My Yoruba

ORIGIN AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TOOLS OF THE ORISHA - Part 1.

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/origen-significados-herramientas-orisha/?lang=es]

Inside the original concept of the Religion Yoruba , The so called Tools of the Orisha that accompany the Otans where never present. For this one must think that in Cuba they where incorporated in the rituals of the religion for the conditions the salves where living in Cuba.

What is true in the end of century XIX and the beginning of the century XX, Santeria suffered a important restructure and organization, the years in where the name Regla de Ocha was founded. This incorporated the Tools and formed the Definition of tools of Ocha as a basic to all houses.

Below I mention the tools and a bit about their use and meanings. Now , I dont claim to know everything.. SO ask your ILE and Rama if these apply to your house before you go changing or doubting what you have been given or recieved BY your madrina or Padrino.

Ogun : Is the God of metals; the protector of Labor work on the earth. His is represented by a caldron of Iron, inside the caldron in a Yunque (awl) on the yunque metals can be transformed and in his hands metals can be converted into Utensils to help mankind. He also has a Rake, a hoe and a machete and other tools representing the work of man on the earth. These tools represent the constant activity of being human, Looking for the constant better conditions of Life for himself. When this orisha is re-enforced one puts more instruments inside the cauldron Like a Iron chain, Train tracks, nails of the line of train, horse shoes, knives, cannonballs, and including instruments of a surgical doctor, and scissors. and lastly a arrow that is the representation of Ochosi.

Ochosi : Is the hunter of this Religion. When one receive’s him , his tools are two antlers of a Deer , representing the future of who receive’s him . Three lances, Three arrows , three machetes, three bow and arrows , Armour, and two dogs that represent his group of hunters. And a Trident that points upward , that represents the force and power of being human on the earth and the justice that Ochosi to shoot his arrows. Of course this santo also has Otans and a hand of caracoles .

Shango : God of the Lighting Bolt and of Battle. Of course he can not be without his tools. These are decorated from cedar wood, his favorite tree. These are 6 tools .. A axe, a double axe, a Lance, a dagger, a machete , and a arrow. These tools symbol his condition of warrior and invincible. With these tools Shango could battle anyone under any circumstances.

Agallu : Originally this orisha had no tools, Because he represents the force that is invincible against all the elements of the earth. Only had to have his Otans, That at one time was only taken from a Lava stone. Later three tools where given to him a baston , a arrow and a Lance. With the baston he could carry the weight of those that needed him that he would carry them through the hardest times and could count on him. The other two tools where to show his power over the earth. There are houses where Agallu is born with 7 tools that symbolize more or less the same.

Ochun: Goddess of the river and of laughter and honey. Only has her crown and oars as her tools. The crown symbolizes she is a Queen , from her crown there are five Lances to remind one that not only she is the sweetest but also a warrior and will not hesitate to fight for her children. Her Oars represent the balance of Good and Evil, and the balance in the path we should take in life.

Yemaya : Goddess of the ocean mother of the Orisa’s . Her tools should be made of Lead since salt water will not destroy them over time. The moon , symbol of the character of mother of the orisha . A half moon , representing happiness that she brings in her character, The presence of the two moons reminds us of the balance and how it influences the ocean. A sun , to remind us the flame of a fire of which eater can put out. But without the sun there is no life on the earth. Also a life jacket of a boat, that she will save us before we drowned. A pair of Oars to remind us again of Good and Evil and maintain balance, A mermaid , that has no real significance but to remind of us her beauty. A Anchor to remind us to have stability in life.And, Seven bracelets that is her mark or Vibrating number (7) Odi where our religion was born. Besides being a Queen Yemaya does not have a crown unless specifically ask for in Ita with (4-4) Iroso melli or (4-8) Iroso Umbo . This Odu asks for a crown. The reason is to remind one with Odu that their head is to carry a crown keep it high and never pass needing things in their life. Yemaya Okunte, that made a pact with Ogun to only use his tools on her crown.

