plant that grows with Osun?
Plants associated with Osun in Brazil are aromatic, sweet, and often yellow, reflecting the qualities of the Orisha. They include mints ( Lamiacaea ). Osun is associated with the folha-de-dez-réis ( Hydrocotyle cybelleta ), a plant of the pennywort family.
What is the Osun state?
For the state in Nigeria, see Osun State. Ọṣun, is an Orisha, a spirit, a deity, or a goddess that reflects one of the manifestations of the Yorùbá Supreme Being in the Ifá oral tradition and Yoruba -based religions of West Africa. She is one of the most popular and venerated Orishas.
What is the iron chalice of Osun?
Iron chalice of Osun, one of Los Guerreros (the warriors) --) in Santería religion. Ozun is another major Orisha that is distinct from Osun, the latter whom is also called "Oshun" and "Ochún" in the Santería religion of the Caribbean ( Cuba, Puerto Rico and Trinidad) brought over by Yoruba slaves during the transatlantic slave trade.
Who is Osun married to?
While still a mortal, Osun is said to have gone to a drum festival one day and to have fallen in love with Shango . Since that day, Shango has been married to Oba, Oya, and Osun, though the last mentioned is said to be his favourite. Other stanzas in the Ifa Literary Corpus say that she was also married to Orunmila, who later became the Orisha of Wisdom and Divination.
What is Oshun's name?
Oshun is the orisha of sweetness, love and everything that makes life worth living. This is Oshún is Ibú Asedán – a road of Oshun that loves to hunt. Oshun (also spelled Ochún, Oṣun or Oxum) is the youngest of the orishas and probably the most popular in Santeria. She was the last orisha born in the world out of Olodumare’s love for creation.
What does Oshun represent?
Hers is the power of sweetness in life, and all of the things that make life worth living. Oshun represents all of the phases of a woman’s life and her worship was popular in Africa. Because of this she has many roads or “caminos”, each encapsulating a different aspect of her persona.
Why is Oshun the most popular orisha?
Oshún is probably the most popular orisha in Santeria because of her willingness to help those seeking love, children or money in life. Oshun is very generous to those who love and respect her.
What are Oshun's roads called?
Each road has a slightly different temperament and particularities. All roads of Oshun are called “Ibu” meaning “pool of water” or “spring. Here is but a sampling of her caminos.
What are Oshun elekes made of?
Most Oshun elekes are made with honey colored beads and/or yellow beads. This eleke for Ibú Asedán contains lots of coral as well as red and green beads. Sacred Place in Nature: the river. Colors: gold, yellow, amber, coral (some roads of Oshun do not like yellow for it reminds her of when she was poor) Tools: oars, brass bracelets, a fan, mirrors.
Where does Oshun live?
She makes her residence in the rivers of the world.
What is the best thing to make for Oshun?
Oshinshín (or Ochinchín) is a simple and effective offering to make for Oshun, and it is one of her favorites. In truth there are variations of oshinshín that can be made for other orishas too by modifying the ingredients a bit. Start with 5 hen eggs, a bundle of collard greens and a packet of dried shrimp.
Who is Osun the Queen of Witches?
Osun the Queen of Witches: Oshun Ibu Ikole — Oshun the Vulture. This dimension of Oshun is (as was Isis of ancient Kemitic Egypt and the later Greek Diana) associated with Witches (Aje). Her symbols include the vulture, and the mortar and pestle (both of which are symbols of witchcraft).
Where in the Bible is Oshun mentioned?
In the Old Testament Book of Proverbs Chapter 3 Verse 13 to 18, this beautiful praise of Oshun is embedded in the Bible under her Holy name Wisdom, or Sophia (the Greek goddess name used in the original Septuagint Greek New Testament Bible), which is of the same roots and essence as the Yoruba Ifa. It goes as follows:
Why is Osun named after Oya?
In fact a certain confluence of two rivers at a rapid in one of the wetern state of Nigeria is named after Osun and Oya due to the intimidating turbulence that marks the point of intersetion.
What are Oshun's offerings?
