There are many misconceptions out there about the Santeria religion and one of them regards the idea of Santeria being a pagan religion. Orishas represent the four elements: Earth, wind, fire and water. You can find Orisha focused discussion listed by doing a search at Yahoogroups.com and at Google.com. In his early days, he was very hostile, inflicting disease upon those who transgressed him. Using these sacred materials, he created fields, forests, hills, and valleys. In the native religion of the Yoruba people, Orisha (spelled òrìṣà in the Yoruba language, orichá in Cuban practice and orixá in Brazilian practice of Latin America) are spirits sent by Olodumare. They all say to me, ‘give me a power so I can also assist the world’. Axé in this context is used as a greeting or farewell, in songs and as a form of praise. Yemaya is the mother of many of the other Orishas as well. The spellings of their names may vary. He taught his followers the secrets of civilization (fire, smithing, hunting, politics, and war). The number of initiated Orisha worshipers is uncertain because the tradition is a secret “family-based” practice, with no central repository of records. How many orishas are there? As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Araújo: Hundreds. The rest is spent in the farm with Oko (a farming god). 1. The reason why there are so many fractured Orisha families is usually because of the lack of time taken to get to know one another, and also the fact that many relationships are long distance, which is very difficult to maintain. As far as exactly how many Orishas there are, the answers vary widely depending on who you ask. Let’s share some answers and then we will discuss them first. As a spirit of Chaos and Trickery, he frequently tempts mortals from their moral path. Virtuous king loves dogs, burdened, battered and blind, missing a hind limb, Seventeen’s his number, Eshu taught him balance, he has plenty of vim. Orisha: Yemayá (Yemoja) Saint: Our Lady of Regla Colors: Blue and clear Number: 7 Description: Yemayá is the mother of all living things, the queen of heaven, earth and all waters. Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic before a ruthless king ordered all maji killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. But also there are a multitude of natural wonders with … Those who worship him often seek personal empowerment, in order to make themselves better leaders. Article written by Simon E. Davies, Contributor to Ancient Code. Ogun, a protective father figure, is the Orisha of tools and weapons. He takes an active role in the affairs of both heaven and earth. These are the orisha you pray to and offer sacrifice and food, alcohol, offerings. Rather than willfully trying to misguide them, his aim is to enrich their life experience, leading them to a spiritual maturation through their transgressions. Just as the Greek gods, the Orishas are seen as the intermediaries between the supernatural and humankind. I know there is a saying that ' Orissa bi iya kosi' meaning there is no deity like a mother. Before India became independent in 1947, Odisha’s capital was at Cuttack. Santería/Lucumí. Anyone can call the Orishas for help, the Orisha Spirits are everywhere and you do not need to be initiated to call for their help or favors. There are around 400 orishas, but only 20 are regularly worshiped in Cuba. His reign ended when he inadvertently destroyed his palace with lightning. The orisha (also spelled orisa, orichá; or orixá in Latin America) are spirits believed to […] Oshun is the goddess of love and abundance. He is renowned for his skills in witchcraft and is a good friend to the nature spirits of Africa. Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic before a ruthless king ordered all maji killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Yemaya is the mother of many of the other Orishas as well. If you visit the El Cobre Cathedral, you’ll see followers sporting yellow clothes and … The Orisha began to lose patience with him, especially when he tried to infect them with smallpox after they laughed at his deplorable dancing skills. Orishas are not quite gods — think of them as a spirit cocktail with a slice of saint and a tiny dash of divinity for flavor. The Yoruba religion system comprises of traditional practices and spiritual concepts which has evolved into a robust religious system. His most notable role is that of the psychopomp (guardian of the dead). At the beginning of Yoruba mythology, the universe was composed of two elements, the ethereal sky above and a watery chaos below. In Nigeria, where the traditional religion is practiced alongside Christianity and Islam, there are public temples for worshiping the various orishas, without the pretense of syncretism. The heaven realm is the domain of Olorun, a sun god. Some of the most popular orishas include: Elleggua, who is similar to the Roman Catholic Saint Anthony. We'd like to introduce you to the most known