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Yoruba religion
The Yoruba religion comprises the traditional religious and spiritual concepts and practice of the Yoruba people. Its homeland is in present-day Southwestern Nigeria and the adjoining parts of Benin and Togo, commonly known as Yorubaland. It shares some parallels with the Vodun practiced by the neighboring Fon and Ewe peoples to the west and to the religion of the Edo people to the east. Yoruba reli…
What is the meaning of 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. She is considered one of the most powerful of all orishas, and, like other gods, ...
What is Oshun the Vulture a symbol of?
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).
What does the orisha Oshun represent?
Oshun’s Portrayal and Symbolism Symbolism: As the Orisha of fresh and sweet waters, such as rivers, the goddess is associated with fertility, prosperity, and healing. It’s believed that she’s a protector of the waters as well as the poor and the sick, bringing them prosperity and health.
What is Oshun the patron saint of?
During the life of the mortal Oshun, 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. She is the patron saint of the Osun River in Nigeria, which bears her name.
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 animals are associated with Oshun?
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 does Oshun 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.
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.
Who was Oshun's lover?
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....Oshun.Ọ̀ṣun OshunSpouseChangó, Erinle8 more rows
What are the 7 African powers?
Another common initiation is the intitiation into the Seven African Powers (Elegua, Obatala, Oggun, Chango, Yemaya, Oshun, and Orunmilla).
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.
Who is the strongest 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.
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 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.
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 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 ...
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.
Why is Oshun blue?
The association with the color Blue suggests that Oshun name holders are quite inflexible because they prefer order and structure. The color Blue is known to reduce stress levels and create a sense of calmness.
What is the lucky gemstone for Oshun?
The lucky gemstone for the name Oshun is the Alexandrite, which summons the balance between thoughts and emotions. Alexandrite encourages one to find their true source of joy and happiness inside them.
What is the meaning of August?
With a meaning revolving around reorganization and friendliness, August is widely regarded as the month when one should challenge their comfort zone and try a special experience. The August energy stimulates an ability to seize new opportunities.
What is the capstone of a name?
The Capstone, the final letter of a name, gives a sense of someone's perseverance to accomplish what they set out to, and their opinion about their own capacities. Daredevil-like and easily swayed, the temperament of people who have N as the last letter of their name seems very interested in the experiences life has to offer, wishing to learn from all ups and downs encountered on the way.
What does the number 5 mean?
Number 5's resonance is a bold, non-conventional one, that is drawn to the unpredictable and life's indulgences. On a higher plane, the number 5 is aimed at fighting off temptations and helping others adapt to the uncertainties of life.
What is the role of Oshun?
One of the most important roles that Oshun plays is that of the goddess of the sweet waters and the protective deity of the River Oshun in Nigeria. Alongside this river is a sacred grove, probably the last in Yoruba Culture , dedicated to Oshun. The Celtic Goddess Epona that Rode Swiftly Across the Ancient Roman Empire.
Where is Oshun today?
Today, Oshun is still honored in Nigeria in the annual ceremony called Ibo-Osun, as well as the 12 day Osun-Osogbo festival in August.
Why did Oshun advise the settlers to move to the upper part of the river?
They were successful in their undertaking and Oshun advised the settlers to move to the upper part of the river, for humans and spirits could not live together. The villagers complied with Oshun’s command and the former settlement became the Osun-Osongbo Sacred Grove.
What is Oshun's art style?
In art, Oshun is depicted like many of her counterparts from other cultures. Oshun is commonly shown as a beautiful, charming, sensual, and coquettish young woman. In addition to her natural beauty, Oshun is also adorned with such ornaments as gold jewelry, brass bracelets, beads, mirrors and elaborate fans .
How many shrines are there in the Osun-Osongbo grove?
Over time, these sacred groves were either abandoned or shrank in size, apart from the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove. This sacred grove contains 40 shrines, 2 palaces, as well as many sculptures and works of art. Due to its unique status, the Osun-Osongbo Sacred Grove was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005.
Who is Oshun's father?
She also taught them the art of divination using cowrie shells, as well as songs, chants, and meditations taught to her by her father Obatala, the first of the created Orishi. Kneeling Female Figure, Devotee of Oshun.
Is Osun Osongbo a sacred grove?
Due to its unique status, the Osun-Osongbo Sacred Grove was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005. There are some interesting tales linked to Oshun’s sacred grove . In one story, villagers from a nearby area were migrating in search of water and settled in along the river near the present town of Osogbo.
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
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…
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.
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…
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.