Oshun: Who is she, her daughters, offerings, prayers and everything about this Orisha

Oshun

Oshun is the Orisha that is a symbol and representation of the heavenly mothers of great ancestral powers. She is a major divinity in the Yoruba pantheon. In the different avatars of her, she was Shango's wife, on another occasion Orunmila's wife, of whom she became her apetebi. She is an excellent friend of Elegua, sister of Oya and Yemaya. She is a powerful warrior and sorceress who enjoys unparalleled beauty.


Who is Oshun?

Talking about what Oshun is is talking about the energy that moves love, fortune, beauty, family, country, house, kitchen, masses, women, feelings, and imagination. Oshun, who is also known as: "Yalorde", in her transit through this land 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 uncoated male animals.

Oshun is considered the Aphrodite of Santeria. Her beauty is incalculable, full of extreme sensuality, coquetry, grace and femininity. Her natural element and place of residence are fresh waters, she is the Deity of rivers. In fact, in Nigeria she is worshiped at the river that bears her name. She is also the tutelary Orisha of the land of Osogbo. In addition to this, the Odu Oshe Melli states that Oshun was born in three lands: Ijesa, Magino and Ife.

Who is Oshun?

It is said that Oshun is the one who always accompanies Yemayá, a deity with whom she assists pregnant women during childbirth. In the process of conception she emanates her energy in the creation of the placenta, thereby protecting the formation of the fetus. Ochun is protective by nature of women, she does not accept that they are mistreated by men and whoever raises a hand to one of her daughters is severely punished. In addition, she is credited with the virtue of hearing and seeing everything.

Other names by which this Orisha is known

Ochun is popularly called "Iyalorde", but can also be identified by the following names:

  • Yeye Kari or Yeye Moro: translates as the little mother. Cheerful, but proud.
  • Iyami Aje: A term that refers to her power as an ancestral mother with great magical attributes.
  • Osún Dodowa: this is the name with which he is called in the Iyesá land.
  • Eninare: means "the one who was put on the path of goodness". This is a pseudonym used to name her in Nigeria.
  • Awoyemi or Omoyumi Naki: this is how they call him in the city of Ife, Nigeria.
  • Oore Yeyé: this name is translated as "the benevolent mother".

What is Osun like?

IYALDE.

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.

Characteristics of Osun

orisha oshun

Colours

In Cuba it is tradition to attribute the color yellow to the Orisha Oshun, because this hue symbolizes joy, intelligence, wealth and opulence, characteristics clearly related to this Orisha. In addition, depending on the path in which it is represented, its yellow color can be combined with: amber, gold, white, green, red, or black.

However, in Nigeria it is believed that the favorite color is white.

Oshun Colors

Number

The number that identifies Ochun is 5, whose spiritual meaning is loaded with great mysticism. The number 5, like Oshún, symbolizes the fifth element, it is related to spirituality and ancestry, which is why the 5 senses in human beings are intertwined to help us connect from the earthly plane with the spiritual plane. In addition, it symbolizes the constant change and movement of energies, mutation and the transcendental. But above all, this number signifies wisdom gained through experience, a virtue that clearly represents the Iyalorde.    

In another sense, Ochún also speaks through the diloggún (snail) through the Odu «Oche» which is 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 holy horses, his dances are perhaps the most beautiful and sensual of all. He waves his arms to make his gold handcuffs jingle. He moves his hands over his body like springs and streams descending from the hills. Sometimes he makes rower gestures or imitates the movements of grinding in the trough. The dance of Oshun, the dancer with 5 handkerchiefs, enjoys a lot of voluptuousness. She also stretches out her hands forward as 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

Oshun tureen

Its receptacle is a tureen that can be yellow, gold, white, or multicolored, depending on its path. She is usually a rather capricious Orisha with respect to the receptacle where her foundation lives, even breaking it until it breaks completely when she is not comfortable with it.

oshun necklace

oshun necklace

The necklaces or eleke, as well as the ilde or the bracelets of the Orisha Oshun are basically made with yellow and amber beads, using a sequence of 5 beads of each color or any multiple of that number. However, these characteristics may vary according to the path of the foundation of his Oshun, since, in some of his avatars, he prefers that his necklace be placed with some beads of different colors such as: green, red, black, white, pink or ivory. ; elements such as jets, corals, or mother-of-pearl can also be added.