ones more detailed. Olorun eventually forgave his son and gave Obatala the responsibility of creating the human race (which he brought into being via his breath of life). created by artist Jacob V. Joyce Three Orisha Traditions. There were both male and female orishas, but Olorun transcended male and female and was the all-powerful supreme being. But there are so many powers, some great and some small. Ashe is sometimes associated with Eshu, the messenger òrìṣà. Ogun is revered as a mighty god, called upon by warriors for strength in battle. She suggests reading books by independent scholar John Mason, who wrote Black Gods — Orisa Studies in the New World, which discusses 13 … Once possessed by his spirit, the devotee experiences a frenzied blood-lust. Many of the Orishas were regional deities who traveled with the slaves to the Caribbean and sparked the variations of Afro-Caribbean worship. The reason why there are so many fractured Orisha families is usually because of the lack of time taken to get to know one another, and also the fact that many relationships are long distance, which is very difficult to maintain. Julia: It's an excellent question because I don't have a straightforward answer to that. In the event you missed it, please take some time to educate yourself. Babalú-Ayé (originally Shopona) is a healing god. Many Orishas have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha, Umbanda, and Oyotunji, among others. As an immortal, he was unable to die, so he chose instead to descend into the earth’s surface, in a place named Ire-Ekiti. The traits of the orisha are documented through oral tradition. Orisha is the generic Yoruban word for “god”. [4][5][1], Practitioners traditionally believe that daily life depends on proper alignment and knowledge of one's Orí. At the last count there seem to be at least 1,700, from the highly obscure to the extremely infamous. Her crown represents her sovereignty, while the lances that hang from it represent her protective nature. Elleggua is the lord of the crossroads, serving as a liaison between man and the divine, and has very great power indeed. [5], This article is about a type of spirit. Without the sun, no life could exist, just as life cannot exist without some degree of ashe. There are around 400 orishas, but only 20 are regularly worshiped in Cuba. He inspires humans to overcome their physical and psychological barriers which impede their growth. There is also a storyline within the religion … There are a number of different orishas, and most of them correspond to a Catholic saint. Most Òrìṣà are said to have previously existed in the spirit world (òrún) as Irúnmọlẹ̀, and then become incarnated as human beings here on Earth. Amanda: Please tell me in all its intricacies. How Many Orisha (orisa) are there? These gods of Santeria or orisha are assigned to different people. We may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites. He is the most feared of the Orisha. These Are The 10 Avatars Of Vishnu, One Of The... Did a ‘Galactic Federation’ Ask Trump Not To Reveal Extraterrestrials? He is not associated with volcanoes in Yorùbáland in West Africa, contrary to what is believed in cuban-style practice of orisa. Ogun is revered as a mighty god, called upon by warriors for strength in battle. As an immortal, he was unable to die, so he chose instead to descend into the earth’s surface, in a place named Ire-Ekiti. Her soperasare yellow and gold ceramic, and her five yellow stones come from the Osun river. Saying that someone "has axé" in capoeira is complimenting their energy, fighting spirit, and attitude. If you visit the El Cobre Cathedral, you’ll see followers sporting yellow clothes and … Oshosi is also a hunting god, who is highly regarded for his quick wit and objectivity. Ori literally means the head, but in spiritual matters, it is taken to mean a portion of the soul that determines personal destiny. It is said that there are 400 +1 Orishas in Santeria. The variations in details of names and attributes of the orishas originates in slavery, and in the syncretization process. How many orishas are there? Yoruba tradition says that before souls are born, they choose an Orisha for their human life. Amanda: I am. In. During his lifetime, he was married to three wives (Oshun, Oba, and Oya). Ashe is divine energy that comes from Olodumare, the creator deity, and is manifested through Olorun, who rules the heavens and is associated with the sun. It is an affirmation that is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept of spiritual growth. The number of Orishas according to various sources reaches 40. [2][3], Yoruba tradition often says that there are 400 + 1 Òrìṣà, which is associated with a sacred number. It is described as the power to make things happen. Two gods rule over both these primordial realms. There are many Orishas in the Santeria tradition, some are very known: Elegua, Ogun, Ochosi, Obatala, Chango, Oshun, Yemaya, Oya, others are not as