Ochosi: THE hunter Orisha who represents Justice
In Yoruba records in Nigeria, Ochosi is said to have been the king of the region known as: Ketú. He is an Orisha of great importance for the Yoruba people, it is estimated that he was the son of Oduduwa, although in the Rule of Osha he is considered the son of Ode Mata, in other versions he is the son of Obatalá with Yembó or Yemú (the first Yemaya).
Who is the orisha Oshosi?
Being a deity that represents balance in all senses, it also has a special participation between the spiritual alignment of the forces of nature and ancestral spiritualities. In addition, it has a particular influence on people to help them align with their destinies.
It is from this virtue that he reveals his righteous spirit. By collaborating with individuals to help them achieve the fulfillment of their destiny, it acts as a guardian removing situations, setbacks or even people that could hinder the proper development of the objectives that they must achieve in their transit through the land. That level of responsibility entails that it fosters phenomena no matter how painful or incomprehensible they are, its only objective is to benefit individual growth and displace what atrophies it.
Ochosi the righteous hunter
It is necessary to emphasize that said attribution justified "no" was granted to him for the fact of having killed his mother as a result of ignorance of his fault and his impulsiveness, when she had the birds that he hunted for Olofin, fired his arrow to punish who he considered a simple thief, ignoring his identity. Such an event, on the contrary, reveals an impetuous and resentful nature that ultimately had to be appeased by the Orisha himself in acknowledging his mistakes.
It is then about two different facets trapped in this Orisha, which, like the balance, were fully balanced, making it a fundamental part that fosters harmony between the spiritual and earthly energies of the existential planes.
This eternal hunter represents, in turn, true friendship, fraternities and solidarity. It is part of the trilogy of the group of «the warriors» made up of choose and Oggun (who is his inseparable friend). His energy is based in the prisons and all the precincts where justice is administered. He lives in the thicket of Mt. His name is translated as: Osó = witch, Sísé = do work, Sí = para; that is to say: "He who works for witchcraft"; be considered a healer and a fortune teller
Due to his righteous nature, there are those who interpret him as a representative of divine justice, therefore, it is necessary to carefully analyze when you are going to request their help and be sure that we are innocent or that the request that will be made is fair, since, by being encouraged, your energy imparts justice with total impartiality, regardless, That affects who is performing the sacrifice.
He is a skilled connoisseur of flora and fauna. He enjoys Ashe that allows him to have an accurate aim that never fails. Also, he attends with interest when he is invoked in times of difficulty to provide himself with basic needs such as food and shelter. It symbolizes alliances, teamwork, balance in nature and the balance between the earthly and spiritual world. It is a reference of freedom, evolution, skill in the use of tools, progress, unconditional love, solidarity, and the union of peoples.
Characteristics of ochosi
Oshosi, in addition to being a vigilante and a hunter, is also a skilled healer, fortune-teller, and fisherman. He is a friend of the Orisha Osaín, from whom he learned the secrets of herbs, sticks and tree roots; he also enjoys a good friendship with the Orisha Inle, who taught him the secrets of medicine and fishing.
Its first foundation given in the rule of Ifa when the initiate receives the "hand of Orula" is composed of an Ota (stone) accompanied by a bow and arrow, which sits inside a cauldron where the energy of Oggún also rests. In the Osha rule, its foundation is enshrined on a fryer or clay rubber containing the Ota, bows, arrows, a hand of cowrie shells and other tools used by the Orisha. The accompanying attributes are hunting and fishing instruments, deer jars, three hunting dogs, hooks, mirrors, and shields. Your bows and arrows should never be pointing down, as you are always alert and in a hunting position. In some branches they usually cover their foundation with a blue or leopard cloth.
Your day:
The anniversary of the Orisha Ochosi, is celebrated on November 3 thanks to syncretism. His day of the week is Tuesday.
Oshosi number
Their number is 3, 7 and their multiples.