Suit or dress

The Ochún suits with which his initiates or elegún (holy horse) are usually dressed are characterized by being beautiful robes or dresses made of white, yellow and gold fabrics. He wears a saya on his waist from which 5 handkerchiefs hang. Its 5-pointed crown is usually very showy, loaded with crystals, cowries snails and African parrot feathers. All his clothing is a waste of elegance and opulence. In his hands he usually holds a fan that can be made with peacock or quail feathers.

oshun tools

oshun tools

The set of tools belonging to Oshun in the practice of the rule of Osha and Ifa, or Afro-Cuban Santeria is composed of: a gold-colored crown, 5 handles, 2 oars and a golden bell. He uses an acheré (maraca or güira), an agogó (bell), an iruke (horsetail) and a fan that adorns its receptacle.

In Nigeria, in the sanctuary dedicated to Ochún, located on the banks of the river that bears his name, the main attribute that this divinity possesses is the water of the river, which is considered curative; It has two large eyes and ears made of precious wood, these symbolize its ability to see and hear everything that happens; she has a sword and a cast metal insignia that represents her warrior nature and defender of her devotees; Also, they are placed: bracelets, oars, cowries snails, river stones, pearls, corals and seashells.


History of Osun

History of Osun

Legend has it that gives rise to the cult of Ochún in the land of Osogbo, Nigeria, that a character named Laro, recognized as the predecessor of the first king of that city, made a long pilgrimage looking for the appropriate land to settle with his people. , until reaching the banks of the Osún River.

In that place he decided that they would stay. As the days passed, one of Laro's daughters went to bathe in the river, disappearing in its waters. Everyone had given her up for lost, but she soon returned to the surface wearing beautiful and exuberant clothing. The young woman told how the divinity owner and inhabitant of the river had received and entertained her.

Laro was very grateful for recovering his daughter and immediately made multiple offerings to the river, reaching the shore many fish that ate their sacrifices on behalf of Oshun. Meanwhile, a large fish approached the shore to agree with Laro. After that, he spit water, which was collected by that man inside a gourd, later, the fish jumped on his hands sealing the pact with the river goddess.

ochun

From that moment on, the city of "Osogbo" was founded, which means: Osún gbe, which is translated as "Ochún is in its maturity, its waters will always be abundant", becoming the deity Oshun in the tutelary Orisha of all born in those lands.

From that time to the present, an annual festival is held in the name of the Orisha Oshún in the city of Osogbo.


How is the foundation of Oshun received?

The foundation of Oshun can be received through a ceremony that lasts three days, where a santero performs the corresponding secret rituals and delivers the foundation to the initiate's hands on the third day. However, this ceremony is unusual, since, being Oshun a fundamental deity, it is usually received at the moment of consecrating oneself in Kariosha, regardless of who the guardian angel of the initiate is, his foundations will always be received.

It should be noted that the children of the Orisha Oshun must always crown the Orisha directly, that is, they cannot consecrate themselves under the modality of "holy washing", since it constitutes a very serious fault with this divinity. At the moment of being crowned as a saint, the children of Oshun are called "Olosún".

Benefits of receiving Oshun

The reason or why Oshun is received lies in the importance of this Orisha. It should be noted that their presence is of the utmost importance when performing the consecration ceremonies within Santeria. She is usually given knowledge at the beginning of the rituals of the rule of Osha and Ifa. Among the benefits of receiving the foundation of it are:

  • Her role as protector of spiritual balance is linked to the energies that maintain the permanence of human beings on this plane, which is why she is recognized as the goddess of fertility.
  • By receiving the foundation of Oshun we can count on the blessing of that Orisha to help us with issues related to motherhood, fertility, and to bring children into this world.
  • She is an excellent healer, she helps heal the sick with her medicinal waters.
  • She is a protective mother, who defends her children and devotees fiercely.
  • The great powers that Ochún possesses allow him to activate the energies of wealth and prosperity with which he blesses his initiates.
  • Ochún is Eggun's foreman, therefore, he protects us from dark spirits, wars of witchcraft and sorcery.

What is asked of Oshun?

What is asked of Oshun?

