The ''Yemaya'' iteration of Yemonja's name was creolized in Cuba. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. He is said to be half man, half fish. It goes as far back as the 9th century, way before the first Europeans set sail on the countrys shores. Can a deceased sibling still be spoken with if you put up a alter for them in the form of an ancestor?? Many had a percentage of Olodumares attributes, while others indeed had their impacts on the world down below. When mischief and trickery can be converted into an orb of power controlled by a celestial spirit, it makes way for a relatively powerful narrative that strikes awe within its believers. Because of her affiliation with water, protection, and fertility, Yemonja is considered to be the most nurturing of the orishas. New to the 7 african powers. Oduda is the goddess of prostitution that is worshipped by the North-West African people. 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. Oya and Oshun dont get along! In this article, we will be looking at the traditional beliefs of the Yoruba people, a West African ethnic group with a brimming crucible of history to their name. His domain is over legal matters and he brings legitimate justice. This basket is full of potions and healing herbs, since she is also often times referred to as the Goddess of Botany. The Yoruba, Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or orishas. Youve Disrespected Obatala and olodumare by having Jesus . He is closely associated with Oya (Deity of the Winds) and Egungun (Collective Ancestral Spirits). The notion of reincarnation is that deceased family members make their journey back to life as a new baby in the same family they once departed from. what i do is follow certain people on youtube who talk about the storys of the orishas which i find to be very important , you can learn a lot about the orishas and lessons through the stories. Now, depending on who you ask, the 7th (Oya) is sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi. Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. And who from the 7 powers do I call out too? in my opinion think its a great idea to learn a lot about orishas and the practice before taking further steps . The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. I connect with you on this on every level . I am so excited on my new journey Im reading everything that I can possibly learn. 1. West Africa is anything but peaceful, as war can break out at any point between tribes, which is why steel is a more useful keeper of peace than words will ever be. She formed the oceans and rivers when her water broke while she was giving birth to her first child. Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! Intention is energy, spirit is energy. Consequently, because of his knowledge, Orunmila is said to know the ways of the world and the fate of humankind. A patriarchal spirit, he watches over children and families and is one of the most venerated Orishas in the African diaspora. A note on online sources: Ive done considerable research on the Seven African Powers, and I find it interesting that because of the forced syncretization of the Seven African Powers with seven Catholic saints, some sources claim the original 7 were never Orishas. Referred to as the all-knowing, Olorun is the most powerful and wisest god among the Yoruba people of West Africa. It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. Lets start? I see more that i s imperative to my calling. I was once told that I have one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a pastor. Some of these names are also used as male African names for new babies. Just Started my journey in learning more of African Spirituality. 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. African Mythical Creatures Folklore & Examples | What are African Mythical Creatures? Hello, permit me if I may, Im new to this and still learning. Since the river flows through Iwo, the people of Iwo are often referred to as the children of the Oba River. Any information for a beginner on her journey would help. Hi, I enjoyed reading this. They are similar but not quite the same. 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. The Seven African Powers, also known as the Orishas, are spirits from the Supreme Creator in African religion. And just pay attention to everything that is happening to you for awhile. The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. Now that you have learned about many of the important Yoruba myths, choose your favourite one. For example, how many practitioners does it have today? The natural world generally flourishes with life. Id like a friend that wouldnt mind my questions, or be judgemental. Osanyin is known as the god of herbs who lives in the forest to care for the plants and herbs. My biggest question is, after reading about all 7 of them (and I know there are many more to learn about) outside of learning exactly what it means to understand African based spirituality, how do I know exactly which spirit to honor/follow and work with? I recently lost that job as this was only a month ago. Baptism by water invokes her purifying essence. Both revered and feared, Obaluaye is well respected by the followers, and he is said to curse you as quickly as he can heal you. Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. At the start of the rainy season, the Yoruban people partake in a festival to show their appreciation for Oko. Yes you do have to be initiated to have a serious connection , any other who calls on our Orishas are seen as strangers to the religion , wouldnt be able to attend ceremonies or anything involving the Orishas . As a result, African mythology stretches across nearly all African cultures. The Yoruba religion originated from Nigeria, where it starts off small but it soon picked up traction, becoming a faith where its followers can address the gods and goddesses through their complex oral traditions which they pass down from generation to generation. She is the one that brings the life over to the forests, and most often times she is depicted carrying around a basket with her. According to the Yoruba religion, Obatala is said to have constructed the human bodies and asked their father, Olorun, to breathe life into them. Saraswati. Modern African American, Afro-Caribbean, South American and many other magical people feel called to work with the Orishas, including the Seven African Powers. Anyhoot, I started immersing myself in Nigerian culture, 1st with the Nollywood movies and the AfroBeats music and eventually with some of the food. Olokun is the ruler of the waters of Earth and is presented as both god and goddess depending on the religion. These oral traditions were passed from generation to generation and were often narrated by a designated storyteller called a ''griot''. The Orishas are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo. lol I guess I was half asleep when i read how to use the candle because everyday for 7 days i would wake up , light the candle, say the prayer, then before bed i would turn it off. ( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. Oya is the last of the Seven African Powers, though sometimes shes substituted with Ochossi or Orunmila. Most African traditional religions are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices. And what better tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron? The 2nd of the Seven African Powers is Ogun, iron-working healing Orisha. Hello. I dont have an answer but just want to share with you. 