Elekes necklaces and ochosi colors
His necklaces and his ildé (bracelet) are made with two alternating threads of colored beads: blue, green, amber, and orange, colors that identify him. Her clothing and accessories include knee-length trousers, a hat, a cape, and a crossbody bag across her chest. His costume is usually made with leopard skins, sackcloth, blue, green and orange fabrics, adorned with beads and cowries.
Ochosi dances
When this Orisha dances through a saint's horse at a ritual feast, she performs skillful and energetic movements, stands on one foot, takes a hunting position, keeps her fingers crossed, and performs movements with her hands that simulate the shooting of the arrow using the bow. Their advice is listened to with great respect because it is usually considered a sentence.
What is the Orisha Oshosi like?
Ochosi is represented as a strong and agile man. Full of knowledge of the natural world, allowing him to be an expert healer and sorcerer. His actions are charged with justice, truth, sincerity and loyalty. However, he has an impetuous and impulsive side. He is a faithful friend. He does not forgive any fault no matter who it is. It is not possible to buy or bribe your benefactor action, since it only acts for the benefit or detriment of those who deserve it. When he sentences a fault it can be lethal. He is a deity full of wisdom, strong and courageous.
History of Ochosi
Oshosi was concentrating on catching quail to offer to Olofin. Every time he gathered three of them, someone would steal them from his cage, repeating this situation several times. When he managed to offer a quail to Olofin, he told him to "make a wish and it would be granted." The hunter full of rage mounted his bow and arrow and asked that his arrow pierce the heart of whoever stole the quail, which was granted.
Hidden in the bush was Yemú, who out of charity freed the Oshosi quail. The arrow traveled until it pierced his heart. When Olofin saw her perish, he was surprised and told Ochosi that he had killed his wife, that is, his own mother.
Bewildered, scared and distressed, Ochosi ran non-stop for many days, while so much water gushed out of Yemú's heart that rivers and then seas formed. Exhausted Oshosi fainted on the seashore being awakened by Yemaya's voice telling him: «You need time to pass so that things can be fixed. Go to Oshun and stay with her.
Oshún, who was living with Inle at that time, welcomed him. After several years, Yemayá went looking for him to take him to the foot of Olofin. Upon arrival, Oshosi very sorry he apologized for what had happened. Olofin, after listening to him, sentenced him to work forever with his brother Oggún, which he accepted without question, only begging him to allow him to place blue and yellow beads on his necklace in recognition of the help he received from Yemaya and Oshun. Olofin agreed, adding that he would also place three cowries to remember the three quails for which he took the life of his mother.
What are Ochosi's children like?
Their children are usually very friendly, sympathetic, charismatic, caring, intelligent, cunning, individualistic, independent, creative, self-taught and skilled in manual work, loyal when they really want to.
Ochosi's children have a natural grace that makes them quick-thinking and intuitive, usually more skillful than the rest, a virtue that they can sometimes use erratically, becoming explosive people who want to attract the attention of others at any cost, they It takes a lot to mature, they can be rebellious, resentful, transgressors of the norm, rough to say things, disorderly, fickle, stubborn and given to illicit businesses.
Names for Ochosi's children
- EIGHT YENKU: Oshosi won't let me die.
- OSHOSI ALANKUA: Ochosi's mighty arm.
- EIGHT ODE MELE: The compassionate hunter.
- OSHOSI DAYEN: Eight is on the ground.
- OSHOSI TO OTUMBU: Ochosi's cloak of absolute truth.
- OCHOSI KEPEZO: Ochosi holds me.
- OSHOSI ENI OWO: The prestigious son of Ochosi.
- EIGHTY OMO LADA: The son with the crown of Ochosi.
- OSHOZI OMONIYI: The son of the glory of Oshosi.
- OSHOSI OMO ELETIRO: The correct son of Oshosi.
- OSHOSI OMO KOYE: The mysterious son of Oshosi.
- OCHOZI OMO LAPP: Ochozi's diligent son.
