Interestingly, the Oba river intersects the Osun river at an explosive speed, symbolizing a long-standing rivalry between two of Shangos wives. As such, the more you look at it, the more interesting these African cultures get, as their religious beliefs are very different from ours. The different spelling comes in because some nationalities would automatically change it to sound more natural to them (easier pronunciation). The concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. Referred to as the all-knowing, Olorun is the most powerful and wisest god among the Yoruba people of West Africa. Athena. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice. For example, how many practitioners does it have today? copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Known as the spirit who never rests, Ogun is a shaman and healer and has close ties to blood. Additionally, she is the guardian of the gates of death, as she helps the dead I guess in a sense I want to avoid offending any of them while trying to connect. Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. 7th: Yemaya. i think the groups are fun to follow it gives you a little bit of insight and i feel like some people in the group will help with some questions. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling down from the heavens. I started crying out to God for help on this earth because I was experiencing what youre experiencing. Imbolc - Feb 2nd Ostara - Mar 21st/22nd Beltane - April 30th/May 1st Lithia - June 21st/22nd Lammas - July 31st/Aug 1st Mabon - Sept 21st/22nd Now that we are accustomed to the most popular religion in Africa, lets just talk about the 15 Gods and Goddesses that we have in store for you today, starting off with: Interestingly enough, Oshun was actually not that popular in western media until a while ago, when Beyonce mentioned her in her Lemonade music video. SPHINX Greek Mythical Woman Headed Lion The Seven African Powers are seven of the most potent and venerated Orishas. After his death, he was deified as an orisha. Love & Blessings to ALL! 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 may have also been the patron of County Cork. What other similarities can you find between Yoruba and Greek gods? To honor this, they are often given names such as Babatunde, which means father returns or Yetunde (mother returns). It is likely that you are more familiar with Greek mythology than with the gods of the Yoruba pantheon. These deities, who Hi how come Aja is not part of the orishas? He is said to be half man, half fish. You are the source/GOD the power flows through you, you have the ability to heal and create/manifest. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. It should go without saying that if you plan to invoke and work with the Seven African Powers for healing, abundance, fertility, etc. Eshu, the Divine Trickster. I believe my sister has cast a hex on me. when i got down to the last 3 colors i started questioning myself ,but it was too late i was already in too deep to not stay dedicated lhaahahahha Spirits are less grand, less powerful, and less like humans than the gods, who often have weaknesses and emotions. WebMami Wata continues to be an important part of African mythology today, representing the power of the natural world and the mysteries that lie beneath its surface. We all know that no matter which religion you look into, chances are that they consider rivers to be a benevolent gift from the gods. iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order Being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative. Invoke her for cleansing rituals with water, to heal reproductive problems (for fertility), for romance, divination, employment, magic and much more! However, African religions do include a much larger number of lesser gods, spirits, or other supernatural beings. She is believed to be the daughter of Yemaya and the first wife of Shango. Even though some of these Orishas dont get along on a normal basis, when invoked as the Seven African Powers their animosity towards one another may be calmed. 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. She has a master's degree in Mythological Studies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. It also gave you a brief overview of the Yoruba and Santeria religions. The answer will reveal itself. Some people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses. While fables offer imaginative explanations, there is no doubt that the Orisha pantheons followers make it their lifestyle to uphold the norms and practices imposed by these deities. Anyhoot, I started immersing myself in Nigerian culture, 1st with the Nollywood movies and the AfroBeats music and eventually with some of the food. This is the list of orisha youll find more information below: Obatala; Shango; Ogun; Ochossi; Ossain; Eshu; Omulu; Oshumare; Yemaya; Oshun; Oya; Nana. His symbols include a white dove and, in more modern times, wreaths of olives due to them becoming a universal sign of peace. She has inspired numerous artists, allegorists, writers, etc. But last night I had the strangest dream where there was some type of male figure? Especially among women, Oshun holds a great significance. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. Trickster gods are present in many Ogun, the Master of Iron. Dialogue Institute. 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. 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. Such deities may correspond to earthly and celestial phenomena or to human values, pastimes, and institutions, including love, marriage, hunting, war, and the arts. His healing powers range from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations. Orunmila is a God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. The reason as to why she is the goddess of prostitution is because that is the most common practice in the Caribbean Islands. Consequently, because of his knowledge, Orunmila is said to know the ways of the world and the fate of humankind. I just got into crystals and meditation and chakras , I dont know how I got into these things, But I feel a pull and gravitation towards spiritual. WebMami Wata continues to be an important part of African mythology today, representing the power of the natural world and the mysteries that lie beneath its surface. While this is certainly not meant to be an all-inclusive list, here are just a few of the gods and goddesses of the hunt that are honored by todays Pagans: 01. of 09. There are a few thats not listed. 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. The Alaafin was the head of one of the largest Yoruba states. I renounce Anayaroli, the river demon that rules over wealth;. In present-day Nigeria, Yoruba mythology has evolved into a faith where its followers address the gods and goddesses in respect to the complex oral traditions passed down from generation to generation. Anansi Anansi was one of the sons of Nyame. Mythical figures are used to explain the creation of the world, life after death, and the continent's very own history. Nabu. 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. I wear alot of yellow & I accessorize with alot of orange and gold! His purpose might not be material, but it is a psychological one reflected in many African myths. Oya was barren but rid the world of barrenness when she made a sacrifice from cloth representing each color of the rainbow. WebDetails of some of the highly developed spiritual /belief systems that existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion. Modern people often underestimate the might of a crackling burst of thunder. Lets start? And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. After reading about her, her colors are some of my favorite colors, especially yellow! Aja is actually the Goddess of the Forest and all of the animals that live within it. A white candle works for just about any invocation and for any deity. The old man had two young children, a boy and a girl. The Great Mother and protects motherhood as well as female sexuality. According to Yoruba belief, because the god was too vast for humans to completely understand, Olodumare released different spheres of influence into the world. African mythology has hundreds if not thousands of other gods and goddesses that we have yet to mention in this article alone. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. Accessed March 2, 2023. His followers and priests are known as Babalawo, meaning 'father or master of the mysticism'. After that, it appears that Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her. Cultural groups like the Yoruba, Kuba, and Dogon people have passed down oral traditions from generation to generation to tell the story of their people's creation and history as they migrated and were impacted by European colonization. Free shipping. WebSpirits African mythology is filled with spirits, invisible beings with powers for good or evil. The other gods and Ogun noticed that humans needed to clear more land to build and expand. I am so excited on my new journey Im reading everything that I can possibly learn. Although they are a minor orisha, Aje Shaluga has a vast following as they are associated with happiness and joy, stability, prosperity, and spiritual wealth. Oba fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba river. The Yoruba people refer to this religion as . Its Yemoja not Yemaya please shes called Yemoja in Africa. 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