Oshun is a deity with many virtues that were granted to him directly by Oloddumare (God), therefore, he is capable of influencing the solution of various situations that human beings go through. Oshun is asked to help us in circumstances such as:

  • He is asked to heal conditions related to the lower abdomen and genital parts, blood, liver and all kinds of bleeding.
  • It is an Orisha whose intervention in economic matters is requested, since it attracts wealth.
  • Oshun is an expert in love issues, moorings, and sweetening.
  • Calm down fights.
  • Elevates the perception of beauty and charm in all situations.
  • Intervenes in sorcery problems. According to his path: he fights, punishes and sentences enemies without mercy, especially all those who disrespect women.
  • Protects the gestation processes, contributes to the creation and health of the fetus in the womb.

How to attend to Oshun? Offerings and Adimuses

Between the adimuses or offerings to entertain Oshun they are placed: panetelas and syrupy sweets. He also likes corn on the cob on wheels. Gofio palanquetas with honey and candies are offered; oranges, peaches and sweet peaches, escarole, chard, chayote, tamale, yellow rice, corn flour and beers. Ekó, ekrú and olelé with saffron. Coconut joys and all kinds of sweets.

Ochun is a lover of Ochinchin (liturgical food that is prepared with eggs, shrimp, chard or lettuce). Fish such as: smooth, eels, mapos, dajaos, catibos, guajacones, biajacas, guabinas, river shrimp and prawns are cooked. He likes all fish and shellfish from the river smoked.

Their dishes are placed as a garnish: almond trees, watercress, canistel, water flower, spinach, parsley, sweet potato, pumpkin, cold cornbread, bean razupo, crushed yam, guinea corn beer, and corn pudding.

That eats?

Various animals are sacrificed to Ochún, such as: goats (castrated), hens, pigeons, quail, guinea fowl, turtle, pheasant, chicken, canary, owl, deer (female), alligator, peacock, goose, and various fish.

What does Oshun like?

Oshun loves the gourd. She is a lover of jewelry, fans, shells, little boats, mirrors, sea corals, beautiful fabrics, handkerchiefs, embroidered cloths and all objects typical of the feminine toilet.

His favorite animal is the peacock; he also likes small fish, river fish, and shrimp.

Oshun's favorite flowers They are: the sunflower, the macaws and the buttercup.

Oshun loves perfumes. His favorite aromas are: beriberi and sandalwood.

He does not like?

ochun doesn't like it the slug or the land, river and sea snail. He abhors melon, guinea corn, duck, palm nut oil, and fried corn. He does not accept that menstruating women manipulate his foundations. He also doesn't like his children to eat his gourds, so that food is taboo for them.

Another thing that Oshun does not like is that men disrespect or hit women, much less their daughters. For this type of fault he punishes relentlessly.

Herbs

Among the herbs of Oshun we have: almácigo, basil, scorpion, horn tree, yellow or fragrant aroma, platanillo de Cuba, bejuco pendola, bejuco vergajo, sweet potato, mango, pumpkin, romerillo, white coral, cinnamon from the mount, tortoiseshell, cojate or colony, maidenhair maidenhair, chayote, espíguela, spinach, puffin, yellow macaw, yellow jia, buttercup, sunflower, river flax, legaña or lagaña de aura, forget me not, malvate, castilla melon , mije, licorice from the land, living room pineapple or ornamental pineapple, rose apple, roses, yellow vanilla, and pink vanilla.


Paths of Oshun

Paths of Oshun

Among the paths that the Orisha Oshun lived during her tours of the earth we have:

  • Oshun Ibu Aña: is the owner of the drums. She is completely deaf, she must ring 5 bells at the same time for her to hear her devotees. They have a crown with a ring that is made to fit the initiate's head, from which 3 small batá drums, 3 guiritos, 2 adams, 2 oars, 10 bracelets, and 5 hooks emerge. All elements are made of gold metal. She is born in Odu de Ifa Otrupon Ogbe. In the Arará land, this path of Oshun is called “Nawedito”.
  • Oshun Ibu Ololodi: In this avatar of Oshun, she is a warrior who rides a horse. When she goes into battle she dresses like men and uses a sword. Her enemies can never defeat her. She has a revolutionary character. She hurts with all kinds of metals, especially with the machete. She is Orumila's wife and her apetevi. She is a very demanding mother, when she gets upset with her children her punishments can be very dangerous. You have to put many irons to reinforce it. When she wants to be on the mat or on the floor she can't get up until she says so. The Oshinshin that is offered to this Oshun is prepared with eggs, shrimp, bitter broom and lettuce. She does not like to live in yellow tureens, her foundation lives in a jar with a white bottom adorned with green and pink. She is very prosperous, she considers herself the owner of the companies. She is born in the Odu of Ifá: Ogbe Roso. In the Arará land they call him “Atiti”.
  • Oshun Ibu Oddonki: it is said that this Oshun is the river that awaits or grows full of mud. Its receptacle must be placed on a pylon. Among its attributes it has a sewing basket, 1 maja (snake), 1 moon, 2 Adams and 1 saber. It could be put in a basin where ashibata is thrown. In Arará land it is known as “Tokago”.
  • Oshun Ibu Yumu: It is known as "the one that makes the belly grow in women without being pregnant." He has the power to tame snakes. She lives at the bottom of the river weaving sitting in her rocking chair, where she entertains herself listening to the sounds of her instruments. She doesn't like to be disturbed unnecessarily. She is called with a copper cowbell. It is said that physically she is extremely beautiful. She is the Oshun who is truly deaf. Among her attributes she has: five bugles, five silk scarves, five machetes, a white horse and a large bronze axe. She likes to have lots of kola nuts placed around her tureen. Her favorite dish is sliced ​​okra that is presented to her in a gourd and carried away by the current of the river. In Arará land it is known as “Tokosi”.
  • Oshun Ibu Ede: It is said that this Oshun is the owner of the shrimp. She likes to take long walks. Her crown has 101 bronze pieces and 101 hanging bracelets.
  • Oshun Ibu Oggale: She is known as "the housekeeper." She is said to have a very bad temper. She is a very fussy old lady. She likes to live surrounded by tiles. Among her tools she has: a pickaxe, a rake, a machete, a barbecue, a pry bar, a watering can, a shovel, and a pitchfork. From her crown hangs a key, a bow and an arrow, a tiled breastplate, two long Adams, two oars, ten bracelets and her other tools.The Arará call her "Oakere".
  • Oshun Ibu Segan: In this avatar Oshun is the wife of Oshoosi. Among her attributes she carries a bow and arrow.
  • Oshun Ibu Akuaro: She is a young Oshun. She does not do witchcraft or any kind of damage. She is the owner of the quail. When she rides her holy horses she makes a gesture with her hands placing a finger in her ear and passes it over her head, this means that she is a queen but she does not have a crown. Her secret name is believed to be: Igan Idan. She lives where the river and the sea mix, and she can eat with Yemaya. She is said to be deaf. She wears a woven mesh over her tureen that is adorned with quail feathers. She too, she carries a staff that is adorned with chicken and quail feathers. She is born in the Odu of Ifa Ojuani Melli. In Arará land she is called “Nasso”.
  • Oshun Ibu Kole: She is the owner of the tiñosa (the vulture). She is a sorceress, she refuses to work for the good. The translation of her name means: "the one who itches, collects dust and takes care of the house". This Oshun carries an Ozain inshe prepared especially for her with 5 zamuro feathers and other secret elements. The oshinshin that she offers him is made with eggs, shrimp, river flax, cerraja, white pigweed and Swiss chard. She also likes to have chard leaves or water flower placed directly on her Otanes. She uses a fan that is adorned with white beads. She uses a wooden mortar, a basket with five knitting needles, a thimble and thread. She is born in the Odu of ifa Ogbe Tuanilara. In the Arará land she is called “Abalu”.
Oshun Ibu Kolé
  • oshun ibu Iddoi: It is said to be "the dry cause". This Oshun lives on a pylon. She likes that they put their natos in a basin with water and 5 sunflowers. Among her attributes she has: a sewing basket, a simple axe, a fan, a machete and two Adams. She is a very skilled sorceress witch. In the Arará land they call him “Fosupo”.
  • Oshun Ibu Tinibu: She is the head of the Iyalordes society. She only goes out at night and likes to go boating on the river. She lives with the Orisha Orun. She is a lover of red carnations and perfumes. Her children must not have dogs in the house. She places a boat made of ceiba wood. She is born in the Odu of Ifa: Irete Yero. In Arará land she is known as “Alegue”.
  • Oshun Ibu Inani: It likes to live on sand. She is known as "the one who becomes famous in disputes". Among her attributes is a fan made of bronze from which bells hang; she likes to have a mirror, a gourd, a sewing basket, two parrot feathers, a snail comb, and a drum; she has a sun, a moon, a ladder with five steps; and as tools she carries a machete, a cutlass, and a sickle. Her crown bears more than 40 tools hanging down.
