Ogo is the son of Amma, who is the creator of the Dogon people. It is said that there are 400+1 Orishas, where the stands as an incomprehensible number that implies infinity. Later on I was afraid as the guide said Orisha might not be happy because he was called upon just to see if something would happen, but later my friend found out that the Orisha god had something in common with us. 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 The baby doll starting moving and crawling towards me, which startled me but at the same fascinated me so much that this was even happening. Shango has three wives, Oshun, Oya, and Oba. I understand translation gets lost or changed, either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion. Crops may live or die due to changes in the skies above, and stomachs may be quenched for hunger or thirst. Orunmila - God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. 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 However, one thing is for sure. I love the fact that we are getting back to what has been taking from us. Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. 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. Before setting up an altar, invoking individual Orishas, or providing offerings to them, ALWAYS read their likes and dislikes and understand their back-story. In the Yoruban religion, Olorun is considered the creator of the universe and the ruler of heaven. DONT WORRY JESUS WAS MORE SPIRITUAL THAN RELIGIOUS AND HE CERTAINLY WASNT A CHRISTIAN! Obatala also values forgiveness and compassion as they once made a mistake and neglected their duties. Trickster gods are present in many cultures around the world. 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. I went to whole foods and got her a good bar of organic chocolate. The first African God on our list is the goddess Oya. Sharing a commonplace with other famous gods such as the Greek Zeus and the Norse Thor, his prowess remained dominant with a chaotic sky. 2nd: Shango. 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. Along with Ochosi and Osun, the rooster sentinel, not the Orisha of Love, Oshun, I mean, as well as a shrine to my Dad. To haphazardly throw Shango and Ogun on the same altar without doing research may anger them! Same with Yemaya. Some recollections tell us that there are as many as 700, 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around. Established in the Yoruba religion as the ''Mother of the Sea'', the goddess Yemaya, but known among the Yoruba people of Africa as Yemonja, is said to rule over the seas, lakes, and rivers, and is the patron of women. The Orishas are a group of spirits originating from Yorubaland, which is a region in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo. The concept of regenerative vitality is crucial to every society. She is the wife of Nyame, the creator god. Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The Yoruba religion can be marked as a capstone of African beliefs due to its wide acceptance. If you dont have respect for the African diaspora and culture, the Seven African Powers will not have respect for you! Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! The notion of reincarnation is that deceased family members make their journey back to life as a new baby in the same family they once departed from. Oshun is depicted in the Yoruban religion as a protector and savior of the people. That theyve always been saints. 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. Carve or write the names of the 7 African Powers on the candle and dress it in an oil of your choice. 5th: Oya. When it comes to the Yoruba people, Oshun is the one most commonly referred to as the Goddess of Rivers, but besides this she is also often times known as the Lifeblood of the Niger River and the mother of all rivers. I guess in a sense I want to avoid offending any of them while trying to connect. WebPeruse through a list of baby names inspired by African gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots. Deities and gods represented the religious beliefs of the group. What about gods or stories in other religions? 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. Being connected to places such as hospitals where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed. The puertricans call her Yemaya, because they say its a translation of Spanish. I have a legal matter Im fighting in court and I really need some guidance, protection and exoneration. This healing power is said to be catered more toward people closer to death. 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. They are rivals. Mythical figures are used to explain the creation of the world, life after death, and the continent's very own history. Aj Shaluga can present in both male and female form to their followers. Source: Flickr. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is revered as the goddess that promotes productivity, hard work, and the overall positive well-being of the people. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. 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. However, he refuses to interfere in what individuals choose to do with the weapons he blesses the productions of. Still, He is believed to be more than capable of bringing adversity to those that do not take note of his presence. Ogun taught the humans how to craft tools and weapons. 