Òòṣààlà: The Great Orisha of Creation, Peace and Purity
Main Domain
Sacred Symbols
Colors and Day
Greeting
1. Introduction: The Creative Principle
Òòṣààlà (or Obàtálá) is the eldest Orisha, the father of all the Orishas and all humanity. He was tasked by Olodumare (the Supreme God) with creating the world and molding the human body from clay. Therefore, he is the lord of creation, purity, peace, and wisdom. He represents the principle of balance and ethics. All the other Orishas respect him as the great patriarch.
2. Fundamental Myths (Itan)
The creation myth tells of Olodumare who gave Oxalá the "bag of creation" to create the world. On the way, he felt thirsty and drank palm wine (a fermented beverage), falling asleep. His younger brother, Oduduwa, found him, took the bag, and completed the task. Upon waking, Oxalá was ashamed. Olodumare, to console him, gave him an even nobler task: to mold the bodies of all human beings. This myth teaches about the consequences of breaking a taboo (wine) and about redemption.
3. Domains and Symbols
His domain is the very air we breathe, high places, and the human mind. His symbols are the Òpásọrọ̀, a white metal staff adorned with discs that represents his authority and the connection between heaven and earth, and the Igbìn (snail), which symbolizes calm and patience. His color is absolute white, the sum of all colors.
4. Archetype and Personality
Oxalá's children are calm, peaceful, and wise people with a strong sense of justice and ethics. They are perfectionists and like everything clean and orderly. They are stubborn and defend their opinions with great conviction. They are reserved, observant, and may appear fragile, but they possess immense inner strength. They are respected for their wisdom and integrity.
5. Syncretism and Qualities (Paths)
In Brazil, he was syncretized with Jesus Christ, as his father and savior figure. His qualities represent different aspects of creation: Òòṣààlà Òṣàlufón (the older, bent-over Oxalá, symbol of wisdom and patience), and Òòṣààlà Òṣàgiyán (the young, warrior Oxalá, carrying a sword and pestle, symbol of peace achieved through struggle).