YEMAYÁ

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/yemaya-2/?lang=es]

Yemaya is the ultimate universal mother. Yemaya also know as Yemoja, Yemanja Yemalla or La Sirène is the orisha of the ocean and all that inhabits in it. She is the water that pushes up against the seashores. She gives life in all aspects. Yemaya’s domain is all waters, the sea, rivers, lakes, lagoons all that is water she it. She is even the water that babies are held in for 9 months inside of there mothers womb. Yemaya is seen to be a woman that has big breast as she nurtures and tends to all existence. Her color is blue and all shades of it. The fishes are her children and messengers.

She is the patron orisha of all women and women that bare children. She is called upon a woman who is pregnant to ensure the safety of the embryo. During pregnancy a woman calls upon the orisha to make sure that the baby is safe and flows through the vaginal walls and becomes into existence into the human world. Yemaya is said to have nurtured and raised almost all the orisha. Her followers worship her all across the globe. From Africa to Brazil. All have gone and spoken with Yemaya. Even if you don’t think so, we have all at least once in our life gone to the ocean and dipped in and spoken with the ocean. That’s Yemaya and she hears all.

Yemaya is that celestial being that when one wants to be held, they can feel her grasps as a mother. She is that mother figure that you can talk to and explain or pour your heart out to and she will always listen. When one doesn’t have a mother to talk to, you can always speak to her by going to the ocean and sitting down by the seashore or lighting a blue candle at your place of dwelling and call upon her. You will feel that warmth embrace hover over you, that’s Yemaya. Also as a mother, she is a warrior and she will defend her children very quickly. She can be stern and punish her children as well. The same way a mother gives and teaches her children, the same way she can punish and teach you a lesson.

SHANGO INTERCEDES FOR ORULA

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/chango-intercede-por-orula/?lang=es]

Shango saw the humility and kindness not to mention the pureness of the old man in front of him. so he asked him about his brother Orula. Obatala replied that Orula had been taken away and buried a long time ago and he was sorry for how he had reacted. Shango took the opportunity to tell Obatala the truth, That Laroye , had taken Orula into the forest an buried but had not buried him completely in the ground and that Araba had been taken care of him since. As well that Laroye had taken food all these days to him since then. But the time had come that he could no longer keep living in this manner . Obatala asked Shango for his advice , and Shango replied that Obatala should give Orula the means in which to live and care for himself .

Obatala thought long and hard on this situation and Obatala saw that Shango was just and a good man. So Obatala responded to Shango that because of the interest he had in Orula, that Shango himself would be in charge of giving Orula the means to live.

So Shango decided to give his brother the art of Prophecy and the Oracle of IFA that Shango had brought to earth , this way Orula could foretell the future of the inhabitants of the kingdom. Here is where the Ecuele and Tabla of IFA are born that the Babalawo’s consult the orisas.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/preguntas-frecuentes/?lang=es]

Who are the Yoruban people?

The Yoruba people are the west African habitants of what we know as Nigeria.

Why is your religion secret? 

It’s an oral tradition. Knowledge it’s passed down generation to generation since the beginning. And there are some knowledge that’s only for the elders and the ones they trust and respect.

What do you believe in? Do you believe in God?

Yes and Yes. Santeria believes Oloddumare (God) created everything under the sun and his aché is what gave us life. As in the catholic religion, we believe that Oloddumare is a holy trinity (Olofi, God almighty and Olorun the sun)

Are the Orishas and the Catholic Saints the same divinities?

No. But they do share some similarities. 

Do you have any church? 

There are Santeria churches in the US. In fact, in 1974 the Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye became the first Santeria church in the U.S.A.

Is Santeria voodoo? 

It is related but not the same.

What’s the difference between Santeria and Spiritualism?

Spiritualism is to Santeria what the Catholic Religion is to Santeria. Meaning that Spiritualisms elements are blended with the traditions of Santeria.

Is Santeria a pagan religion? 

Pagan comes from the Latin “Paganus” meaning “country dweller”. In its early years Christianity was an urban religion and “pagan” was everyone from the country that worshiped other religions. So, any other religion than Catholic is a pagan religion.

Is Santeria witchcraft? 