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. How long have you been live this life style???? The most popular African gods 1st: The Orishas. Also known as mother of nine history mentions this name was derived due This isnt to say that she mistreats her followers, quite the contrary actually, but it is something to keep in mind if you choose to pray to her. WebSpirits African mythology is filled with spirits, invisible beings with powers for good or evil. Spirit of the ancestors lives in your blood and you can invoke the presences of anyone of them, to assist you on your journey. Dialogue Institute. His answer was simple and swift, he ordered his younger brother, Kibuka, to fight on their behalf as their God of War. It is said that Ogo influences the male personality, the premature separation from the womb, and children often resemble him during play. Use the following activities to learn more. African mythology has hundreds if not thousands of other gods and goddesses that we have yet to mention in this article alone. Shango, the Bringer of These spirits are thought to give guidance for life issues and problems. Since his abode was the skies, he separated them and himself from the Earth and hence controlled the world from a cosmic distance. However, this somewhat stereotypical vision doesnt spring out of the blue. Hello. I was trying to find out more, and then stopped. 8 chapters | I connect with you on this on every level . Of all the African religions, this remains one of the few on the rise. Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes. Its Yemoja not Yemaya please shes called Yemoja in Africa. WebAfrican Myths and Egyptian Gods: A Captivating Guide to African Mythology and Gods of Ancient Egypt (World Mythologies) Part of: World Mythologies (7 books) | by Matt Clayton Such deities may correspond to earthly and celestial phenomena or to human values, pastimes, and institutions, including love, marriage, hunting, war, and the arts. But while Africa does have an abundance of those elements, it also has a ton of beautifully diverse people and cultures that have lived amongst each other for thousands of years now. Im new the the practice as well, still learning. Some people liken the Orishas to gods and goddesses. I feel like my Moms side probably came more from Ghana & my dads side more from Nigeria. 4th: Obatala. 1. Moreover, there are different ways to invoke the Seven African Powers including dance, chanting, prayer, candles, oils, and more. African people, however, do not have a single unified belief about a supreme god. Filtering the very essence of wrath and fury, he was the bringer of thunder and brimming masculinity. The Yoruba people, in particular, told traditional stories and oral accounts about the Orishas, which evolved to be the basis for the faith itself. She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. In African Mythology, the Yoruba people very well received the notion of an omnipotent sky god looking over all things that live on Earth. They are described as androgynous. As Ras sworn enemy, he fought the sun god every night. Oduda is the goddess of prostitution that is worshipped by the North-West African people. Hers can be spelled: Yemoja, yemaya, Iemanj, etc. 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. Thanks so much for reading this lengthy post!! Hi everyone! Discover the various gods and goddesses of West African mythology. Area of Influence: Neffertia has 5 years of experience tutoring middle school to college-aged students in reading and essay writing, working as a writing coach, and instructing student success courses. Olorun, along with Olokun, was one of two original creator gods and is the father of Obatala, who is known as the sweetest god. This simply refers to the fact that everything, and we do mean everything, possesses some sort of spiritual essence within it. Her Slavic god counterpart in Slavic mythology would be Stribog. In fact, it takes the form of Olodumare, a celestial being that transcends the boundaries of space, time, gender, and dimensions. Ty for your helpful guidance. He is the one that has the cure for any illness around and if you ever happen to grow sick and weary you need to pray to Obaluaye if you wish to be healed as soon as possible. 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. She gives abundant treasures and foods like the sea but can also be angered like the sea. This lesson explained the major gods of Yoruba mythology and the important relationships between them. 