  • Oshun Ibu Okuanda: It is known as "the one who was thrown dead into the river." It is said that she was the Oshun who freed Shango. She likes to have 10 pomitos of honey and 10 husks placed around her tureen. Her crown has the following elements hanging: a mirror, a cross, five machetes, five axes, two long cones, two long Adams and ten bracelets. In the land of Arará she is called "Agokusi".
  • Oshun Ibu Latie Elegba: It is said that on this path Oshun eats on top of a gourd. He likes to live in the middle of the river. He is not known crown. Among his attributes stand out: 5 bronze oshe and 15 arrows. In the Arará land it is called “Kotunga”.
  • Oshun Ibu Addesa: She is known as "the one with the secure crown". She is the owner of the peacock. The receptacle of it must be adorned with 10 peacock feathers. Her crown is made with a hoop tailored to the head of the initiate, from which hang: 10 bracelets, 10 golden metal feathers, 2 long oars and a saber. In the Arará land they call it “Aboloto”.
  • Oshun Ibu Eyede: She is known as “the one who is Queen”. She wears a crown that is lined with yellow cloth from which 15 African parrot feathers and 15 cardinal feathers hang. Among her attributes she has: a sewing basket and a billiard ball. Her crown is a hoop with the size of the head of the consecrated person from which they hang: ten bracelets, a mirror, two long Adams, two long oars, among other elements. In the land of Arará they call it “Yiaa”.
  • Ochun Ibu Okuase Oddo: She is known as "the one who emerged dead from the river." The base of it lives mounted on a pylon that is prepared with a secret charge. Around it are placed 5 bottles of water from 5 different rivers. A sewing basket and the front of a deer are also attached. Its crown is made from a hoop with the size of the initiate's head, from which hang: ten bracelets, two Adams, two oars, a coffin, a sword, two combs, a small jar, a knife, a small boat, a small deer, a fan, and two makeup brushes. In Arará land her name is “Totokusi”.
  • Oshun Ibu Bumi: She is known as "the one who looks for water from the river." Its receptacle is a clay jar. She carries 5 snails loaded with the ashes: ero, obí, kolá, osun, and aira. She likes to put coral and amber on her necklaces. Her favorite dish is chicken and pheasant.
  • Oshun Ibu Iloke Oñi (Oyin): It is characterized by being very strong and fighter. She uses a forked cane as a tool. She likes to spread honey on her body. She lives next to the paradise grass. Her receptacle is adorned with mesh. She possesses a scimitar and a shield. She does not wear a crown. She likes corals and jets.
  • Oshun Ibu Itumu: She is considered to be an Amazon warrior who fights in battles riding an ostrich. Some claim that this path of Oshun is alakuata (lesbian). She likes to dress in men's clothes. She enjoys having a glass of corojo butter and a glass of brandy placed around her receptacle. It is said that this Oshun eats the whole goat. In the Arará land they call him «Jueyague».
  • Oshun Ibu Aja Jura: She is characterized by being a brave warrior. On this path Oshun lives in the waters of the lagoon. She does not wear a crown. Among her attributes are a warrior armor helmet, a double-bladed ax and two scimitars.
  • Oshun Ibu Aremu Kondiano: She is a very particular and mysterious Oshun, since she dresses in absolutely white clothes. It is believed that she was the one who helped Orunmila to dismember the elephant in the Odu of Ifa Ogbe Kana, that is why her necklace, in addition to wearing mother-of-pearl and coral, has green and yellow beads in reference to her bond. with Orunmila. Among her attributes she has a board, ekuele and an irofa. Her crown is adorned with ivory or bone and 16 cowrie shells hanging from the sides. She only eats the white chickens and pigeons. In the Arará land she is called "Tefande".
  • Oshun Ibu Ceni: On this path, Oshun lives in the dark pools that form on the banks of the rivers. His receptacle is accompanied by two inshe of Ozain. In the Arará land they are called “Ajuanyinu”.
  • Oshun Ibu Aneyemi: This Oshun is blind. She likes to live in the company of Asojuano and Orunmila. Among her attributes, she uses 5 bronze canes, she carries a scimitar and a horse and 5 clay pots of different sizes. She does not wear a crown. She speaks in the Odu of Ifa: Oyekun Melli.
  • Oshun Ibu Inale: On this path Oshun likes to be riding on money, she can also live on the beach on the sand. She uses a staff made from a branch of the yamao tree. She puts five snails aye, a lodestone and sand.
  • Oshun Ibu Fonda: This Oshun is always on the warpath. He has a sword as a tool. Her receptacle is accompanied by a doll-mounted inshe of Ozain. She uses a gourd with dried kumquat peel and sandalwood powder. Her favorite dish is roasted yams. In Arará land it is known as “Zenjuen”.
  • Oshun Ibu Odoko: He has a very strong personality. She likes to be accompanied by Orishaoko, she is a good farmer. Her tureen is a clay jar that she lives mounted on a pylon that is prepared with a sargada load. She places a doll made of cucuyo stick lined with beads of the color of all saints. She is born in Odu de Ifa Ogbe Kana.
  • Oshun Ibu Agandara: The foundation of this Oshun lives mounted on a chair. Use as tools a scimitar, a bronze dove, two Adams and a padlock. His favorite dish is yams. She wears a crown adorned with 7 African parrot feathers. She is born in the Odu Ifa Ika Di.
  • Oshun Ibu Idere Lekun: On this path Oshun is the owner of the caves where the sea waves enter crashing against the reefs. Among her attributes, she has a reed drum with which she is called so that she listens to her initiates. She wears a scimitar and a mask because it is believed that this Oshun has a deformity on her face. She does not wear a crown. She is born in the Odu of Ifa Otura Sa.
  • Oshun Ibu Awayemi: This Oshun is recognized as the owner of the nostrils. She uses two adams, an ax and two crowns that use fringes made with snails that fall on her tureen. She is born in the Odu Oshe Lezo.

