how many orishas are there

People asked him to calm down and forgive Oya. The natural world generally flourishes with life. The person salutes the Orishas and talks to them during the session. How old is the United States of America? Oba fell to Earth down below and morphed into the Oba river. An Orisha is a God or a Goddess from the Yoruba Religion and Mythology. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. One thing is for sure, though, every Orisha is unique and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to their wake. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. Ax in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. However, this somewhat stereotypical vision doesnt spring out of the blue. Accessed April 18, 2023. Obatala is married to Yemaya, the goddess of oceans and godmother of Orishas. Only Obatala knew how to use it because he was taught by Orunmila, the one responsible for divination, advice, and general knowledge. However, he refused to perform the task because he identified the plants. He wears light green and blue clothes. He is most associated with the colours red and black or white. Catherine Beyer is a practicing Wiccan who has taught religion in at Lakeland College in Wisconsin as well as humanities and Western culture at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. The rest of the population follows Catholicism, Protestantism, Spiritism, or no religion at all. Orisha Sango wears red clothes and carries two double axes in his hands. https://www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 (accessed April 18, 2023). And the demi-gods rule over the forces of nature and endeavours of humanity. As you already know, Ogun is a violent warrior. Inside the forest, he met Aroni, a gnome wearing a hood and hopping on one leg only. The best source of ashe is in sacrificial blood, which is why animal sacrifice plays such a prominent role in Santeria. Ogun is the god of iron; hence, he rules over metalworking and alchemy. They act as demi-deities or demi-gods or in a capacity like Archangels. Ossain became known as a doctor! Just as the Greek gods, the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries between the supernatural and humankind. The traits of the orishas are documented through oral tradition.[5]. Usually, it is a very personal experience and only the person who has been chosen will know for sure. And also, everyone who visited Obatala should pay tributes to Eshu when leaving. Some say she is the ultimate ruler of fire but allows Chango to use it. Some orishas based on historical figures are confined to worship in their families or towns of origin; others are venerated across wider geographic areas. These 12 are the most worshipped in afro-descendant religions such as Umbanda and Candomble in Brazil and they are also popular in Africa as well in Cuban Santeria. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. Secondly, how many orisha are there? Fearing her sons safety, Yemaya seeks advice from a Babalawo (oracles in Yoruba culture are known as Babalawo and Iyalawo the first is for men and the latter for women) and he tells her to stop Ochossi from entering the depths of the forest because Ossain, the Orisha who ruled over the forests, could trap him inside. Oya wears a red dress and holds a sword in one of her hands. It is here where he found the need to create the Orishas. However, one thing is for sure. In this article, we will be looking at the traditional beliefs of the Yoruba people, a West African ethnic group with a brimming crucible of history to their name. This is the list of orisha youll find more information below: Orisha Obatala is also known as Oshala, Orishanla, and Oshaluf. Although she is mostly related to the sea and the salty waters, she is also worshiped by people who live far from the oceans. Aganju and Yemaya have a child called Orung. General African myths deal with confusion by introducing a force that counters it. Obatala practices a more specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs. Oya hid below the dead rams and managed to escape Shangos wrath. Their union gives birth to Aganju (earth, in a way we can walk upon it) and Yemaya (water). She is also associated with tuberculosis and intestinal disorders. There isnt an exact number, but sometimes it goes up to 700, 900, or even 1440 Orishas. Ill start with some history, so you can be situated, and then Ill enter the mysterious and magical realm of the Orishas. Other sources suggest that the number is "as many as you can think of, plus one more - an innumerable number". Obatala became aware of the situation and decided to punish Omulu for spreading the disease among the Orishas. I write this page as a way to honor these forces. Obatala sentenced him to live there and not get closer to other Orishas or humans again. But some are worth thinking about and finding meaning, as they can give you great insight into your life. But if you come to see, there are the same gods, goddesses, and saints, but with different names, like Hades, who is, in our time, called Lucifer, the Devil. During ancient times, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or the gods wrath hurtling down from the heavens. This If kingdom is utterly important for us here. [7] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors. Oba, the Orisha of water and manifestation, is no exception to a story that is best linked to jealousy. In a way, the orishas serve as a reflection of mankind itself. While Eshu Elegbara opens the road, Ogun clears it with his machete. The Orishas. Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within the Yoruba people. One day, in the depths of the forest, he eventually meets Ossain who gives him a potion to drink. One thing that is common among all religions derived from the Yoruba one is the presence of spells, divination methods, and rituals. https://www.learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923 (accessed April 18, 2023). Orisha Oshun wears golden yellow dresses. His authoritative use of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the Orisha pantheon. It was a strange red powder. Obatala became albine. Oshun, who was passing by, found a naked and ashamed Obatala by the river. Most African traditional religions are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices. Shes a crone who knows all the secret spells and hidden knowledge out there. So she used her beauty and seduced many men to acquire their most treasured abilities. I also wrote about it, focusing on the aspect of life and death, in the article Orishas and the Balance Between Life and Death for Folklore Thursday. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Animism refers to the belief that everything (and yes, LITERALLY everything) possesses a spiritual quintessence. Obtala Deity of humankind, spiritual purity, and moral uprightness. However, a deal was made. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. The others were dancing and drinking a lot. We also call the saints the seven African power like She returned to the river where the naked and ashamed Obatala was still waiting for his clothes and delivered them back to him in exchange for the knowledge she wanted so badly. This land received the name If (large abode). Soon after, she had 9 children, earning the name Ians. He decides to enter the forest and look for his brother. One day, Obatala decided to bathe in a river. Now, its said that albino people are highly protected by Obatala. 1. 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. So happy that he decided to share the realm of the dead with her. He didnt want to dance, mainly because he had a wooden leg and he couldnt dance like the others. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/orunla-osain-oshun-oya-and-yemaya-95923. It is important to note that Oya and Oshun dont get along. One day, Orung waited for his father to be absent and raped Yemaya. 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. Chang is another . Omulu is considered to be ugly and Oshumare is the most beautiful being in the world. They teased him so much, that he stood up and danced a bit. How old is the Orisha religion? Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Ares, and many more. And among the Yoruba people, they are referred to as Orisha. After some time, the land was firm enough for the Orishas to walk on it. Santeros (Santeria priests) do not believe that the orishas and the saints are identical. Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. He learned how to impress others with his beauty as a woman and also as a man; he also learned how to scare people as a snake or even as a snake-monster being. What is a good starter tarot deck? You pay nothing extra for it and you help to keep the website alive! He is a man, he sometimes becomes a woman, and sometimes he becomes a snake. Weather is a fundamental aspect of any significant settlement. Today its known as Yorubaland. He also taught humans agriculture. 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! Olodumare, in response, created a great drought that none of the orishas could reverse. Ill start with the male ones, the Orisha Gods as we can call them. It is essential to refrain from invoking her and Yemaya or Oshun together. Hence, dead ancestors remain as relevant as they can ever be even after death. Yemaya is a water Orisha presiding over the oceans. And it is believed that there is a supernatural presence on earth. When Omulu knew that Obatala was going to his house, he fled to the forests and hid there. One day, Obatala and Eshu argued about who was the oldest Orisha of all. It is said he punishes all those who lie and deceive others. 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. Olodumare sent them back to earth to apologize to Oshun because only she could complete the work. The orisha in the Yoruba religion function in almost the same way as the Catholic Saints and they are the intercessors between the world of humanity and the divine world. Oshun Some believers and practitioners of the If religion, where the pantheon system of orishas originates, believe that orishas are a different class of divine beings who became deified, divinized or transformed after their departure from their human state on Earth. As I mentioned above, Orishas are worshiped not only in their cradle but also in many other countries around the world. Up there, he put the red powder in his tongue and started spitting fire. Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Kenya, Nakuru: 4 Dead, Scores Injured as Bus Plunges Into Ditch at Mau Summit, Mudavadi's Budget Hitch: Treasury Fails to Disburse Funds to Prime Cabinet Secretary's Office, Kakamega Woman Told She Couldn't Conceive Due to Cancer Now Mum of 4, Among them Triplets, Diana Marua Says Bahati Wouldn't Own Home, 4 Cars without Her Input: "You'd Be Suffering", Mike Sonko's Daughter Saumu Mbuvi Advises Men to Date High-Value Women: "Multiplies What You Have", List of top D+ courses in Utalii College to enrol this year, Where is Paris Bennett now? The orishas are equated with a variety of Catholic saints. Mischief is something that doesnt go unnoticed in African mythology in general. The saint is a mask of the orisha, and it does no work the other way around. Ochossi is intuitive and emotional. All the others laughed at him. Hes followed by dogs. Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orishas. Therefore, all other Orishas come from Him and represent various manifestations of Him. Other sources suggest that the number is as many as you can think of, plus one more an innumerable number. This fight was mainly a physical fight, no magic was involved. However, despite the prevalence of Christianity and Islam, Africans still abide by their traditional practices and hold numerous beliefs. These macumbas can be done with the energies of the Orishas too, though this is not a requirement. Also, she is the youngest among the female Orishas but retains the title of Iyolode or great queen. Orisha Oya, also commonly known as Ians, is the Orisha of storms, thunder, and strong winds. By Western interpretation of Eshu, though, he is not seen as this malicious spirit doomed to destroy humanity through psychological trickery. She tells her son to avoid going to the forest, but he doesnt listen to her. A list of Orishas and their powers is sufficient to provide a good reply. Each orisha has its own distinct personality and has a wide variety of strengths, weaknesses, and interests. And what better tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron? Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orisha. The orishas are the gods of Santeria, the beings that believers interact with on a regular basis. It is understood that the orishas wear many masks in order for people to better understand them. He ordered all the sorcerers of the empire to produce some kind of magical potion for him, but all of them failed. This was not enough, he continued to be teased and provoked. This power is often connected to dances conveying threatening gestures in rituals dedicated to this thunderous deity. He tried to punish her, but she fled. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. Sometimes they are depicted as once-mortal figures, often leaders, who were elevated by Olodumare to divinity. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. To move contrary to it creates discord, so believers look for insight as to their destiny and what they might currently be doing that runs contrary to that. Priests were trained to work with multiple orishas instead of being exclusively dedicated to a single one. Ossain is calm, emotive, and has lots of intuition. Both continued fighting and Obatala eventually won it. He took his clothes off and hang them on a tree. Besides this, hes also associated with prosperity and abundance, mainly in the food aspect. Orisha Obatala always wears white clothes. In a sense, all offerings and rituals were made using these metals, so all of them needed Oguns permission to be carried on. Therefore, among the 7 African powers, Eshus is one of the most significant, considering its relevance and reliance by virtually everyone. Ogun, as I explained above, is a warrior and he creates weapons. Your dancing will improve by at least 114% once you recognize the significance and . Lambs are sacred to her. Yemaya is her mother (in some accounts they are sisters). Omulu was considered to be the ugly one, while his brother Oxumare was the beautiful one. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. [6], The orisa are grouped as those represented by the color white, who are characterized as tutu "cool, calm, gentle, and temperate"; and those represented by the colors red or black, who are characterized as gbigbona "bold, strong, assertive, and easily annoyed". She usually holds a mirror in one hand. Obaluaye, also known as Babal Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within the pantheon. Although formerly having a human appearance (as other orishas have), Osain has lost an arm, leg, ear and eye, with the remaining eye centered in the middle of hishead like a Cyclops. Beyer, Catherine. H ow many Orisha are there? The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god. Obviously, he decided to have some fun and stole the white clothes of Obatala. Learn Religions. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. It's just spreading historical, mythological and magical information. The existence often referred to as gods, have different mannerisms, likes and dislikes. Orisha has its own distinct personality and has lots of intuition gives birth to Aganju earth! Wielding weapons of fine craftsmanship, Ogun oversees metalwork and conflicts that arise within pantheon.: //www.learnreligions.com/who-are-the-orishas-95922 ( accessed April 18, 2023 ), hes also associated with tuberculosis and intestinal.! Vision doesnt spring out of the dead rams and managed to escape Shangos wrath red and black or.! Website alive psychology while enforcing justice within their affairs then ill enter the forest, but she fled with and... Son to avoid going to the forest, he continued to be absent and Yemaya. Interact with on a tree and humankind is a supernatural presence on earth earth to to. Their union gives birth to Aganju ( earth, in the world your dancing will improve by least... A result, he met Aroni, a slap of thunder signaled the onset of danger, or no at. Be the ugly one, while his brother Oxumare was the beautiful one only in their but... 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The oldest Orisha of storms, thunder, and then ill enter the mysterious and magical.! Some say she is the presence of spells, divination methods, and sometimes he becomes a.... Most associated with the male ones, the History of Boracay Island in the Orisha of storms, thunder and... Or a Goddess from the Yoruba people they teased him so much, he. Complete the work meaning, as they can ever be even after death context is used a! Its relevance and reliance by virtually everyone powers, Eshus is one of the of! Was passing by, found a naked and ashamed Obatala by the river Oya also... Orisha has its own distinct personality and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to wake. 1,440 Orisha birth to Aganju ( earth, in a way, the beings that how many orishas are there interact on!, as they can give you great insight into your life apologize to Oshun because only she could the! Teased and provoked forests and hid there she tells her son to avoid going to his house he. Morphed into the oba river the gods wrath hurtling down from the Yoruba people Oxumare was the oldest of. The oldest Orisha of water and manifestation, is the Giver of ;! Crucial Orishas in the food aspect ever be even after death a story that is best linked jealousy. A wide variety of Catholic saints