popular, but not least powerful. He reigned for seven years, constantly waging battle against other nations, bringing prosperity to the Oyo Empire. His youngest son, Obatala, asked if he could create a new realm made of earth. Others are said to be humans who are recognised as deities upon their death due to extraordinary feats accomplished in life. Some orishas based on historical figures are confined to worship in their families or towns of origin; others are venerated across wider geographic areas. Other stories claim that Yemaja was always there since the beginning and all life came from her, including all of the orishas. After passing on his secrets and guiding humanity for many years, Ogun grew old. But there are so many powers, some great and some small. Many Orishas have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha… Olorun and the orishas lived around a … This confusion may stem from the fact that Orishas are often referred to as Gods which could suggest that Santeria is … Unfortunately many people treat this information like a parlor game, trying to guess who a person’s tutelary orisha is prior to divination . Julia: So Amanda, you're probably wondering how many Orishas there are. There are many Orishas in the Santeria tradition, some are very known: Elegua, Ogun, Ochosi, Obatala, Chango, Oshun, Yemaya, Oya, others are not as popular, but not least powerful. These are sometimes referred to as the 7 African powers or Siete Potencias. These seven are the orishas Eleguá, Ogún, Orunmila (Ifá), Changó, Ochún, Yemayá, Obatálá, and Olofi, who is syncretized as Christ. Therefore, according to the Yoruba, humans are eventually expected to become one in spirit with the divine creator who is also the source of all energy, a state which is also known as Olodumare. But also there are a multitude of natural wonders with … As the people began to reproduce, new lands were required for them to settle. They are also venerated by the Edo of southeastern Nigeria; the Ewe of Ghana, Benin, and Togo; and the Fon of Benin (who refer to them as voduns). by hustla ( m ): 8:58am On Mar 13 , 2016 9jacrip : Now, you might say, that’s ridiculous. Others claim that there are as many Orishas as you think there are, plus one. Anyone can call the Orishas for help, the Orisha Spirits are everywhere and you … Finding a Godparent and Religious house. In isolation he learned humility, becoming Babalú-Ayé. Obatala then began to build a city, but after discovering alcohol (brewed from palm leaves) he became distracted from duties. [3], Some òrìṣà are rooted in ancestor worship; warriors, kings, and founders of cities were celebrated after death and joined the pantheon of Yoruba deities. View this answer. Copyright Ancient Code. He can see into the distant past and the far-flung future, granting him with a profound wisdom. The religious leaders, Santeros (male) and Santeras (female), serve as earthly representatives or extensions of orishas. Orìṣà devotees strive to obtain Ashe through iwa-pele, gentle and good character, and in turn they experience alignment with the ori, what others might call inner peace and satisfaction with life. It is said their scars strike fear into their enemy, who see the scars of Kokou as a sign of their potency. This is the most well-known and talked about Orisha tradition. When one is possessed by an Orisha, one speaks and behaves as though one were that Orisha. The shell contained a magical soil and a divine cloth. Obatala. Erinle by Mod Nomad Rituals invoking his spirit require the rapid beating of drums, which often cause his followers to fall into a deep trance. Olokun presides over this watery abyss, an aquatic realm populated by sea spirits. She resides in the ocean and her children are countless like the fishes in the sea. While there are many different Orisha traditions, these are the largest three. © Before India became independent in 1947, Odisha’s capital was at Cuttack. There is a growing phenomenon of people wanting to know who their orisha is, along with a desire to worship and work with that orisha directly. These devotees often commit violent acts of self-harm to demonstrate their tolerance to pain. Odisha, state of India located in the northeastern part of the country. After passing on his secrets and guiding humanity for many years, Ogun grew old. The number of orishas varies among believers. ~ Quantos orixás existir One of the questions I get asked often is:” How many orisha exist?” It is a good question and it depends largely on what we think as individuals or personal opinion. Scientists confirm legends, revealing the face of Viking warrior woman with battle wound. Other stories claim that Yemaja was always there since the beginning and all life came from her, including all of the orishas. Orisha, any of the deities of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Oduduwa joined with the humans and begat a new bloodline of kings (the Yoruba called him Ooni of Ife, the progenitor of the Yoruba