How are the sons and daughters of Oshun?

Daughters of Oshun

The male children of Ochún are usually charming, with a natural attractiveness that makes them stand out among other men. They are usually loaded with a certain mystery and in the worst cases some are prone to bad habits or fraudulent activities.

Oshun's daughters are usually women who waste femininity, they can be exuberant, attractive, lovers of luxuries, jewelry, makeup and good dress. Some can be very flirtatious and flashy.

Oshun's children are generally characterized as maternal, hospitable, charitable, compassionate, receptive, thrifty, with an excellent memory, imaginative, sensitive, romantic, good hosts, generous, caring, protective, patriotic, and somewhat outgoing. If they are poorly aspected they can be: touchy, hypersensitive to criticism, capricious, variable, spiteful, timid, fanciful, imaginative, selfless, resentful, lunatic, lazy, weak, stingy, jealous, promiscuous and with a taste for generating entanglements.

Names of saint for the children of Oshun

  • Agadaniye: The brilliance of the Oshun gemstone.
  • Ocandeniye: The Heart of Ochun's fortune.
  • Alamiyeye: Oshun's oars.
  • Aporoye: Oshun's youngest daughter.
  • Agbebe Osun: Oshun's fan.
  • Ocanyodde: The heart of the queen mother.
  • Ayaba owo: The queen of money.
  • Agueni Osun: The peacock of Ochun.
  • Arima Osun: The beauty.
  • Oloshunde: The Coronation of Oshun.
  • Ayaba Ibu: The queen of the river.
  • Ibu Ayaba Aña: The queen of the river drum.
  • Ayaba ocanoñi: The queen of the sweet heart.

Oshun in the Catholic religion (La Caridad del Cobre)

Oshun: Charity of Copper

Oshun is syncretized with the Virgin of Our Lady of Charity of Copper, also known as Charity of Copper or simply Cachita. The patron saint of Cuba. Located in El Cobre, a municipality in the province of Santiago de Cuba. Her history is very interesting, since it is known that her image appeared in 1612 or at the beginning of April 1613, in Nipe Bay, north of the eastern region of the island.

Found by three slaves: the slave Juan Moreno and two Indian brothers known as Juan and Rodrigo de Hoyos, who worked in the copper mines in the area. Later, they would be recognized as "the three Juanes". It is understood that the young people had gone out to look for salt, spotting the image of the Virgin with the Child Jesus in one of her arms and a gold cross in the other hand floating on a table, which read: «I am the Virgin of the charity".

She was placed in an improvised sanctuary made of guano leaves and boards, until her temple was built on the top of a hill near the copper mines. The Yorubas, after finding obvious similarities with Oshun, syncretized her almost immediately because this deity is the owner of precious metals such as gold and copper, as well as having a charitable and merciful reputation.

