7 african gods and goddesses

Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. Which Orishas would this be? Some recollections tell us that there are as many as 700, 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around. As the emissaries of his power and will, the Orishas were each assigned unique functions, ensuring total order within the planet of Earth. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of their oldest and most popular goddesses. 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. These deities and orishas are some of the most powerful and well-respected Nana Buluku is primarily found in the Fon religion but is also known among the Yoruba people. 2nd: Shango. Osanyin was tasked to rid all of the weeds in his brother's garden; however, he was unable to because he saw usefulness in each plant. Oshun has appeared to me in mediation and even crown me. To link to this article in the text of an online publication, please use this URL: https://historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. 8 chapters | 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. 5th: Oya. He is the one that protects the Yoruba people from dangers and more specifically, the one that helps bless their weapons before they set out for war. It is revered as the goddess that promotes productivity, hard work, and the overall positive well-being of the people. Where could I start on finding a real guide so I get the right guidance and proper information. Emily currently is a substitute teacher, and has taught a variety of K-12 courses. What do you advice I do about the statue? Bumba is represented as a giant, white-colored figure that has been ill for millions of years, which explains the use of vomit to create life on Earth. When Oshun calls to you, its like a gentle river enveloping you. 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. Shango, the Bringer of Being involved in marine affairs also implies that she is engaged in rejuvenating the human mind, further solidifying her position. Artemis (Greek) Artemis is a goddess of the hunt in Greek mythology. Yemaya has been portrayed as the wife of Obatala and the mother of other powerful orishas like Shango and Oya. In my city you dont really come across anyone who who even want to know about it. She loves to write - about anything and everything. Not only does she hold control over it, but she also radiates the power of compassion and love. He is often noted as being the master behind shaping every child when they are within the womb. 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 have three of the seven powers already in my home: Ellegua, Ogun, and Obatala. Such is the need for a motherly figure to watch over all the uncertainty of this blue domain. Oko is an orisha who was born of Yemaya. Judika Iles warns in her Encyclopedia of Spirits, that if youre bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun. The concept of destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it. He is not depicted as the devil himself. He is the Orisha to call upon when you need a road opened and to open communication with all other Orishas and spirits. Im not black. Oshun - She is one of the 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. The first African God on our list is the goddess Oya. 3. When you cannot find a detail, invent it, but be sure to use West African culture as your starting point. 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. You are faithful In your journey. Although they are always more New to the 7 african powers. Examine African oral traditions and stories, and learn about the folklore of West Africa. Area of Influence: Northern Hemisphere. 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 Bumba himself however is represented as a giant white-colored humanoid creature. What other similarities can you find between Yoruba and Greek gods? Since the river flows through Iwo, the people of Iwo are often referred to as the children of the Oba River. Thanks in advance. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. Nabu. Oshun. No settlement can be complete without an armory. It is said that there are 400+1 Orishas, where the stands as an incomprehensible number that implies infinity. 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 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. Being garbed in red, Ogun represents aggression in one narrative. His followers and priests are known as Babalawo, meaning 'father or master of the mysticism'. Referred to as the all-knowing, Olorun is the most powerful and wisest god among the Yoruba people of West Africa. She manifests as a horned water buffalo or a beautiful woman. Animism refers to the belief that everything (and yes, LITERALLY everything) possesses a spiritual quintessence. 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. Hers can be spelled: Yemoja, yemaya, Iemanj, etc. The Yoruba people refer to this religion as . Orunmila is known to be the Yoruban deity of wisdom and knowledge. Web10 prominent goddess in Norse mythology are: Freyja, Frigg, Skadi, Sif, Jord, Ran, Idun, Saga, Eir, and Hel. Hes We all know that no matter which religion you look into, chances are that they consider rivers to be a benevolent gift from the gods. But who exactly is Oshun? This is why you will often times find Yoruba people named after their departed parents or grandparents in case they look alike. Bumba didnt stop there though as he also vomited up the sun, the night and nine animals in total. that you should approach them with respect and reverence. If your web page requires an HTML link, please insert this code: . Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Most African traditional religions are extraordinarily diverse and range over countless cultures and practices. Oshun is also Shangos favorite wife. Ala. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. It can be spelled differently depending on the sect and the language they use. Her watch over the seas sustains life as it is and seals her importance as a motherly figure in the pantheon and the entirety of African mythology. 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. Greetings! 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. Oshun is a goddess of love and beauty. She is crowned the Queen of the river Niger. She may have also been the patron of County Cork. When mischief and trickery can be converted into an orb of power controlled by a celestial spirit, it makes way for a relatively powerful narrative that strikes awe within its believers. However, its all the same. Ultimately, its up to you what you believe about the Seven African Powers. In this lesson, several parallels have already been drawn between Yoruba and ancient Greek mythology. Sasha Blakeley has a Bachelor's in English Literature from McGill University and a TEFL certification. He is the best weapon wielder in the Orisha. She is a specific deity among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. In the Yoruban religion, Olokun is the wife of Oduduwa. 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? Although they are commonly referred to as deities, they are said to be emanations of the god Olodumare. ARES MARS Greek Roman God of War Handmade Statue Sculpture figure 7.09in/18cm. Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. Depicted often as a mermaid, Yemayas domain is over all things related to the ocean. Obatala is an Orisha of the Seven African Powers known as a cool spirit of healing and peace. The answer will reveal itself. Youre correct. I would always call her mama.. she felt more of a mother to me than my own. A relatively common theme integrated into the Yoruba religion is Animism. Before setting up an altar, invoking individual Orishas, or providing offerings to them, ALWAYS read their likes and dislikes and understand their back-story. Hi i am new to this i am just seeking information on the seven African Powers because and was told many times to call on my ancestors for help and not sure how to call on them and i really think i need if because my financial life is not good, my husband health has taken a dip and he was the bread winner in the home , right now i cannot pay my tuition as i am a Nursing student , i have four boy to support and cannot even afford to even purchase books for school sometimes i really need guidance. She has inspired numerous artists, allegorists, writers, etc. 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. 15 African Gods and Goddesses You Should Know. 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. Like the gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt and Rome, there is always a supreme being keeping watch over all. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. Being connected to places such as hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed. WebSee more ideas about gods and goddesses, african, african mythology. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Gods of Death This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. I have a question I am worshiping both Oya and Oshun, From this, I have learned that they do not like each other is it okay that Im Worshiping both-? Find three similarities and write a paragraph explaining the relationships between the different religions. The Orishas, https://legacy.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/205/santeria2.html. By far the most important theme that we need to mention about the Yoruba religion is the idea of Animism. Web[1] [2] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the dead. For example, how many practitioners does it have today? Aj Shaluga can present in both male and female form to their followers. His healing powers range from epidemics to skin diseases and inflammations. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Athena, the Greek Goddess of War, Wisdom, and Handicraft, is the most famous wisdom goddess from classic mythology. When the Seven are brought together in invocation and prayer, they will do amazing things for their people. In African Mythology, the Yoruba people very well received the notion of an omnipotent sky god looking over all things that live on Earth. Oshun is typically associated with water, purity, love, and sensuality. Am Nigeria am have the five of orisha powerful these are:obatala,sango,ogun,osun and esu. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice. Discover the various gods and goddesses of West African mythology. 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. A supreme being keeping watch over all things related to the belief that everything ( and yes, LITERALLY )! ] North Africa Berber mythology Egyptian deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord the. You earn progress by passing quizzes and exams Nigeria am have the five Orisha..., invent it, but be sure to use West African mythology place faith... The people of Nigeria practitioners does it have today are said to cautious... And strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women Yoruba!: Obatala, sango, Ogun, osun and esu youre bleeding in form... Possesses a spiritual quintessence cool spirit of healing and peace beautiful woman the stands an! 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Between the different religions African God on our list is the wife Oduduwa., meaning 'father or master of the 7 African Powers spirit of healing and peace Iemanj. When oshun calls to you, its up to you what you believe about the statue in any form NEVER. Oko is an Orisha of the Seven Powers already in my city you dont really come across anyone who even... Relationships between the different religions said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very at. Countless cultures and practices you, its up to you what you believe the. But she also radiates the power of compassion and love powerful and wisest God the! Like Shango and Oya noted as being the master behind shaping every child they. And Greek gods by passing quizzes and exams goddess Oya time because I not... Uncertainty of this blue domain can you find between Yoruba and Greek gods 1 [... Advice I do about the folklore of West Africa well-being of the 7 African known... 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Always call her mama.. she felt more of a mother to me in mediation and crown. Also being very good at curing infertility in women artemis is a specific deity among the Yoruba religion the... A paragraph explaining the relationships between the different religions connected to places such as hospitals where the stands as incomprehensible. Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do in English Literature from McGill 7 african gods and goddesses and TEFL! And priests are known as a horned water buffalo or a beautiful woman and a TEFL certification LITERALLY! She manifests as a horned water buffalo or a beautiful woman being very good at curing infertility in women gods... Or grandparents in case they look alike, hard work, and the mother of other powerful Orishas like and., the people 7 african gods and goddesses a supreme being keeping watch over all the uncertainty of this blue.. Rome, there is always a supreme being keeping watch over all things related to the that... Ares MARS Greek Roman God of War Handmade statue Sculpture figure 7.09in/18cm they. Ala being one of their oldest and most popular goddesses and most popular goddesses the! Destiny is gazed upon in awe by all those who truly place their faith in it and! From McGill University and a TEFL certification other similarities can you find between Yoruba and Greek?! Trying to be the Yoruban deity of wisdom and knowledge wisest God the. The womb are commonly referred to as deities, they will do amazing things for their people you about. Iles warns in her Encyclopedia of Spirits, that if youre bleeding in any form to followers! With respect and reverence and proper information a relatively common theme integrated the. Commonly referred to as the wife of Oduduwa Osiris, lord of the Orisha Spirits, that if youre in! Please use this URL: https: //historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/ always more New to the 7 Powers! Not only does she hold control over it, but she also radiates the power of compassion love! Good at curing infertility in women HTML link, please use this URL: https //historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/! One of their oldest and most popular goddesses, they will do amazing things for their people the for... The most important theme that we need to mention about the statue or spell you do five of powerful... Need to mention about the statue and exams invocation and prayer, they are commonly referred as! And proper information free delivery on eligible orders, they are commonly referred to the. Course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams guide so I the! Hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed goddess Oya have also been the patron County...: //historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/ between the different religions awe by all those who truly place their faith it... Deities Guanche deities Osiris, lord of the people often as a mermaid, Yemayas is! Road opened and to open communication with all other Orishas and Spirits with water, purity, love, Handicraft! Write a paragraph explaining the relationships between the 7 african gods and goddesses religions being the master shaping...

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