Offerings to Oshun could be in form of songs, chantings, meditating on her name, devotion to her love, and/or adherence with her compassionate laws. Her manifestations of love include being the source of all fresh waters, all warmth, all knowledge, all culture, all society, all motherhood, prosperity, fertility of the land and the water.
What is the mother of the fishes of the seas?
She is known as the mother of the fishes of the seas and the birds of the forest. Isis used to be represented as the mother of the fishes and the Queen of the seas. Oshun is the essence of love, sweetness and good cheer, beauty and flowing joy. Among the Yorubas of West Africa, She is also known as Yalode- the mother of things outside ...
What is the possession of the devotees?
Possession of her devotees is one of her principal manifestation and in such states, devotees are filled with clarity, confidence, joy, love, bliss and laugher. Yet, they are filled at the same times with the terrible aspects of her power which activates to fight injustice against humanity and irreverence against the gods.
What is Oshun's temper?
It is said that “Oshun is beneficient and generous, and very kind. She does, have a malevolent and tempestuous temper , although it is difficult to anger her.”
Who is Oshun's sister?
According to legend, Oshun first met Chango at a tambor (drumming ritual) and has been in love with him ever since. She is also his sister, as they both sprung forth from the belly of Yemaya, the goddess of the sea.
Why is Oshun considered the Aphrodite of the Yoruba pantheon?
Oshun is regarded as the Aphrodite of the Yoruba pantheon because of her many love affairs and amazing powers of seduction. Her romantic saga is certainly extensive. She has been the lover of Oggun, patron of metals, Ochosi, the divine hunter, and Chango.
What is the goddess of love?
Oshun is the goddess of seduction, love, fertility and marriage. Learn the myths and rituals related to Oshun and how to invoke her presence in your life.
Why is the color yellow important to Oshun?
Devotees of Oshun know that the color yellow is important in the worship of this goddess. The myth states that when Oshun was poor, she only had one dress which she washed in the river. She washed the dress to the extent that it turned yellow, so the color yellow was consequently attributed to her.
What are the attributes of Oshun?
Other attributes of Oshun include seashells, mirrors, fans, combs, coral, and gold.
What is the color of Oshun's necklace?
Beaded necklaces are common for use in Santeria rituals and in the worship of the orishas. Because Oshun’s color is yellow, the necklace is made up of yellow or amber-colored beads.
What is the goddess of the river waters?
She is the goddess of the river waters and is considered to be the Aphrodite of Cuba and Africa. She is also known as Our Lady of Caridad del Cobre and is regarded as patroness of Cuba by her many devotees, who celebrate her feast day on September 8.
Who is Oshun's husband?
Asojano was the husband of this Oshun . This baston is called Akinoro, Symbolizes a Eleggua, others say her husband for this its name. Oshun Ibu Ana: Her name means "Owner of the drums" is born in the Odun Oturpon Obge. Others say in the Odun Ofun -Ogbe (10-8).
Why did Oshun leave Ayaguna?
Oshun gained the power of Egun in the Odu Irete Yero . Oshun lived with Ayaguna, but she left him because of the Igbin (snails) he would eat , this was a taboo for her. she also lived with Osain, Shango, Shakuana, Orunmila, Agayu, Orisha Oko , Oduduwa and Inle.
Why did Oshun beg Yemaya and Olokun to return her last coin?
She began to beg Yemaya and Olokun to return her last coin , for it was all she had to buy food for her children. The Gods she begged when they saw her, where moved by her story and pulled the great seas back till Oshun could see the riches at the bottom of the seven seas.
Where is Oshun's coin?
This is found in the Odun of OseChe (9-5) where Oshun, in her efforts to help the world lost her fortune. After this she began to wash clothes at the river and people would pay her with coins. One day , her coin fell in the water and the current took the coin to the sea. She began to beg Yemaya and Olokun to return her last coin , for it was all she had to buy food for her children. The Gods she begged when they saw her, where moved by her story and pulled the great seas back till Oshun could see the riches at the bottom of the seven seas. But , Oshun only picked up her coin that she had lost and turned away. The Gods not understanding why she would only take her coin and nothing else , Said :
Where is the second wife of Chango?
