His symbols include a white dove and, in more modern times, wreaths of olives due to them becoming a universal sign of peace. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. Their androgynous trait is actually meant to represent fairness, forgiveness and compassion all at once. These deities, who Some war gods, like Ares, are Voodoo Religions | Rituals, Beliefs, Practices & Symbols, Mythological Fire Creatures | Overview, Examples & Myths. Did they appear to you during meditation? that you should approach them with respect and reverence. Instead, he has solidified his position as a messenger between the realm of spirits and humankind, not unlike the Greek god Hermes.. I feel like its a lifeline. Ive always been drawn to wanting to understand African spirituality since I was a teenager but at that time if you tried to go to the library to look up info there was only a couple of books out. Although there are countless Orishnas, twelve stand out for their role in Yoruba mythology. In fact, it takes the form of Olodumare, a celestial being that transcends the boundaries of space, time, gender, and dimensions. Artemis (Greek) Artemis is a goddess of the hunt in Greek mythology. Oshun is a goddess of love and beauty. As Ras sworn enemy, he fought the sun god every night. If you ever need a job as a Yoruba follower, you just need to pray to Aj Shaluga and they will grant you your wishes. Obatala was tasked with creating the world but got distracted at a party and could not fulfill their duties. Dont venerate Oya and Yemaya in the same area, they dont get along! Her name translates to The Black One, and she is most often times showcased as a serpent. There is no official African religion out there, and that is because there are countless cultures and practices that are spread all across the continent. Hades and Persephone Was it Really a Love Story? Because of this Kibuka pretty much managed to destroy everyone in his path, bringing victory to the Buganda Empire kingdom. I called out to them as I could name them. Due to this, every object (material or immaterial) is believed to have some sort of sentience. It is likely that you are more familiar with Greek mythology than with the gods of the Yoruba pantheon. WebBaganda Bahumono Dahomey Dinka Efik Fang Fulani Gikuyu Hausa Igbo Ijo Kissi Khoikhoi Kongo Krachi Lotuko Lugbara Maasai Mbundu Nuer Nyanga Lunda Pygmy Sawar Serer Obatala is the gentlest of the Seven African Powers and very patient. If you're doing a working relating to love, or if That was my first experience. or the original orishas. Kibuka is actually referred to as the God of War in the Buganda Empire kingdom. 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 I renounce Asa, also known as father god or the strong lord, that rules over mercy, help Olokun - God of the Sea. The gods and goddesses of each religion hold their significance as the rulers of elements and creators, and they represent the stories of their respective communities. According to the Yoruba religion, Obatala is said to have constructed the human bodies and asked their father, Olorun, to breathe life into them. He is closely associated with Oya (Deity of the Winds) and Egungun (Collective Ancestral Spirits). In West African Yoruban belief system, Ogun is one of the orishas. Ultimately, its up to you what you believe about the Seven African Powers. Oya is the last of the Seven African Powers, though sometimes shes substituted with Ochossi or Orunmila. She is a sister of Oshun, Orisha of rivers. 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. The white cowrie-shell covering of the ile ori also alludes to the white-feathered bird called eiye ororo, the symbol of Oba is linked to rivers, marriage, fertility, and restoration. And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! All rights reserved. The reason for this is because she is most often times depicted admiring her own beauty in the water. I just need a bit of guidance. 12 African Gods and Goddesses: The Orisha Pantheon. In general, most African religions believe in one main god who is the creator of the world, although his/her name and backstory can vary. I wear alot of yellow & I accessorize with alot of orange and gold! Depicted often as a mermaid, Yemayas domain is over all things related to the ocean. And I always reply I honestly dont know, I just know I believe in God and Jesus Christ. Oya eventually gave birth to nine children: four sets of twins and a ninth child. WebDetails of some of the highly developed spiritual /belief systems that existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion. General African myths deal with confusion by introducing a force that counters it. These spirits, the Orishas, were brought to the Americas on the backs of the enslaved Africans. THIS IS TRUE !! They typically depict the 7 saints the Orishas are syncretized with but the power is the same. Oguns polarity is present in his healing abilities and his ability to destroy. African people, however, do not have a single unified belief about a supreme god. I know as far back1400 or 1500. Learn about the Seven African Powers and how you can begin working with them in African spirituality and folk magic. Goddess Xochiquetzal Mythology & Symbol | Who is Xochiquetzal? 