Oshun (Òșún): Orisha of Love, River and Honey
Oshun (Òşun), Orisha venerated in southwestern Nigeria by the Yoruba people, embodies divine femininity. This maternal deity, synonymous with water, purity, fertility, love and sensuality, plays an essential role in the lives and beliefs of its devotees. Considered one of the most powerful goddesses, she possesses human attributes such as vanity, jealousy and anger, which complement her divine nature.
Who is Oshun?
To talk about Oshun is to talk about the energy that moves love, fortune, beauty, family, homeland, home, cooking, women, feelings and imagination. Also known as "Yalorde", during her time in this land she was a woman with a big heart. Her love for her family is such that it is said that she lost her virginity to save her sister Oya from her, which is why she cannot be offered uncastrated male animals.
Oshun is considered the Aphrodite of Santeria. Her beauty is incalculable, full of sensuality, coquetry, grace and femininity. Her natural element and place of residence are fresh waters, she being the Deity of rivers. In Nigeria, she is worshiped in the river named after her and she is the tutelary Orisha of the land of Osogbo. According to the Odu Oshe Meji, Oshun was born in three lands: Ijesa, Magino and Ife.
It is said that Oshun always accompanies Yemayá, the deity with whom he assists pregnant women during childbirth. In the process of conception, energy emanates from it in the creation of the placenta, protecting the formation of the fetus. Oshun is naturally protective of women, she does not accept that they are mistreated by men and she severely punishes anyone who raises a hand against one of her daughters. Furthermore, she is credited with the virtue of hearing and seeing everything.
Other names by which this Orisha is known
In addition to being widely recognized as Oshun (Òşun), this deity is known by various names that reflect its multiple aspects and the veneration it inspires:
- Iyalorde: A title that highlights her position as the "Queen Mother."
- Yeye Kari or Yeye Moro: Translated as the "little mother", reflecting her happy but arrogant nature.
- Iyami Aje: Term that highlights her power as an ancestral mother with significant magical attributes.
- Osún Dodowa: Specific name in the Iyesá region.
- Eninare: "She who was put in the path of goodness", used in Nigeria to refer to her benevolence.
- Awoyemi or Omoyumi Naki: Names by which she is called in the city of Ife, Nigeria, highlighting her role as a benevolent mother and source of life.
- Oore Yeye: Which translates as "the benevolent mother", emphasizing her generosity and maternal care.
- Sèègèsí: Embodiment of grace and beauty.
- Olóòyá iyun: The preeminent hair braider with the comb adorned with coral beads.
These names not only reflect the richness of veneration towards Oshun, but also the depth of their meaning within the Yoruba religion, underlining their importance in various facets of life and the cosmos.
Characteristics of Osun
Oshun stands out in Yoruba cosmology for his link with water and fertility, as well as for his role in universal balance and harmony. His story reflects a profound influence, being essential to the creation of humanity and life on Earth. She was sent by Olodumare to populate and vivify the world. Using her waters, she revitalized the world, guaranteeing the existence of humans and other species.
Its transcendence goes beyond creation, encompassing the perpetuation of life and the cycle of birth, life and death. As a fertility deity, her role is crucial in this cycle, evidencing the Yoruba belief in the interdependence of all forms of life. The feminine influence, personified in Oshun, is seen as vital to the continuity of life, highlighting her status as protector of women and patron of pregnancy and childbirth.
Oshun, known for her omniscience, acts as a guardian of ethics and morals. She has the power to punish those who offend her or harm her protection, standing out as a powerful warrior and sorceress. Her ability to be both a giver of life and a bearer of justice underscores the complexity of her figure.
What is this Orisha like? Temperament and Personality
The image of Oshun is represented as a beautiful brunette, partying and cheerful. She gets noticed wherever she goes due to the persistent sound of her handcuffs and jingle bells. She is capable of resolving all kinds of conflicts, while causing fights between the Orisas and men.
In Nigeria, Oshun is described as a good-natured woman, full of joviality, who attracts attention due to her unmistakable laughter or her tears. She has a somewhat aggressive character, but she has a fighting and warrior strength. She is a friend and defender of truth and justice, which is why she believes that her sentences are impartial and final.
It is said that in his transit through the earthly plane he had a very good presence, he stood out for the seriousness and firmness of his word. She stood out among the other women for her unparalleled beauty and her particular way of dancing. However, her anger and her pride are greatly feared by her devotees.