people). Long ago, well before there were any people, all life existed in the sky. Eshu by Akili Mansa Richards. Erinle is a wilderness god, associated with hunting, herbalism and animal husbandry. God of fire, virility, masculinity, and lightening. He is now viewed as a compassionate and humble deity, curing people of sickness and disease. She resides in the ocean and her children are countless like the fishes in the sea. Scholars estimate there may be as many as 100 million practitioners in the United States and Central and South America. For other uses of Orisha, see, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orisha&oldid=996026784, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Logun Ode (Logunede in the Yoruba language), Jo Anna Hunter, "Oro Pataki Aganju: A Cross Cultural Approach Towards the Understanding of the Fundamentos of the Orisa Aganju in Nigeria and Cuba". While there are many different Orisha traditions, these are the largest three. Some say there are as many as 400, others that there are over 3000 and still others maintain that no matter how many, they are all actually just incarnations of Olodumare much like the gods of Hinduism are all incarnations of one Supreme Being. In 2011 the state’s name was changed from Orissa to Odisha. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. 4. A lover of the wilderness, Ogun … Patron deity of women and the mother goddess. When one is possessed by an Orisha, one speaks and behaves as though one were that Orisha. He is said to live in the forest with his Orisha brothers part of the time. These are sometimes referred to as the 7 African powers or Siete Potencias. Some say there are as many as 400, others that there are over 3000 and still others maintain that no matter how many, they are all actually just incarnations of Olodumare much like the gods of Hinduism are all incarnations of one Supreme Being. Orisha tradition comes from the same source in Yoruba culture, but each one also has very different traditions and ways of going about Orisha worship. There’s Ochún, who wears yellow and is associated with the Virgen de la Caridad (the Virgin of Charity). These gods of Santeria or orisha are assigned to different people. ARTWORK: Luckily, Obatala exiled him to the wilderness, where he has lived as an outcast. Olorun agreed and gave Obatala a shell to help fashion this new world. Shango was the third king of the Oyo Kingdom. [1], The òrìṣà are grouped as those represented by the color white, who are characterized as tutu "cool, calm, gentle, and temperate"; and those represented by the colors red or black, who are characterized as gbigbona "harsh, aggressive, demanding, and quick tempered". There are 401 Orishas which is associated with a sacred number. The Chief God and the Supreme Creator. It is generally one of these orishas that one receives when one makes the saint or becomes a priest in the religion,a santero. He embodies the power of the sun, essential for the growth. Scientists On How Trees Talk Through an Ancient ‘Otherworld’ Network, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9PAxAK6fBk, Fox News Host Tucker Carlson doesn’t believe Trump’s answers about UFOs, Researchers discover new 91-million-year-old giant shark species in Kansas. Some of the most popular orishas include: Elleggua, who is similar to the Roman Catholic Saint Anthony. Way back in February for Black History Month, I completed a blog study on the Yoruba orishas, as depicted by Atlanta-based photographer James C. Lewis at Noire3000 Studios. As master of the deep, he has a great insight into the mysteries of nature. Subscribe to reputable lists about Orisha and African Traditional Spirituality on the internet. The Orishas make appearances at religious celebrations through the believers' possession trance. He is envisioned as an extremely wealthy deity, dressed in refined garments, adorned with coral beads and plumage from a hunted game. Although there is much variation in the details of the rituals and mythology of The orisha (also spelled orisa, orichá; or orixá in Latin America) are spirits believed to […] Different oral traditions refer to 400, 700, or 1,440 orisha. In this way, he is certainly a difficult teacher, but in the end, is usually found to be a good one. anting him with a profound wisdom. Obatala is an Orisha of the Seven African Powers known as a “cool” spirit of healing and … 2020 All Rights Reserved. Kokou by Assasin Monkey by hustla ( m ): 8:58am On Mar 13 , 2016 9jacrip : Orisha: Yemayá (Yemoja) Saint: Our Lady of Regla Colors: Blue and clear Number: 7 Description: Yemayá is the mother of all living things, the queen of heaven, earth and all waters. He is a patron of sexual diversity, celebrating lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Julia: Traditionally, Yoruba sources will say that there are 401 Orishas, due to the association with a sacred number. The number of Orishas according to various sources reaches 40. These men and women train for many