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. ( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. It is believed that at one point in time, Olodumare was close to Earth. Throughout history, nearly all cultures have had gods and goddesses associated with love and marriage. Ultimately, its up to you what you believe about the Seven African Powers. She has inspired numerous artists, allegorists, writers, etc. Even though the guide (?) Due to its diversity, African religions can be classified into countless smaller ones. His authoritative use of raw power symbolizes typical masculinity, linking him to a more personal viewpoint for followers of the Orisha pantheon. The Lord of the Heavens was not always this distant from the planet riddled with human beings. In this lesson, several parallels have already been drawn between Yoruba and ancient Greek mythology. Especially if youve had dreams or felt their presence, follow your intuition/insight, and what resonates with your spirit. as i have not invoked any of them they just showed up. A great, lasting one makes way for a civilization to flourish. Kibuka is actually referred to as the God of War in the Buganda Empire kingdom. All of which will be detailed below. Many spirits are associated with geographical features, such as mountains, rivers, wells, trees, and springs. If you try to dwell on it too much, you will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you. I dont have an answer but just want to share with you. 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. 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. Mythology #3: Nyame is the supreme sky god in Akan mythology. Perhaps he knew variety is necessary for human evolution! 106 lessons. Where could I start on finding a real guide so I get the right guidance and proper information. Pick one side European saints /copies. But last night I had the strangest dream where there was some type of male figure? I will gather all that was listed above to use. Do some research to find more details about the myth than are included here, and add them to your story. Yoruba People | Language, Culture, History & Music, The Berber People | Tribe, Culture, & Religion, SAT Subject Test US History: Practice and Study Guide, Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge (5081) Prep, NY Regents Exam - US History and Government: Test Prep & Practice, High School US History: Homework Help Resource, High School US History: Tutoring Solution, NY Regents Exam - Global History and Geography: Help and Review, AP European History: Homeschool Curriculum, McDougal Littell Modern World History - Patterns of Interaction: Online Textbook Help, CLEP Social Sciences and History: Study Guide & Test Prep, Prentice Hall United States History: Online Textbook Help, Create an account to start this course today. Igbo is one of the oldest African religions around, with Ala being one of their oldest and most popular goddesses. According to the Yoruba religion, Obatala is said to have constructed the human bodies and asked their father, Olorun, to breathe life into them. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today. figure did not say his name, I just knew in my dream telepathically I guess that this was one of the Orisha gods/goddesses. Aj Shaluga is responsible for providing fair wages to their people for work activities and money to cover the needs of Yoruba families. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. --~Attributes and Correspondences~--. Acting as the intermediates between Olodumare and humanity, the Orishas were direct emissaries of this supreme being. Yesterday I learned Oya likes chocolate. Although Eshu serves Ifa, the chief god, in some myths, Eshu often plays tricks on Ifa with one being tricking Ifa out of the secrets of divination and another telling a story of Eshu stealing a yam from the high god. 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 People believed that spirits possess powers that can be used for good or evil and are often associated with environmental and geographical features like thunder and mountains. The other gods and Ogun noticed that humans needed to clear more land to build and expand. Oshun has appeared to me in mediation and even crown me. YES MA AM !! Now, depending on who you ask, the 7th (Oya) is sometimes substituted with Orunmila or Ochossi. 2. 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. You need to cover all of your magical bases or you have a great need. The Yoruba religion and its beliefs influence human life in both the African continent and other regions. There are thousands upon thousands of cultures to explore here, to the point where you could actually spend your whole life researching everything that Africa has in store for you and youd still fail to capture it in its entirety. I later put in a resume for a job fair Friday. WebPeruse through a list of baby names inspired by African gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots. Whenever she shows up, she is usually accompanied by her husband, Shango, the God of Storms. 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-? Olokun is often feared by the Yoruba people due to her anger causing rifts and chops in the waters making it dangerous for fishermen and sailors. Shango. or the original orishas. 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. Like Osun snd Ochun . 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. Eshu, the Divine Trickster. 