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Oshun
From http://shawnacohen.tripod.com/thetribaltraditions/id63.html
Oshun, an Orisha (spirit) that sustains life.
She is called the “Lady of Secrets,” “Lady of Love” and “Lady of Gold”. She is a major love goddess who prayed to for real and lasting love, good marriages, peaceful home life and healthy babies; She governs diplomacy, and brings support to the community as well. She rules beauty and flirtation and evokes the essence of in-your-face sensuality.[she is also the goddess of divination]
Oshun protects the abdominal area and teach pleasure and happiness to Her devotees
Oshun is the ultimate wild woman, She helps you bring out raw and primal sexuality. She represents self-appreciation and giving oneself permission to have sensual pleasure. It’s so important that sensuality is an inner glow and fire--- an authentic femininity brought to life in our very being. When we stifle our sensuality, or limit ourselves from expressing it fully, it’s as if a part of us is being hidden and denied. We have to reach into ourselves to find it and be willing to bring out its essence. It can -esteem, improve our love lives and help us feel youthful and beautiful.enhance self
OSHUN....Joy and sensual pleasure are the gifts of Oshun...she is the Yoruba river goddess. Mother of the Dieties..she sits upon a moss-covered rock by the river..holding a mirror in one hand and a golden fan in the other..all of Earth's jewels are woven through her hair....just as the river flows to the sea...Oshun can take us to a place of deep inner peace and reminds us of the power of Pleasure.....Oshun teaches us to live within the present and not to overextend ourselves within the past or future....
The Mysterious Depths of Oshun
By: Michael Atwood Mason
In the religion, the orisha Oshun is always among the first orishas that outsiders discover. Aleyos are charmed by her beauty, enticed by her sensuality, yearn to emulate her grace. However, who is this orisha and what role does she play in human life?
The elders laconically repeat, "Oshun is the owner of the river." She lives in the currents and eddies of the river where her force moves ever forward. Traditions agree that this vain orisha binds people and orishas together. She adores fine clothes and beautiful objects. She is the sweetness of love. She is the dance of passion. She is the cool water that heals the sick abdomen and brings children to the barren. But this stereotypical representation of Oshun overlooks an essential aspect of her character, in pataki after pataki, Oshun provides renewal when no one else can.
When Ogun, the fierce and hard-working blacksmith, withdrew from the creation of the world and retreated into the forest, Oshun brought him out. With the departure of Ogun's force and labor, creation stopped. No new fields were cleared for planting and no new inventions appeared to help the Orishas and human beings. Ogun took to the bush, and the process of creation came grinding to a halt. Several orishas tried to draw him out of the forest but failed. Finally Oshun went into the woods with her five scarves and her gourd of honey. She did not call to Ogun. Instead she found a clearing and began to dance. Her beauty and her sensual movements caught Ogun's attention. As he watched her dance, he was drawn to her. Slowly he approached her, and when he drew close, Oshun smeared his lips with her honey. As she danced, Ogun followed her back to civilization and resumed his work. This story does attest to Oshun's beauty and seductiveness, but it also shows how she uses these characteristics to accomplish what no other orisha can and renew the process of creation.
Oshun also renewed the whole world when it was in danger. This story has many versions. Some elders say that Olodumare had a terrible drought, while others maintain that it was day after day of rain that threatened humans and the orishas. Many orishas had tried to communicate with Olodumare and many birds had flown toward Olorun in attempts to save the earth. But no effort succeeded in reaching heaven. Finally, the buzzard came forth and said she could take their message to Olodumare. The orishas were astonished and they doubted that Oshun, the youngest orisha, could reach heaven and convince the creator to save the earth. But after great struggle and flying until she was exhausted, Oshun arrived in the heaven and asked Olodumare to spare the earth because there were just beings who valued life and followed the laws established by God. Olodumare was so impressed by her honesty and her efforts that he appointed her as his messenger to humans and the orishas. When no one else could, Oshun saved the earth from destruction. Since that time, Oshun has been coming into the lives of individuals and fulfilling their deepest needs and desires.
Elder priests guard many secrets to call upon Oshun, and these ceremonies use the same, well known tools to move her. People salute her as an elder using her formal title lyalode. Others greet her as a dear mother calling "Ori Yeye o!" She loves everything yellow and five is her number. Five jars of honey, five oranges, five eggs, or five pumpkins offered to Oshun will release her renewing powers in human life. Her altars must be beautiful and usually include ornate fans and mirrors.