No. Since we incorporate spirits to all our praying and beliefs, people think Santeria is the same as witchcraft. We indeed call for our ancestor’s spirits and other good spirits, but it is our moral that determines if these spirits are going to work for good or evil.

What are the unchanged truths of your religion? 

God is real; God is good; God is the creator. God is on earth.

How old is your religion?

Really old, our religion it’s descendent from the Yoruba people in West Africa (Which is the oldest continent of all). There our forefathers were taken as slaves and brought to the new world. In America to keep their religion they had to blend/hide their religion with the Catholic to avoid persecution.

Who founded it?

No one funded it. It’s a tradition that blended with something else, let’s say it’s something organic.

What does ‘aché’ means?

Aché is the spiritual energy of life and divinity. It’s the power that helps everyone to fulfill their path in life. When you wish ‘aché’ to someone you’re wishing this person with good luck.

Who is the Babalawo?

The Babalawo is a priest of Osha-Ifá and he reads the oracle of Ifá.

Who is the Santero?

The Santero is a priest to the religion.

ORULA'S HERBS

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/hierbas-de-orula/?lang=es]

Orula's herbs are used for clarity of the mind and spiritual communications.

· Anis

· All Spice

· Cinnamon

· Cinquefoil

· Carnation

· Coconut

· Corn

· Citron

· Camphor

· Cope

· Dittany of Crete

· Dragon's Blood

· Ginger

· Honeysuckle

· Jasmine

· Lilac

· Lemon Grass

· Marigold

· Mimosa

· Orris

· Sandalwood

· Sage

· Worm Wood

· Wisteria

QUESTIONS ABOUT SANTERÍA

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/preguntas-sobre-santeria/?lang=es]

Who is the Aleyo?

A believer not initiated in Santeria.

Who is the Ooni?

It’s someone like the pope from the catholic religion, for the Yoruba religion.

What is an Ebbó?

It’s a ceremony bestowed by the Orishas to a person to change his/her spiritual energy.

What is odu, sign and letter?

The three elements of the oracles (Ifá, Diloggun and Obi) use to make predictions and divinations.

Who is the Apeterbí of Orunmila?

All daughters of Oshun and Ololodi that have Ikofafun and Kofá of Orula.

What is Ikofafun or Kofá of Orula?

This means that the woman has her Guardian Angel defined and a sign of the oracle of Ifá. Ikofafun is the highest rank a woman can reach in Ifá, since women can’t be Babalawos or Olúos.

What is Awofakan or Hand of Orula?

This means that the man has his Guardian angel defined and a sign of the oracle of Ifá.

The Awofakan is an Ifá user and it’s like a cleric rank, he’s in his way to be Babalawo.

Who are the Babalosha and Iyalosha?

Babalosha is for men and Iyalosha for women. This person reads the oracle of diloggun and had met two characteristics; first completed his/her stage as Iyawo and then consecrated another person in osha.

What is the Oracle of Ifá?

It is the supreme oracle and with this the Babalawo can communicate with Orula and all other deities from the Yoruba pantheon.

What is an Omo Alañá?

It means “Son of Aña”, and only men can be sons of Aña. It’s the name given to all men who plays the Batá drums on ceremonies.

What are the Batá drums?

They’re three sacred drums used to communicate with the Orishas and to pay tribute to them. The biggest drum is called Iyá, the medium drum is called Itótole and the smallest is called Okókolo.

Who is Aña?

He’s the Orisha who lives inside the Batá drums. He carries the messages from the drums to the Orishas and Olodumare.

What means to ‘make saint’?

It’s also called ‘consecrated in osha’. It’s the most important ceremony in the religion and it consists in consecrate the person to his/her guardian angel. A year after the ceremony this person will be able to escalate ranks in the religion.

Why do people make saint?

You can consecrate in osha for a lot of reasons, to achieve harmony, health, protection and equilibrium within yourself, with the world around you, all divinities and your own destiny.

Who determines if a person should make saint?

As everything else in our religion, Olofi and the Orishas are the ones calling the shots.

What is a Bóveda Espiritual?

