Orisha

[Green Gaia]

An Orisha, also spelled Orisa and Orixa is a spirit that reflects one of the manifestations of Olodumare (God) in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system. This religion has found its way throughout the world and is now expressed in several varieties which include Anago, Oyotunji, Candomble and Santería/Lucumi. These varieties or spiritual lineages as they are called are practiced throughout areas of the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Mexico. As interest in African indigenous religion grow, Orisa communities and lineages can be found in parts of Europe and Asia as well.

These traditions originated several thousand years ago from the Yoruba people of West Africa, who stresses alignment between Human and Ori. Orí translates as head, but but also to one's spiritual intuition and personal destiny. Ase, which also spelled "Axe", "Ashe" or "Ache" is the life-force that runs though all things, living and inanimate. Ase is the "power to make things happen". It is an affirmation which is used in greetings and prayers, as well as a concept about spiritual growth. Orisha devotees strive to obtain Ase through Iwa-Pele or gentle and good character, in turn they experience alignment with the Ori or what others might call inner peace or satisfaction with Life.

Yoruba were brought to the New World during the Maafa or African Slave Trade along with other West African ethnicities. Yoruba's religion beliefs were most popular among the spiritual expression of African populations of the New World because a large number of Yoruba were captured and sold into slavery. Many Yoruba priests chose to be captured and sold into slavery so that Africans would have spiritual support in the New World.

Orishas include Shango, Olokun, Ifa, Osun, Obatala, Ogun, Oko, Soponna, Oya and Esu, among countless others. The Yoruba also venerate their Egungun, or Ancestors.

 

[CSK]

Hi Green,
Permit me another clarification here if I may. Think of it like this there are three deities (Gods) Olodumare is the creator and he has two avatars Olorun ( who owns the sky) and Olofin who is of both sky and earth. These deities created the Orishas (mostly as the guardians of nature). The Orishas are considered the servants of the deities. While they are immortal it is confusing because certain kings of the Yoruba and other African people took their names in some cases are seen to be the actual or at least a manifestation of the Orisha. While some believe these were actual manifestations of the Orishas, this is not a universal view, however this viewpoint is more accepted in Africa than in the rest of the world. Most Orishas as you know are associated with a particular aspect of nature. For example Obatala all things white (snow and rain). Oya the wind, Aggayu the volcano, Okie ( Lakes in Latin America and mountains in Africa), Orisha Oko, crops or Osain medicinal plants to name a few. So on the top level are the deities, the next level is shared by three groups 1) The Orishas 2) The Ancestors, and 3) The Dead. Man interestingly is made in the Orishas image not in the deities.

Now one small thing about Ashe is it is found in all NATURAL things not all things. These can be living like a plant, tree, human, animal etc or inanimate like a rock or a dead log or piece of sand. The concept is that Ashe ( nature's energy) can be acquired. This can be given say from love or from nature or given from one of the "sub deities" or even rewarded for a few examples. Life is better for those who understand the secrets of Ashe and how to work in consort with nature's energy.

These basic concepts and detailed descriptions can be found and understood in my 328 page book titled Nature's Ancient Religion. The book is written specifically for those outside the religion and new followers.

Ashe to you and those reading.

Charles Spencer King (Awo Ogbe Sa)

I have added some illustrations of Orishas on my profile in an album for you.....

 

[Elm Nehmara]

Thanks, this has been very informative. I am currently doing the ancestor reverence thing and I am also into Islam at the same time. My introductory post kinda explains it.