Colours
In Cuba, it is tradition to attribute the color yellow to the Orisha Oshun, since this shade symbolizes joy, intelligence, wealth and opulence, characteristics clearly related to this Orisha. Depending on the path in which it is represented, its yellow color can be combined with amber, gold, white, green, red or black. In Nigeria, it is believed that their favorite color is white.
Number
The number that identifies Oshun is 5, a number loaded with great mysticism and spiritual meaning. The 5, like Oshun, symbolizes the fifth element and is deeply related to spirituality and ancestry. The five human senses intertwine to help us connect the earthly plane with the spiritual. This number also symbolizes constant change, the movement of energies, mutation and the transcendental. Above all, the number 5 represents wisdom achieved through experience, a virtue that Iyalorde embodies. In addition, Oshun communicates through the diloggún (snail) through the Odu "Oshe", which corresponds to the number 5.
oshun day
His day is celebrated on September 8 thanks to the syncretism carried out by African ancestors with the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, patron saint of Cuba. Also, their day of the week is Saturday.
Home
When he incorporates one of his saint horses, his dances are perhaps the most beautiful and sensual of all. He waves his arms so that his golden handcuffs rattle. He moves his hands over his body like the springs and streams descending from the hills. He sometimes makes rower gestures or imitates the movements of grinding on the pylon. The dance of Oshun, the dancer with 5 scarves, enjoys a lot of voluptuousness. She also extends her hands forward in a sign of imploration, accompanied by suggestive pelvic contortions. She is served with oñi (honey), a symbol of sweetness and the loving essence of life.
Oshun tureen
Its receptacle is a tureen that can be yellow, gold, white or multicolored, depending on its path. She is a capricious Orisha regarding the receptacle where her foundation lives, even cracking it until breaking it completely when she is not comfortable with it.
oshun necklace
Oshun necklaces (eleke) and bracelets are made with yellow and amber beads, in sequence of 5 or multiples of that number. Depending on the different paths of Oshun, these necklaces can include beads of different colors and elements such as jet, coral or mother-of-pearl.
Suit or dress
Oshun costumes are beautiful robes or dresses made in white, yellow and gold. She wears a skirt with 5 scarves and a showy 5-pointed crown adorned with crystals, snails and African parrot feathers. In her hands, she holds a fan of peacock or quail feathers.
oshun tools
Oshun's tools in Afro-Cuban Santeria include: a golden crown, 5 handles, 2 oars, a golden bell, an acheré, an agogo, an iruke and a fan. In Nigeria, his shrine has river water considered healing, wooden eyes and ears symbolizing his ability to see and hear everything, a sword and a molten metal badge representing his warrior nature.
Oshun in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the veneration of Oshun is manifested with deep respect and devotion, particularly in the city of Òşogbo, located in the southwest of the country. This place is the spiritual heart of his cult, where the river that bears his name flows, considered a sacred spring and source of life and purification.
The Òşun Òşogbo Festival: Celebrated annually, it is a vibrant expression of faith and culture that attracts thousands of worshipers and tourists. Through rituals, dances and offerings, participants honor Oshun, seeking his blessing and protection. This festival not only reinforces the spiritual bond with the deity but also promotes community unity, highlighting the role of the deity as the source of life and guardian of Òşogbo.
The Protector of Òşogbo: Oshun's history is closely linked to the development and protection of Òşogbo, especially during the Fulani Wars of the 19th century, where it is credited with safeguarding and ensuring the survival of its inhabitants. Her divination abilities and her close connection to the natural world, symbolized by her river, highlight her role as a mediator between the earthly and the divine, emphasizing the importance of natural balance and harmony within the community.
Divination and Healing: Oshun is a master in the art of divination and medicinal practices, using her knowledge of herbs and the Ifá oracle to heal and protect. Her ability to intercede in matters of fertility and general well-being underscores her position as a central figure in the spiritual and everyday lives of her devotees. Through divination, this orisha guides and offers solutions to the community's problems, reaffirming her role as protector and provider.
The Sanctuary of Òşun: The shrine dedicated to Òşun in Òşogbo is a place of great spiritual power. The attributes that adorn the image of him, such as the large wooden eyes and ears, symbolize his omnipresence and ability to hear the supplications of his followers. Elements such as his sword and metallic insignia reflect his warlike nature and his willingness to defend those devoted to him. The offerings of jewelry, shells, river stones and other natural elements are testaments to his connection to water and land, emphasizing his role as a source of life and healing.
