Most of the time they are depicted as both a male and a female orisha, and their followers are always thanking them for providing them with fair wages and plenty of work opportunities to keep their families fed and happy. She said she once cut off her ear, turned it into powder, and sprinkled it into Shangos food. When I did my DNA, it did confirm Banta, Nigeria, and Congo. I ran outside and started calling the feminine Orishas I learned about in this book by Lillth Dorsey, Orishas Goddesses and Voodoo Queens. Use the following activities to learn more. 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. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. How do I banish an attached spirit ? The puertricans call her Yemaya, because they say its a translation of Spanish. Ogo is represented as the ''pale fox''. An armory provides the means to defend oneself from the dangers of the outside world. If you dont have respect for the African diaspora and culture, the Seven African Powers will not have respect for you! Yesterday I learned Oya likes chocolate. When the Seven are brought together in invocation and prayer, they will do amazing things for their people. While it may seem the war god is a single purpose deity, war gods and goddesses are varied in their functions. My biggest question is, after reading about all 7 of them (and I know there are many more to learn about) outside of learning exactly what it means to understand African based spirituality, how do I know exactly which spirit to honor/follow and work with? Ty for your helpful guidance. I dont have an answer but just want to share with you. I renounce Ala, also known as Ale and Ane, known as creator goddess and queen of the dead that rules over community laws, morality, oaths and harvest;. Pick one side European saints /copies. One of the female Seven African Powers, Yemaya is a water Orisha presiding over the oceans. They were supposed to take care of the first men and women, but because they got distracted their brother Oduduwa decided to create the world instead for them to be safe in. Regardless of which mythology you look at, chances are that there is always a master of iron right around the corner, ready to bring the gods the weapons and armor that they don during the final days. The reason as to why there is a +1 Orisha in that list is because the +1 is meant to represent the extra one you didnt account for, or the one that you never even considered in the first place. This lesson explained the major gods of Yoruba mythology and the important relationships between them. She is known for healing the sick with ease, fostering prosperity and better yet, for making infertile couples fertile. 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. I drive Uber sometimes & usually play West African AfroBeats music while driving. I believe that your dream was a sign. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. Obaluaye, also known as Babal Aye, is the Orisha of healing and miracles within the pantheon. Hera, queen of the gods, prominently wields her scepter, while Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and sensuality, holds the just-presented wreath of victory. Im new the the practice as well, still learning. Moreover, the Orishas are spirits (more similar to demi-gods or angels) that work under the watchful eye of Olodumare. Thanks in advance. I remember my mom honoring them, but were too young to remember how to work with them. Nearly every culture associates rivers with something benevolent. 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 said all this from a chocolate bar? She has a master's degree in Mythological Studies. Because of her affiliation with water, protection, and fertility, Yemonja is considered to be the most nurturing of the orishas. Hi Im Veronica I am a new beginning of this seven African power and I would like to learn more about it please guide me through it and teach me every word of it please I need it money home living and others so help me with this thank you. Your intention is what matters the most. Ive seen a few in Audible. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. Nana Buluku is primarily found in the Fon religion but is also known among the Yoruba people. The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. Oshun is also associated with fertility, so women who want children and are infertile will call upon Oshun for assistance. 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. These could be some of the many things that come into your mind when you think of the word Africa.. She has inspired numerous artists, allegorists, writers, etc. 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. Ogo, as known to the Dogon people of Mali, is the ''Chaos God''. I felt Yemaya and Oyas presence about me. The ocean is vast and seldom cruel, and it is impossible to predict what lies beneath deep waves and endless stretches of water. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth Nerd is our place for all things related to world mythology. Hello. 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. Oya is the goddess of weather, especially tornadoes, lightning, destructive rainstorms, and fire. Aj Shaluga is the god that represents money and treasures. African Mythical Creatures Folklore & Examples | What are African Mythical Creatures? They are described as androgynous. The lush continent of Africa is in fact home to numerous animals and insects found only on the continent, as well as beautifully diverse groups of people, each retaining their breathtaking cultures of yore. Hi how come Aja is not part of the orishas? While death is never considered to be the final frontier in most any African culture, that doesnt mean that you should welcome death no matter what. Ala is a goddess in Igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria. I see more that i s imperative to my calling. Babal Ay is represented as walking on crutches and completely covered to hide his diseased skin. Western rules have made them hidden here too and we have to come back in touch with them, Am learning soot was helpful to me Not only does she hold control over it, but she also radiates the power of compassion and love. In Shangos case, he was considered the grandson of the Orisha Oduduwa in Yoruba mythology. Mischief is something that doesnt go unnoticed in African mythology in general. or the original orishas. In fact, her name comes from Orisun, which was referred to as being the source of the Niger River. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. Its Yemoja not Yemaya please shes called Yemoja in Africa. Shango is one of the hot orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. Northern Hemisphere. O shun has been with me since I was about 10 years old. Athena is the most famous goddess of wisdom from the ancient world. Where can I connect with a community to learn more? I started on this path a couple of months ago when Oshun appeared to me, I made her altar and in the last couple of weeks 3 more Orishas have appeared to me in their beautiful human form, my question is is it possible for someone to have all 7 orishas come to them without being invoked? 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. 3. She was the one that taught the Yoruba people how to create potions and heal through herbs alone, and whenever you do go hunting you need to give her an offering so she allows you to have a safe passage through her realm. Do the two remain compatible? 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. Any information for a beginner on her journey would help. Shango will brings justice via lightning and he protects his followers from evil. 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. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions. Lets take a look at each of the Seven African Powers, their qualities, and the saints they were syncretized with. Shango, the Bringer of READ MORE: Sun gods and goddesses. WebSpirits African mythology is filled with spirits, invisible beings with powers for good or evil. Osanyin is a lesser-known god among the Yoruba people. I love all of them!! This lesson touched on Santeria, a religion that mixes Yoruba gods with Christian saints. The idea of having a trickster god may sound like something made up by the Nordics, but African cultures werent all that far off from this concept either since they had Eshu right around the corner. their all one, they each represent a different sense of being. 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. Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. Ogo's purpose was to be one of the founders and overseers of life on Earth. Lets start? Love & Blessings to ALL! Some of these names are also used as male African names for new babies. It would be nice to chat. I was given a 7 african powers necklace on the 7th day it mysteriously broke. According to Yoruba belief, because the god was too vast for humans to completely understand, Olodumare released different spheres of influence into the world. Find three similarities and write a paragraph explaining the relationships between the different religions. I have been plagued with many battles spiritually from money issues to lack of employment, business not doing well, sickness, blocked paths to business ventures, money not staying in my hands etc. Orunmila is a prime example of it. African mythology has hundreds if not thousands of other gods and goddesses that we have yet to mention in this article alone. Id lime to learn more about my ancestors beliefs etc. Be smart and respectful. The Seven African Powers are seven of the most potent and venerated Orishas. Just Started my journey in learning more of African Spirituality. You are the source/GOD the power flows through you, you have the ability to heal and create/manifest. As Ras sworn enemy, he fought the sun god every night. Thank you so much for this. Burn it every day for 7 days along with the prayer on the label. It is said that after the Bugandan people were terrorized by a series of attacks, their king decided to have a meeting with Mukasa, the Creator of all things, to ask him how he can defeat his enemies. Lets get this new spiritual awareness and help on the road!!!! And I always reply I honestly dont know, I just know I believe in God and Jesus Christ. Obaluaye is also connected to rituals that promote the cure for illnesses. Always heard Nana buruku when I was little. Yemonja is the Orisha of the ocean. I looked at my daughter and laughed. 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. Olorun is active in the affairs of heaven and sky which explains his other titles like ''Lord of Heaven'', ''King of the Sky'', and ''Almighty''. So, you should never disrespect anything because chances are, they are controlled by the Orishas and disrespecting them is akin to disrespecting the Orisha gods. Being the Goddess of Rivers, Oshun is often attributed to being the lifeblood of the Niger River. 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. Thank you in advance. Hence, she is much revered and respected. Questio , did u ware it while washing and bathing. I recently lost that job as this was only a month ago. Yemaya protects abused and neglected women and children and also travelers over the sea. And when steel becomes your only means of protection, it isnt too uncommon to find gods based around the armory for the warriors to pray to. Do it in water or in a mirror for those are portals to the other side. as i have not invoked any of them they just showed up. When you burn the candle and pray over it, youre invoking ALL the Orishas powers and covering all of your bases for prosperity and protection. Yemaya is the most powerful African goddess. Peace, honesty, and creativity are just some of them. Very in depth. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today. This is because that number is an incomprehensible number for the Yoruba people, which in turn implies that there are an infinite number of gods in this pantheon. I have question that I hope you wont mind answering. Hence, the material having a specific personality induced a sense of wonder and natural instinct among those who believed in its smithing magic. Oduduwa's older brother, Obatala, was supposed to be the original creator but after getting drunk at a party, Obatala failed to complete his task. As I grow older Im wanting more and more info even joined groups on fb but afraid to say anything because everyone who most talk in the groups are practicing already and I dont understand some of their post. Hi everyone! Bumba vomited two more times, creating the moon and night and nine animals. And then Ill follow with the female ones, the Orisha Goddesses. Known to the Yoruba people of West Africa, Ogun is the god of war and iron. Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. Asian lineage is african descent as well. It will break sooner or later, especially if made w silk thread. WebAbassi African God. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Although they are commonly referred to as deities, they are said to be emanations of the god Olodumare. The deeper connection to where I truly come from and everything they embodied and never got a chance to learn and experience. These reincarnated figures are usually there to assist their progeny with everyday life and general faith. 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! I thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect. It is believed that at one point in time, Olodumare was close to Earth. 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 Shango is one of the hot orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. Olorun, along with Olokun, was one of two original creator gods and is the father of Obatala, who is known as the sweetest god. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. Consequently, because of his knowledge, Orunmila is said to know the ways of the world and the fate of humankind. Accessed March 2, 2023. 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 . Oya, the African Goddess of Weather, Wind and Storms. Hence, dead ancestors remain as relevant as they can ever be even after death. And who from the 7 powers do I call out too? 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. Im sure the translation wasnt an offense, it just isyemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. Orisha Obatala Orisha Obatala is also known as Oshala, Orishanla, and Oshaluf. Some tarot cards are wrongly identified if you say its only one way. 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. Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. No settlement can be complete without an armory. Havent really left Hebrewism as Im tribe of Dan. While this Orisha is not one of the most popular or powerful gods around, Aj Shaluga still has a decent following due to them being associated with happiness, stability and spiritual wealth. It is here where he found the need to create the Orishas. I love the statue and Im a big believer but I dont want to disrespect ogun and chango being in the same statue and space. 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. 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