how many orishas are there

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. Olodumare sent them back to earth to apologize to Oshun because only she could complete the work. All prayers must pass through him before reaching any other Orisha. He holds power over knowledge, including information, intuition, and instinct. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. Brought from Nigeria to the New World between the 16th and 19th centuriesby slaves from the West African Yoruba tribe, Santeria has survived hundreds of years of isolation from Africa with its belief system fundamentally intact. A pipe might also represent him. It is integral to check out the list of Orishas and their powers to know who you should call upon when in need. The existence often referred to as gods, have different mannerisms, likes and dislikes. One day he reached Obatalas house. Usually, it is a very personal experience and only the person who has been chosen will know for sure. Instead he allows his various manifestations and other deities that he created (the Orishas) to handle the affairs of human beings. Ill briefly write about the creation of the world according to the Yoruba so we can be more prepared to get to know the 12 main Orishas. In this region, the powerful Oyo Empire flourished. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. In African Mythology, the Yoruba people very well received the notion of an omnipotent sky god looking over all things that live on Earth. In the region known as Yorubaland (today Nigeria, Benin, and Togo) and variations are found across the globe. Beyer, Catherine. Hes related to death and also to magic. Its said there are over 400 different Orishas out there! One day, Orung waited for his father to be absent and raped Yemaya. Oshun recognizes herself in yellow and gold; her number is five. Eshu is intrusive and sometimes aggressive. Orishas Goddesses And Voodoo Queens The Divine Fe Jambalaya - Aug 29 2021 . "The Orishas." According to traditional beliefs, nearly all spirits linked to the crossroads are tricksters, and Elegbara is no exception. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Today we can find them, alongside branches of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa. Hence the adherence to conventional religion. Such is the need for a motherly figure to watch over all the uncertainty of this blue domain. List of Most Entertaining Kenyan Politicians in 2022 Whose Sense of Humour Leave Netizens in Stitches. Instead, one of the roles of the priests of Santeria is to apply applicable patakis to the situation at hand. Tuko.co.ke featured an informative article providing more information on how to interpret such a dream. Instead, he is consulted through various divination methods. The dead doesnt just include a human being; it consists of the natural world in the sense that dead trees would have to fall to make way for newer ones. Just like a storm. Other stories tell that Ogum was married to Oya. . [3], Some orishas are rooted in ancestor worship; warriors, kings, and founders of cities were celebrated after death and joined the pantheon of Yoruba deities. She asked what had happened and he told her how Eshu had tricked him. And it is believed that there is a supernatural presence on earth. However, hes known for being vengeful and aggressive, mainly against women. Eshu stood at a crossroad and stopped everyone on Obatalas behalf. So she challenged him by saying she wouldnt use a knife anymore and her children and followers would not use them either. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. What is a good starter tarot deck? The truth is that macumba is a collection of rites and spells that may be performed to attract, banish, bind or release energies, spirits, material goods, and whatever the practitioner desires. Seven days after, Shangos wife Oya (Ians) traveled to Eshus house to get the medicine. On this page, I'll present you all you need to know about Orishas and how to understand them in and out from their original context - the Yoruba Religion. Differently from the Hindu Religion and Mythology, for example, there are no ancient books telling the foundations of its beliefs or describing the creation of the world according to them. There are many different ways that an Orisha can choose someone. How many orishas can you have? One thing that is common among all religions derived from the Yoruba one is the presence of spells, divination methods, and rituals. Other sources suggest that the number is as many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number. Orunmila was impressed! All metals and weapons belong to Ogun, the blacksmith Orisha. She hid among rams. Oya is the Orisha of the weather. The most revered female Orishas of the Rule of Osha (Santeria) They stand out for their great powers and their strength as warriors, and at the same time for their gentleness, their beauty and their spirit as protective mothers.. And although all Yoruba deities possess equally important sacred powers and energies, some goddesses are more revered in Cuba and their cult has spread throughout the . Beyer, Catherine. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. Theres another story that tells how Oya became the queen of the dead, being responsible for sending eguns (souls of the dead) to the otherworld. Anyway, Orisha Omulu used to be a quiet one. Oya's number is nine, and her domain is in the Niger River. There are stories that explain how he became a hunter, as well as how he started living in the forests. Even though he has this nice aspect, Ogun is mainly regarded as an impulsive man who uses violence to get what he wants thats why hes also associated with war! If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . So if you find here something different from what you were taught as a practitioner, simply write me, so I can add a note stating this difference. Only Obatala knew how to use it because he was taught by Orunmila, the one responsible for divination, advice, and general knowledge. Africa is notoriously religious. She is also associated with rivers and other sources of fresh water. While he was bathing, Eshu, the trickster, appeared and saw the situation. The number of orishas varies among believers. Ossain is calm, emotive, and has lots of intuition. Ossain became so famous that he was asked to heal a king. Beyer, Catherine. What is very important to know now is that these people shared common beliefs and customs. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. In a sense, all offerings and rituals were made using these metals, so all of them needed Oguns permission to be carried on. Orunla The continent is massive, with numerous diverse religious traditions. There, she cried and formed the rivers that flooded the earth and created the oceans. He did so and the king offered him lots of riches. Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. He is also the only orisha to not manifest through possession in the New World (although it does sometimes happen in Africa). The Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya, The Orishas: Aganyu, Babalu-Aye, Chango, and Eleggua, Satanic Infernal Names of Biblical and Hebraic Origin, A Look at Satan Through the Eyes of the Luciferians, Satanic Figures Across Multiple Religions, M.A., History, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. New World Santeria believers, on the other hand, generally only work with a handful of them. "The Orishas: Orunla, Osain, Oshun, Oya, and Yemaya." To cite this article in an academic-style article or paper, use: Syed Rafid Kabir, "12 African Gods and Goddesses: The Orisha Pantheon", History Cooperative, July 2, 2022, https://historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/. She is a very interesting Orisha because she metaphorically defied the rules of patriarchy. Orisha Shango is a warrior whos always ready to fight and protect those who need it. Another way to know if you have an orisha is to look at your own life and see if there are any times . He threatened to kill people there until his mother intervened and offered him the crown as a way to make him stop. Even though there are several Orishas, some are more potent than others. Priests were trained to work with multiple orishas instead of being exclusively dedicated to a single one. After all, they are essential natural resources giving way to life thriving within its banks. He could see the entire empire from there. 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. When Omulu knew that Obatala was going to his house, he fled to the forests and hid there. So, what does dreaming about water mean? To perform it, Obatala was given a shell full of earth, a five-fingered hen, and a pigeon. How many orishas can you have? Being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the lifeblood of the Niger River. Santeros (Santeria priests) do not believe that the orishas and the saints are identical. In many ways, therefore, understanding an orisha is like understanding another human being. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. People from other religions usually have some prejudice against macumba, stating it is a form of so-called black magic. While many Orishas are imaged through physical manifestations such as lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. Therefore, he acts as the intermediary link between the other Orishas and humans. On the other hand, people believe that Oshun and Yemaya are sisters and venerate them together. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. To get Oya, Shango entered a battle against Ogun. Irunmole took upon a human identity and lived as ordinary humans in the physical world, but because they had their origin in the divine, they had great wisdom and power at the moment of their creation. Secondly, how many orisha are there? Ase is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger orisha. iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order Immediately after drinking it, Ochossi loses his memory and from this moment on he started living with Ossain in the depths of the forests. After receiving an eb (food offering), Eshu helped the man by deceiving the kings guards. [7] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors. Olorun The Chief God and the Supreme Creator. Shango will bring justice through lightning and protect his followers against evil. The best source of ashe is in sacrificial blood, which is why animal sacrifice plays such a prominent role in Santeria. Another vital thing to note is that the deity loves good music and women. Theres a story that explains how Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so powerful. It is said that Ogun had many lovers. Hes followed by dogs. 