Adaptations and Syncretisms
Oshun connects Yorubaland in Nigeria with the African diaspora in Latin America, symbolizing fertility, beauty and protection. Revered on the Òşogbo River, her cult is celebrated with rituals that honor life and nature. In Latin America, Oshun transforms into Ochún and Oxum, adapting to the local traditions of Santería and Candomblé.
Oshun in the Catholic religion (La Caridad del Cobre):
In Cuba, Oshun is syncretized with the Virgin of Charity of Copper, patron saint of the island. This Orisha is invoked for her maternal protection, her power in matters of the heart and for her ability to ensure prosperity. Her devotees offer her mirrors, jewelry, and honey, emphasizing her connection to beauty and divination.
The Virgin of Our Lady of Charity of Copper, also known as Charity of Copper or simply Cachita, is the Patroness of Cuba. Located in El Cobre, Santiago de Cuba, her image appeared floating on the waters of Nipe Bay, carrying the inscription: "I am the Virgin of Charity." This discovery by the "three Juanes" marked the beginning of a deep syncretism between the two entities, given Oshun's association with gold and copper, as well as her reputation for being charitable and merciful. The Catholic Church recognizes the Virgin as the protector of pregnant women, a characteristic that resonates with the role of Oshun in the Yoruba religion.
Oshun in Brazil:
In Brazil, Oshun is celebrated for her essentiality in motherhood and her rule over fresh waters. She is attributed characteristics of care, protection and a deep connection with nature and creation. The cult of Oshun emphasizes rituals that involve water, perfumes and flowers, highlighting her facet as a deity of fertility and love.
A Transcendental Cultural Icon:
Beyond its religious significance, Oshun has transcended as a cultural icon in Latin America, influencing art, music and literature. Her figure represents the strength and depth of femininity, spiritual resistance and the importance of memory and cultural identity. Through her syncretism with Catholic figures and her presence in cultural manifestations, Ochún symbolizes the survival of African traditions and her ability to adapt and enrich herself in new environments.
Oshun's adaptation in Santería and Candomblé reveals not only the resilience of Yoruba religious practices in the face of historical challenges, but also the ability of these traditions to dialogue and merge with local Latin American cultures. Worship of the goddess in this region highlights the continuity and transformation of African beliefs, underscoring her vital role in the spirituality and culture of the African diaspora.
You can read: Children of Oshun: What are they like? Description and Features
What is asked of Oshun?
Oshun is a deity with many virtues granted directly by Olodumare (God), which allows him to influence the solution of various human situations. Oshun is asked for help in the following circumstances:
- Heal conditions related to the lower abdomen, genital parts, blood, liver and hemorrhages.
- Intervention in economic affairs, attracting wealth.
- Helps with love affairs, love affairs and sweetening.
- Calm down fights.
- Elevate the perception of beauty and charm.
- Intervention in witchcraft problems, punishing enemies, especially those who disrespect women.
- Protection during pregnancy processes and care for the health of the fetus.
How is the foundation of Oshun received?
The foundation of Oshun is received through a three-day ceremony, in which a santero performs the secret rituals and delivers the foundation to the initiate on the third day. However, this ceremony is rare, as Oshun is usually received upon consecration in Kariosha, regardless of who the initiate's guardian angel is.
It is important to highlight that the children of Oshun must crown the Orisha directly, they cannot consecrate themselves under the "holy washing" modality, as this constitutes a serious fault. Upon being crowned, the children of Oshun become called "Olosún."
Benefits of receiving Oshun
The reason for receiving Oshun lies in its importance within Santeria. His presence is crucial in the ceremonies of consecration of the rule of Osha and Ifa. Among the benefits of receiving your foundation are:
- Protection of spiritual balance, recognized as a goddess of fertility.
- Blessing on issues related to motherhood and fertility.
- Healing capacity, helping to heal sick people with its medicinal waters.
- Iron protection to his children and devotees.
- Activation of energies of wealth and prosperity.
- Protection against dark spirits, wars of witchcraft and sorcery.
How to care for Oshun?
To entertain Oshun, you can offer various adimuses and offerings:
- Sweets and Fruits: Panetelas, syrupy sweets, corn cobs in wheels, gofio palanquetas with honey and candies, oranges, peaches and sweet peaches.
- Vegetables and Grains: Escarole, chard, chayote, tamale, yellow rice, corn flour and beers, ekó, ekrú and olelé with saffron, coconut joys and all kinds of sweets.
- Ochinchin: A liturgical meal prepared with eggs, shrimp, chard or lettuce.
- Fish and Seafood: Smoothies, eels, mapos, dajaos, catibos, guajacones, biajacas, guabinas, river shrimp and prawns, preferably smoked.
- Fittings: Almond trees, watercress, canistel, water flower, spinach, parsley, sweet potato, pumpkin, cold corn bread, razupo beans, pounded yam, guinea corn beer and corn pudding.
For more details on how to serve Oshun and specific offerings, see our complete guide on how to care for Oshun.
What does Oshun eat?
Various animals are sacrificed to Ochún, such as castrated goats, chickens, pigeons, quails, guineas, jicotea, pheasant, chicken, canary, owl, female deer, alligator, peacock, goose and various fish.
What does Oshun like?
Oshun adores pumpkins, jewelry, fans, shells, small boats, mirrors, sea corals, beautiful fabrics, handkerchiefs and embroidered cloths. His favorite animal is the peacock, and he also likes small fish, river fish and shrimp. Her favorite flowers are sunflowers, macaws, and buttercups. Oshun loves perfumes, especially beriberi and sandalwood scents.
What doesn't Oshun like?
Ochún does not like slugs or snails from land, river and sea. He hates melon, guinea corn, duck, palm nut oil and fried corn. He does not accept that women during their menstruation manipulate his foundation and he also does not like his children to eat his pumpkins, constituting a taboo for them.
Additionally, Oshun relentlessly punishes men who disrespect or hit women, especially his daughters.
History of Oshun (Yoruba Mythology)
Within the Yoruba pantheon, Oshun is distinguished by her story of resilience, wisdom and intrinsic feminine power. Her story, told through the Odù of Ifá, narrates her transition from being initially underestimated by her male counterparts to becoming an essential figure for the order of the world.
A Great Woman among Divinities
At the beginning of time, Olódùmarè entrusted the òrìsà, including Ògún, Sàngó and Òrúnmìlà, with the task of ordering the world. Among them was Oshun, the only female figure, whose presence was initially ignored in key meetings. However, her exclusion would soon reveal her indispensable contribution to cosmic balance.
Oshun's omission from the deliberations caused the collective efforts to fail, leading the òrìsàs to realize their mistake after consulting with Olódùmarè. It was only after recognizing the importance of Oshun and requesting his participation and blessing that they were able to successfully advance their divine mission.
Upon their return, the òrìsàs apologized to Oshun and made sacrifices to appease her, thus recognizing her vital role not only in the creation but in the maintenance of world order. Oshun demanded, and was granted, equality in participation in all rituals and deliberations, reaffirming her position as a deity of power equivalent to that of her male counterparts.
This episode in Yoruba mythology highlights the importance of inclusion and balance between masculine and feminine principles in maintaining universal order. Oshun, from her initially marginalized position to being recognized as indispensable, symbolizes the strength and necessity of the feminine principle in cosmic harmony.
The Legend of the Òşogbo Settlement
The story begins with Olútímíyìn of Òyó and Èlàáróyì of Ìpólé, who are recognized as co-founders of Òşogbo. Olútímíyìn, a hunter, discovers the Òşun River and, knowing the drought in Ìpólé, informs Láàróyè about this discovery, leading his people to settle there.
The presence of Oshun was already in place when they decided to settle near the river. While attempting to cut down a large tree within the grove, it was knocked down into the river, and a voice was heard from the water expressing Oshun's displeasure at the disturbance, prompting the settlers to move towards where the market and the palace. This event marks the beginning of their veneration of Oshun, who would later request that they move away from the banks of the river to allow "his children" (the plant and animal life of the area, and possibly references to a previously established Aboriginal population) to play freely. . This interaction establishes a treaty between the founders and Oshun, highlighting her role as ruler and protector of the area.
Furthermore, it is narrated how the ruler of Òşogbo, by making offerings and sacrifices to Oshun, confirms the blessing of the river waters, which are then used for ritual and medicinal purposes. It is especially significant for women seeking conception, evidencing the spiritual empowerment that this deity grants through its waters.