Praise Oshun when you are tired, and she will enliven you. Call on the river when you are dry, and she will refresh you. Sing to her when you are broke, and she will provide what you need. Pray to her when you cannot have a child, and she will impregnate you. Adore Oshun, and she will renew you.
How to Evoke Oshun
The pathway to sensual liberation is feeling comfortable in your own skin, comfortable enough to express and access power through your physical form, comfortable enough with your own nakedness. Oshun revels in the feel of Her body. She is fluid, like water; she loves to swim, dance, writhe naked and bathe naked. She’s fond of finer things and nice jewelry and loves the feeling of jewelry jangling on Her body. Oshun gets turned on by Her own image and loves to gaze at herself in the mirror. It is said She wears a mirror on Her belt so She can admire herself! If you are daring enough to explore your own body with the intention to love and appreciate it, let Oshun be your guide.
1. Dance, dance, dance: Dance like you use to dance when you were a little girl- without inhibitions. Go wild and get lost in the music; this will raise your energy as it helps you rise above shyness and hesitation. In Nigeria, Oshun is honored with the Ibo-Osun festival, where the women dance in honor of the goddess, hoping to attract her attention and gain Her favors (be Her favorite). Oshun LOVES to dance too! If Oshun enters the woman’s body, the woman dances wildly yet fluidly like the flow of the river (as if she is swimming); she jangles the bracelets and jewelry and experience a strong desire to look at herself in the mirror.
2. Create a safe, sensual environment. Dim all the lights and light a candle. Turn down the music to slow sensual tunes or beating drums. Have a sip of wine and relax.
3. Look at yourself without judgment: Strip off all your clothes and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Try not to criticize yourself! Notice your curves, your coloring, your breast, your butt, and all the area you don’t normally look at: armpits, knees, toes and fingertips. If your eyes begin to focus on parts of you tend to judge harshly, find another place to focus. The more you can begin to focus on seeing your most beautiful self, the more beautiful you will become, right before your very eyes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Oshun is the ultimate wild woman, She helps you bring out raw and primal sexuality. She represents self-appreciation and giving oneself permission to have sensual pleasure. It’s so important that sensuality is an inner glow and fire--- an authentic femininity brought to life in our very being. When we stifle our sensuality, or limit ourselves from expressing it fully, it’s as if a part of us is being hidden and denied. We have to reach into ourselves to find it and be willing to bring out its essence. It can enhance self-esteem, improve our love lives and help us feel youthful and beautiful.
Oshun controls human pleasure
Ever eager to help her followers, She is slow to anger --- but once angered She is the hardest orisha to appease and the most dangerous. When She cries this is a sure sign that She will grant whatever is asked of Her.
Altar: Before giving Oshun any libations/honey, you must taste it first or your gift will not be accepted. In the Patakis (story) someone tried to kill Oshun by putting poison in her honey, she became very sick. Honey, oranges and pumpkins are Her favorite. Also honey cakes (honey buns). Yellow candle with 5 pennies around the candle to cal on Oshun for your desire… Her day is Saturday! (yellow roses/petals, copper, brass, gold, coconut milk) In the center of Her temple is an earthenware bowl filled with white stones from the river’s bottom.
Oshun, an Orisha (spirit) that sustains life.
She is called the “Lady of Secrets,” “Lady of Love” and “Lady of Gold”. She is a major love goddess who prayed to for real and lasting love, good marriages, peaceful home life and healthy babies; She governs diplomacy, and brings support to the community as well. She rules beauty and flirtation and evokes the essence of in-your-face sensuality.[she is also the goddess of divination]
Oshun protects the abdominal area and teach pleasure and happiness to Her devotees
Oshun is the ultimate wild woman, She helps you bring out raw and primal sexuality. She represents self-appreciation and giving oneself permission to have sensual pleasure. It’s so important that sensuality is an inner glow and fire--- an authentic femininity brought to life in our very being. When we stifle our sensuality, or limit ourselves from expressing it fully, it’s as if a part of us is being hidden and denied. We have to reach into ourselves to find it and be willing to bring out its essence. It can -esteem, improve our love lives and help us feel youthful and beautiful.enhance self
OSHUN....Joy and sensual pleasure are the gifts of Oshun...she is the Yoruba river goddess. Mother of the Dieties..she sits upon a moss-covered rock by the river..holding a mirror in one hand and a golden fan in the other..all of Earth's jewels are woven through her hair....just as the river flows to the sea...Oshun can take us to a place of deep inner peace and reminds us of the power of Pleasure.....Oshun teaches us to live within the present and not to overextend ourselves within the past or future....