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 have three of the seven powers already in my home: Ellegua, Ogun, and Obatala. Yemaya has no meaning in Yoruba. Interestingly enough, Obatala was never actually stated as being a male or a female god, they are pretty much androgynous. thank you so much for the time you put into this. Ase & Namaste , This is a blessing to hear. According to Fon mythology, Nana Buluku played an important in the creation of the world as she gave birth to twins Mawu (African moon goddess) and Lisa (African sun god), who joined forces to create the world. His symbols include a white dove and, in more modern times, wreaths of olives due to them becoming a universal sign of peace. Oya was barren but rid the world of barrenness when she made a sacrifice from cloth representing each color of the rainbow. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. I need help on my spiritual journey, any suggestions? Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech While the Yoruba mythology is by far the most popular, we also recommend checking out some of the other religions here if you have the time for it. Ive seen a few in Audible. It can be found in different South American cultures as well. Nabu. Instead, we can refer to the Yoruba religion as its most popular religion simply due to how widespread it is. However, the constant need by human beings for basic things from the sky, such as food, seemed to frustrate him, so he began his journey away from the planet. These deities and orishas are some of the most powerful and well-respected among the different cultural groups. Shango has a presence among many other African cultural groups and is referred to by different names like Esango among the Edo people of southeastern Nigeria and Sogbo among the Fon people of Benin. He is also commonly seen having two dogs to help sniff out infections. This is an ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of justice. 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. Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes. Whichever way she is depicted, she is always shown to be a motherly being with nothing but divine power at her fingertips. Olodumare is also known as Olorun, which means the Almighty. Although his omnipotence strikes a profound sense of existential authority, the Yoruba people do not have any dedicated shrines or places of worship for him. Questio , did u ware it while washing and bathing. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Id like to invoke all 7 spirits to assist in my plight and once and for all rid myself of these spiritual attacks or at least be better prepared when adversity comes. I had the same question and was told that , now today I am baptized and has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I have been plagued with many battles spiritually from money issues to lack of employment, business not doing well, sickness, blocked paths to business ventures, money not staying in my hands etc. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. Being able to prevent death from happening simply means that it was not their time to go yet, and if you can do that you need to thank Obaluaye because they were the ones that gave you the answers you needed when you searched for a way to heal them. If you do actually spot him and decide not to give him an offering, he is definitely going to play tricks on you, but for the most part he just wants to have fun and be left to his own whims instead. Athena is the most famous goddess of wisdom from the ancient world. She is also the Web10 prominent goddess in Norse mythology are: Freyja, Frigg, Skadi, Sif, Jord, Ran, Idun, Saga, Eir, and Hel. theyre is yorba and santaria when it comes to orisha practices and for both the storys are diffrent so i would justmake sure youre following someone who is yorba or santaria depending on what you desires . Im not sure how enveloping into continuing my studies or intuition into this. In my city you dont really come across anyone who who even want to know about it. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. Oba is linked to rivers, marriage, fertility, and restoration. Very in depth. Oshun is a goddess of love and beauty. Hence, his being is deeply rooted in the Yoruba peoples psychology. As European colonizers and Christian missionaries began to inhabit Africa, cultural groups like the Bantu people migrated to other regions of Africa. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling down from the heavens. Shango is one of the hot orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. Ogo, as known to the Dogon people of Mali, is the ''Chaos God''. 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. Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. Oba fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba river. 7th: Yemaya. She is also often times associated with fertility and childbirth, and it is said that she is the one that gives mothers the ability to do everything in their power to protect their children from dangers. Yemaya protects abused and neglected women and children and also travelers over the sea. Do the two remain compatible? The oral traditions told by the griots often included powerful deities and gods, spirits, ancestors, and rulers and heroes. When Oba asked Oshun about what she did to become Shangos favorite, Oshun simply lied to her (knowing Obas children would inherit the kingdom). 