How do you know if your child is 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.
What does it mean when you see Oshun?
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.
What color represents Oshun?
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.
Why do people pray to Oshun?
The Osun-Osogbo Festival is still held annually in her honor during which people come from all over to pay their respects at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove outside the city. Oshun is understood as a deity especially sympathetic to the difficulties of transitions & is associated with transformation.
What day is Oshun day of the week?
FridayOn the 5th day of each week (Friday), OSHUN & their temple gives offerings to the orisa, Osun, on behalf of members in the community who are looking to connect with the Great Mother.
What does Oshun's Daughter Mean?
Jenmi; Daughter of Oshun. Oshun is a Nigerian Yoruba Orisha, a spirit or deity that reflects one of the manifestations of God in the Ifá and Yoruba religions. She is one of the most popular Orisha's and the only female irunmole (primordial) sent to set up the world by Olodumare.
What are the Orisha numbers?
Number. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more – an innumerable number". Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orishas.
Can you have two Orishas?
It is commonly understood by both scholars and practitioners of Yoruba religion in the Americas that initiates in Africa worship only one or two Orisha, whereas in the New World each individual worships multiple Orisha.
Is Oshun associated with bees?
Well known are some traditional associations of bees and their products with various Orishas. Obvious candidates would be Oshun and Osanyin, but I would suggest that if you think about it, there are many ways in which the process of beekeeping could open a relationship with Eshu, Ogun, or any of the other Orishas.
Why is Oshun important?
Oshun is a central figure in the mythology of the creation of the earth and human beings. Oshun is the goddess of love, sensuality, water, and the protective deity of the river Oshun. She is also associated with fertility, lushness, greenness and life.
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.
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 owns the needle in Oshun?
All of her tools and implements are doubled. Ibú Asedán – the owner of the needle, she is a powerful huntress and enjoys inflicting pain on her prey. Ibú Akuaro (Akparo) – a destitute, poor road of Oshun that lives where the river and sea meet. The quail is sacred to her.
What does Oshun hold?
She is the granter of wishes and all of your heart’s desires. When respected and properly invoked, Oshun holds the keys to love, success, prosperity, and pregnancy. That said, if you’re trying to invoke this goddess, make sure you always keep her happy. In other words, do not make Oshun a promise you cannot keep.
What is Oshun's favorite bird?
Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty. She loves honey, sunflowers, oranges, cinnamon, and pumpkin. The peacock and the vulture are her favorite birds.
How to tell Oshun to light a candle?
Write the same wishes you told Oshun on a piece of brown paper bag with a pencil. Put it inside the pumpkin and seal the top with candle wax.
Why is Oshun heartbroken?
The patakís say Oshun is often heartbroken because she loves with every fiber of her being, and yet she never finds someone who can love her the same way back. It’s no coincidence Oshun is also the referred to as the queen of the witches: She is a teacher of both magic and mysticism.
How many oranges are needed for a shaman?
You’ll need: 5 oranges, 1 yellow candle, 1 white plate, cinnamon, honey, and a representation of the goddess
Is Oshun the Yoruba goddess alive?
For those who have not yet had the privilege of knowing Oshun, the benevolent and venerated Yoruba goddess: May you one day experience the strength in her power, the beauty of her undying love, and the magical rhythm flowing through her sacred waters. This goddess is very much alive; her feminine essence resides in the rivers ...
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".
Where is the shrine of Oshun?
Shrine to Oshun in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. Abèbè, the ritual fan of Ọṣun. 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 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 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.
How many Yoruba gods are there?
Osun is one of the 401 Yoruba gods.
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 meaning of Oshun?
Orisha. Oshun, Spirit of Sweet Water, is the embodiment of love and romance, wealth, beauty, abundance, and magical knowledge. Oshun has dominion over things that flow: water, honey, love, money, mother’s milk, and so forth. Her power extends over various parts of the human anatomy, particularly the reproductive organs.
Who is Oshun married to?
Do not bring them close together unless you wish to see sparks fly. Oshun has been married to Orunmila, Shango, and Erinle and has had love affairs with Ochossi, Ogun, and Elegba. Oshun is the youngest, sweetest, and smallest orisha, but she may be the toughest:
How long is the Oshun festival?
Pilgrims travel from around the world to visit, especially during the annual Oshun festival held in August, typically lasting nine days. Sacrifices and requests are made, particularly regarding fertility.
What is Oshun's manifest?
She most commonly manifests as a breathtakingly beautiful woman, usually dressed in yellow or gold. She may manifest as a mermaid. She wears five brass bracelets and may carry or wear a mirror at her belt, the better to be able to stop and admire herself whenever she wishes. Oshun is manifest in honey and in cinnamon.
What is Oshun's favorite metal?
Metal: Oshun is traditionally associated with brass and copper but she now claims dominion over gold, too, as it is perceived as more valuable and prestigious.
Why do women go to the Oshun shrine?
Women are welcome at the shrine throughout the year to immerse themselves for a fertility boost.
Do Oya and Oshun get along?
They are extremely compatible and are venerated together. Oshun and Oya do not get along. Although one devotee may venerate both of these powerful, beautiful, warrior orishas, keep some space, time, and distance between them. Do not bring them close together unless you wish to see sparks fly.
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:
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.
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 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 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).
Who is the goddess of love and judicious judgement?
For she carries on the beneficience of her chief goddess, Osun, quietly, loyally and annonymously waxing love and judicious judgement in line with the omni-potent and the omni-present will of the beloved lady, blessed Osun. Oshun the Diviner, Sophia Wisdom. Oshun Ololodi — Oshun, the diviner. Oshun is a particularly sensous goddess ...
