77 sold. As a result, they are all controlled within the domains of the Orishas. Nabu. It is likely that you are more familiar with Greek mythology than with the gods of the Yoruba pantheon. 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. But if shes angered watch out! She is the wife of Nyame, the creator god. After that, it appears that Oya became my patron because I could only focus on her. Oya is also known as the ''Mother of Nine''. The nine animals produced more species to live on Earth, and eventually, humans came into creation. Because of their genderless identity, Obatala is a god for all and values fairness, forgiveness, and compassion. It goes as far back as the 9th century, way before the first Europeans set sail on the countrys shores. 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. To link to this article in the text of an online publication, please use this URL: https://historycooperative.org/african-gods-and-goddesses/. Find Seven African Powers candles online, at local botanicas or conjure shops or at your local Walmart or grocery store! 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. He is not depicted as the devil himself. And what better tool to carry it out than the trusty old iron? He was malicious and dark and in the form of a poisonous snake. Thank you for this article and my help you could give. 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. 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 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. In Shangos case, he was considered the grandson of the Orisha Oduduwa in Yoruba mythology. As European colonizers and Christian missionaries began to inhabit Africa, cultural groups like the Bantu people migrated to other regions of Africa. 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. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. South American Mythology | Gods, Creatures & Stories, Egyptian Mythological Creatures | List, Folklore & Symbolism, Slavic Mythology | Gods, Symbols & Stories, West Africa: People, Culture & History | West African Countries, Mexican Mythology | Monsters, Mythical Creatures & Folklore. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. That was my first experience. Using oils, incense and soaps specifically created with the energy of the 7 African Powers will bless any ritual or spell you do. Be smart and respectful. Another belief revolves around reincarnation. 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. 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. Temi Iwalaiye Temi Iwalaiye is a lifestyle Reporter at Pulse. She has inspired numerous artists, allegorists, writers, etc. They are described as androgynous. The Seven African Powers are these seven Orishas: Eshu Elegbara, Ogun, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango and Oya. Anansi the Spider: Stories & Mythology | Who is Anansi? Due to this, she also holds domain over psychological qualities such as intuition and clairvoyance. This is where Ogun comes in. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Interestingly enough, Obatala was never actually stated as being a male or a female god, they are pretty much androgynous. 8 chapters | Im trying to be cautious and respectful at the same time because I am not black, Im asian actually. It is said that Orunmila is a witness to creation, thus possessing a deep understanding of humanity and divinity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. African people, however, do not have a single unified belief about a supreme god. In the Yoruban religion, Olorun is considered the creator of the universe and the ruler of heaven. lol I guess I was half asleep when i read how to use the candle because everyday for 7 days i would wake up , light the candle, say the prayer, then before bed i would turn it off. Aja is actually the Goddess of the Forest and all of the animals that live within it. Hera, queen of the gods, prominently wields her scepter, while Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and sensuality, holds the just-presented wreath of victory. In the Yoruban religion, Olokun is the wife of Oduduwa. Peace, honesty, and creativity are just some of them. I feel back from working with them but I have been speaking to them when I can. Rest assured that we are ALL children of The Divine, and the form that It chooses to present Itself is only to appease us as human beings for our limited capacity of understanding the unknown. 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. 7th: Yemaya. Defined as an embodiment of wind, she is Shangos wife and hence the direct caterer of his will. He is the benevolent version of Loki in African mythology and a wandering trickster spirit generally concerned with probability and elusiveness. Orunmila is a God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. Other myths tell us the Clodhna is often called the Fairy Queen of southwest Munster. Create your account. $37.00. I thought her name was spelled differently depending on the particular sect. She formed the oceans and rivers when her water broke while she was giving birth to her first child. Ase & Namaste , This is a blessing to hear. Because of this Kibuka pretty much managed to destroy everyone in his path, bringing victory to the Buganda Empire kingdom. African gods is a series on the mythology of African gods and goddesses. Orunmila - God of wisdom, knowledge and divination. Hi, I enjoyed reading this. Their religious beliefs connect directly to human life and daily treads. Like Osun snd Ochun . Pinterest She is said to be motherly and strong willed, while also being very good at curing infertility in women. Im new the the practice as well, still learning. 