Ṣàngó: The King of Justice, Thunder and Fire
Ṣàngó: The King of Justice, Thunder and Fire Main Domain Justice, Royal Power, Fire, Thunder, Quarries Sacred Symbols Oxé (double axe), Edun Ará (lightning stone) Colors and Day Red, White | Wednesday Greeting Kaô Kabecilê! 1. Introduction: The Principle of Justice and Authority Ṣàngó is the Orisha of justice, power […]
Ìbejì: The Dual Divinity of Joy and Prosperity
Ìbejì: The Dual Divinity of Joy and Prosperity Main Domain Joy, Childhood, Twins, Prosperity, Arts Sacred Symbols Twin Dolls, Sweets, Toys Colors and Day All colors, especially Pink and Blue | Sunday Greeting Bejiróó! 1. Introduction: The Principle of Duality and Luck Ìbejì is not a single Orisha, but a dual divinity, […]
Ìkú – Death in the Nagô-Yorùbá Tradition
Ikú: Death as a Force of Nature Main Domain Death, End, Transition, Cycles Sacred Symbols Scythe, Hourglass, Skeleton, Coffin Colors and Black Day | No specific day Greeting There is no greeting, but rather respect and appeasement. 1. Introduction: The Principle of Inevitable Transition In Yoruba cosmology, Ikú is not an Orisha to be worshipped, […]
Ori – The Essence and Personal Destiny
Orí: The Personal Divinity and Guardian of Destiny Main Domain Destiny, Consciousness, Individuality, Head (physical and spiritual) Sacred Symbols Head (physical), Iborí (settlement of Orí) Colors and White Day, and the individual colors of each | Everyday Greeting Orí, mo pè o! (Head, I call you!) 1. Introduction: The Principle of Consciousness […]
Orunmilá / Ifá – The Òrìṣà of Wisdom and Destiny
Orunmila (Ifá): The Orisha of Wisdom and Witness of Destiny Main Domain Wisdom, Destiny, Divination (Oracle of Ifá), Knowledge Sacred Symbols Ifá Tablet (Opon Ifá), Ikin (oil palm seeds), Opelé (divination chain) Colors and Day Green, Brown | Sunday Greetings Òrúnmìlà, Èlerí Ìpín! (Orunmila, Witness of Destiny!) 1. Introduction: The Principle of Cosmic Wisdom […]
The Crossroads in the African Worldview
Èṣù – The Messenger and Guardian of the Paths
Èṣù: The Divine Messenger and Lord of the Ways Main Domain Communication, Order, Chaos Sacred Symbols Ogò (stick), Crossroads Colors and Day Red, Black | Monday Greeting Laroyê Èṣù! 1. Introduction: The Principle of Existence Èṣù is often misunderstood as an evil or 'diabolical' figure due to syncretism with Judeo-Christian culture. However, in […]
Ẹwà, Orixá of Beauty, Vision and Transformation
Yẹwá: The Lady of Mist, Beauty and Limits Main Domain Mist, Horizons, Rivers, Untouched Beauty, Cemeteries Sacred Symbols Anchor, Lyre, Copper Ofá Colors and Day Red, Coral, Pink | Saturday Greeting Riró Yẹwá! 1. Introduction: The Principle of the Untouched and the Horizon Yẹwá is the Orisha of untouched beauty, purity, […]
Ọ̀ṣàlá, Greatest Orisha, Creator of the World and Human Beings
Òòṣààlà: The Great Orisha of Creation, Peace and Purity Main Domain Creation of the World and Humanity, Peace, Purity, Wisdom Sacred Symbols Òpásọrọ̀ (staff), Igbìn (snail), White Doves Colors and White Day | Friday Greeting Èpàà Bàbá! 1. Introduction: The Creative Principle Òòṣààlà (or Obàtálá) is the oldest Orisha, the father of […]
Òsányìn, Orisha of Leaves, Healing and Liturgical Knowledge
Òsányìn: The Lord of Leaves, Healing and the Secrets of the Forest Main Domain Leaves, Herbs, Healing, Secrets of Nature Sacred Symbols Iron Tool with Bird, Gourd Colors and Day Green, White | Thursday Greeting Ewé Ó! 1. Introduction: The Principle of Hidden Knowledge Òsányìn (or Ossaim) is the Orisha who holds the knowledge […]