A Spiritual Vault is a table with a white cloth over, it should be in a very private place for you and there you’ll work with your spirits and forefathers from your cuadro spiritual.

AGGALLÚ SÓLA

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/aggallu-sola/?lang=es]

Agallu is the orisha that represents the nature and wrath of the volcano. He is a very tall gigantic man who lives alongside the rivers. Agallu/Agayu, Bi Yaya or Agallu Sola which he is also known, is represented by earthquakes, the energy and core of the earth. The lava and magma is associated with him, due to his mother Oroiña. He is the heat that comes from within all and keeps the earth moving. Agallu is the cane that holds all of the orishas. In Santeria, priests of Agallu receive him in a wooden or terra cotta vessel where his mysteries are kept. It is said that the vessel should stay uncover because you can’t put a cover on top of a volcano. You place a cloth of multicolor or mariwo (grass skirt) on top of him to contain anyone seeing his secrets. Agallu is that strength that we all have inside that comes from deep in our soul. The core of our body.

Earthquakes are associated with the orisha Agallu because it is him that is changing the earth from deep within the core. Whether it’s because the orisha is upset or he is making room for change. When humankind disrespects the earth, he lets go and shakes the walls of the core which quakes the earth. He is very popular on the western part of the United Sates due to the high volume of earthquakes. But people forget to realize that earthquakes happen in all parts of the world. It happens deep under the ocean crust where Agallu and Yemaya are planning on changing the surface of the earth. When an earthquake happens it changes the way we live on earth. From the new crust that shows more and new roads are built and theirs new life and artifacts to explore.

Agallu is also seen to be near riverbanks. He is the one that transports and people across the rivers. He is our modern day ferryman. He learned how to soothe the rough river waters after having a relationship with the orisha Oshun. From then, he has transported humankind across the rivers so they can reach the other side. Agallu’s colors is a burgundy or dark wine colors. He also takes the 9 colors of Oya due to an exchange that Oya gave him. She gave him her multicolor skirt to wear out of thanks for a favor. When Agallu walks he takes big strides and has a heavy foot. He is said that he takes big steps because he is stepping over huge obstacles. He carries a staff and his oshè (double edge ax), in which he uses when he walking around overstepping obstacles. He is a silent warrior as he stays to himself. But when he is bothered he comes with great force, just as the lava and the earthquakes that shake our planet.

WHAT IS AN IDE?

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/que-es-un-ide/?lang=es]

They serve to protect and identify us as already initiated in the religion.

The colors and strand on each ide are different depending on each Saint.

Our godfather or godmother will give us the ide or ileke after we’re initiated. Also we can buy it by ourselves after we have a Saint.

You can visit our shop to see our variety of products.

OYA'S HERBS

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/hierbas-de-oya/?lang=es]

Orisha Oya's herbs are used for cleansing, destruction and to call for supernatural powers.

· Anis

· Carnation

· Calamus

· Clove

· Dragon's Blood

· Dittany of Crete

· Geranium

· Hibiscus

· Lemon

· Lime

· Myrrh

· Nutmeg

· Oak Moss

· Poplar

· Sandalwood

· Star Anis

· Tangerine

· Yucca

WHAT IS AN EBBÓ?

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/que-es-el-ebbo/?lang=es]

In simple words an Ebbó is an offering or sacrifice made in a ceremony to transform negative energies into positive energies. This ceremony entails a sacrifice that could be stopping eating our favorite food, stop drinking something we like, offer sweets, Addimú and other offerings to ask the favor of the Orishas. To know what the Orisha wants as an Ebbó can be found by divination.

In delicate situations as sickness or death, the Orisha might ask for an animal sacrifice to keep away death. This is disapproved by our modern society as our concept of death is different from the one our forefathers had. Blood means life, in every birth there’s blood. This is why when we’re going to sacrifice an animal we do it with great respect, reverence and gratitude since its life is taken so we can obtain a better life.

In some occasions the Orishas doesn’t ask for the animal’s life, instead they ask us to take care of the animal with respect and love.

The Ebbó transmute the ashe of the ingredients and it is consumed by the Orishas to  restore the natural course of things. The finality of an Ebbó is to refresh, honoring and make pleas to the Orishas according to our needs.