What is Oshun's name?
Oshun’s name means “source” – She is the source of the river, of the people, of children, of life, of the very blood of life itself. As the youngest Orisha, Oshun quickly demonstrated that She was intrinsically linked with all life. If Oshun withdraws from our world, life is over – Her elemental power as the source of Sweet Waters on Earth (the fresh waters) makes life possible and preserves life for creation. Oshun is specifically the source of feminine power and the source of women’s intrinsic creative power. All that we are in the embodiment to create, sustain, and bring forth life falls under Oshun’s purvey.
What is Oshun's presence?
Oshun’s presence makes everything brighter, more beautiful, more wondrous, and Her laughter is intoxicating as She invites us to dance to Her sacred drums and surrender to all the pleasures of life well-lived.
What are Oshun's favorite colors?
Her favorite colors are yellow, green, and gold, but my Oshun likes orange too. Offer Her amber, intoxicating perfumes, jewelry (She likes gold and brass the best!), all flowers but particularly sunflowers, mirrors, combs, fans, red roses, items collected at the river. Interestingly, brass is made of copper and zinc, so copper also is one of Her offerings. Some of Her sacred animals are bees, peacocks, vultures, butterflies, parrots, crocodiles. Thursday is Her day of the week and September 8th is when Her annual Feast Day is celebrated.
What does Oshun do when she withdraws from the world?
If Oshun withdraws from our world, life is over – Her elemental power as the source of Sweet Waters on Earth (the fresh waters) makes life possible and preserves life for creation. Oshun is specifically the source of feminine power and the source of women’s intrinsic creative power. All that we are in the embodiment to create, sustain, ...
What is Oshun's role in the life cycle?
Oshun stands as a champion of the elevation and recognition of woman as the source of life – the reproductive process which sustains life. For all humans, She spreads Her golden magic throughout all that gives us life, love, ...
Where does Oshun come from?
The best known source of Oshun traditions are from Ijesa country , West Africa which has been known as Osun State, Nigeria since 1991. The annual Osogbo Festival is the largest event in Nigeria and is dedicated to Oshun. It has become an international tourist attraction as well as the largest event in Nigeria that is dedicated to a traditional deity. Sacred Journeys with Brice Feiler featured the festival and is available on Amazon. Oshun is also said to “specialize in many trades” and a belief held in Africa to present day about Her is that She helps women n the market pay their debts. As the model for feminine empowerment and independence, Oshun is an inspiring role model for female entrepreneurship.
Who is Obinrin Gbona?
Obinrin gbona, okunrin nsa…The woman who seizes the road and causes men to run away.
Who is Olofi in Orichás?
Olofi, who is all-knowing, understood what Ochún had done, and he rewarded her for her bravery and lack of self interest by making her one of his favorite Orichás. The Virgin of Caridad del Cobre. Ochún is a close friend of Eleguá, who supports her in all her endeavors.
What is the most beautiful oricha?
Ochún is considered to be the most beautiful of the female Orichás. She exhibits all of the characteristics associated with fresh flowing water: she's lively, sparking, vivacious, refreshing. No one can resist her seductive laugh, her graceful dancing, and her lips that taste like honey.
What is the meaning of Oshun?
Oshun is associated with Our Lady of Charity, an aspect of the Virgin Mary focused on hope and survival, particularly in relation to the sea. Our Lady of Charity is also the patron saint of Cuba, where Santeria originates.
Who is Osain the Orisha?
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. He also looks out for the home. Contrary to many mythologies showing nature gods and wild and untamed, Osain is a distinctly rational figure.
What is the goddess of lakes and seas?
Yemaya. Yemaya is the orisha of lakes and seas and the patron of women and of motherhood. She is associated with Our Lady of Regla, the protector of sailors. Fans, seashells, canoes, coral, and the moon all represent her. Her colors are white and blue.
Why did Oshun turn into a peacock?
To save the parched world Oshun transformed into a peacock and ascended to Olodumare's realm to beg his forgiveness. Olodumare relented and returned the water to the world, and the peacock transformed into a vulture.
What are the orishas?
Updated January 23, 2018. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. The number of orishas varies among believers. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas.
What color is Oya?
Fire, a lance, a black horsetail, or a copper crown with nine points all represent Oya, who is also associated with copper in general. Her color is maroon.
Who is the goddess of transitions and change?
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. She is a goddess of transitions and change. Some say she is the ultimate ruler of fire but allows Chango to use it.
Who is the goddess of the fresh waters that purify the universe?
Mother Oshún, goddess of the fresh waters that purify the universe.
What is the name of the goddess of sweet water?
Oshún has different names, it can be recognized by its variations such as Ósun, Oxum / Ochun. She is held as the patroness of the world's sweet water currents, including lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and springs.
Where do we give offerings to the saints?
Before praying to the saint, we can give her offerings in front of her altar or her image, or we take them to the river, her natural temple.
Overview
Primordial Osun
Mortal Osun
- Oshun is the orisha of sweet waters: lakes, streams, brooks and rivers; she is also the protector of gestational waters. She is the enthusiastic goddess of love, beauty, sex and fertility, prosperity and luxury, and she is also the ruler of Order. In fact, one writer wrote: “Her manifestations of love include being the source of all freshwaters, al...
Ceremonies and Ritual Colors
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 de…
Abẹ̀bẹ̀
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 vers…
Brazil
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.
Santeria
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.
Further reading
The Abẹ̀bẹ̀ is the ritual object most associated with Ọṣun. The Abẹ̀bẹ̀ is a fan in circular form.