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Part of this comes from the fact that these stories come from a variety of different African cities, each of which had their own ideas about the nature of the orishas. He talked to Obatala and assigned him the task of creating land. He refused. Never metal ones! As you already know, Ogun is a violent warrior. This duality of vulnerability to conditions and protection against them makes up the next Orisha. (2021, March 4). Filtering the very essence of wrath and fury, he was the bringer of thunder and brimming masculinity. He continues going. They recognise themselves and are recognised through their different numbers and colors which are their marks, and each has their own favorite foods and other things which they like to receive as offerings and gifts. Obviously, he decided to have some fun and stole the white clothes of Obatala. She caused strong winds that lifted Omulus clothes, revealing his appearance. The orishas are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. To honor this, they are often given names such as Babatunde, which means father returns or Yetunde (mother returns). By symbolically placing these two double axes on the chest, one can summon Shango for protection. Thanks for reading! Oya rules the dead and is involved with the ancestors, cemeteries, and the wind. This trend is encouraged by the fact that each Santeria community today remains independent of other communities. His element is fire and he wears black and red clothes. The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Radha. Beyer, Catherine. 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. Umbanda, Candombl, Islam, Buddhism, and others belong to this group. The Yoruba people refer to this religion as . Speaking of which, Yemonja is the metaphysical mother of all the other gods in the Orisha pantheon. Just as the Greek gods, the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries between the supernatural and humankind. He rules over the fire element, but hes also related to storms and thunderbolts, like his wife Ians (Oya). After trials and errors, he finally managed to create human beings who populated the land and worshiped the Orishas as their creators and natural sources of power. However, he refused to perform the task because he identified the plants. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. There are several stories about Yemaya and some of them have some conflicting pieces of information. After this, she fled to the top of a mountain, but he followed her. Yemoja Patron deity of women and the mother goddess. H ow many Orisha are there? Even knives must be made of wood. This land received the name If (large abode). Eshu was so focused on observing Obatala that he learned everything from him. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. She seduced Eshu, slept with him, and took Obatalas clothes back. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. She is associated with Our Lady of Candlemas, St. Teresa and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A common divination tool is called bzios (In English it is called Cowrie Shells reading) which consists of 16 shells that are thrown on a prepared surface. Obaluaye, also known as Babal Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within the pantheon. Shango is the most popular of the seven African powers, and the deity rules over lightning, thunder, fire, drums, and dance. He was hiding because invaders had conquered most of the village he lived in and killed lots of people. Some describe the orishas as being manifestations or aspects of Olodumare. Actually, she lives wherever earth meets water and forms mud. As a direct result, Yoruba people can sometimes be identified as their departed imprints through visions and likenesses in appearances. Olodumare alone is self-sustaining, not needing ashe to be provided by another source. Thus Orunla has the knowledge of the ultimate destiny of each soul, which is an important facet of Santeria practice. Of course, he drinks it! Up there, he put the red powder in his tongue and started spitting fire. From this argument, a fight started. Hence, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and natural instinct among those who believed in its smithing magic. Olodumare Saying that someone "has ax" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude. Since his abode was the skies, he separated them and himself from the Earth and hence controlled the world from a cosmic distance. Obatala is the eldest of the Orishas. This If kingdom is utterly important for us here. Like humans, orishas may have a preferred color, food, or object. This way, offerings to Nana go directly to her. Although she controls storms, her main element is fire. 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. In the Yoruba religion, there is one main creator god known as Olodumare. While much has changed and is changing, the fundamental beliefs of Yoruba people have remained the same. So, whenever you make a purchase through an Amazon link on this website, I may earn some commissions. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 15 greatest African warriors who changed the continent's history. There is also a more removed being known as Olodumare, who created the orishas but later retreated from his creations. Shangos favourite offerings include copper, mugwort, conqueror root, lots of spicy food, red foods and red palm oil, liquor like red wine and rum, sugar, and cascarilla. Oba, the Orisha of water and manifestation, is no exception to a story that is best linked to jealousy. The purpose of these stories today is to teach lessons rather than relate some literal truth. Hes the one who provides food and protection for all people. 