Oshun, also known as Osun, is an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba population of southwestern Nigeria. Oshun is commonly called “Orisha of the river”, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love and sensuality. It is considered one of the most powerful of all the orishas and, like the other gods, possesses human attributes such as vanity, jealousy and spite.
There are several myths concerning Oshun and its meaning as a Yoruba deity. In most Yoruba stories, Oshun is generally depicted as the protector, savior or educator of humanity. Oshun has also been described as the maintainer of the spiritual balance or mother of sweet things. A myth highlights Oshun as the central figure in the creation of human beings. The Yoruba people believe that the orishas were sent by Olodumare, who is considered the Supreme God, to populate the Earth.
Oshun, being one of the 17 originals sent to Earth, was the only female deity. The other gods, all male, failed in their attempts to revive and populate the Earth without the intervention of Oshun. When they realized that they were unable to complete the task entrusted to them by Olodumare, they tried to persuade Oshun to help them. Oshun accepted and carried on his fresh and powerful waters, bringing life back to Earth and humanity and other species to existence. As the myth of Yoruba suggests, humanity would not exist if Oshun, the goddess of life and fertility, had not acted.
Orisha Oshun brings to victory all those who offer sacrifice, praying at the river … making a promise and fulfilling the promise.
Ifa sọ nínú odu mímọ rẹ
Ejiogbe
Ifá ni omi pakiti omi bá ọna lórí
Ọna pakiti ọna bá omi lórí
Ìpàdé omi òun ona wọn pín ara wọn sí mẹ́rin mẹ́rin
Adifafun oyigiyigi tin ṣe ọ̀tá inú omi
Ẹbọ wọn ní òru
Ẹbọ wọn ní or se
Ńṣe àwa by oyigiyigi a wá ó kú mo oyigi yigi ọ̀tá omi
There are many offers that Oshun accepts, among these are Ẹwà (beans), Àkàrà (beanscake), Moimoi, Oyin (honey), Obi (Kola), ọtí (gin) and many others! Ire’Ooo 🤲🏾🌻💐🍯🙏🏾
Peoplesmind