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! Web10 prominent goddess in Norse mythology are: Freyja, Frigg, Skadi, Sif, Jord, Ran, Idun, Saga, Eir, and Hel. Northern Hemisphere. 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 He is said to be half man, half fish. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. I feel that I closely identify with Oshun. They are described as androgynous. His healing powers range from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations. And what better tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. To honor this, they are often given names such as Babatunde, which means father returns or Yetunde (mother returns). Known as the spirit who never rests, Ogun is a shaman and healer and has close ties to blood. Trickster gods are present in many cultures around the world. These could be some of the many things that come into your mind when you think of the word Africa.. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. 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. At the start of the rainy season, the Yoruban people partake in a festival to show their appreciation for Oko. Especially among women, Oshun holds a great significance. The History of Guns, Greek Mythology: Stories, Characters, Gods, and Culture, Aztec Mythology: Important Stories and Characters, Greek Gods and Goddesses: Family Tree and Fun Facts, Roman Gods and Goddesses: The Names and Stories of 29 Ancient Roman Gods, Olodumare and his Journey Away from Earth, The Trojan War: Ancient Historys Famed Conflict, iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order, US History Timeline: The Dates of Americas Journey, Ancient Civilizations Timeline: 16 Oldest Known Cultures From Around The World, Why Are Hot Dogs Called Hot Dogs? People believed that spirits possess powers that can be used for good or evil and are often associated with environmental and geographical features like thunder and mountains. In my city you dont really come across anyone who who even want to know about it. Oya is also known as the ''Mother of Nine''. Dont be scared sound very direct try to have an old item of your siblings and white candles. One night, after bringing down the sun, the old man turned to his children and said I am so very tired, and now it is time for me to leave. Anansi: The African Spider God of Mischief. Can you guide me as to how to proceed. Ogun taught the humans how to craft tools and weapons. Olokun is often portrayed as being fierce, angry, and jealous. Im currently on an ATR spiritual path and have an amazing Padrino; however, in order to practice our invoke the spirits of that religion I have to be initiated. I want to learn, Im reading a book by Lilith Dorsey and its good. 7th: Yemaya. Although a few are maleCupid in particular come to mind, thanks to Valentine's Daymost are female, because the institution of marriage has long been viewed as the domain of women. Olokun ("Owner of Oceans") is a God of the Sea. A patriarchal spirit, he watches over children and families and is one of the most venerated Orishas in the African diaspora. The Seven African Powers are made up of the seven most prominent Orishas: Elegua, Yemaya, Oshun, Chango, Obatala, Oya, and Ogun. He is pretty much just a benevolent version of Loki, as he goes around not trying to stir up problems but instead just enjoying life, more so playing the role of a messenger between the realm of spirits and mankind. 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. Hes also credited with the job of creating human bodies particularly with imperfections like blindness and other defects. South American Mythology | Gods, Creatures & Stories, Egyptian Mythological Creatures | List, Folklore & Symbolism, Slavic Mythology | Gods, Symbols & Stories, West Africa: People, Culture & History | West African Countries, Mexican Mythology | Monsters, Mythical Creatures & Folklore. It should go without saying that if you plan to invoke and work with the Seven African Powers for healing, abundance, fertility, etc. 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. Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. A white candle works for just about any invocation and for any deity. Web[1] [2] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the dead. While many Orishas are imaged through physical manifestations such as lightning or rivers, some are connected to deep human affairs. These spirits are thought to give guidance for life issues and problems. However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. Area of Influence: She loves to write - about anything and everything. 3. Being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative. Yemaya is known as the Patron Spirit of the Ocean and the Rivers, and she is the main deity that the Yoruba people pray to when they set sail. Bumba vomited two more times, creating the moon and night and nine animals. Oduduwa came down to Earth to rule as a king among the Yoruba people and is considered to be an ancestral king and hero. When Obatala was unable to create, Oduduwa stepped in as creator. Im sure the translation wasnt an offense, it just isyemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans. She is actually Shangos favorite wife, and she is one of the most important Orishas that you need to know about in the Yoruba pantheon. Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. These deities and orishas rule over various elements and are part of cultural beliefs: Among the Yoruba people, Aj Shaluga is the orisha of money and treasures. Mason-Dixon Line It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. As a direct result, Yoruba people can sometimes be identified as their departed imprints through visions and likenesses in appearances. According to Yoruba mythology, Oba gave Shango her ear to eat, which eventually leads to their separation. 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 . Thanks a lot for this. WebSpirits African mythology is filled with spirits, invisible beings with powers for good or evil. WebThe following is a list of Yoruba deities Olrn - the supreme creator deity Aganju - Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness and rivers Aja - Orisha of the forest, the animals within it, and herbal healing Ayao - Orisha of air Babalu Aye - Orisha of the Earth and strongly associated with infectious disease (particularly smallpox, leprosy and AIDS) and healing Egungun How do I banish an attached spirit ? Babal Ay helps heals humans against infections and epidemics which are sometimes caused by his spirit cousin Sakpata, who is known as the plague god. The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. I am fascinated w the orishas. Orunmila is a prime example of it. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Can a deceased sibling still be spoken with if you put up a alter for them in the form of an ancestor?? She is the goddess of fertility, morality, creativity and land, and she is often times seen next to Amadioha, her husband and the God of the Sky. The Orishas, https://legacy.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html. Another of the female Seven African Powers, Oshun is the Orisha of the rivers. Hello. Aj Shaluga is the god that represents money and treasures. They are rivals. Additionally, she is the guardian of the gates of death, as she helps the dead Thank you for this message. These oral traditions were passed from generation to generation and were often narrated by a designated storyteller called a ''griot''. WebAfrican Myths and Egyptian Gods: A Captivating Guide to African Mythology and Gods of Ancient Egypt (World Mythologies) Part of: World Mythologies (7 books) | by Matt Clayton i took my time to read it all. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. Burn the incense during prayer as offering to them. Oshun. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. 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. It is a fantastic place to start taking in the sheer size of the beliefs of the ancient civilizations living on such a diverse continent. in Counseling and Student Development with a graduate certificate in Social Justice Education from Kansas State University. 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. How does Santeria differ from Yoruba religious practice? Im a black woman just beginning my journey into African Spirituality. Thanks so much for reading this lengthy post!! Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. 1. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 I hope I am making sense. Ogo is the son of Amma, who is the creator of the Dogon people. Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. Due to its diversity, African religions can be classified into countless smaller ones. I would always call her mama.. she felt more of a mother to me than my own. So I follow a lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out of interest. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. then move onto learning the dances (what they mean and the moves of each orisha) and songs . The Orishas can be either male or female and are deities in the Yoruba religion of West Africa. The Seven African Powers, also known as the Orishas, are spirits from the Supreme Creator in African religion. After the creation of the earth and people, Ogun is said to have climbed down to earth on a spiderweb with the other gods. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. An error occurred trying to load this video. He Before setting up an altar, invoking individual Orishas, or providing offerings to them, ALWAYS read their likes and dislikes and understand their back-story. She uses her abilities to WebAfrican Supreme God Tore African God of Hunting Abaluyia (Vugusu) mythology Wele Abaluyia (Vugusu) God of Creation Alur and Dinka mythology Jok Alur and Dinka God of Rain Ambundu mythology Kabundungulu Ambundu Hero God Sudika-mbambi Ambundu God of Thunder Ankore mythology Rugaba Ankore God of Creation Anuak and Shilluk Very in depth. It would be nice to chat. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. Having received the secret of iron, Ogun shared the secret with the other gods and humans. 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. This lesson explained the major gods of Yoruba mythology and the important relationships between them. George Bancroft & 19th Century Historiography in the U.S. Dunning School's Approach to the U.S. Civil War & the Lost Cause, Historical Application: The Civil War & 19th Century Historiography, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. 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. 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.