Here’s a list of the name of some Ebbó and what they do:

-Ebbó Alafia: Offering to the Orishas

-Ebbó Misi: Baths with different kinds of ewe.

-Ebbó Idanewa: Charity

-Ebbó Ope: Offerings of gratitude.

-Ebbó Sisun: Sacrifice to fire.

-Ebbó Fifí: Sacrifice to sea waves.

-Ebbó Orí: Sacrifice to your Orí.

-Ebbó Eshe: Sacrifice for being disobedient.

-Ebbó Eso: Offering of fruits.

-Ebbó Isorá: Offering to keep enemies away.

-Ebbó Alebidano: Offering to keep bad luck away.

WHO ARE THE ORISHAS?

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/quienes-son-los-orishas/?lang=es]

The Yoruba religion isn’t a polytheistic religion, although the Orishas are referred as Gods sometimes, there is only one supreme deity in our religion. God has the representations as the catholic religion does.

Olodumare, the creator of all things and father to us all. Olorun, the manifestation of God visible to us as the sun, the owner of the heavens. Olofi, the representation of god that communicates directly with the Orishas, teaching them what humans must know.

The Orishas are intermediaries between the humans and God also watch over us to report our actions to Olofi. Also they use their ‘aché’, or spiritual energy gave to them by Olofi, to maintain harmony in the world.

In the past, most of Orishas were humans and gained their status after death, similar to the Catholic saints.

The word Orisha means “head guardians” as they’re the ones watching us for Olofi. We can worship them, but they are never placed above Olodumare.

As previously told, each one of Olodumare’s eldest children are imbued with aché, with this spiritual power they guard the earth, watch over human affairs and the nature. They’re represented with colors, numbers and in occasions with the image of a Catholic Saint.

Here is a list of some of the Orishas and a little information about them:

Eleguá

Also known as Elegguá, Elewá and Elegbá. In catholic religion he’s represented by Saint Anthony.

Colors: Red and black

Number: 3 and 21

Eleguá is the first and one of the most important Orisha in Santeria. He is the owner of all paths and the witness of fate. He’s often perceived as a trickster who tests our integrity.

Ogún

Also known of Oggún. In catholic religion he’s represented by Saint Peter.

Colors: Green and black

Number: 3

Ogún is a mighty warrior, the divine blacksmith and the hardest working Orisha of them all. He is often perceived as a powerful muscular man wearing a skirt made of palm fiber and he carries a machete.

Ochosi

Also known as Ochossi, Oshoshi. Represented by Saint Norbert.

Colors: Blue and amber

Number: 3, 7

Ochosi is the divine hunter whose arrow never misses its mark. He is the force of blind justice that is applied equally to all. He is best friends with Eleguá and Ogún and is often found hunting with them.

Obatalá

Represented by Virgen de las Mercedes

Colors: White

Number: 8

He is the eldest of the Orishas, the owner of white cloth, the king of peace and logic. He encourages us to use diplomacy and reason when acting and is often the Orisha who mediates disputes between the others.

Ochún

Also known as Oshún, and represented by Our Lady of Carida Del Cobre.

Colors: Yellow and amber

Number: 5

Ochún is the Orisha of love and beauty. She is a generous and loving mother, but she can also quickly turn bitter if she is wronged. She is the youngest of the orishas and is depicted as a flirtatious, mixed-race woman dressed in yellow, gazing in a mirror.

Changó

Also known as Shango, Sango and Shangs. Represented by Saint Barbara.

Colors: Red and white

Number: 6

Changó is the king of the religion of and was once the fourth king of the city of Oyó in Yoruba land before he was deified and became an Orisha. He is the Orisha of lightning, thunder and fire, the owner of the sacred batá drums, the power of passion and virility. Changó is a ladies’ man and a charmer.

Yemayá

Also known as Yemoja and represented by Our Lady of Regla.

Colors: Blue and clear

Number: 7

Yemayá is the mother of all living things, the queen of heaven, earth and all waters. She resides in the ocean and is the mother of many of the other Orishas. In addition to being a loving mother she is a fierce protectress. She can fight with a machete or a scimitar and bathe in the blood of her enemies.