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 Nyame is one of the most important figures in Akan mythology, considered to be the supreme sky god. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket If they share the same likeness, they will be called something like Babatunde which pretty much just translates to father returns or Yetunde or mother returns. 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. She is actually Shangos favorite wife, and she is one of the most important Orishas that you need to know about in the Yoruba pantheon. YES MA AM !! Goddess Xochiquetzal Mythology & Symbol | Who is Xochiquetzal? From Oshun, to Isis, to Eve, to Freya, etc. African mythology, in general, stretches over a vast array of gods and goddesses. Anyhoot, I started immersing myself in Nigerian culture, 1st with the Nollywood movies and the AfroBeats music and eventually with some of the food. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Very in depth. Nyx, The Greek Goddess of Night: What Was Her Story? Shango is one of the hot orishas and is known as the lord of thunder and fire. Modern Santeria, Voodoo, and other Caribbean traditions still value this practice today. Oya is the Orisha of the weather. 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. In fact, her name comes from Orisun, which was referred to as being the source of the Niger River. The two walk together as their thunderstorms destroy everything in sight. Does one have to be initialed into the Yoruba religion in order to call on the Orisas or 7 African Powers? All of which will be detailed below. Some of these names are also used as male African names for new babies. It will break sooner or later, especially if made w silk thread. Perhaps he knew variety is necessary for human evolution! Eshu, otherwise known as Elegba, is the Trickster of the Orisha Pantheon. ( delete if not allowed) hello, I hope you are doing well. Oshun is depicted in the Yoruban religion as a protector and savior of the people. Eshu is said to be a protective and benevolent spirit who needs to receive constant appeasement in order out fulfill his assigned functions. While it may seem the war god is a single purpose deity, war gods and goddesses are varied in their functions. She is the daughter of the elder god Chukwu and wife of Amadioha, the sky deity. This wouldnt have been possible without bodies of water snaking through lush, dense forests, bringing much-needed vitality to all who benefit from it. 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. WebDetails of some of the highly developed spiritual /belief systems that existed in African civilisations prior to European invasion. Some tarot cards are wrongly identified if you say its only one way. After his death, he was deified as an orisha. 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. then move onto learning the dances (what they mean and the moves of each orisha) and songs . Not only does she hold control over it, but she also radiates the power of compassion and love. The pantheon of Orishas (traditionally followed by the Yoruba people) is a sequence of divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare. 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. Id like a friend that wouldnt mind my questions, or be judgemental. Especially among women, Oshun holds a great significance. Discover the various gods and goddesses of West African mythology. Ogo is represented as the ''pale fox''. Being involved in marine affairs also implies that she is engaged in rejuvenating the human mind, further solidifying her position. It should go without saying that if you plan to invoke and work with the Seven African Powers for healing, abundance, fertility, etc. No human being is immune to all diseases; however, when there is a chance to heal, it is always welcomed. 15 African Gods and Goddesses You Should Know. 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 It also gave you a brief overview of the Yoruba and Santeria religions. Shango. Apr 17, 2019 - Explore King Jefferson's board "African Gods and Goddesses" on Pinterest. Which was that he had left home + family when he was young. I feel them with me daily !!! Lets start? She is actually often times honored and celebrated by the Igbo people, especially so during the yearly yam festival. Angels, Gods, and Goddesses Oracle Deck and Guidebook Set (45 cards)(standard version) Go to cart. Burn it every day for 7 days along with the prayer on the label. 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. We are all connected. She is crowned the Queen of the river Niger. While there is no actual official number of gods that can be found in this pantheon though, there is an interesting notion around it which states that there are 400+1 Orishas around. They are all mentioned within this list. According to Yoruba belief, because the god was too vast for humans to completely understand, Olodumare released different spheres of influence into the world. 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. 17, 2019 - Explore King Jefferson 's board `` African gods and goddesses trying 7 african gods and goddesses be and. Apr 17, 2019 - Explore King Jefferson 's board `` African gods goddesses! Oceans and rivers when her water broke while she was giving birth to first. Ase & Namaste, this is a blessing to hear Loki in African mythology and a trickster! 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