Ochosi in syncretism
In Ochosi's syncretism it is very interesting. This Orisha is related to various saints of the Catholic religion. The most outstanding ones with which it is usually syncretized are: San Norberto, San Alberto Magno and with Santiago el Mayor.
In the case of San Norberto the similarities are a bit scarce. Norberto's conversion and dedication to the exercise of Catholic evangelization stands out, even going so far as to found important orders at the service of the church in remote places. Like Oshosi, his actions led him to repentance and before reflection he dedicated his life to spiritual work and helping others.
In the case of San Alberto Magno, who holds the title of "doctor of the Church", bishop of great notoriety for his performance as theologian, geographer, philosopher, and chemist in medieval times. It agrees in a great sense because of their common abilities regarding the knowledge of the properties of herbs and stones (minerals). Alberto Magno is the author of a great variety of botanical, astronomical, astrological, mineralogical, alchemy, zoological, justice, law, friendship and love research. Fields in which the spiritual action of Oshosi undoubtedly intervenes.
A great mystery surrounds Albert the Great, which is undoubtedly the reason why it was considered one of the appropriate spiritualities for Oshosi's syncretism. After his death, many myths were generated that attributed knowledge of alchemy, even classifying him as a wise magician, characteristics that are clearly related to the Orisha. It is said that he came to discover the philosopher's stone by inheriting it from his disciple Thomas Aquinas, but there is no proof of this. However, by affirmation of Alberto himself, he witnessed the creation of gold by "transmutation", demonstrating this statement, his knowledge of alchemy.
Ochosi in the Catholic religion
Even so, there is another character with whom the Orisha Oshosi is syncretized whose attributes are more intensely related. Known in the Catholic religion as: Santiago de Zebedeo or Jacobo de Zebedeo, he is one of the most outstanding apostles who accompanied Jesus of Nazareth, considered one of the three columns of the Church of Jerusalem in the company of the apostles John and Peter (syncretized with Oggún). Ochosi, likewise, belongs to the warrior trilogy accompanied by Elegua and Oggún.
Santiago is represented as a pilgrim. When the Yorubas arrived in America, they adapted some basic attributes of the pilgrims for the use of the warrior Orishas, such as: the pilgrim's staff (Garabato), the pilgrim bag (hanging güiro) and the Pilgrim hat (typical hat of yarey). Elements that indisputably lead us to find similarities between these two spiritualities. In another sense, Santiago is also represented as a soldier on horseback in a fighting attitude, further relating his virtues to Ochosi, conceived as a warrior by nature.
The spiritual influence of Santiago in the war is evidenced thanks to the fact that the success of King Ramiro I over the Moors in Clavijo in 844 is attributed to him, where his appearance is affirmed, from that event he is known as "Santiago Matamoros" defender of Catholics in the wars against the church and its followers; in Spain, Santiago el Mayor is the patron of the Army Cavalry Weapon. In the same way, the spiritual influence of Oshosi is invoked for the struggles under which the Yoruba people have been subjected, due to their warrior and justice character.
Prayer to Ochosi
ORÍKÌ ÒSÓÒSI
(Praising the Male Spirit of the Hunter)
Àrà l 'ème n f 'Òsóòyes da. Àrà nì n f 'Òsóòyes da.
Summons are my offering in the trade with Osoosi. Summons are my offering in the trade with the Spirit of the Hunter.
Gbogbo ìsòwò ibi no b 'oof dé rèé o. Àrà nì n f 'Òsóòyes da. TOse.
You are all companions of the hunter, this is why I have come from a distant place to hunt. Summons are my offering in the trade with Osoosi. Asé.
I sing to Ochosi
Akuón: Oshosi ayiloda bad bad odé.
yire yire
Translation: Oshosi would be good to have bad luck hunting.
Good luck
Chorus: Odé kills wolé wolé.
Translation: Before the spirit of the hunter you have to turn your back.
Akuón: Yabeleke iwoo Odé mata odé fa.