ELEGUA

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/orisha-elegua-2/?lang=es]

Eleguá is the orisha who opens and closes all paths to mankind. He is the divider of heaven and earth. He travels between heaven and earth letting Olofi and Olodumare know what goes on in this realm. Eleguá is a child orisha in some aspects that loves to play tricks and tests the faith of man. He walks between night and day searching for mankind to test their faith for the great Olofi and the orishas. There is said to be 121 paths of Eleguá. He ranges from a young child to an old man with lots of knowledge. There is also a path of Eleguá where the essence is of a woman. He has many names as he has been called Elegba, Elegbara, Legba, Eshu or Exu. Elegua is seen all around the world. From continent to continent Eleguá’s presence is felt, praised and heard. Inseparable friend of Ogún and Ochosi who the trio makes up the “The Warriors” first set of orishas to receive in Santeria. Eleguá is any and everywhere.

Eleguá is the guardian of the dead also as thru him he unlocks the door for the deceased to walk through to reach Olofi where they will rest. In this path he is called Eshu Alagwana. In other religions or beliefs you can associate him with the Egyptian god of the dead Osiris, who leads the dead through the underworld.

Eleguá is the one that makes you play at your own risk. In that I mean, he is the one that if you’re stuck at a crossroad and you don’t know which way to go, it’s him that testes you and watches you make your decision. If you make the wrong decision, Eleguá will open the door with his garavato (hook stick made from the guava tree) to make you pay your consequence. While you are praying for your mistakes, he testes you again to see if you will continue to do wrong or take the right path. If you succeed and take the right path he will unlock the door to happiness and fortune. If you’ve heard of a maze then you can associate it with Eleguá. Our lives are shaped into mazes to see which path we go. Eleguá is the guardian that sits at every corner and turn of the maze. If you make the wrong move, he will open the path to the wrong outcome. If you take the correct path, he will open the path that you are seeking.

Eleguá knows and sees all. There is nothing that Eleguá doesn’t know. He is the messenger of Olodumare and Olofi, alongside with the orishas. Which means, he is the one that takes the messages from humankind to the orishas and the messages from the orishas to Olofi. This is why he is the first and last orisha to be praised to in every ceremony done in Santeria.

Other Names:

Elegba

Elegbara

Legba

Eshu

Exu

In Christianity:

He's represented by Saint Anthony.

Offerings:

Smoked Fish, Hutia and Roasted Corn

Coconut

Palm Oil

Candy

ELEGUA’S HERBS

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/hierbas-de-elegua/?lang=es]

Elegua’s herbs are used to open the paths of opportunity and success.

· Anis

· Angelica

· Bergamot Mint

· Balm of Gilead

· Coffee

· Camphor

· Clove

· Copal

· Cumin

· Cayenne Pepper

· Dragon’s Blood

· Dill

· Eucalyptus

· Grains of Paradise

· Geranium

· Garlic

· Gardenia

· Ginger

· Hibiscus

· Horehound

· Heather

· Honey Suckle

· Hyacinth

· Hyssop

· Juniper

· Lemon Balm

· Lime

· Lotus

· Meadow Sweet

· Mallow

· Myrrh

· Marigold

· Mandrake

· Mistletoe

· Mugwort

· Mimosa

· Oracle

· Orris

· Peppermint

· Petit grain

· Pine

· Rosemary

· Rue

· Rose Geranium

· Salt Peter

· Sage

· Sandalwood

· Snap Dragon

· Thistle

· Vertiver

· Vervain

· Wormwood

· Yarrow

TRANSITION OF OBATALA TO ORISA OKO

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/la-transicion-de-obatala-orisha-oko/?lang=es]

As Jeggua entered the cemetery, The earth began to shake , strong winds began to blow, furious oceans began to churn, Volcanoes erupted.

Everyone could see that the elements where angry , but nobody knew why.

Only Obatala knew the reason, he had become so furious that he sentenced his daughter to the house of the dead , that he decide to teach his children a lesson , who until then had given him nothing but problems in the kingdom.

At that very moment Jeggua entered the land of the dead Obatala’s body began to shake and quiver with unbridled rage…..

And he will now go through a new metamorphosis and become known as ORISA OKO .

Orisha Oko is the earth we walk upon , the earth where we live and the earth we return to when we die. Orisha Oko is man by day and Death by night. His fury at having to punish his daughter Jeggua was so great that Obatala recounted the same suffering he had years ago when he changed into Obatala from Oddua, this time he would be known as Orisa Oko.

In this avatar he was more laborious and more earthly than before , also he would become more human , as he tried to understand those of the kingdom.

From Obatala’s body rose the spirit of purity and peacefulness in order for the new spirit of Orisa Oko to enter.

This spirit was unknown and feared by all since Orisa Oko’s spirit showed he had come to place order among his children. Together with Olodumare and Yembo , they decided it was time their children learned a lesson they would not soon forget .

The skies above opened and the Omi’rure ( waters from heaven) began to fall for many days. It was welcomed at first by all the inhabitants of the kingdom, but soon after 16 days the rains where know threatening . They asked why this punishment from heaven that would surely end all life on earth and destroy the human race.

Assessing the situation the Orisa formed a committee in order to calm the fury of the heavens; in other words, the fury of their father, who as far as they could see, was ready to end all signs of life on earth.

Here the Mythology speaks of the great floods that all mythologies and beliefs speak of.

OSHUN

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/oshun-es/?lang=es]

Oshun is the orisha of love and happiness. She is the one that makes the spirit full of life and love. Oshun also known as Ochun, Iyalorde, and Oxum is also known for her aide in maternity alongside with her sister Yemaya. Oshun is seen as a fair skin bronzed color woman who has a body and a smile to die for. Oshun is always seen with her revealing dresses and cocky and flirtatious ways. In the house of the priest or priestess she lives in a yellow or gold looking tureen where her secrets are kept. Her metal is of gold and she is adorned with lots of it. She is one of the happiest orishas as that is one of the attributes that she beholds. She loves the finest things in life and sometimes she is never satisfied.

Oshun had many relationships with the male orishas. These included from Chango, Orula, Ogun, Inle, Agallu and Asojano (San Lazaro). With her sensual and sexual ways, Oshun would conquer any man or obstacle that laid in her way. This orisha is not or was not a whore, it is that Oshun loved to take what she wanted and if by having a relationship with a man was one of them, then she would get what she wanted. Oshun is the owner of the sweet river waters in which her sister Yemaya gave to her. She was watched over by the mighty orisha Nana Buruku when she was young. She shared a close connection with Ochanla and she was very close to Olofi.Her father is the great Obatala.

Oshun’s feast day is September 8th. She is synchronized with Our Lady of Charity. Her number is 5 and all multiples of it. She loves all kinds of sweets, fine wines and champagnes. She loves all aromatic flowers and perfumes. She is the essence of flirt and seduce in both men and woman. Oshun has many children and her children are well protected under her power. She does consecrate on the head. With her main attribute the honey, she dominates everything in her path. She is an orisha that is always feared. It is said that she is sweet as honey but when you give someone too much honey what happens, they get repugnant. Oshun is an orisha to have on your good side because if she crosses your path in the wrong way, she will bring havoc to your lives. She rules the lower abdomen and the blood that runs through your veins. In Palo Mayombe Oshun is associated with Mama Chola.

CHANGO AND OYA

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/chango-oya-es/?lang=es]

Many years ago, Chango was embroiled in one of his unending wars. He had fought for many days and killed many of his enemies, but, more came than he could kill. He found himself surrounded by his enemies in the middle of the forest.

“Enchile,” he shouted, but his famous magical horse had become lost during the fighting. Chango was afraid to yell again. He might be found. He heard his enemies beating the bushes and shaking the trees to find him. If they did, they would kill him.

Without Echinle, Chango had to scurry through gullies and cover himself in river mud to hide from his enemies. Days passed. His implacable enemies did not rest. They did not eat. Chango, tired and hurt, had to keep on running without sleep and without food.