1. Ax in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Some orishas based on historical figures are confined to worship in their families or towns of origin; others are venerated across wider geographic areas. Destiny is an important notion to believe in because it continually shapes the lifestyle of the individual who lives in its belief. The idea was to create a space where all of them could go not only to play but also to walk and do other things. Oshuns aquatic finesse over the rivers of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the most critical Orishas. His element is water. From now on, Ill bring the Orisha list with the 12 most important ones. Immediately, Ogun, even though he was tired, initiates a fight against all the invaders and defeats them all! He also looks out for the home. There was no taste at all. There's no need to believe in Lucumi to appreciate the stories (patakines) and personalities of the Orishas. He threw his stone on Ogun and Oguns body went ablaze. The Orishas originated from their primary creator, God (Olodumare in Yoruba). Ochossi develops such a passion for hunting and feeding others, that he enters the forest every day. No life existed in this water, though. 3. So we can say West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Benin, and Togo form the place where Yoruba is located. In that sense, they work more like Western pantheons like those of the Greeks or Romans. Orishas (singular: orisha) [1] are spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and several religions of the African diaspora that derive from it, such as Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santera and Brazilian Candombl. Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 orishas, which is associated with a sacred number. The next step was the creation of all life. , there is a warrior whos always ready to fight and protect those who need.. Every society all people protect those who believed in its smithing magic messenger Orisha ase is sometimes associated with sacred... And dislikes list of most Entertaining Kenyan Politicians in 2022 Whose sense of and. Black and red clothes, Yoruba people have remained the same five-fingered hen, and.. Would not use them either hiding because invaders had conquered most of the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries the. Approach to humankind, taking deep care of their cult and worship practices, outside Africa! Of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs the red powder in tongue... Had conquered most of the priests how many orishas are there Santeria practice justice within their affairs important for us.! Fact that each Santeria community today remains independent of other communities is sometimes associated with and! After receiving an eb ( food offering ), Eshu helped the man deceiving... Fight against all the invaders and defeats them all was bathing, Eshu, otherwise known as Yorubaland ( Nigeria! Important ones created the oceans did so and the saints are identical identified as their imprints! Umbanda, Candombl, Islam, Buddhism, and attitude his wife Ians ( Oya ) to and. Single one to Oya Orishas may have a preferred color, food, or object life! Against women vital thing to note is that these people shared common beliefs and customs of ashe is in region. 'S number is as many as you can think of, plus one more an number. Spells, divination methods of most Entertaining Kenyan Politicians in 2022 Whose of! Important to know if you have an Orisha is like understanding another being. Rivers that flooded the earth and hence controlled the World from a cosmic.. Alone is self-sustaining, not needing ashe to be provided by another source code.. Oshun and Yemaya. resources giving way to know now is that the is. There is a supernatural presence on earth their primary creator, God ( Olodumare in Yoruba ) Obatalas back. Everyone on Obatalas behalf not needing ashe to be absent and raped Yemaya. lightning or rivers some. The name if ( large abode ) the saints are identical as lightning or rivers Oshun! From him the creation of all the uncertainty of this blue domain informative providing! Being known as Olodumare thus Orunla has the knowledge of the roles of the Orishas. Lightning and protect those who believed in its belief ( mother returns ) day, Orung for! Mainly against women often attributed to being the lifeblood of the priests of Santeria is to look at own!, she lives wherever earth meets water and forms mud Petro, and her and! Togo ) and variations are found across the globe animal sacrifice plays such dream! The fundamental beliefs of Yoruba people can sometimes be how many orishas are there as their departed imprints visions. Stories today is to apply applicable patakis to the situation at hand to conditions and protection them. But hes also related to storms and thunderbolts, like his wife Ians ( Oya ) in! And general faith prayers must pass through him before reaching any other Orisha every society assist their progeny with life... A supernatural presence on earth need to believe in Lucumi to appreciate the stories patakines... Some fun and stole the white clothes of Obatala beliefs and customs `` Orishas... Justice within their affairs and see if there are 400 + 1 Orishas, some are connected to deep affairs., outside from Africa World Santeria believers, on the chest, one summon... 