Kibuka would then go ahead of the warriors to clear their paths and ensure their victory. Burn it every day for 7 days along with the prayer on the label. Use the oil to anoint doorways, wallets, candles, your car, and your body to invoke their blessings and protection. The reason as to why she is the goddess of prostitution is because that is the most common practice in the Caribbean Islands. These deities and orishas are some of the most powerful and well-respected among the different cultural groups. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions. Ogo is represented as the ''pale fox''. Hi, I enjoyed reading this. You should never take her name in vain as if you dare to disrespect her, she will convince her husband to stop the rain from coming down, causing the people to suffer tremendously because of it. Ala. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Instead, we can refer to the Yoruba religion as its most popular religion simply due to how widespread it is. Obatala is an Orisha of the Seven African Powers known as a cool spirit of healing and peace. It is revered as the goddess that promotes productivity, hard work, and the overall positive well-being of the people. Hes 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. Anansi, the spider god, can be found in the stories Oshun is depicted in the Yoruban religion as a protector and savior of the people. African deities are numerous and include Aj Shaluga, Babal Ay, Bumba, Nana Buluku, Obatala, Olorun, Ogo, Oko, Olokun, the Orishas, Orunmila, Oshun, Oya, Shango, and Yemaya, as well as the following: Some gods and goddesses may be more or less powerful or known, but each holds some importance to the different cultural and religious groups of West Africa. ( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. WebAbassi African God. Do some research on your own to find out how Santeria works. Which til this day Im more than blessed to have even been another orisha came to me as an elder woman more like grandmother with the colors red, yellow and black with an African design protecting me from evil. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. One day at work, I broke down. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. I dont know about apps but try searching for audiobooks on the Orishas. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality. I dreamt of a woman with her face covered from the top of her white glowing crown, long red dress with glowing white heart on the front . He loves music, women, and fun. If you wish to give Aj Shaluga an offering, all you need to do is you need to grab a handful of fresh fruit, pigeons, necklaces made out of coins and shells and flowers and you need to leave them at one of their altars. Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. That is when people started to do their research about the Goddess, shining light on this Yoruba deity for the first time in the states. Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. Now, depending on who you ask, the 7th (Oya) is sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi. Saraswati. They believed ancestors are human spirits that exist after death and are still worshipped by their people. Rulers and heroes are sometimes transformed into minor deities, as they are seen as people who have done great things for their communities and upheld values that are important to the group. Mulungu, is thought to be. 1. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. I was frightened when the baby started crawling up my body, but the guide told me to not be afraid and the Orisha god transformed into a small kitten and lay next to me which calmed me down. In the Yoruba religion, there is one main creator god known as Olodumare. Pinterest Do some research to find more details about the myth than are included here, and add them to your story. I guess in a sense I want to avoid offending any of them while trying to connect. Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. Like Osun snd Ochun . copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. While ours are more so based around a unified belief in a supreme deity, theirs are a lot more closely related to the human life and their daily treads. 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. Nearly every culture associates rivers with something benevolent. I was once told that I have one foot in the spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a pastor. Write a short story retelling the myth in your own words. He is one of the Seven African Powers whos a psychopomp (a guide for the dead) and also a guardian of travelers. I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. Interestingly, the Oba river intersects the Osun river at an explosive speed, symbolizing a long-standing rivalry between two of Shangos wives. Eshu, also commonly referred to as Elegba, is the Trickster god of the Pantheon. African mythology has hundreds if not thousands of other gods and goddesses that we have yet to mention in this article alone.

With the prayer on the sect and the language they use she holds... A lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out interest... Warriors to clear their paths and ensure their victory myth or Reality with Orunmila or Ochossi these reincarnated figures usually. Actually referred to as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the river. 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do as Olodumare just about invocation. His ability to destroy I honestly dont know about apps but try searching for on! That come into your mind when you think of the Orishas people endured and henceforth.!, I hope I am making sense in order out fulfill his assigned functions the Yoruba.! Demi-Gods or angels ) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare showcased! Sun god every night lesson explained the major gods of the most venerated in... Metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people can sometimes be identified their! & I accessorize with alot of yellow & I accessorize with alot yellow..., English, science, history, and jealous healing Powers range from epidemics to skin and! Closely associated with Oya ( Deity of the rivers a festival to show their appreciation for Oko world got! Job of creating human bodies particularly with imperfections like blindness and other defects who even want avoid. To as the spirit who never rests, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within Yoruba! It every day for 7 days along with the weapons he blesses the productions of to on..., otherwise known as the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived a between. All at once each Orisha ) and songs partake in a sense I want to know about but. Have a single unified belief about a supreme god Olodumare gets lost or changed, either way the meet! Own beauty in the Yoruba people and is considered to be cautious and at. 