He ran and he ran until he reached the place where Oya lived. It was very deep in the woods. Very few people there knew that Oya was Chango’s wife.

Chango came to Oya’s house and pounded on the door. She opened it and saw Chango bruised, cut and panting.

“What has happened to you?” cried Oya.

“Oya, they have me surrounded,” panted Chango. “They want to hang me from a tree.”

“Come in, quick.” said Oya, hustling Chango into her house.

“My lightning is not effective against my enemies today,” He told Oya.

“That’s because you lack the courage to fight,” she scolded. Oya gave him water and a bite to eat.

“It’s not courage I lack,” said Chango. “I’m very tired.”

“What do you want from me?” asked Oya.

“If I could escape my enemies’ deadly circle, I could rest and sleep.” said Chango. “I would recover my strength and destroy my enemies.”

“Why is it that you only come to see me when you need help?” asked Oya.

In those ancient times, Chango was used to fighting by himself, but he swallowed his pride.

“Help me, Oya.”

Oya thought for a moment and then turned to her husband.

“When night falls,” she said. “You will put on one of my dresses. The disguise will let you escape.”

“They will still recognize my face,” said Chango.

“I will cut off my hair and put it on your head. That will complete the disguise.” said Oya. “I will cut off my hair to save my king’s life.”

They waited until night. Oya lit no fire. She was afraid that the smoke from her chimney would be noticed by Chango’s enemies and draw them to the house. When the sun had gone down, but before the moon had risen, Oya cut off her beautiful hair and pinned it to Chango’s head. Chango did not know what to do with woman’s hair. It fell across his eyes. It tangled in his ears. Oya had him sit down and wove the hair into two long braids.

“Here’s a dress,” she said. “Put it on quickly, before the moon comes up.”

Chango managed to tangle himself up in Oya’s dress. “Stand still,” she said. “Just stand still and let me dress you.”

Finally, Chango was dressed as a passable imitation of Oya. She went to the door and peered out.

“Hurry,” she said. “There’s no one around.”

Chango stepped outside, imitating Oya’s dignified walk. He walked until he reached the forest and came across the line of searching men. He greeted his enemies with an imperious tilt of his head and crossed their line. He did not speak to them because his voice is very deep. It would have given him away.

This is the way Chango was able to escape his enemies’ trap.

Once he was far away from the forest, he made camp. He rested and slept and ate and regained his strength and his will to fight.

Echinle managed to find his way back to his master. Chango fed him and groomed him.

A few days later, rested and healed, Chango mounted Echinle.

“It is time to kill,” said Chango to his horse, and galloped off to find his enemies.

it was dawn when he reached his enemies’ camp. He came rushing at them. His fury was terrible to behold. Lightning flashed from his hands. He shouted wild warrior cries. He was still dressed as a woman.

“Oya has turned into Chango,” his enemies shouted when they saw the screaming apparition bearing down upon them, long hair flying and a gown flapping in the wind. They panicked.

Behind them, Oya came striding out of her house, fully armed, and began hacking right and left with her ax. Her short hair bristled and shot out electric sparks.

“If Oya helps Chango, there is victory,” she shouted, cutting off arms and legs.

Chango and Oya were victorious. Since that battle, Oya has been Chango’s inseparable companion in war. With Chango’s thunder and Oya’s storms, they are invincible and remain so to this day.

YEMAYA’S HERBS

[Español:http://101.myyoruba.com/hierbas-de-yemaya/?lang=es]

Yemaya’s herbs are used for peace, fertility and protection.

· Angelica

· Almond

· Asafetida

· Balm of Gilead

· Basil

· Coconut

· Camphor

· Cumin

· Carnation

· Citron

· Eucalyptus

· Gardenia

· Grape

· Grains of Paradise

· Jasmine

· Lemon

· Lotus

· Myrrh

· Mugwort

· Magnolia

· Meadow Sweet

· Narcissus

· Penny Royal

· Peony

· Pine

· Poppy Seed

· Sandalwood

· Tuberose

· Vertivert

· Watermelon

Source:101.myyoruba.com