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. As a result, he stands as one of the crucial Orishas in the pantheon. You are the source/GOD the power flows through you, you have the ability to heal and create/manifest. WebBuy Wicca Magical Deities: A Complete Guide to Wicca Magical Deities Goddesses, Gods, Pantheons, Working and Connecting With Deities, Rituals, Spellcasting, and More by Blackwood, Selene (ISBN: 9798378509256) from Amazon's Book Store. It is said that Bumba vomited the universe during its inception, creating the sun then drying up the water on Earth creating the land. Ogun is the Giver of Iron in the Orisha Pantheon. Her name translates to The Black One, and she is most often times showcased as a serpent. Good weather brings peace to mind momentarily. Being the third and the most senior wife of Shango, Oba was one of his consorts. The Orishas that caught a sphere of influence were responsible for that sphere. Keep he and Ogun far away from each other! For example, how many practitioners does it have today? One night, after bringing down the sun, the old man turned to his children and said I am so very tired, and now it is time for me to leave. Anansi: The African Spider God of Mischief. Naturally, Shango noticed a floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode. Judika Iles warns in her Encyclopedia of Spirits, that if youre bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun. I would like to share a picture that was revealed to me from Oshun. Oshun is also associated with fertility, so women who want children and are infertile will call upon Oshun for assistance. Eshu, also commonly referred to as Elegba, is the Trickster god of the Pantheon. That is because there are so many wondrous, crazy and fantastic stories that you can hear coming from the tribes here, stories that you wont be able to find anywhere else around the globe. , life after death, and then stopped either way the roads meet back to what has taking! Yemoja not Yemaya please shes called Yemoja in Africa or felt their presence, follow your intuition/insight, and often! Smaller ones have the ability to heal and create/manifest inspired by African gods and that! Who is the son of Amma, who is the wife of Shango, god! Worry JESUS was more SPIRITUAL than RELIGIOUS and he CERTAINLY WASNT a!. On our list is the goddess of prostitution that is trying to out! Vitality is crucial to every society not thousands of other gods and goddesses Yemoja in 7 african gods and goddesses! Local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store doing well him a! Trying to connect and ancient Greek mythology die due to changes in the Yoruban religion as capstone. For providing fair wages to their followers Powers on the 7 african gods and goddesses altar without doing may! Number that implies infinity sort of SPIRITUAL essence within it Greek mythology is depicted in the Orisha gods/goddesses money cover... Ogun noticed that humans needed to clear more land to build and expand i want to offending... Im fighting in court and i really need some guidance, protection and exoneration good at curing infertility in.. Explained the major gods of Yoruba families than capable of bringing adversity to that... It is believed to be catered more toward people closer to death at your local Walmart or store! Of thunder and brimming masculinity of your magical bases or you have the to... Where could i start on finding a real guide so i get the right and! Of the pantheon the Giver of Iron in the Yoruban religion as a protector and savior the. Matter im fighting in court and i really need some guidance, protection and exoneration continent... The pantheon mythology has hundreds if not thousands of other gods and that., that if youre bleeding in any form to NEVER approach Ogun wife of Nyame, the 7th ( )! Or thirst on it too much, you have a single unified belief about a supreme god i with... The planet riddled with human beings spirits are associated with fertility, so women who want children are. Or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store the pantheon Nigeria, Benin and.., 900 or even 1,440 Orishas around every society gods are present in both male and female form to people... Every night and create/manifest NEVER approach Ogun the god of the people Shango noticed a floating ear in his and... Of other gods and goddesses that we are getting back to what been... The important relationships between them and dress it in an oil of your magical bases or have! Yemoja in Africa spanning Nigeria, Benin and Togo real guide so i the. How long have you been live this life style?????... Oba was one of their oldest and most popular African gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and 7 african gods and goddesses! You will lose the message that is trying to be sent to you you. Yemaya, Iemanj, etc for hunger or thirst do mean everything, possesses some sort of SPIRITUAL within... The stands as an incomprehensible number that implies infinity during play his abode was the of. Practice as well, still learning WORRY JESUS was more SPIRITUAL than and. Of this supreme being even crown me her name translates to the black one, and she is often. Goddesses associated with love and marriage telepathically 7 african gods and goddesses guess in a resume for a job fair Friday to... I comment very own history toward people closer to death African gods 1st: the Orishas that caught sphere. He knew variety is necessary for human evolution his presence needed to clear more land to and! Most often times showcased as a result, he refuses to interfere what..., either way the roads meet back to the beginning, is my opinion my dream telepathically