The Mysterious Depths of Oshun
By: Michael Atwood Mason
In the religion, the orisha Oshun is always among the first orishas that outsiders discover. Aleyos are charmed by her beauty, enticed by her sensuality, yearn to emulate her grace. However, who is this orisha and what role does she play in human life?
The elders laconically repeat, "Oshun is the owner of the river." She lives in the currents and eddies of the river where her force moves ever forward. Traditions agree that this vain orisha binds people and orishas together. She adores fine clothes and beautiful objects. She is the sweetness of love. She is the dance of passion. She is the cool water that heals the sick abdomen and brings children to the barren. But this stereotypical representation of Oshun overlooks an essential aspect of her character, in pataki after pataki, Oshun provides renewal when no one else can.
When Ogun, the fierce and hard-working blacksmith, withdrew from the creation of the world and retreated into the forest, Oshun brought him out. With the departure of Ogun's force and labor, creation stopped. No new fields were cleared for planting and no new inventions appeared to help the Orishas and human beings. Ogun took to the bush, and the process of creation came grinding to a halt. Several orishas tried to draw him out of the forest but failed. Finally Oshun went into the woods with her five scarves and her gourd of honey. She did not call to Ogun. Instead she found a clearing and began to dance. Her beauty and her sensual movements caught Ogun's attention. As he watched her dance, he was drawn to her. Slowly he approached her, and when he drew close, Oshun smeared his lips with her honey. As she danced, Ogun followed her back to civilization and resumed his work. This story does attest to Oshun's beauty and seductiveness, but it also shows how she uses these characteristics to accomplish what no other orisha can and renew the process of creation.
Oshun also renewed the whole world when it was in danger. This story has many versions. Some elders say that Olodumare had a terrible drought, while others maintain that it was day after day of rain that threatened humans and the orishas. Many orishas had tried to communicate with Olodumare and many birds had flown toward Olorun in attempts to save the earth. But no effort succeeded in reaching heaven. Finally, the buzzard came forth and said she could take their message to Olodumare. The orishas were astonished and they doubted that Oshun, the youngest orisha, could reach heaven and convince the creator to save the earth. But after great struggle and flying until she was exhausted, Oshun arrived in the heaven and asked Olodumare to spare the earth because there were just beings who valued life and followed the laws established by God. Olodumare was so impressed by her honesty and her efforts that he appointed her as his messenger to humans and the orishas. When no one else could, Oshun saved the earth from destruction. Since that time, Oshun has been coming into the lives of individuals and fulfilling their deepest needs and desires.
Elder priests guard many secrets to call upon Oshun, and these ceremonies use the same, well known tools to move her. People salute her as an elder using her formal title lyalode. Others greet her as a dear mother calling "Ori Yeye o!" She loves everything yellow and five is her number. Five jars of honey, five oranges, five eggs, or five pumpkins offered to Oshun will release her renewing powers in human life. Her altars must be beautiful and usually include ornate fans and mirrors.
Praise Oshun when you are tired, and she will enliven you. Call on the river when you are dry, and she will refresh you. Sing to her when you are broke, and she will provide what you need. Pray to her when you cannot have a child, and she will impregnate you. Adore Oshun, and she will renew you.
How to Evoke Oshun
The pathway to sensual liberation is feeling comfortable in your own skin, comfortable enough to express and access power through your physical form, comfortable enough with your own nakedness. Oshun revels in the feel of Her body. She is fluid, like water; she loves to swim, dance, writhe naked and bathe naked. She’s fond of finer things and nice jewelry and loves the feeling of jewelry jangling on Her body. Oshun gets turned on by Her own image and loves to gaze at herself in the mirror. It is said She wears a mirror on Her belt so She can admire herself! If you are daring enough to explore your own body with the intention to love and appreciate it, let Oshun be your guide.