The Power of Fertility
The Yoruba worldview places fertility at the heart of their culture and spiritual practices, considering it the essence and purpose of existence. This appreciation is embodied in Oshun, which narrates the intrinsic importance of motherhood and life. Although shown as an entity of wealth and power, he faces the test of infertility, a situation that highlights how procreation transcends status or material possession in the Yoruba hierarchy of values.
Her journey, detailed in the Odù of Ifá, leads her to seek solutions through divination and sacrifices, emphasizing the vital role of these rituals in obtaining personal and collective desires. By overcoming her infertility challenge and assisting other women in similar situations, Oshun not only reaffirms her divinity but also becomes a symbol of hope and role model for Yoruba women, celebrating fertility as an ideal. supreme.
This story highlights fertility as a reflection of àse—the creative power of the universe—with the absence of offspring seen as a depletion of this essential life force. Yoruba society, therefore, values procreation over material accumulation, considering Oshun, through his ability to bestow life, a central figure in maintaining generational continuity and the immortality of his cult.
Furthermore, this story of Oshun offers a cosmological perspective in which, although Òrìsà-nlá shapes the human form and Olódùmarè breathes life, it is Oshun who, through her womb, introduces this living form to the world. This action not only embodies the cycle of birth and protection against vulnerabilities inherent to existence but also establishes a deep connection with other women who share the sacred duty of motherhood. As a female deity, Oshun holds the unique power to activate humanity, underscoring the impotence of the masculine principle without the complementarity of the feminine. This power highlights the interdependence between genders, affirming the importance of balance and reciprocity in the fabric of Yoruba life and spirituality.
Oshun's Relationship with Other Orishas
In the vast and colorful landscape of the Yoruba religion, each orisha carries a unique sphere of influence, shaping diverse aspects of the natural world and human affairs. Within this complex network of deities, Oshun occupies a special place, not only for his dominions over water, fertility and love, but also for his intricate relationships with other orishas. These interactions weave a fabric of stories and lessons that reflect the interdependence of the forces of nature and the ethical and spiritual principles that guide humanity.
Oshun's relationship with other orishas goes beyond mere coexistence, entering the realm of the symbolic and the functional, where their links reveal the balance necessary for the maintenance of the cosmos and Yoruba society. Through his connections with orishas such as Orula, Shango, Yemaya, among others, Oshun exemplifies the harmony between the different aspects of existence, from the most earthly to the divine.
Orula's Apetebi
The union of Oshun with Orunmila stands as a monument to the balance and interdependence of divine forces. This marriage not only highlights the complementarity between deep knowledge and control of spiritual and material elements, but also highlights the importance of sacrifice as a means of accessing and pacifying universal energies. Oshun's willingness to accept and support these sacrifices reflects his essential role in mediating and manifesting divine will on the earthly plane.
The interaction between these two deities, transcending their marital bond, illustrates a fundamental symbiosis between the feminine and masculine dynamics of the cosmos, pointing to the imperative of balance and harmony in sustaining heavenly and earthly order. The synergy of influence emphasizes the reciprocity intrinsic to the act of knowing and mastering esoteric knowledge, reiterating the relevance of offerings and sacrifices within the Yoruba tradition.
This link is a vivid reflection of the interaction between various deities, demonstrating how their roles and responsibilities intertwine and complement each other to facilitate the harmonious flow of life. In this context, the union of Oshun and Orunmila becomes a powerful emblem of the cooperation necessary for the promotion and protection of existence in all its aspects.
Patakie: Oshun and Orunmila
In Òṣogbo, a land blessed by rivers and crops, a legend of Oshun and Orunmila is woven. During an exploration with Èṣù, Oshun discovers Eyigbo Meko Nile, a fertile domain under the care of Orunmila, guardian of the Ifá oracle. Motivated to meet the leader of such prosperous lands, Oshun heads towards him.
Orunmila, who had just made the sacrifices of the Osa Rosa sign, did not know how his destiny would intertwine with the Yalode. The welcome towards Oshun and Èṣù marks the beginning of a transformative bond. Moved by Orunmila's wisdom and generosity, Oshun chooses to stay by her side, becoming her apetebí (her wife).
Over time, their union strengthens, evidencing a deep synergy. A crucial challenge examines Oshun's loyalty to Orunmila when a fire, instigated by Èṣù at Shango's request, threatens his ties. Faced with danger, Yemaya protects her children, while Oshun chooses to safeguard Orunmila.