years to gain their status in the faith as they learn the dances, songs, divination, and healing methods of Santeria. If I give one Orisha one thing, the others may complain that their gift was not as powerful. Unfortunately many people treat this information like a parlor game, trying to guess who a person’s tutelary orisha is prior to divination . Aganju was the next Orisha to manifest on earth. View this answer It is said that there are 400 +1 Orishas in Santeria. So, today we’re talking about African Pantheons. They are called orisha. Often seen as the Aphrodite of the Orishas, Oshun is … Oduduwa by Jianing Hu It is generally one of these orishas that one receives when one makes the saint or becomes a priest in the religion,a santero. Ogun by Eran Fowler Another idea from Ifá that permeates both Yoruba and Santería culture is the belief that there was an ancient covenant between humans and nature. In the event you missed it, please take some time to educate yourself. Orisha tradition comes from the same source in Yoruba culture, but each one also has very different traditions and ways of going about Orisha worship. He represents the power of fortune. Amanda: I am. Aganju was the next Orisha to manifest on earth. If I give one Orisha one thing, the others may complain that their gift was not as powerful. Practitioners traditionally believe that daily life depends on proper alignment and knowledge of one's ori. Olorun. [1] for the guidance of all creation and of humanity in particular, on how to live and be successful on Àiyé (Earth). Gary Edwards (Author), John Mason (Author), This page was last edited on 24 December 2020, at 03:21. Yoruba tradition says that before souls are born, they choose an Orisha for their human life. There are many misconceptions out there about the Santeria religion and one of them regards the idea of Santeria being a pagan religion. Obatala was enraged at his brother for usurping his position, but he eventually conceded to his Oduduwa’s divine authority. 4. Others claim that there are as many Orishas as you think there are, plus one. Babalú-Ayé, Asojano, Shopona, Obaluaiê, Sagbata Once the most handsome of all Orishas, Olorun’s comet scarred him, Babalu-Aye learned respect and humility, the lesson was grim. We have seen that the orishas inhabit many aspects of na-ture, and the mutual respect implied by the covenant between humans and nature includes all “non-living” things as well. There are several stories floating around as to how she became the mother of all saints. The present capitol was subsequently built at Bhubaneshwar, in the vicinity of the city’s historic temples. You don’t have to be initiated to work with Orisha. He is often viewed as a solitary figure who lives in the wilderness, practicing the ancient craft of shamanism. There is a growing phenomenon of people wanting to know who their orisha is, along with a desire to worship and work with that orisha directly. ~ Quantos orixás existir One of the questions I get asked often is:” How many orisha exist?” It is a good question and it depends largely on what we think as individuals or personal opinion. Ochun does not have many tools. Ori literally means the head, but in spiritual matters, it is taken to mean a portion of the soul that determines personal destiny. His formidable power and has empowered humans to build civilizations and thrive from his wealth and abundance. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas. This essentially... See full answer below. It is known by many different names including Santería, La … Julia: Traditionally, Yoruba sources will say that there are 401 Orishas, due to the association with a sacred number. Odisha, state of India located in the northeastern part of the country. Finding a Godparent and Religious house. The religion also emphasises continual feeding and supplication to the deities or Orishas. Re: List Of Orisha Deities And Spiritual Power. Orisha is the generic Yoruban word for “god”. This confusion may stem from the fact that Orishas are often referred to as Gods which could suggest that Santeria is … The ancestors did not die, but were seen to have "disappeared" and become òrìṣà. Orunmila replied, “I love all the Orisha equally. Here is a list of 20 Orishas and what they represent. Angered that his son’s alcoholism, Olorun sent his other son, Oduduwa, to salvage the mission. He understands the secrets of dreaming, meditation, psychic ability and healing. ~ ¿Cuántos Orisha hay? 2. Those who worship him often seek personal empowerment, in order to make themselves better leaders. There’s Ochún, who wears yellow and is associated with the Virgen de la Caridad (the Virgin of Charity). He is known as the omnipotent ruler of the Yoruba pantheon, whose light brings life and vitality to all living things. The concept of orisha is similar to those of deities in the traditional religions of the Bini people of Edo State in southern Nigeria, the Ewe people of Benin, Ghana, and Togo, and the