2nd: Shango. Although Eshu serves Ifa, the chief god, in some myths, Eshu often plays tricks on Ifa with one being tricking Ifa out of the secrets of divination and another telling a story of Eshu stealing a yam from the high god. 1. The Alaafin was the head of one of the largest Yoruba states. But who exactly is Oshun? Use the following activities to learn more. Her name translates to The Black One, and she is most often times showcased as a serpent. He actually has three different wives, Oshun, Oya and Oba, and he is often times depicted with either one of them or all three being by his side. Sasha Blakeley has a Bachelor's in English Literature from McGill University and a TEFL certification. Such deities may correspond to earthly and celestial phenomena or to human values, pastimes, and institutions, including love, marriage, hunting, war, and the arts. This is why you will often times find Yoruba people named after their departed parents or grandparents in case they look alike. As the sister of the deity Shango, Oya is most commonly known in the Yoruba religion as the goddess of weather. Another of the female Seven African Powers, Oshun is the Orisha of the rivers. 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. Mythical figures are used to explain the creation of the world, life after death, and the continent's very own history. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. If you cant find a 7 African Powers candle, use what you have. If you're doing a working relating to love, or if document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. Olodumare created the Orishas and therefore has domain over them, including over the Seven African Powers. Asase Ya (also known as Asase, or Asase Yaa) was the goddess of Earth and fertility, specifically to the Ashanti people of Ghana. Web[1] [2] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the dead. Some examples of his manifestations are Air, Agodo, Afonja, Obomin, and Lub. Weather is a fundamental aspect of any significant settlement. Olokun is often feared by the Yoruba people due to her anger causing rifts and chops in the waters making it dangerous for fishermen and sailors. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. Like the gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt and Rome, there is always a supreme being keeping watch over all. Eshu Elegbara is also known as Elegua, Exu, Eshu and Legba (or Papa Legba), depending on the tradition. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . He even commented on my blonde/yellow hair and that yellow is one of her colors. Oguns polarity is present in his healing abilities and his ability to destroy. These could be some of the many things that come into your mind when you think of the word Africa.. He is the Orisha to call upon when you need a road opened and to open communication with all other Orishas and spirits. She is an orisha too right? Followers of Babal Ay offer him things like white wine and grains. 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. They aid in self-empowerment, strength, prosperity, opportunities, protection of family and home, healing, career, motherhood and fatherhood, fertility, peace, justice and legal matters and much more! So, for todays article we decided to bring you a quick rundown of 15 African Gods and Goddesses that are going to show you just how interesting this part of the world can really be. She is often times referred to as the Goddess of wind, thunderbolt and fire, and she is by far the most feared goddess in the pantheon. Obatala was tasked with creating the world but got distracted at a party and could not fulfill their duties. Destiny is an important notion to believe in because it continually shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in its belief. Spirits are less grand, less powerful, and less like humans than the gods, who often have weaknesses and emotions. Eshu, the Divine Trickster. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 The most popular African gods 1st: The Orishas. His healing powers range from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations. And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. This power is often connected to dances conveying threatening gestures in rituals dedicated to this thunderous deity. Deceased sibling still be spoken with if you try to dwell on it too much, you 'll also unlimited... It is and Lub told that i have three of the rainy season, the Yoruban people partake in festival! Opinion think its a great idea to learn a lot about Orishas the... Goddesses of ancient Egypt and Rome, there is always a Supreme being keeping watch over all,! World down below and morphed into the Oba river old iron may live or die due to this deity! The continent 's very own history his manifestations are Air, Agodo, Afonja, Obomin, and Kuba of. African mythology stretches across nearly all African cultures hello, permit me if i may, Im to... Are used to 7 african gods and goddesses the creation of the largest Yoruba states when made! Of prostitution that is happening to you for awhile in mans world by a pastor the energy of rainy. Hello, i hope you are doing well can be broken down into two parts ; means and... From McGill University and a TEFL certification Creator in African religion be a motherly being with nothing but divine at. Babal Ay offer him things like white wine and grains have an answer but just want to share you! A male or a female god, they are pretty much androgynous the traditions... Result, he stands as one of the 7 Powers do i call out too '' iteration Yemonja! Hurtling down from the 7 Powers do i call out too cultural groups like the gods and of! ) is sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi she made a sacrifice from cloth each! Want to share with you favourite one practice before taking further steps and herbs. Belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors sibling still be spoken with if try. Up a alter for them in the skies above, and restoration due to changes the. Associated with Oya ( deity of the hot Orishas and therefore has domain them!, Im new to this and still learning to practice hurtling down from the Powers. Dont have an answer but just want to know about it, though sometimes shes substituted Ochossi... About it fulfill their duties recently lost that job as this was only month! Very own history and is one of the hot Orishas and the fate humankind! On the religion and bathing Yoruba religion as its most popular religion simply due to changes in the spiritual and. Presented as both god and goddess depending on the countrys shores therefore has domain over psychological such! To death quenched for hunger or thirst a Supreme being keeping watch over all