How many orishas exist in the Yoruba pantheon of gods?
There are at least 401 recognized Orisha, or gods, in the Yoruba pantheon. Many of these Orisha are localized ancestral spirits or nature gods and are worshiped in relatively small areas. Others are universal in Yoruba belief and maintain vigorous cults in Nigeria and in Cuba and Brazil as well.
Who is the God of the orishas?
The Yoruba people believe that the orishas were sent by Olodumare, who is considered the Supreme God, to populate the Earth. Oshun, being one of the original 17 sent to Earth, was the only female deity. The other gods, all male, failed at their attempts to revive and populate the Earth.
Who is the most powerful Yoruba god?
Shango
He is known for his powerful axe. He is considered to be one of the most powerful rulers that Yorubaland has ever produced….
| Shango | |
|---|---|
| Venerated in | Yoruba religion, Dahomey mythology, Vodun, Santería, Candomblé, Haitian Vodou, Louisiana Voodoo, Folk Catholicism |
| Day | The fifth day of the week |
What is Oya The God of?
Oya is one of the most powerful African Goddesses (Orishas). A Warrior-Queen, She is the sister-wife of the God Shango, to whom She gave the power to create storms. Much of Oya’s energy is rooted in the natural world; She is the Goddess of thunder, lightning, tornadoes, winds, rainstorms, and hurricanes.
What does Olokun represent?
In Yoruba mythology, Olokun was the orisha (or spirit) of the waters of the earth and the depths of the ocean where the light never shone. He was considered as the ruler of all the bodies of water on earth and even had authority over the other water deities.
Was Oshun a mermaid?
In the majority of depictions, Oshun is shown as a sensual, charming, beautiful, and coquettish woman. She is often adorned with gold jewellery, bracelets and beads, mirrors, and other elaborate decorations. In some portrayals, she also has the tail of a mermaid, perhaps in ode to her connection with water.
Are Oshun and Yemaya the same?
Oshun is one of the youngest orishas and Yemaya’s younger sister. However, because she represented these qualities, she was also the most beautiful orisha and was constantly pursued by other gods.
What does Obatala mean?
Obatala or Oshala (known as Obatalá in Nigeria and in Caribbean and South American Spanish and Oxalá in Brazil) is an orisha. He is believed to be the Sky Father and the creator of human bodies, which were brought to life by the smooth breath of Olodumare.
Who is the goddess Yemaya?
Often depicted as a queenly mermaid, Yemaya is considered the Ocean Mother Goddess in Santería, an Afro-Caribbean religion practiced around the world. With anchored roots in the Yoruba religion, Yemaya was brought over to the New World by enslaved Africans as early as the 16th century.
Who is Chango Macho?
Originating within the Yoruba faith and influencing Santeria, and many other faiths of Latin America and the Caribbean, Chango is the orisha of thunder and lightning. Known as the Sky Father, he is often viewed as chief among the Orisha and among the post powerful of the Orisha under Olodumare.