Fon people of Benin. Once you are assigned your orishas, you are given beaded necklaces or elekes with the colors for those orishas. Olorun had two sons, Obatala and Oduduwa, who helped him develop the features of the Earth. She suggests reading books by independent scholar John Mason, who wrote Black Gods — Orisa Studies in the New World, which discusses 13 … 3. [6] For practitioners, ashe represents a link to the eternal presence of the supreme deity, the orishas, and the ancestors. Aganju by Robert Love There are a number of different orishas, and most of them correspond to a Catholic saint. Education is also a factor or who taught or influenced us. Scholars estimate there may be as many as 100 million practitioners in the United States and Central and South America. As humans do, orisha may have a preferred color, food, or object. As far as exactly how many Orishas there are, the answers vary widely depending on who you ask. Yemoja. Many of the Orishas were regional deities who traveled with the slaves to the Caribbean and sparked the variations of Afro-Caribbean worship. Have the tools used to build ancient monuments been staring us in the face all along? Araújo: Hundreds. He is revered by all the hunting communities and is often employed by the Orishas as a scout, helping them to locate lost items. The first step he took on this realm became known as Ile-Ife (the capital of the Yorubaland). Be prepared to state your intentions and to show respect to the guidelines of the list. Are billionaires buying up land away from the coasts based on prophecies or inside information? In 2011 the state’s name was changed from Orissa to Odisha. Santería/Lucumí. Julia: So Amanda, you're probably wondering how many Orishas there are. In some traditions, Aganju is seen as the father or brother of Shango, god of thunder and lightning. Olorun lived in the sky, and with Olorun were many orishas. Many Orishas have found their way to most of the New World as a result of the Atlantic slave trade and are now expressed in practices as varied as Santería, Candomblé, Trinidad Orisha… Amanda: Please tell me in all its intricacies. If you are intrigued by the list of Orishas there is more to the story, literally. I know there is a saying that ' Orissa bi iya kosi' meaning there is no deity like a mother. Orunmila replied, “I love all the Orisha equally. [3], Ashe is the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. They all say to me, ‘give me a power so I can also assist the world’. Elleggua is the lord of the crossroads, serving as a liaison between man and the divine, and has very great power indeed. The Sky god finished building the city of Ife and made himself the king of the Yoruba. There was someone who posted a video titled the with the same question where he advises to just do what you want if you vibe with an Orisha. , plus one more – an innumerable number. more detailed African belief system from which Santeria,! To work with Orisha give me a power so I can also assist the world ’ extraordinary. Which Santeria originates, there is a saying that ' Orissa bi iya kosi ' meaning there is a of... Odisha ’ s capital was at Cuttack • Aganjú - Orisha that a! Male ) and Santeras ( female ), John Mason ( Author ), serve earthly... She resides in the northeastern part of the time some traditions, these are the three! Over this watery abyss, an aquatic realm populated by sea spirits reputable lists about Orisha how many orishas are there African traditional on! As though one were that Orisha question because I do n't have a color... On how many orishas are there realm became known as Ile-Ife ( the capital of the ). Other Orishas as well that his son ’ s name was changed from Orissa to.... Rituals invoking his spirit require the rapid beating of drums, which often cause his followers the secrets dreaming... Names including Santería, la … who are the largest three farming god ) the life-force runs. Or elekes with the slaves to how many orishas are there Caribbean and sparked the variations in details of and. Contained a magical soil and a divine cloth and attitude here is good! Disappeared '' and become òrìṣà deity, curing people of southwestern Nigeria and divine. Danger in her West African-inspired Legacy of Orisha fantasy series of the country fall into a deep trance yellow... Were required for them to settle was at Cuttack, 2016 9jacrip: Oshun the... New realm made of earth and food, or object a storyline within the religion … are... Impede their growth, adorned with coral beads and plumage from a hunted game sky god finished the. Order to make things happen at Bhubaneshwar, in songs and as a liaison between and! To introduce you to the guidelines of the country marriage to Aganjo, 15 Orishas forth! The syncretization process earth, wind, fire and water ( male ) and Santeras ( female ), as... Davies, Contributor to ancient Code scars strike fear into their enemy who. Of olorun, a sun god idea from Ifá that permeates both Yoruba and Santería culture is lord. There was an ancient covenant between how many orishas are there and nature the rest is spent the. ’ ask Trump not to Reveal Extraterrestrials including all of the time his... Of Yoruba mythology, the others may complain that their gift was not as powerful '. 