1. Dance, dance, dance: Dance like you use to dance when you were a little girl- without inhibitions. Go wild and get lost in the music; this will raise your energy as it helps you rise above shyness and hesitation. In Nigeria, Oshun is honored with the Ibo-Osun festival, where the women dance in honor of the goddess, hoping to attract her attention and gain Her favors (be Her favorite). Oshun LOVES to dance too! If Oshun enters the woman’s body, the woman dances wildly yet fluidly like the flow of the river (as if she is swimming); she jangles the bracelets and jewelry and experience a strong desire to look at herself in the mirror.
2. Create a safe, sensual environment. Dim all the lights and light a candle. Turn down the music to slow sensual tunes or beating drums. Have a sip of wine and relax.
3. Look at yourself without judgment: Strip off all your clothes and stand in front of a full-length mirror. Try not to criticize yourself! Notice your curves, your coloring, your breast, your butt, and all the area you don’t normally look at: armpits, knees, toes and fingertips. If your eyes begin to focus on parts of you tend to judge harshly, find another place to focus. The more you can begin to focus on seeing your most beautiful self, the more beautiful you will become, right before your very eyes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Oshun is the ultimate wild woman, She helps you bring out raw and primal sexuality. She represents self-appreciation and giving oneself permission to have sensual pleasure. It’s so important that sensuality is an inner glow and fire--- an authentic femininity brought to life in our very being. When we stifle our sensuality, or limit ourselves from expressing it fully, it’s as if a part of us is being hidden and denied. We have to reach into ourselves to find it and be willing to bring out its essence. It can enhance self-esteem, improve our love lives and help us feel youthful and beautiful.
Oshun controls human pleasure
Ever eager to help her followers, She is slow to anger --- but once angered She is the hardest orisha to appease and the most dangerous. When She cries this is a sure sign that She will grant whatever is asked of Her.
Altar: Before giving Oshun any libations/honey, you must taste it first or your gift will not be accepted. In the Patakis (story) someone tried to kill Oshun by putting poison in her honey, she became very sick. Honey, oranges and pumpkins are Her favorite. Also honey cakes (honey buns). Yellow candle with 5 pennies around the candle to cal on Oshun for your desire… Her day is Saturday! (yellow roses/petals, copper, brass, gold, coconut milk) In the center of Her temple is an earthenware bowl filled with white stones from the river’s bottom.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alexandra Iris on
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isn't she also one of Chango's wives along with Oya and Yamaya(goddesses of the grave yard and the ocean...respectivly)??Maiden/mother/crone triligy I suppose...
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Permalink Reply by GreeningSoul on
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Oya is the orisha who protects graveyards, Yamaya is the ocean orisha, and Oshun is the river orisha.
Yamaya is the goddess of motherhood, Oshun covers pleasure, love and sexuality. Oya is the orisha of virtuous spouses. So yeah, I guess it is maiden, mother, crone. Cool how every culture has this archetype, huh?
Their interrelationships are pretty tangled! Yamaya and Oshun are sisters. Yamaya and Oya are bitter rivals.. You can't call on both of them in the same ritual because they fight. Apparently, their dominions used to be reversed and Yamaya tricked Oya into switching and now won't give Oya back the oceans, which leaves her pretty angry!
Yamaya gave birth to Ogun (and some say Shango) but it's also said that Shango (Chango) is her adopted son. He went away for a while and came back, she didn't recognize him and apparently they fell in love, but I don't think they are married. They have a kind of stand offish relationship.
However, Oya (Oba) and Oshun are both wives of Chango AND Ogun. They are both the patrons of 2 different rivers. Where they intersect is very turbulent with rapids because of their rivalry. Here's a story from Pagan Wiki:
According to myth, Chango kept a compound in which he had his own house, and his three wives each had a house, set up surrounding his own. Chango would visit his wives in their houses to eat and to sleep with them. His first wife, Oba, noticed that when Chango went to Oshun's house he would eat all of the food that she prepared for him, and seemed to delight in her company. Wanting a closer relationship with her husband, Oba asked Oshun how she kept Chango so happy. However, Oshun resented Oba for being the first wife, whose children would inherit Chango's kingdom. Out of jealousy, she tricked Oba, telling her that she had cut a small piece of her ear off and dried it to make a magic powder that she sprinkled on Chango's food. As he ate it, she told Oba, Chango would desire the food and Oshun all the more. Oba decided that if a little piece of Oshun's ear produced such an effect, a whole ear would drive Chango mad with desire and he would forget Oshun forever; so Oba sliced off her ear and added it to the stew she was preparing for Chango. Later, when Chango came to visit Oba, he sat down to eat and noticed Oba's ear floating in his stew. Thinking Oba was trying to poison him, Chango drove her away. Oba ran from the compound, crying, and fell to earth to become a river, where she is still worshipped today.
Siggghhhhh..the things women do for love.. lol :)
Sources: www.paganwiki.org; http://shawnacohen.tripod.com/thetribaltraditions/id63.html -
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thank you...this information was very helpfull. It reminds me of the Greek storey of the Golden Apple...that is in respect to the rivalry between Goddesses. I have only a small amount of info on the Latin-american branch of this religion and it is so intertwined with Cathlic beliefs and saints there is little room for the original myths.
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That was how the slaves imported from Africa were able to keep their religious practices (by hiding them under the guise of Catholic saint worship). Each Orisha is associated with a Catholic saint (one is even associated with Jesus). The word Santeria has the word "saint" as a root word.
Candolmbe, Santeria and Vodun (Voodoo) are all derivitaves of the religion of the Yoruba people of Africa.
So really, it doesn't truly have much to actually do with Catholicism other than an outward appearance, which was borne out of necessity. It was all a cover.
It's pretty fascinating to me how they managed to keep so much of their native culture alive all that time. Have you ever heard of the martial art of "coeperia"? Slaves in Brazil created it to practice fighting techniques so they could eventually try to overthrow their masters. They had to make it look like they were just dancing or being acrobatic..but in reality they were learning how to seriously kick butt! It's a very beautiful art to watch... -
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Permalink Reply by Obsidian Sphinx on
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I was just following the stream of information and it is amazing how much is known about Santeria. I just wanted to clarify if I may, Voodoo was a predominant religion wide spread all over West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana.Voodoo was not the religion of the Yoruba. The Yoruba practiced a religion called "Lukimi", then because of Spanish influence during the slave trade it became "La regla Lukimi" and La regla Ocha" then "Santeria" due to the syncretizing of Saints and African Gods/Ancestors. The Most High Creator God for the Yoruba was the male / All Father energy called "Olodumare" however for the Dahomey tribe they attributed creation to an All Mother female energy called "Nana Buluku" or Nanan Boulcou in creole french.
Voodoo was practised by the Dahomey tribe The Major differences between Voodoo and Santeria is that their are more Loas (Voodoo Gods/Ancestors) than Orishas. (Santeria Gods /Ancestors) and The Dahomey were a very war like and savage tribe and the Yoruba were peaceful. The Dahomey captured prisonors of war and sold them to the slave traders untill the slave traders turned on the Dahomey themselves. Voodoo is much darker and has much in common with Santeria's darker side called "Palo Mayombe".
The Dohomey slaves were taken to Haiti and the Dominican republic by the Spanish and French and the Yoruba were shipped over seas to Predominantly Spanish Colonies. In Voodoo Erzulie Freda Dahomey would be Oshun's counterpart and Erzulie much like Oshun has many roads. -
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no i never heard of it but if the picture in my mind is anything like what you speek of than i am sure its an awsome sight to behold
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Permalink Reply by Silvio on
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I'm from Brasil and here there is the Candomblé, the worship of the Orishás, gods and goddesses from Nigeria and Daomei/ Benin. I've took part on many rituals to the Orishás, including Oshun. She is a very powerful Obirinshá, the Nigerian Love Goddess, his feast is on December 8 because the syncretism with the Virgin Mary. There is a sweet called Quindim, made with eggs yolks, sugar, cocoanut milk, grated cocoanut, which Oshun likes most. We use to offer her 5 quindins on Saturdays to please Her. She loves perfumes too. She possess his sons and daughters in a trance and they dance like washing their bodies in the river. Her priests/ priestesses uses yellow beads around the neck. Ora Yeyê ô! Ashé Oshun!
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