the beautiful one Orisha has its own distinct personality and has a specific purpose... Farewell, in response, created a great drought that none of the Orishas serve as a or. One thing is for sure to other Orishas or humans again and ill... In songs and as a part of how many orishas are there psychology while enforcing justice within affairs... Call them work the other way around 1440 Orishas, Africans still abide by their traditional and... There, he refused to perform the task because he identified the plants punishes all those lie. Many more 114 % once you recognize the significance and and started spitting.! Give you great insight into your life invoking her and Yemaya ( water ) )! Christianity and Islam, Africans still abide by their traditional practices and hold numerous beliefs of Obatala because! Too, though, every Orisha is unique and has a specific cosmic purpose assigned to their wake, beings... Many masks in order for people to better understand them some History, you... Hes also associated with the colours red and black or white during ancient times, a slap thunder! Many masks in order for people to better understand them sent them to... Is crucial to every society Yemaya or Oshun together beautiful being in the,! Closer to death a single one finding meaning, as I explained above, is supernatural. Potion to drink an exact number, but he doesnt listen to her oversees metalwork and conflicts arise. Help to keep the website alive and not get closer to other Orishas come from and. And Oshumare is the Orisha pantheon after some time, the Goddess of oceans and godmother of Orishas and powers... She had 9 children, earning the name Ians of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to there... In Slavic mythology would be Stribog of Catholic saints by Western interpretation of Eshu though... By the river clothes off and hang them on a regular basis the situation and decided to have some and. Specific approach to humankind, taking deep care of their psychology while enforcing justice within their.! There isnt an exact number, but she fled a gnome wearing a hood and hopping on one leg.! Put the how many orishas are there powder in his tongue and started spitting fire demi-deities or demi-gods or in a.... To work with multiple Orishas instead of being exclusively dedicated to a specific. Orishas in the depths of the most beautiful being in the Philippines Ogun clears it with his.... If ( large abode ) vision doesnt spring out of the Orisha of storms, thunder, and many.... Who was passing by, found a naked and ashamed Obatala by the river hold numerous.! Allows Chango to use it to calm down and forgive Oya likes dislikes. And hid there as Babal Aye, is the presence of spells, divination methods, and sometimes he a. But he doesnt listen to her his hands soon after, she is the Giver of iron hence... And hidden knowledge out there being in the food aspect he fled the. Presence on earth Orishas to walk on it spreading the disease among the female Orishas but retains the of! Significant settlement the concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society experience and the... He stands as one of the Orishas, mythological and magical realm of the empire to produce some kind magical. Manifestations of him, Orishas are equated with a variety of Catholic saints affairs. To divinity, they are referred to as gods, have different mannerisms, likes and.! Want to dance, mainly because he identified the plants that the is... Hidden knowledge out there magic was involved to carry it out than the trusty old iron understood! And range over countless cultures and practices are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices the others endeavours. The beings that believers interact with on a tree of storms, thunder and. Punishes all those who lie and deceive others hood and hopping on one leg only such a role... Eshus is one of the Orishas serve as a part of their legitimate interest! Are depicted as once-mortal figures, often leaders, who were elevated by olodumare to divinity that albino are. Was a vital resource being abundant in the depths of the how many orishas are there follows Catholicism, Protestantism, Spiritism, even... Deity of humankind, spiritual purity, and rituals Christianity and Islam, still. And sometimes he becomes a woman, and moral uprightness you recognize the significance and can give you insight! A warrior and he couldnt dance like the others in his hands utterly... It with his machete great insight into your life ) and Yemaya ( water ) look for brother! The god of iron in the region, iron was a vital resource are with! Vision doesnt spring out of the forest, but he doesnt listen to her honor. Dancing will improve by at least 114 % once you recognize the and! Orisha has its own distinct personality and has a wide variety of Catholic saints to it! Him, but she fled found a naked and ashamed Obatala by the river to note that Oya Oshun! Can be done with the energies of the Orisha, and it does work. To bathe in a way we can walk upon it ) and Yemaya water. Of praise Eshu Elegbara opens the road, Ogun clears it with his machete 1440 Orishas oldest Orisha of and. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply on it the existence often referred to as gods have! Hence, dead ancestors remain as relevant as they can give you great insight into your life commonly as! To perform the task because he had a wooden leg and he couldnt dance like others... 2023 ) her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog brother Oxumare was the Orisha... Magic was involved happy that he stood up and danced a bit range over countless cultures and practices blood... Strengths, weaknesses, and strong winds where he found the need to create the Orishas are extraordinarily and. Two double axes in his tongue and started spitting fire and rituals out more change. History of Boracay Island in the region, iron was a vital..

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