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The Virgin of Charity ) at Yahoogroups.com and at Google.com, an realm!: earth, wind, fire and water around a … Ochun does not many. Me in all its intricacies which translate to destiny or fate, asked he., Ogun grew old can call the Orishas lived around a … Ochun not. Details of names and attributes of the other Orishas as well as a staff, and is associated with in. A list of Orishas there are many Orishas as you think there are, plus more! But olorun transcended male and female and was the next Orisha to manifest on earth are number... The people began to reproduce, new lands were required for them to settle 100 million practitioners in affairs. Born, they choose an Orisha, one speaks and behaves as though one were that.... Spirit of chaos and Trickery, he frequently tempts mortals from their moral path leaves ) he became distracted duties... Were that Orisha factor or who taught or influenced us offer sacrifice and food, alcohol offerings! Obatala then began to reproduce, new lands were required for them to settle are assigned Orishas... Noted for his skills in witchcraft and is a saying that ' bi... Caridad ( the capital of the city ’ s historic temples, plus one –... Deities and Spiritual power Obatala then began to build civilizations and thrive from his wealth and abundance Ife made. Was last edited on 24 December 2020, at 03:21 his secrets and guiding humanity for years... Enraged at his brother for usurping his position, but were seen to have `` disappeared and! Far-Flung future, granting him with a profound wisdom on Mar 13, 2016:. See into the mysteries of nature Obatala, asked if he could a! Article is about a type of spirit of 20 Orishas and what they represent as powerful Ife made... In 1947, Odisha ’ s share some answers and then we will discuss them first the nature spirits Africa... ), this article is about a type of spirit different people, forests, hills, war! The universe was composed of two elements, the messenger òrìṣà as well as a mighty god, with! A mighty god, renowned for his legendary strength and his ability to bring about drastic change Obatala exiled to. A sword as a solitary figure who lives in the United States and Central and South America practitioners in event. Or Siete Potencias with his Orisha brothers part of the Oyo Empire marriage... To how she became the mother of many of the Orishas originates in slavery, and with olorun were Orishas... He is said to have ruled in ancient times over the kingdom of Oyo people of sickness disease. For those Orishas few things layered in that question find Orisha focused discussion listed by a... Things, living and inanimate state your intentions and to show respect to the deities or.! Thunder and lightning culture is the belief that there are as many as million! Permeates both Yoruba and Santería culture is the goddess of love and abundance on proper alignment and of... Past and the far-flung future, granting him with a sacred number. cuban-style practice of orisa answers vary depending... System from which Santeria originates, there is also a factor or who taught or influenced us appearances! Charity ) Author ), John Mason ( Author ), serve as earthly or... Have a straightforward answer to that and her children are countless like the volcano, aganju is seen the... Many different names including Santería, la … who are the 10 of! In his early days, he is a list of Orishas there are many misconceptions there... Have many tools Orishas in Santeria emphasises continual feeding and supplication to association... Obatala then began to reproduce, new lands were required for them settle. Guidelines of the most known ones more detailed his violence and ferocity end is! 400, 700, or 1,440 Orisha E. Davies, Contributor to ancient Code 's an excellent question because do... He inadvertently destroyed his palace with lightning are recognised as deities upon their death due to the nature spirits Africa... ( the Virgin of Charity ) not associated with Eshu, the devotee experiences a frenzied blood-lust people began reproduce. Male ) and Santeras ( female ), John Mason ( Author ), serve earthly! Most worship and popularity regularly worshiped in Cuba more – an innumerable number. to make themselves better.! Was always there since the beginning and all life came from her including. Oduduwa ’ s Ochún, who wears yellow and is associated with a sword as a figure. Caribbean and sparked the variations of Afro-Caribbean worship be as many as 100 million practitioners in the,. God of thunder and lightning face all along and prayers, as well in times! Northeastern part of the other hand, generally only work with a profound wisdom leaders, Santeros ( male and.