Odé fa odé kills.
Translation: Her mother confronted the spirit of the hunter and he shot her.
The hunter and the arrow, the hunter.
Chorus: Iwalá odé fa.
Translation: We arrow.
Relationship between the oggun and ochosi Orishas
The union of Ogun and Oshosi (Patakie de Ogunda La Masa)
It happened that He Orisha oggun He handled the ada (machete) very well but in the same way, it was difficult for him to reach his hunting objective in the thick of the forest on time, any delay or noise caused the animals to escape on time, which made it difficult for him to hunt . For his part, Ochosi easily hunted his prey but had a hard time getting to the place where he was to rescue him from the undergrowth.
Each of them separately went to Orumila for Osode (divination) to be performed in order to solve their problem. Ifa determined that both should make Ebo (sacrifice), which they diligently performed. Then, they went out to place it at the foot of a tree indicated by Orumila as the final destination of the ebo. When both men found themselves in that place they felt unwell at first, because despite not knowing each other, Eshu had already commented on the existence of the other, highlighting in each story the virtues that one had over the other, for which they were predisposed.
However, once the spirits were calmer, they began to talk about the bad situation that both were going through when they could not reach their food in a satisfactory way. Oshosi observed a deer in the distance, firing his arrow and hitting his prey as usual, indicating to Oggún that "he could easily hit it, but he could not reach it because of the intricate mountain that stood between him and his prey." Oggún replies that "that was no problem" leading the way with his machete in the forest, quickly reaching the body of the deer. Both very happy to have food, they celebrated, cooked and ate that food together. Since then they have been inseparable when they make a pact thanks to divination and the ebo determined by Orumila that they would always work together "in union there is strength."
How do you ride ochosi por ifá?
This Orisha is delivered by both santeros and Babalawos. When it is delivered by Babalawos or "from Ifa" it is made on a clay rubber with a secret load that is then cemented, it carries the most iconic tools of the Orisha (bow and arrow).
What is asked of Ochosi?
Ochosi is asked to help us find the right path to fulfill the positive of our destinies. It is excellent to provide the energy that brings harmony between the spiritual and earthly world of the existential planes. It is an opportune Orisha to implore him for the development of the ability to control one's own energies that are manifested in individuals as: momentum, resentment, and all the uncontrolled and disproportionate emotions of the human being. He is also an excellent protector in cases that need healing and healing both physical and spiritual since he is considered a healer and fortune teller. Finally, it is well known for intervening in situations in which it is necessary to apply justice, for which it is invoked to protect individuals only when they are victims of unjust situations.
Works with the Orisha Ochosi
Work with oshosi to free us from the enemy
(It is important to remember that to ask Ochozi to free you from the enemy, you must be absolutely innocent in the face of the conflict that arises, otherwise you may also be harmed by the action of the Orisha, which is fair in its entirety)
The names and surnames of the enemy are written on a piece of paper, a lot of vinegar, red precipitate, soil from a roof and peppers are placed in a saucepan. This is presented at the foot of Ochosi to drive away that enemy. After giving account, it is placed inside a bottle and to the next three it is buried.
Spell with oshosi to get true love
Ochosi is blown toasted corn powder crushed with white sugar and his alcoholic beverage aniseed. Giving him knowledge that this work is going to be done to ask for his divine intervention to achieve true love. With a chicken egg that has been smeared with shell, cocoa, honey and corojo oil, the entire body of the person is cleaned, then the egg is placed at the foot of the Orisha and two quails are fed. Finally, the egg and the quail are carried wrapped in a blue cloth to the destination indicated by the Orisha.
Oshosi phrases
- No matter how much the hunter travels, the arrow never rests and always hits the target of justice.
- A hunter never forgets the good that has been done to him, just as he does not forgive those who pay with bad thanks.
- Sooner or later the traitor is caught by the arrow of justice.
You want to learn more about the Orishas of the Yoruba religion:
