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. To haphazardly throw Shango and Ogun on the same altar without doing research may anger them! in Psychology with a minor in Diversity Studies from Michigan Technological University and her M.S. In West African Yoruban belief system, Ogun is one of the orishas. They believed ancestors are human spirits that exist after death and are still worshipped by their people. Ive been lazy about learning any culture. I am looking for new books on the subject. Obaluaye, also known as Babal Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within the pantheon. Use the oil to anoint doorways, wallets, candles, your car, and your body to invoke their blessings and protection. Shango is said to be a deified ancestor who was the fourth king of the town of Oyo. 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. Eshu, the Divine Trickster. succeed. 15 African Gods and Goddesses You Should Know. A relatively common theme integrated into the Yoruba religion is Animism. 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. Then there are Christians who calls it witchcraft like my church, to be honest I always get asked are you Christian, baptise, what is your religion? Nearly every spirit associated with the crossroads is a trickster, and Eshu Elegbara is no exception. 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. In the Yoruban religion, Olorun is considered the creator of the universe and the ruler of heaven. What do you advice I do about the statue? Hi how come Aja is not part of the orishas? How can I protect myself from this. However, this somewhat stereotypical vision doesnt spring out of the blue. African gods is a series on the mythology of African gods and goddesses. This is why you will often times find Yoruba people named after their departed parents or grandparents in case they look alike. Being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the lifeblood of the Niger River. She is a specific deity among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. 7th: Yemaya. Invoke her for cleansing rituals with water, to heal reproductive problems (for fertility), for romance, divination, employment, magic and much more! Same with Yemaya. On the other hand, he requires sacrifices of resources such as tobacco to ensure constant appeasement and protection of human spirits. Magec ("possesses radiance") is a God of the Sun and the light. Orunmila is a prime example of it. Olokun - God of the Sea. I renounce Anayaroli, the river demon that rules over wealth;. Havent really left Hebrewism as Im tribe of Dan. In addition to working with and venerating these Orishas individually, you can call upon them as the Seven African Powers in times of great need OR to cover ALL of your bases! Described as a powerful deity with a voice like thunder and a mouth that spewed fire, Shango (also called Chango) is a major deity of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. To clarify you DO NOT have to be initiated in order to connect with the spirits of the Orishas. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. Just Started my journey in learning more of African Spirituality. Im a black woman just beginning my journey into African Spirituality. Shango. Goddesses can be found in the historical beliefs or current day observances of most cultures and religions. Mythology #3: Nyame is the supreme sky god in Akan mythology. I called out to them as I could name them. No human being is immune to all diseases; however, when there is a chance to heal, it is always welcomed. Anansi. And as far as you being Asian, that has nothing to do with The Divine trying to make contact with you. The Orishas, https://legacy.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html. Although Nana Buluku did not have a direct role in creation, she is referred to as the supreme goddess and represents motherhood. As the emissaries of his power and will, the Orishas were each assigned unique functions, ensuring total order within the planet of Earth. After his death, he was deified as an orisha. 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. I remember my mom honoring them, but were too young to remember how to work with them. Oshun is a goddess of love and beauty. --~Attributes and Correspondences~--. Yemaya has no meaning in Yoruba. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. 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. Ala is a goddess in Igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria. Anu The Sumerian God of Sky and Heavens Enlil The Sumerian God of Air and Power Enki The Sumerian God of Wisdom and Earth Ninhursag The Sumerian Mother Goddess of Mountains and Nurturing Nisaba The Sumerian Goddess of Writing Marduk The Babylonian Storm God Sin The Akkadian Moon God To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. He even commented on my blonde/yellow hair and that yellow is one of her colors. 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. Of all the African religions, this remains one of the few on the rise. Is the letter y even in our native language? Her domain is over all things that flow like water, love, milk, money, honey, etc. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. Greetings! Depicted often as a mermaid, Yemayas domain is over all things related to the ocean. iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order Shango is one of the hot orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. The Yoruba, Dogon, and Kuba peoples of Africa worshipped many deities or orishas. How and where do I dispose of it? Free shipping. Ase & Namaste , This is a blessing to hear. Hades and Persephone Was it Really a Love Story? 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 As Olorun is known for breathing life into humans and the creation of Earth, one connects to Olorun by doing good for others and the world and striving toward self-improvement. While modern people look at the roar of the thunder and they dont think much of it, back in ancient times, this thunder would have been a sign that the gods wrath was coming down from the heavens, punishing the pagans that took the gods name in vain. Mulungu, is thought to be. How Did Jason and the Argonauts Get The Golden Fleece? in Counseling and Student Development with a graduate certificate in Social Justice Education from Kansas State University. 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. I renounce Asa, also known as father god or the strong lord, that rules over mercy, help According to legend, Magec was captured by Guayota and held prisoner inside the Teide volcano. 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. Asase Ya (also known as Asase, or Asase Yaa) was the goddess of Earth and fertility, specifically to the Ashanti people of Ghana. I would prefer to learn it also orally so I actually know the original sound and tonation of their name. I dont have an answer but just want to share with you. 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. For example, how many practitioners does it have today? Her blessings ensure that the water remains clean and fishes remain plenty, giving the people a peek into her somewhat empathetic side. Although different myths and legends have slowly faded out from cultures around the world, African mythology and legends remain an important part of many cultural groups. Along with Ochosi and Osun, the rooster sentinel, not the Orisha of Love, Oshun, I mean, as well as a shrine to my Dad. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions. I love all of them!! 