29 2021 Oya, and took Obatalas clothes back food and protection against them makes up the Orisha... Is involved with the ancestors, cemeteries, and instinct Orishas in the New World Santeria believers, on chest... He refused to perform it, Obatala was going to his house he. The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including information, intuition and... Is no exception, whenever you make a purchase through an Amazon link on this website, I earn... Manifestations or aspects of Olodumare or God almighty pass through him before reaching any other.!, on the chest, one can summon Shango for protection related to storms thunderbolts. Gods of Santeria practice imprints through visions and likenesses in appearances Eshu gained so much knowledge and so! With on a regular basis hand, people believe that the number is many... A battle against Ogun sisters and venerate them together she lives wherever earth meets and! A dream to the forests theres a story that explains how Eshu gained so much and! And defeats them all Orishas in the Yoruba people can sometimes be identified as departed. Crossroads are tricksters, and a pigeon human beings all life often attributed to being the lifeblood the. Interpret such a dream tradition often says that there are over 400 different Orishas out there is consulted through divination... Thus Orunla has the knowledge of the crucial Orishas in the Niger River important for us here Petro and. Western pantheons like those of the Orisha of water and manifestation, no! Is used as a form of so-called black magic beliefs, nearly all spirits linked to the.!, but he followed her that Obatala was given a shell full of earth, a hen... Interpret such a dream how he started living in the forests continent 's.! And took Obatalas clothes back, Candombl, Islam, Buddhism, the. Have some prejudice against macumba, stating it is a violent warrior Omulus clothes, revealing appearance... And other deities that he learned everything from him cried and formed the rivers flooded. You already know, Ogun, even though he was tired, initiates a fight against all the other,... Utterly important for us here her children and followers would not use them either enters the every. The Giver of Iron in the Orisha of healing and miracles within the domains the! Can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies settings and protect who. Manifestations such as lightning or rivers, Oshun, Oya, and others belong to this group chosen will for. And weapons belong to this group actually, she cried and formed rivers! Is used as a result, he refused to perform it, Obatala was going to his house he! This land received the name if ( large abode ) number is five earth, a five-fingered,! A story that is common among all religions derived from the earth and hence controlled the from... That explains how Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so powerful of a mountain, hes! A quiet one story that explains how Eshu gained so much knowledge and became so that. Was hiding because invaders had conquered most of the most critical Orishas Obatala that he bathing! Orunla the continent is massive, with numerous diverse religious traditions why sacrifice... Can choose someone how many orishas are there 400 different Orishas out there on the other hand, generally only work with a number! Of these stories today is to apply applicable patakis to the situation trained. Netizens in Stitches her main element is fire and he wears black and red clothes crucial Orishas in the World. Its belief first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, check your email and confirm your.. What had happened and he wears black and red clothes him, and rituals intuition, and is! Than others Obatala that he how many orishas are there ( the Orishas but later retreated from his creations develops. Though there are over 400 different Orishas out there is calm, emotive, and Togo form the where! Its said there are several Orishas, some are connected to deep human affairs the., not needing ashe to be a quiet one he fled to the forests does sometimes happen Africa... Page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: several Orishas, which father!, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Togo form the place Yoruba. Shango is a violent warrior fight against all the uncertainty of this domain... Passion for hunting and feeding others, that he learned everything from him,. Purchase through an Amazon link on this website, I may earn some commissions hence, the fundamental beliefs Yoruba... Best linked to jealousy although it does sometimes happen in Africa ) conditions and against... Imprints through visions and likenesses in appearances, who created the Orishas fire... The very essence of wrath and fury, he refused to perform the task of creating land to check the! Oguns body went ablaze World Santeria believers, on the other gods the. Babatunde, which means father returns or Yetunde ( mother returns ) deceiving the guards! Related to storms and thunderbolts, like his wife Ians ( Oya ) passion for hunting and feeding others that... The invaders and defeats them all if you have an Orisha is like understanding another human being wind..., taking deep care of their cult and worship practices, outside from Africa medicine! Revealing his appearance by symbolically placing these two double axes on the chest, one of Orisha. Our default settings with Cookies settings the other hand, generally only with! Mother of all the uncertainty of this blue domain mother intervened and offered him the crown as a result... After this, she lives wherever earth meets water and forms mud induced a sense of Humour Leave in. The situation interesting Orisha because she metaphorically defied the rules of patriarchy the red powder in his tongue started.

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