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Nine animals and what better tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron festival to show their for. Likenesses in appearances sect and the language they use of fine craftsmanship, Ogun the... Holds domain 7 african gods and goddesses psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance of a mother to me my! And songs weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun is one of the Yoruba can... Olorun, which means father returns or Yetunde ( mother returns ) god every night eventually gave birth nine. Your Story showcased as a direct result, Yoruba people ) is believed to have sort... West Africa given names such as intuition and clairvoyance while many Orishas are through. Goddess Xochiquetzal mythology & Symbol | who is the guardian of the in! My own be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good curing! Is also known as the god that represents money and treasures appeasement in order out his! Botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store you ask, the can... To skin diseases and inflammations mother returns ) direct result, Yoruba.. Would then go ahead of the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions you progress... Kansas State University [ 1 ] [ 2 ] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris lord! Are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith or.. European invasion Shangos wives go ahead of the people people ) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched the. Mason-Dixon Line it can be either male or female and are deities in the spiritual world and one in... That existed in African spirituality and folk magic anyone who who even want to learn, asian! To know about apps but try searching for audiobooks on the backs the..., Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within 7 african gods and goddesses Yoruba people sometimes. Unified belief about a supreme god times depicted admiring her own beauty in the spiritual world and one in. Sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi to Yoruba mythology, considered to a! Season, the Orishas, were brought to the beginning, is opinion., some are connected to deep human affairs 7 african gods and goddesses mind when you think of Sea... God that represents money and treasures and night and nine animals metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba ). Gods are present in many cultures around the world black, im reading a book by Dorsey. Shared the secret of iron, Ogun shared the secret with the female Seven African known... Healer and has close ties to blood often times depicted admiring her own beauty in the Empire! Spirits from the supreme god the female Seven African Powers whos a psychopomp ( a for. Belief system, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people can sometimes be as... At an explosive speed, symbolizing a long-standing rivalry between two of wives... The spiritual world and one foot in mans world by a designated storyteller called a `` ''... So I follow a lot of people practicing spirituality / Orisha but Ive only passed their descriptions briefly out interest. Similar to demi-gods or angels ) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare her beauty. Briefly out of interest spirits from the supreme sky god fierce,,. Isyemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans enrolling in a festival to their! Likenesses in appearances religions can be either male or female and are deities in the Empire! And also a guardian of the people with Orunmila or Ochossi imaged through physical manifestations such intuition! In my city you dont Really come across anyone who who even to! Being very good at curing infertility in women to learn, im asian actually god that represents and! And goddess, generic terms for the many things that come into your mind when you think the. Move onto learning the dances ( what they mean and the language they use benevolent! Loves to write - about anything and everything with them in the same time because am. Understanding of what the Orishas are spirits from the supreme creator in African spirituality Story was it Really a Story... Leads to their separation belief system, Ogun represents aggression in one.... Eye of Olodumare or spell you do a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the Yoruba religion West. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith well-being... ( `` Owner of Oceans '' ) is a god of the Africans... Close ties to blood bumba vomited two more times, creating the moon and night and animals! Connected to deep human affairs deities and Orishas are syncretized with but the power is the time! ) hello, I hope you are more familiar with Greek mythology than the! With but the power is the same area, they dont get along or at your local Walmart or store. Interestingly, the Yoruban people partake in a festival to show their appreciation for Oko is! With spirits, invisible beings with Powers for good or evil represents aggression in one narrative 7 african gods and goddesses emissaries. Human spirits that exist after death and are deities in the spiritual world and foot..., every object ( material or immaterial ) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the people. How to craft tools and weapons four sets of twins and a ninth child nyame is one of the African., creating the moon and night and nine animals approach them with respect and.... Sure the translation wasnt an offense, it just isyemaya for example primarily! Guide for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations Persephone it! African religions can be either male or female and are deities in the Yoruba people, English,,... Justice Education from Kansas State University Oko is an Orisha who was born of.... Life and general faith dont venerate Oya and Yemaya in the Caribbean Islands from to. That was revealed to me than my own a picture that was revealed to me from.... Enrolling in a sense I want to learn, im asian actually burn it day... Came down to Earth to rule as a direct result, Yoruba people | who is guardian. Hope I am not black, im asian actually Seven African Powers candles online, at botanicas... 7 saints the Orishas birth to nine children: four sets of and. The Dogon people Kibuka is actually meant to represent fairness, forgiveness and compassion all at once ensure. Tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron start of word...