oshun symbol

by Prof. Emmanuel Leuschke I Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Full Answer

How to invoke the energy of yorube goddess Oshun?

What is offered to Oshún to help us in love?

We choose a quiet place, be it on the river, the sea, or a space in our home.
We light a yellow, gold or white candle in her name to invoke her.
We can offer you what we want, for example, 5 sunflowers and we put a little honey on top to sweeten the good ways of love.

What does Oshun like?

Oshun, 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. She is considered one of the most powerful of all orishas, and, like

How to begin to work with the orisha Oshun?

This work will be left for 5 days or 7 days, it depends on the duration of the flowers.
Your offering will be deposited at the mouth of a river and the sea.
When depositing the offering, he must cross himself with 7 cents that will be left in the river part and with 5 cents for the sea part.

What are the symbols and colors of the goddess Athena?

Pantheon: Olympian.
Element: Fire.
Sphere of Influence: Death and Wealth.
Preferred colors: Black.
Associated symbol: Black Ram.
Animals associated with: Ram.
Best day to work with: Saturday.
Strongest around: Yule.

What does Oshun symbolize?

Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality. 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.

What animal is Oshun associated with?

Oshun is the second wife of Shango and is considered a shape shifter who is able to take on the form of a peacock or a vulture. She is commonly described as the favorite of all orisha by the Supreme God, Olodumare, because of her beauty and sensuality.

What number is Oshun associated with?

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. Today the Orisha traditions are practiced in Cuba, Brazil, and parts of Central America and the United States.

What are Oshun colors?

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.

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.

What does it mean to be a 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 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 food does Oshun like?

Oshun's favorite thing to eat is honey, and her contagious laugh can either put you under her spell or send shivers down your spine.” And Oshun, who is said to be jealous, can be vengeful when she is crossed: “Oshun is as sweet as honey,” Mesa writes, “but her honey can also turn sour.”

Who is Oshun's husband?

Orisha OkoThis 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.

How is Oshun depicted?

Aside from her periodic outbursts, Oshun is depicted as kind, benevolent, and merciful. One story relates how a people who settled by the Osun River near the city of Osogbo disrespected her simple requests and were washed away but another, who came later, respected and honored her.

Who created Oshun?

Oshun was one of the 17 gods sent by Olodumare to create the world.

Who is the most powerful Orisha?

ṢàngóṢàngó is viewed as the most powerful and feared of the orisha pantheon. He casts a "thunderstone" to earth, which creates thunder and lightning, to anyone who offends him. Worshippers in Yorubaland in Nigeria do not eat cowpea because they believe that the wrath of the god of iron would descend on them.

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.

Where is Osun celebrated?

Osun is honored at the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a two-week-long annual festival that usually takes place in August, at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove on the banks of the river. Osun is one of the 401 Yoruba gods.

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 Brazilian orisha?

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 did Oshun teach?

Like Queen Isis of the Ancient Egyptian Kemitic Pantheon, Oshun was taught the art of divination with the cowrie shells, cards, tarots, visions, possessions, songs, chants and meditations by her father Obatala, the first of the created gods. Like Isis, She brought the teaching of divinations, mysticism, agriculture and culture to humans.

What are the offerings of Osun?

Food offerings could include sweet things such as fresh water, honey, mead, white wine, oranges, sweets, or pumpkins, as well as essential oils and incense. THE MANY DIMENSIONS AND MOODS OF OSUN. In the high Yoruba mystical teachings, Oshun has many roads, or dimensions and some of these include:

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 Oshun the Diviner?

Oshun the Diviner, Sophia Wisdom. Oshun Ololodi — Oshun, the diviner. Oshun is a particularly sensous goddess and has been associated with many lover and husbands. In her form of the diviner She is the wife or lover of Orunmila, the first prophet of Ifa divination.

What is Oshun's significance?

In most Yoruba stories, Oshun is generally depicted as the protector, saviour, or nurturer of humanity.

What is Oshun known for?

With the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and dispersion of Yoruba culture, Oshun is also an important figure outside Africa, where she is known by other names, such as Oxum in Brazil and Ochún in Cuba. Bayyinah S. Jeffries The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Why do Yoruba go to the Oshun River?

Every year Oshun devotees and other people of the Yoruba religious tradition go to the Oshun River to pay homage, make sacrifice, and ask for a variety of things such as wealth, children, and better health. Although other orishas are honoured during the festival, the climax of the festival is centred on Oshun.

Why is Oshun the favorite of all Orishas?

She is commonly described as the favourite of all orishas by Olodumare, because of her beauty and sensuality. In yet another Yoruba story, Oshun is depicted as the goddess who not only gives life but also takes it.

How does Oshun save the Earth?

Yet once she has been appeased, Oshun saves Earth from destruction by calling back the waters. Tradition holds that the first interaction between Oshun and human beings took place in Osogbo ( Oshogbo ), Nigeria. That city is considered sacred, and it is believed to be fiercely protected by the water goddess.

Why is Oshun important?

Oshun is especially important to women in West African cultures. Those who want children and who may suffer from infertility usually call on Oshun for assistance, and she is associated with the concepts of femininity and the power of women. More widely, she is sought after in times of drought or severe poverty.

What is the meaning of Osun?

See Article History. Alternative Title: Osun. 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. She is considered one of the most powerful ...

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.

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.

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.

Why do women go to the Oshun shrine?

Women are welcome at the shrine throughout the year to immerse themselves for a fertility boost.

What is Oshun's favorite offering?

Her very favorite offering is honey. You must taste any honey that you offer Oshun, each and every time you offer it, not just upon opening the jar. An attempt was once made to poison her through an offering of honey. All offerings of untasted honey will be rejected, and you may be looked upon with suspicion.

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:

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.

Overview

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 an…

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 vers…

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.

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.