Orula, then, declares her as her apetebi for her selfless love and Yemaya, for her unbreakable motherhood, as mother of all. This story not only highlights the roles of these deities in Yoruba mythology but also elevates Oshun as an emblem of love, fertility and protection.
Patakie: Oshun and Oggun
Oggun was overwhelmed by the incessant work and the use of his strength. Exhausted, he took refuge in the mountains, abandoning his obligations. The crisis worsened when his father became seriously ill. Desperate, his family sought out Orunmila, who declared Oggun's return vital.
Despite the efforts, Oggun refused to leave the mountain. Then, Oshun took the initiative. Covered in honey, she entered the forest and sang, attracting Oggun with the sweetness of his voice and the promise of a life reborn:
"Ogun Arere ile bombo lokua, Ogun wa nile, Ogun wa lona ile bombo lokua aye."
Oshun's presence and song, full of hope and tenderness, motivated Oggun to follow her, marking the end of his isolation and the beginning of a new balance.
Oshun's cunning and empathy not only rescued Oggun from his voluntary exile but also restored harmony, proving that love and understanding have the power to transform and heal. This legend highlights Oshun's vital role in Yoruba cosmology: more than a deity of fertility and love, he is an essential force for balance and cohesion. The collaboration between Oshun and Oggun underlines the importance of mutual support and harmonious interaction between the orishas to maintain the order and stability of the cosmos.
The Discord between Oshun and Shango
In Akere, a town mired in misery, Oshun decided to act in the face of the hardship of its inhabitants, offering help and spiritual consecrations to improve their lives. This, however, angered Shango, orisha of thunder, who, due to previous grievances, wished to keep Akere in misery. Shango began to destroy Oshun's work, killing those she had blessed.
The conflict escalated until it reached Olofin, the divine authority, who intervened to end the hostility. Olofin ruled that, to preserve peace, Oshun and Shango must refrain from consecrating each other's followers, thus ensuring mutual respect and human well-being.
This incident highlights the need for conflict resolution and balance within Yoruba cosmology, showing how disputes between deities can deeply affect humans. Olofin's decision emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and cooperation, not only between orishas but as an essential principle for communal and universal harmony.
oshun prayer
(I pray to Oshun, I praise the spirit of the river)
“Osun sekese was going, Làtojúku awede we mo. Osun Olodi was going,
I praise the spirit of mystery, a spirit that purifies me from within. I praise the spirit of the river.
Làtojúku awede we mo. I was going Osun ibu kole, Làtojúku awede we mo.
Spirit that purifies me inside. I praise the spirit of seduction, a spirit that purifies me inside.
Yeye kari, Yeye 'jo, Yeye opo, O san réré o.
It is to the mother of the mirror, to the mother of the dance, to the mother of abundance, that we sing her praises.
Mbè mbè ma yeye, mbè mbè l'oro. Ace.
There is always mother. Always stay in our tradition. I did”.
You can read: Prayer to Oshun: Invocations for Money, Love and Protection
I sing to the Orisha Oshun
Frequently asked questions about this Orisha
In what sign did Oshun come down to earth? odu isalaye
Oshún arrives in the earthly world accompanied by the Odu of Ifa «Oshe Tura». During this trip she comes with Eshu Agbire. The Odu Oche Turá tells that Oshun comes down to earth to fulfill a mission directly imposed by Oloddumare in which he is entrusted with preserving harmony among humans, making it clear to them that the love that must be kept alive among all the creatures that make up existence and the universe.
Is it true that Oshun does not forgive?
Oshun is an Orisha whose nature is very delicate. She has no tolerance for disobedience to her advice or commands. She is estimated to have great patience, but when the anger of this Orisha annoys her, she has no comparison with any other saint of the Yoruba pantheon. When it comes to punishing her, Oshun rebukes human beings through diseases in their genitals or in the blood.
Oshun's laugh
When Oshún's elegun (her holy horses) go into a trance and are possessed by their spirituality, they laugh as Yemayá does. However, Oshun's laughter causes great concern in all his devotees, since it is believed that when he laughs it is a bad omen, it may be announcing that something bad is going to happen or it is when he is most upset. On the contrary, if she arrives crying, she is warning that situations will come that will cause great joy.
You can read: Oshun works for love
Oshun Quotes
- Oshun says: "Try to enjoy my honey because you will never like to taste my bile."
- Oshun says: "Keep my blessing today and always, do not forget that I do not accept betrayal and when I get upset I never forgive."
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