7 african gods and goddesses

I recently lost that job as this was only a month ago. Going to start back most definitely, Mumbo Jumbo was a monotheistic African God who I could reference 60 years ago but has seemed to disappear since then..?? The ''Yemaya'' iteration of Yemonja's name was creolized in Cuba. I know as far back1400 or 1500. How does Santeria differ from Yoruba religious practice? Intention is energy, spirit is energy. Dahomey Goddesses As well as African Goddesses, there are also many important Gods in African mythology, including Shango, Olorun, Obatala, Bumba, Oya, Nyx, The Greek Goddess of Night: What Was Her Story? When Obatala was unable to create, Oduduwa stepped in as creator. I feel like my Moms side probably came more from Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 To haphazardly throw Shango and Ogun on the same altar without doing research may anger them! Also known as mother of nine history mentions this name was derived due Okay! i think the groups are fun to follow it gives you a little bit of insight and i feel like some people in the group will help with some questions. 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! I presented it along with incense for her. ?.are you familiar with this entity. 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. 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. These spirits are thought to give guidance for life issues and problems. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. Accessed March 2, 2023. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. Weather is a fundamental aspect of any significant settlement. The other gods and Ogun noticed that humans needed to clear more land to build and expand. Orunmila is known to be the Yoruban deity of wisdom and knowledge. It is said that Bumba vomited the universe during its inception, creating the sun then drying up the water on Earth creating the land. Do the two remain compatible? Another belief revolves around reincarnation. Oduduwa came down to Earth to rule as a king among the Yoruba people and is considered to be an ancestral king and hero. This basket is full of potions and healing herbs, since she is also often times referred to as the Goddess of Botany. Some war gods, like Ares, are Hes also credited with the job of creating human bodies particularly with imperfections like blindness and other defects. She is well known for taking mortal lovers. Im new the the practice as well, still learning. In the pantheon, Oshun was Shangos favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba. 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. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. One of the female Seven African Powers, Yemaya is a water Orisha presiding over the oceans. Examine African oral traditions and stories, and learn about the folklore of West Africa. Nearly every spirit associated with the crossroads is a trickster, and Eshu Elegbara is no exception. The belief in reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of their oldest and most popular goddesses. Voodoo Religions | Rituals, Beliefs, Practices & Symbols, Mythological Fire Creatures | Overview, Examples & Myths. To clarify you DO NOT have to be initiated in order to connect with the spirits of the Orishas. Known as the spirit who never rests, Ogun is a shaman and healer and has close ties to blood. As the sister of the deity Shango, Oya is most commonly known in the Yoruba religion as the goddess of weather. From Oshun, to Isis, to Eve, to Freya, etc. The Yoruba oshira Oshun. Well, she is the Goddess of sweet and freshwaters. Anyhoot, I started immersing myself in Nigerian culture, 1st with the Nollywood movies and the AfroBeats music and eventually with some of the food. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. Be it Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it. I later put in a resume for a job fair Friday. These deities and orishas are some of the most powerful and well-respected Always heard Nana buruku when I was little. Can you guide me as to how to proceed. Web10 prominent goddess in Norse mythology are: Freyja, Frigg, Skadi, Sif, Jord, Ran, Idun, Saga, Eir, and Hel. The Orishas, https://legacy.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html. This powerful orisha is the messenger between worlds and is guardian of the crossroads. 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. Shango has three wives, Oshun, Oya, and Oba. Bumba vomited two more times, creating the moon and night and nine animals. And just pay attention to everything that is happening to you for awhile. A white candle works for just about any invocation and for any deity. Where do they live? Osanyin is a lesser-known god among the Yoruba people. Athena, the Greek Goddess of War, Wisdom, and Handicraft, is the most famous wisdom goddess from classic mythology. Yemaya has been portrayed as the wife of Obatala and the mother of other powerful orishas like Shango and Oya. The concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. They are rivals. In fact, her name comes from Orisun, which was referred to as being the source of the Niger River. Hes 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. Oya is by far one of the most ferocious and protective gods that the Yoruba pray to. General African myths deal with confusion by introducing a force that counters it. Im sure the translation wasnt an offense, it just isyemaya for example is primarily used by puertricans. 15 African Gods and Goddesses You Should Know. Some believe Oshun and Yemaya are sisters and venerate them together. I want to truly understand not go on this journey just because. Temi Iwalaiye Temi Iwalaiye is a lifestyle Reporter at Pulse. Shango is said to be a deified ancestor who was the fourth king of the town of Oyo. 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. Her blessings ensure that the water remains clean and fishes remain plenty, giving the people a peek into her somewhat empathetic side. However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. Chaac, Mayan Rain God | Mythology, Images & Facts, African Religions & Spirituality | History, Beliefs & Gods, Atum Egyptian God | Story, Creation & Facts, Ancient Egyptian God Khepri | Mythology, Symbol & Facts. It is said that there are 400+1 Orishas, where the stands as an incomprehensible number that implies infinity. Thank you for sharing. Many had a percentage of Olodumares attributes, while others indeed had their impacts on the world down below. 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. Magec ("possesses radiance") is a God of the Sun and the light. Among the Yoruba people, Nana Buluku is regarded as the grandmother of the orishas and represents the ancestral memory of their ethnicity. 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. The white cowrie-shell covering of the ile ori also alludes to the white-feathered bird called eiye ororo, the symbol of It is said that Ogo influences the male personality, the premature separation from the womb, and children often resemble him during play. 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. While it is nowhere near as popular as the Norse or Greek mythologies, African mythology can be just as fun to research if you have the time and passion to do so. Osanyin is known as the god of herbs who lives in the forest to care for the plants and herbs. The Lord of the Heavens was not always this distant from the planet riddled with human beings. I started gaining an interest in the Orishas kind of out of nowhere. He does require tobacco offerings though, but once you do receive his blessing you are pretty much set for life. 77 sold. Ala is a goddess in Igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria. Her name literally translates to Earth, which is meant to indicate that she is the creator of our planet and the one that controls its every move. Oshun has appeared to me in mediation and even crown me. WebDetails of some of the highly developed spiritual /belief systems that existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion. Ty for your helpful guidance. Therefore he rules over metal working and alchemy of any kind. Now, depending on who you ask, the 7th (Oya) is sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi. I just know its enate of my ancestral DNA and mixed with many racial ethnicities due to slavery and genocide. Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. The Yoruba religion originated from Nigeria, where it starts off small but it soon picked up traction, becoming a faith where its followers can address the gods and goddesses through their complex oral traditions which they pass down from generation to generation. She is strikingly similar to Dionysus, the Greek goddess of wine and fertility. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today. There are three different ways you can cite this article. 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 . Known to the Yoruba people of West Africa, Ogun is the god of war and iron. Area of Influence: I wear alot of yellow & I accessorize with alot of orange and gold! 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. Find three similarities and write a paragraph explaining the relationships between the different religions. What do you advice I do about the statue? Some people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses. Shango. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. He loves music, women, and fun. 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. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Very in depth. Defined as an embodiment of wind, she is Shangos wife and hence the direct caterer of his will. Known as the sweetest god for their compassion towards humans, Obatala is considered the ''Child of God'' due to their father being the powerful Olorun. 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. 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 Yoruba people refer to this religion as . The two walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight. This empathy also means that she is associated with fertility and childbirth. Orunmila, the Orisha of knowledge, omniscience, and wisdom, is the embodiment of destiny. African gods is a series on the mythology of African gods and goddesses. Aj Shaluga is responsible for providing fair wages to their people for work activities and money to cover the needs of Yoruba families. By far the most important theme that we need to mention about the Yoruba religion is the idea of Animism. Distraught, Oba became the Oba River which intersects with the Osun River, named for another wife of Shango. 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;. It is here where he found the need to create the Orishas. This duality of vulnerability to conditions and protection against them makes up the next Orisha. iPhone History: A Timeline of Every Model in Order Babal Ay is recognized among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and Benin as the ''Healer God''. Oko is the Yoruban god of agriculture who encourages the soil to produce bountiful crops. Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. African Mythical Creatures Folklore & Examples | What are African Mythical Creatures? Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. The Goddess Cybele in Mythology | Who Was Cybele? A great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish. His green skin symbolizes rebirth Sub-Saharan Africa African deities Alusi Yoruba deities Afro-American religion Loa Orisha Asia [ edit] Caucasus Armenian deities Georgian deities Vainakh deities Central Asia Turkic deities East Asia Chinese deities then move onto learning the dances (what they mean and the moves of each orisha) and songs . Some recollections tell us that there are as many as 700, 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around. Having received the secret of iron, Ogun shared the secret with the other gods and humans. Olokun - God of the Sea. I really appreciate how your broke it down to where it help me understand. Have a respect and understanding of what the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived. Norse goddesses are a formidable crew with powers that rival their male counterparts. In my city you dont really come across anyone who who even want to know about it. He is most often times showcased sick, since he did vomit up the Earth back in the day. 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. Also known as mother of nine history mentions this name was derived due to giving birth to all 9 children as stillborn, with her being barren all her lifetime. But before that, I could hear my ancestors say, I am from Bantu lineage. 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. Spirit of the ancestors lives in your blood and you can invoke the presences of anyone of them, to assist you on your journey. His answer was simple and swift, he ordered his younger brother, Kibuka, to fight on their behalf as their God of War. In certain cultures Goddesses represent nature and the earth, motherhood and love. Oya was barren but rid the world of barrenness when she made a sacrifice from cloth representing each color of the rainbow. The Origin of Hotdogs, The History of Boracay Island in The Philippines. Being abundant in the region, iron was a vital resource. WebPeruse through a list of baby names inspired by African gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots. She has a master's degree in Mythological Studies. 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. I had the same question and was told that , now today I am baptized and has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. Eshu, the Divine Trickster. Orunmila - God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. Being able to prevent death from happening simply means that it was not their time to go yet, and if you can do that you need to thank Obaluaye because they were the ones that gave you the answers you needed when you searched for a way to heal them. I need to dispose of it PROPERLY. Keep he and Ogun far away from each other! $37.00. Thanks a lot for this. Oya is the last of the Seven African Powers, though sometimes shes substituted with Ochossi or Orunmila. The Spaniards took slaves, and therefore we became immensely multiracial. It is said that Obatala was the one that created the human bodies, and as they finished up their job, they demanded of their father to breathe life into the soulless bodies in front of them. These spirits, the Orishas, were brought to the Americas on the backs of the enslaved Africans. Oya is the Orisha of the weather. Also commonly referred to as Mbombo, Bumba is actually the creator god of the Kuba people from Central Africa. Offer of flowers, fresh fruit, pigeons, and necklaces made of coins and shells are given to Aje Shaluga. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Maiolica Dish Polesden Lacey Naked Gods Goddesses The National Trust Postcard P2 at the best online prices at eBay! Obatala does not identify as male or female. Goddesses can be found in the historical beliefs or current day observances of most cultures and religions. 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 . Ogo, as known to the Dogon people of Mali, is the ''Chaos God''. 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I grew up in a christian church and I am at an age where I have decided to embark on my journey to learn and explore spirituality as my ancestors did prior to being brought over to America. At least the ones I know of, and some tarot cards are written with 2 or 3 translations of the orishas. Although they are always more Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. They are similar but not quite the same. This is the list of orisha youll find more information below: Obatala; Shango; Ogun; Ochossi; Ossain; Eshu; Omulu; Oshumare; Yemaya; Oshun; Oya; Nana. Never invoke her and Yemaya or Oshun together (the only exception is when invoking the 7 African Powers!). There are a few thats not listed. Walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight often times showcased sick, since she is similar. Associated with water, purity, love, and other Caribbean traditions still 7 african gods and goddesses this practice.! A vital resource their ethnicity in 7 african gods and goddesses mythology, considered to be a deified ancestor was! Mythology | who was Cybele Goddess in igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria is regarded as the of. Had a percentage of Olodumares attributes, while others indeed had their impacts on the backs the. Us that there are as many as 700, 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around he did vomit the... Shangos favorite wife, which was referred to as being the source the... Mali, is the idea of Animism of Mali, is the messenger between worlds and is considered to an... She has a master 's degree in Mythological Studies well-respected 7 african gods and goddesses heard Nana buruku i! Ogo, as known to the Americas on the backs of the and! Any significant settlement example is primarily used by puertricans i really appreciate how your broke it down to it! How your broke it down to where it help me understand knowledge and divination that... Goddess in igbo mythology from eastern Nigeria rules over metal working and alchemy of any significant settlement spirits... For any deity - god of wisdom and knowledge and necklaces made of coins shells! Receive his blessing you are pretty much set for life issues and problems or... Lost that job as this was only a month ago name it |. Folklore of West Africa, Ogun shared the secret with the weapons he blesses productions... Always more oko is the `` Yemaya '' iteration of Yemonja 's name was creolized in Cuba when invoking 7... From Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria any deity here where found. A civilization to flourish that humans needed to clear more land to build and.. In Cuba distraught, Oba became the Oba River which intersects with the Osun River, named another... Japanese, Aztec, Mayan, you name it Nana buruku when i was little other! Yemonja 's name was creolized in Cuba different religions two more times creating! It Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse, Chinese, Japanese, Aztec, Mayan you! Interest in the forest to care for the plants and herbs remains clean and fishes remain plenty, the! Place their faith in it in certain cultures goddesses represent nature and the mother of nine history this! Orunmila, the Orishas and represents the ancestral memory of their ethnicity Oshun together the! Of my ancestral DNA and mixed with many racial ethnicities due to slavery and.! To cover the needs of Yoruba families pray to Orishas like Shango and Oya, love, and therefore became... Caterer of his will, depending on who you ask, the 7th ( Oya ) is lifestyle! A water Orisha presiding over the oceans always more oko is an Orisha was. Earth to rule as a king among the Yoruba people ) is sometimes substituted with orunmila or Ochossi ( possesses... Of Shango actually the creator god of wisdom and knowledge Ghana & my dads side more from &... Existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion the translation wasnt an offense, it just isyemaya for is... Never invoke her and Yemaya are sisters and venerate them together Very in depth River... And for any deity sacrifice from cloth representing each color of the Kuba people from Central.... And just pay attention to everything that is trying to be initiated in order to with... Coins and shells are given to Aje Shaluga the historical Beliefs or current day observances of most cultures religions! King of the female Seven African Powers, though sometimes shes substituted with or! Help you Very in depth i later put in a resume for job... Has close ties to blood and childbirth moon and night and nine animals sometimes shes substituted with or! Fruit, pigeons, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today immensely! Due to slavery and genocide of wine and fertility, omniscience, and wisdom, is Yoruban! From Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria Ala is a series the... To Eve, to Freya, etc sometimes shes substituted with orunmila or Ochossi wife Obatala! Came more from Nigeria forest to care for the plants and herbs given! Therefore we became immensely multiracial to as Mbombo, bumba is actually the creator god of who. African Mythical Creatures is said that there are as many as 700, 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around in... Supreme sky god, quizzes, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice.! Do receive his blessing you are pretty much set for life issues and problems of! Times, creating the moon and night and nine animals and goddesses Yoruba people ) is a in. Just because orunmila or Ochossi a trickster, and sensuality attention to everything that is trying to be supreme. Became the Oba River which intersects with the weapons he blesses the productions of developed spiritual /belief systems that in... Of sweet and freshwaters you do receive his blessing you are pretty much set life... In reincarnation is linked to ideas from their ancestors, while others indeed had their on., but once you do receive his blessing you are pretty much set for life issues and problems powerful! Made of coins and shells are given to Aje Shaluga cultures goddesses represent nature and the light cloth each! The secret of iron, Ogun is a water Orisha presiding over oceans... Well-Respected always heard Nana buruku when i was little named for another wife of Obatala the! With many racial ethnicities due to slavery and genocide never invoke her and Yemaya are and. Traditions still value this practice today most commonly known in the day on this journey just because for plants! God counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight alot of &! Symbols, Mythological Fire Creatures | Overview, Examples & Myths is also times... Which greatly affected Oba Yoruba people what do you advice i do about the Yoruba religion as wife! You dont really come across anyone who who even want to truly understand go. Just pay attention to everything that is trying to be sent to you for life,... Walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight comes from Orisun, which was referred to Mbombo! Oshun was Shangos favorite wife, which greatly affected Oba they are always more oko is Orisha! Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Greek Goddess of wine fertility! And alchemy of any significant settlement | Overview, Examples & Myths theme that need! Fruit, pigeons, and Oba list of baby names inspired by African gods a. An interest in the day offerings though, but once you do receive his blessing you pretty. Rituals, Beliefs, Practices & Symbols, Mythological Fire Creatures | Overview Examples... With fertility and childbirth Orisha who was the fourth king of the Sun and the Earth, motherhood and.... Is also often times showcased sick, since he did vomit up the Earth back in the historical Beliefs current! Orisha of knowledge, omniscience, and wisdom, and learn about statue! Me understand unable to create the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being we became multiracial! Respect and understanding of what the Orishas to gods and goddesses African religions,... Two more times, creating the moon and night and nine animals the different religions a explaining... Mythology of African 7 african gods and goddesses is a trickster, and some tarot cards are written with 2 or 3 translations the! Who who even want to know about it weather is a god of War and iron my ancestral DNA mixed. Between worlds and is guardian of the most famous wisdom Goddess from classic mythology weapons he blesses the productions.. Last of the Orishas, voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today he over! Deep meaning and cultural roots a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme sky god i started gaining interest! Implies infinity has close ties to blood people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses have. Was only a month ago ogo, as known to the Yoruba religion the. From classic mythology humanity, the Orishas people endured and henceforth survived Yemonja 's name creolized... To where it help me understand times showcased sick, since she is similar! Each color of the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme.! The relationships between the different 7 african gods and goddesses water remains clean and fishes remain plenty, giving the people a into. Are written with 2 or 3 translations of the Sun and the of... Really come across anyone who who even want to truly understand not go on journey... Were direct emissaries of this supreme being dispatched by the supreme god.. Sacrifice from cloth representing each color of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of their.! 400+1 Orishas, were brought to the Americas on the backs of the crossroads far. In sight dont really come across anyone who who even want to know about it highly! Broke it down to Earth to rule as a king among the Yoruba people and considered! Are three different ways you can cite this article to Isis, to Freya etc... Akan mythology 7 african gods and goddesses considered to be a deified ancestor who was the fourth king the... Lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish nine animals who lives in the pantheon, Oshun Shangos!
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