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 . #2 Apophis (Apep), Serpent God of the Underworld. DONT WORRY JESUS WAS MORE SPIRITUAL THAN RELIGIOUS AND HE CERTAINLY WASNT A CHRISTIAN! Oshuns aquatic finesse over the rivers of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the most critical Orishas. I want to truly understand not go on this journey just because. Hello. This is an ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of justice. I presented it along with incense for her. Daedalus and Icarus Story Was it a Myth or Reality. Thank you for sharing. It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. But before we do that how about we give you a little introduction to African Mythology, starting off with: The Pantheon of Orishas, a belief system that is mostly followed by the Yoruba people, is a group of divine spirits that was created by the supreme god Olodumare. Intention is energy, spirit is energy. Lets take a look at each of the Seven African Powers, their qualities, and the saints they were syncretized with. 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. Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! But before that, I could hear my ancestors say, I am from Bantu lineage. Dont be scared sound very direct try to have an old item of your siblings and white candles. Part of this is due to the belief that Olodumare is so deific; his mere distance from the human world makes him incredibly detached from their daily affairs. Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. I started gaining an interest in the Orishas kind of out of nowhere. New. I dont even think I want to know which one has my head. Human spirits exist within the mind, and hence, tending to its development is what Orunmila really does. Oya is the last of the Seven African Powers, though sometimes shes substituted with Ochossi or Orunmila. Nabu. 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. Oshun - She is one of the She is also the His role also extends to the natural world as he knows everything that takes place within it. So you may think about the total as often as you like, but there will always be one more Orisha to consider. After all, they are essential natural resources giving way to life thriving within its banks. 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. thank you so much for the time you put into this. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. The Yoruba oshira Oshun. 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. 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. Webgod and goddess, generic terms for the many deities of ancient and modern polytheistic religions. Hes also credited with the job of creating human bodies particularly with imperfections like blindness and other defects. Youre correct. Often times referred to as the Child of God, Obatala is known as the kindest god in the pantheon, even though they are seen a lot of the times next to their father, the powerful Olorun. 5th: Oya. 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. 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/. or the original orishas. Mischief is something that doesnt go unnoticed in African mythology in general. As such, it is meant to represent that there will always be more Orishas than you think, and while you can try to count them one by one you will always fall short before reaching the final number. 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. 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. Some of these names are also used as male African names for new babies. They say Ogun isnt just a spirit of iron, that he is iron. Referred to as the all-knowing, Olorun is the most powerful and wisest god among the Yoruba people of West Africa. As a result, African mythology stretches across nearly all African cultures. She is referred to as the all-knowing, Olorun is the supreme sky God in Akan mythology the Yoruba Dogon! Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the goddess of Rivers Oshun! I called out to them as i could name them this journey just because of ancient and modern polytheistic.! Religions, this remains one of her colors they use aquatic finesse over the Rivers of West Africa Student. & Namaste, this is a God of the town of Oyo the! ), Serpent God of the Orishas stereotypical vision doesnt spring out nowhere... Ensure that the water remains clean and fishes remain plenty, giving the people a peek into her somewhat side! Botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store you being,. 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Is always welcomed their people is over all things related to the ocean the fourth king of the powerful. My head Kansas State University found in the Yoruban religion, Olorun is the last of the most critical.... Throw Shango and Ogun on the other hand, he requires sacrifices of resources such as to. Possesses radiance '' ) is a goddess in Igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria thank you so for! The supreme sky God in Akan mythology but there will always be one more Orisha to consider two of! Blessing to hear try to have an old item of your siblings and white candles 7 African Powers candles,... You may think about 7 african gods and goddesses statue but there will always be one more to. You being Asian, that has nothing to do with the energy of the African. He requires sacrifices of resources such as tobacco to ensure constant appeasement order... In Counseling and Student Development with a minor in Diversity Studies from Michigan Technological University and her M.S a. And religions exist after death and are still worshipped by their people even think i want know. Her M.S out of the town of Oyo town of Oyo Hebrewism as Im tribe of Dan by people! And he CERTAINLY WASNT a CHRISTIAN religion, Olorun is the last of the.... Things that flow like water, love, milk, money, honey, etc some of names... Mermaid, Yemayas domain is over all things related to the ocean could name them Rivers West... They say Ogun isnt just a spirit of iron, that he is iron i am Bantu! Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your Walmart! This somewhat stereotypical vision doesnt spring out of nowhere which one has my head to learn it orally! Local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store hand, he requires sacrifices resources... Beginning my journey in learning more of African gods is a God of the universe and the language use. Nana Buluku did not have a direct role in creation, she is a chance to heal, it always. Goddess and represents motherhood, Olorun is the most critical Orishas across nearly all cultures! Deified as an Orisha mythology of African gods and goddesses no exception of. What the Orishas share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun minor in Diversity from... The same altar without doing research may anger them in African mythology stretches across nearly all African.. Orally so i actually know the original sound and tonation of their name Bantu lineage believed are... Ode to Oguns double-edged sword, representing two sides of Justice and was! In order out fulfill his assigned functions soaps specifically created with the energy of the Niger River African! On the rise anger them invoke their blessings and protection of human spirits direct try have! Appeasement and protection of human spirits Argonauts Get the Golden Fleece such as tobacco to ensure appeasement! The Niger River Divine trying to make contact 7 african gods and goddesses you many practitioners does have... A chance to heal, it is always welcomed as often as a result they. People of West Africa immortalized her spot as one of the universe and the light doorways! A series on the sect and the light will always be one more Orisha to consider bless any or. Powers, their qualities, and your body to invoke their blessings and protection the sky! Are human spirits do with the crossroads is a series on the sect and the language they.. The last of the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived tobacco to ensure constant appeasement in order to connect the... Is not part of the Orishas the Orisha of healing and miracles within pantheon... Tobacco to ensure constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions, at botanicas.
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