The West African nation of Nigeria is characterized by a wide range of cultures. One of the oldest is the Osun Osogbo festival, a traditional celebration that is believed to be 600 years old.
Oshun is one of the most beloved Yoruba deities. When respected and properly invoked, she holds the keys to love, success, and pregnancy.
For those who have not yet had the privilege of knowing Oshun, the benevolent and venerated Yoruba goddess: May you one day experience the strength in her power, the beauty of her undying love, and the magical rhythm flowing through her sacred waters.
This goddess is very much alive; her feminine essence resides in the rivers of the world and in the hearts of those who call upon her energy today and every day.
Developed among the people of Nigeria and Benin, the Yoruba faith consists of ritual practices that include singing, dancing, spiritual possession, and healing ceremonies. It is said that the day we are born, each of us is accompanied by an Orisha, “owner of our head,” who serves as a lifelong protector. https://youtu.be/Y5I5bVzFgaM
In the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, seven of the many Orishas are referred to as “The Seven African Powers.” Among them are Eleggua, Obatala, Yemaya, Oya, Oshun, Shango, and Ogun.
We’re said to share personality traits with our Orisha, who ultimately helps us learn more about ourselves in order to lead an effective life. Celebrated for two weeks, this festival attracts a unique blend of traditional Yoruba worshippers and spectators from Nigeria and around the globe.
The event, which is gradually coming to a close, is the biggest annual traditional religious festival of the Yoruba people. Oshun—the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility—is the youngest Orisha and one of the most adored in the Yoruba religion.
According to the patakís (sacred stories left to us by our ancestors), she was brought into existence by Olodumare, the Supreme Creator, once he realized something crucial was missing after creating the earth: sweetness and love.
As one of the ancient Yoruba myths suggests, the human race would not exist if Oshun had been sent to our world. It is said that her sweet and fertile waters brought life back to humanity.
Oshun—the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility—is the youngest Orisha and one of the most adored in the Yoruba religion. According to the patakís (sacred stories left to us by our ancestors), she was brought into existence by Olodumare, the Supreme Creator, once he realized something crucial was missing after creating the earth: sweetness and love.
As one of the ancient Yoruba myths suggests, the human race would not exist if Oshun had been sent to our world. It is said that her sweet and fertile waters brought life back to humanity.
Oshun exudes sensuality and all the qualities associated with fresh, flowing river water. Her sparkling charisma can light up a room, and her lush womanly figure suggests fertility and eroticism. Oshun’s favorite thing to eat is honey, and her contagious laugh can either put you under her spell or send shivers down your spine.
Despite her generosity and irresistible charm, this Orisha is also the most dangerous when crossed—Oshun is as sweet as honey, but her honey can also turn sour. What’s interesting about this goddess is that beneath her charming beauty and loquacious demeanor, there is a feeling of sadness and loneliness.
The patakís say Oshun is often heartbroken because she loves with every fiber of her being, and yet she never finds someone who can love her the same way back.
It’s no coincidence Oshun is also referred to as the queen of the witches: She is a teacher of both magic and mysticism. Oshun loves casting spells, especially those related to romance and seduction.
She is the granter of wishes and all of your heart’s desires. When respected and properly invoked, Oshun holds the keys to love, success, prosperity, and pregnancy. That said, if you’re trying to invoke this goddess, make sure you always keep her happy. In other words, do not make Oshun a promise you cannot keep. Love her; be loyal to her and be mindful of your wishes. She is the goddess of love, after all.
They say Oshun is an extremely beautiful woman dressed in gold, covered in jewels with a pot of honey around her waist (pun intended). Her traditional colors are yellow, gold, coral, amber, and she associated with the number five.
Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty. She loves honey, sunflowers, oranges, cinnamon, and pumpkin. The peacock and the vulture are her favorite birds.