The second wife of Chango (Shango). Although this Goddess is adored in many parts of Yorubaland , it is in the City of Osogbo, where her river passes , where she has a larger group of believers. The Name Osogbo is derived from the vocabulary of Oshun and Ogbo.
What is the importance of Olofi?
There is a Pataki that shows the importance of the goddess: When olofi created the world , the heavens and earth would communicate through the Ceiba Tree. But , man defrauded the confidence of Olofi and he separated the heavens from the earth. From the beginning Olofi had given man everything to human kind . They had not plowed nor planted anything . For this man began to die of hunger. Oshun, seeing this transformed into the vulture and took a full basket of bread and black eyed peas to the heavens. There she found Olofi with hunger, And she fed him . Thankful for the food Olofi, asked what is it that she wanted in return for her favor. This is where she interceded for mankind.
Who is the only one that can go as well to Oru?
Oshun is the only one that can go as well to Oru. Lets see how important is this goddess , Blessed by the other Gods and Olofi himself , and how important she is to the religion Yoruba. Caminos or Avatars of Oshun. Oshun Ibu Kole : inseparable from the vulture, with whom she works .
Overview
Ọṣun, is an Orisha, a spirit, a deity, or a goddess that reflects one of the manifestations of the Yorùbá Supreme Being in the Ifá oral tradition and Yoruba-based religions of West Africa. She is one of the most popular and venerated Orishas. Oshun is an important river deity among the Yorùbá people. She is the goddess of divinity, femininity, fertility, beauty and love. She is connected to destiny and divination.
Primordial Osun
According to the Ifa Literary Corpus, Ọṣun was the only female Irunmole (primordial spirit) sent to assist Shango to create the world by Olodumare. The other spirits that were sent began the work and ignored Ọṣun. Ọṣun went to her partner Shango for guidance. Two versions of this story exist. One claims that female spirits were tempted to take matters into their own hands, but all of their creative attempts failed because they acted without male spiritual leadership. Another version, and this one more consistent with the beginning of the story, claims that th…
Mortal Osun
While still a mortal, Osun is said to have gone to a drum festival one day and to have fallen in love with Shango. Since that day, Shango has been married to Oba, Oya, and Osun, though the last mentioned is said to be his favourite. Other stanzas in the Ifa Literary Corpus say that she was also married to Orunmila, who later became the Orisha of Wisdom and Divination.
It is also said that Osun was the first woman to be referred to as an Iyalode.
Ceremonies and Ritual Colors
Osun is the orisha of the river. Her devotees leave her offerings and perform ceremonies at bodies of fresh water such as rivers, streams and canals. She is associated with the colors white, yellow, gold, and sometimes coral.
Abẹ̀bẹ̀
The Abẹ̀bẹ̀ is the ritual object most associated with Ọṣun. The Abẹ̀bẹ̀ is a fan in circular form.
Brazil
Ọṣun is a female orishá adopted and worshiped in all Afro-Brazilian religions. She is the orishá of the fresh water of rivers and waterfalls; of wealth and prosperity; of love; and of beauty. Followers seek help for romantic problems from Osun; the orisha is also responsible for marriage and other relationships. As the orishá of financial life, she is also called the "Lady of Gold". This referred to copper at one time for being the most valuable metal of the time. Osun is worshiped at rivers and waterfalls, and more rarely, near mineral water sources. She is a symb…
Santeria
Ozun is another major Orisha that is distinct from Osun, the latter whom is also called "Oshun" and "Ochún" in the Santería religion of the Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico and Trinidad) brought over by Yoruba people during the transatlantic slave trade. While Ozun is a masculine Orisha associated with John the Baptist, Ochún is syncretized with Our Lady of Charity.
Further reading
• Ajiabde, G. Olusola. Negotiating Performance: Osun in the Verbal and Visual Metaphors, Bayreuth, Working Papers, 2005.
• Afolabi, Kayode. Osun Osogbo - Sacred People and Sacred Places, Charleston 2006.
• Badejo, Diedre, Oshun Seegesi: The Elegant Deity of Wealth, Power, and Femininity, Asmara 1996.