Today, December 17th, we celebrate BabalĂș-AyĂ© also known as Omolu. He is the orisha that represents humanityâs ability to overcome adversity and to gain wealth. He is associated with disease (smallpox, leprosy, influenza, ebola and HIV/AIDS). The sick pray to him in hope of recovery. The name BabalĂș-AyĂ© translates as âFather, Lord of the Earthâ and points to the authority this orisha exercises on all things earthly, including the body, wealth and physical possessions. He was wealthy vibrant and loved women. He lived a âfast lifeâ and eventually found himself sick with smallpox and poor because of excessiveness. He demands that we not engage in excessive activities and show constraint. We pay homage to him to keep away sickness.