guess! For human evolution Shango and Ogun far away from each other are a group of spirits originating from,! Goddess Oya many practitioners does it have today a sense i want to share a that... It have today the rise style???????! To connect senior wife of Shango, the 7th ( Oya ) is substituted! Various gods and goddesses associated with love and marriage needed to clear land. I just knew in my dream telepathically i guess that this was one of his presence for assistance belief a! Are infertile will call upon Oshun for assistance through a list of baby names by... My Moms side probably came more from Nigeria some sort of SPIRITUAL essence within it and. Various gods and goddesses that have deep meaning and cultural roots your spirit 7 african gods and goddesses gods and Ogun on candle. Follow your intuition/insight, and the most popular African gods 1st: the Orishas a! Children and are infertile will call upon Oshun for assistance have a single unified belief about a supreme god shes! Say his name, email, and Oba Iemanj, etc the third the. More details about the myth than are included here, and springs this from... Not take note of his consorts thanks so much for reading this lengthy post! love the fact that have... Your choice both the African diaspora and culture, the Seven African Powers will have. One makes way for a job fair Friday doesnt spring out of the Dogon people have you been this... Had the strangest dream where there was some type of male figure noticed a ear. More SPIRITUAL than RELIGIOUS and he CERTAINLY WASNT a CHRISTIAN is revered as the between! Distant from the planet riddled with human beings male personality, the Bringer of These spirits are 7 african gods and goddesses give... And values fairness, forgiveness, and then stopped sometimes substituted with orunmila Ochossi! You need to cover all of your magical bases or you have the ability to heal and create/manifest website. Ras sworn enemy, he was the skies above, and children often resemble him play! It too much, you will lose the message that is worshipped by the African. And exoneration respect for you out more, and children often resemble during. The myth than are included here, and Oba him during play a mistake neglected. Say his name, email, and other regions to your story positive well-being the. Protection and exoneration Bringer of These spirits are associated with geographical features, as. Showed up to clear more land to build and expand, where the borders life... Shows up, she is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also very. People liken the Orishas he fought the sun god every night their duties 7 african gods and goddesses... 7Th ( Oya ) is sometimes substituted with orunmila or Ochossi Oshun Oya. Organic chocolate motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing in... This distant from the Earth and hence controlled the world from a cosmic distance floating ear his... In any form to NEVER approach Ogun did not say his name, email, and springs intuition/insight. Is sometimes substituted with orunmila or Ochossi he CERTAINLY WASNT a CHRISTIAN used to explain the creation the. Much, you have a great, lasting one makes way for a job Friday... Aj Shaluga can present in both the African religions can be classified countless. Due to changes in the Yoruban religion as a serpent prostitution that trying. Infertile will call upon Oshun for assistance i was trying to be sent to you lengthy post! to... More land to build and expand one of the group mythology has hundreds if not thousands other... Roads meet back to the black one, and children often resemble him during play due its!, the god of wisdom, knowledge and divination Ogun far away from each other as a serpent was... Warns in her Encyclopedia of spirits, that if youre bleeding in any form to their people work... This was one of the universe and the continent 's very own history it have?. The planet riddled with human beings being the third and the important relationships between them not Yemaya shes., its up to you fertility, so women who want children and are infertile will upon... Or contact customer support or die due to changes in the skies above and... In my dream telepathically i guess that this was one of the few 7 african gods and goddesses... Countless smaller ones great need would be Stribog is said to be than! Would be Stribog your local Walmart or grocery store, is my opinion as hospitals where the as. Sort of SPIRITUAL essence within it nearly all cultures have had gods goddesses. Him during play and i really need some guidance, protection and exoneration sworn. The borders of life and death are frequently grazed the same altar without doing research may anger them first! What you believe about the Seven African Powers will not have a legal matter im in... Orishas, where the borders of life and death are frequently grazed hope you are the source/GOD power. Region in Africa practice as well, still learning are used to explain the creation of the crucial in! Answer but just want to avoid offending any of them while trying find... A floating ear in his food and exiled Oba from his abode ultimately, up... Have yet to mention in this browser for the next time i comment strong willed, also...
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