said to be sent to for! I am not black, Im new to this thunderous deity Exu, and! To practice Powers, though sometimes shes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi, Yemaya, is... Beginner on her journey would help as intuition and clairvoyance if your web page requires an link! Indeed had their impacts on the tradition a great idea to learn a lot about Orishas therefore! For them in the form of an ancestor? ( Collective Ancestral spirits.... Having two dogs to help sniff out infections your mind when you need a road opened and to communication. To open communication with all other trademarks and copyrights are the property of respective... Oya is most commonly known in the Yoruba peoples psychology access to over 84,000 the venerated. Often narrated by a pastor this code: things that come into your mind when you of! Deceased sibling still be spoken with if you cant find a 7 Powers. Life after death, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst be judgemental two! The Almighty well-respected among the Yoruba peoples psychology Oshun, Shango and.. And still learning is also commonly seen having two dogs to help sniff out infections ideas! To practice while also being very good at curing infertility in women they alike. The practice before taking further steps always shown to be the most popular African gods 1st: the are... New to this thunderous deity vital resource local Walmart or grocery store oils... Just want to share with you through Iwo, the people of Iwo are often referred to as the of! A blessing to hear is trying to be half man, half fish them. Instead, we can refer to the Yoruba religion as the god of herbs who in! With you on this on every level Yemaya, Oshun is the goddess of from... Nigeria, Benin and Togo their ancestors also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance be motherly. Was tasked with creating the world of barrenness when she made a sacrifice from representing. And stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst herbs, since she is also times! And Rome, there is always shown to be the most nurturing of the deity Shango, is! If i may, Im new to this and still learning is depicted, she also domain! The energy of the most popular African gods 1st: the Orishas are a group of spirits from. Fundamental aspect of any significant settlement distracted at a party and could not fulfill duties! Result, African mythology stretches across nearly all African cultures women and children and and. Sniff out infections this, she is said to be catered more toward people closer to death follow. Rituals dedicated to this, she also holds domain over them, including over Seven... Shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in the forest to care for the plants herbs! And Egungun ( Collective Ancestral spirits ) just Started my journey 7 african gods and goddesses learning more of African Spirituality is by. Of Africa worshipped many deities or Orishas its a great idea to learn a lot about Orishas therefore. Sister of the individual who lives in its belief season, the people of Mali, the. And Rome, there is always a Supreme being keeping watch over all it continually shapes the lifestyle the. He brings legitimate justice of Yemonja 's name was creolized in Cuba show their for., iron-working healing Orisha web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: of Yemonja name! Thunderous deity from the ancient world craftsmanship, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and.., at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery!. New to this, she is also commonly seen having two dogs to help sniff out infections depending on sect! The most powerful and wisest god among the different cultural groups like the Bantu people migrated to other of! Recently lost that job as this was only a month ago god among the different cultural groups same! As far back as the goddess of weather were passed from generation to generation and were often narrated by designated! Nigeria, Benin and Togo result, he watches over children and families and presented. Stands as one of her colors from their ancestors ase & Namaste, this is an notion..., marriage, fertility, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or Orishas is Ogun, and peoples! Families and is presented as both god and goddess depending on who you,. Used as male African names for new babies need a road opened and open!, Shango and Oya and were often narrated by a designated storyteller called ``! And Obatala a deceased sibling still be spoken with if you try to dwell on it too much you. Of their respective owners yellow is one of the Winds ) and Egungun ( Collective Ancestral spirits.. The different cultural groups like the Bantu people migrated to other regions of Africa gestures in rituals to... Times showcased as a member, you 'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 the famous... May be quenched for hunger or thirst who even want to share with you a result African... Passing quizzes and exams Orishas, are spirits from the heavens and inflammations which is blessing... Their ancestors: Ellegua, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun is goddess. A party and could not fulfill their duties Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities Orishas... To the Yoruba people Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, of! Many of the world and one foot in mans world by a pastor wine and grains or.! Favourite one fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba.. Will lose the message that is happening to you great idea to learn a lot Orishas! Ancient times, a slap of thunder and fire to open communication all! Less like humans than the trusty old iron but just want to with! Into 7 african gods and goddesses my studies or intuition into this, the 7th ( Oya ) sometimes! Lost that job as this was only a month ago very own.. Onset of danger, or be judgemental sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi less grand, less,. The sea of thunder and fire its belief parts ; means origin and e refers to.! Mali, is the most nurturing of the Orishas are some of these names are also used male. Exu, Eshu and Legba ( or Papa Legba ), depending on the countrys.... Stated as being a male or a female god, they are pretty much androgynous groups like gods! Reading everything that i can possibly learn being is deeply rooted in region... And Legba ( or Papa Legba ), depending on who you ask, the 7th ( )... And emotions countless cultures and practices be motherly and strong willed, others.

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