The Catholic Church refers to her as the protector of pregnant women, a reason that accentuated her parity with Ochún. Her cult enjoys countless followers and there is no distinction between the Virgin and the deity, in fact, it is common to hear children of Oshun refer to Charity as the deity they have consecrated, without making any distinction between the Orisha and Catholic spirituality. .


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”.

Oshun's prayer for love

Praised mother and spirit of the river. Oshun, goddess of love.

Turtle drum that opens the way to charms and beauty.

Greetings mother.

Purifying spirit that cleanses the interior and exterior.

Brass manufacturer that makes drinking water.

We all have every right to wear the crown that awakens all pleasures.

We have every right to wear the crown that true love finds.

Spirit of the river free me from the setbacks that tie me to loneliness,

Bring to me the love that I humbly request,

Please listen to my pleas. Ashe”.

Oshun's prayer for money (oríkì)

(I praise the spirit of the river and pray to Oshun to cover my prosperity)

A tun eri eni ti or sunwon se. Alase tun se a kí nla oro bomi.

The witness of a person's ecstasy was reborn. She is once again in charge of things, she greets the most important matter from the water.

Ipen obinrin a jo eni ma re. Osun ma je mo aiye o jó le li eri.

The most powerful woman can burn a person, Osún does not allow the evil of the world to dance in my head.

Ala agbo ofe a bi omo mu oyin. Otiti li owó adun ba soro po. O ni ram mo ide.

He cares for us without charge, gives us healing, gives the child fresh water. She is wealth. He speaks sweetly to the crowd. He has bought all the secrets of copper.

O ro wanwan jó wa. O jo lubu wave eregede.

Here she comes dancing and jingles her bracelets like a forest stream. He is dancing with the riches of the depths from under the water. My mother has sunk something out in the sand.

Alade obinrin sowon. Afinju obinrin ti ko a ide.

The crowned woman is very elegant in her handling of money.

Osun olu ibu wave, Olo kiki eko.

Osún, owner of the wealth of the depths, owner of the innumerable parrot feathers.

Ide fi ojú ta iná.

The blaze of brass is present in the fire of his eyes.

Oni ro wanran wanran wanran omi ro. Afi ide si omo li owo. Ace.

The water that murmurs on the stones is the spirit of the river that dances with its brass jewelery making its rings tinkle, bringing fortune and health. Ashe.

Oshun's prayer for beauty

(It is recommended to do this prayer while bathing with honey bees)

“I greet the spirit of the river. Oshun you are the most beautiful of all.

Your beautiful hair falls on your body as the current of your waters flows, subtle and exuberant.

Your dark and deep gaze seduces and dominates everyone you propose to. There is no one who can resist seeing your eyes full of the energy of the beauty of the universe.

O admired sorceress! Full is your wisdom in the arts of magic because you are guardian of all its secrets.

You can do everything because you were invested with the great powers that balance the harmony of ancestral spirituality.

You, ancient divinity present from the moment of creation, allow me to be covered by your energy of beauty, let my body become the mirror that reflects your charms.

Great Orisha of femininity that transits between the darkness of the night and you move fully during the hours of the day. You do not fear anyone, because there is no rival that defeats you, nor an opponent that equals you.

Grant me that strength, that security and that charisma that you squander without any effort. Let her be admired and flattered. May my gaze seduce, may my words convince, may my perfume enchant, dominate and defeat anyone I want to dominate (make request).

It is you, adored Oshun, respected and feared by men and by divinities. All have honored you, and he who has dared to contradict or despise you has paid a high price for his audacity. In the same way I ask my mother not to allow me to be despised, and if I find myself involved in a similar situation because of my opponents, let them suffer the consequences of her offense.

From this moment on, I declare myself a representative of your energy, you anoint me with your virtues, my body tastes like honey just like yours, there is no man or woman who can resist my charms, which are nothing more than your presence in my life. .

I declare that I dominate any dominator, because there is no one who denies your will, and my prayers have been heard, my sacrifices received in heaven, your blessings have materialized in my physical and spiritual body.

Mother, I thank you forever for your kindness to me. Thank you thank you thank you. Ashe to Iban Eshu.”


Works with Oshun (Ebbo)

Ebbo with Oshun for love

A ball of cornmeal is kneaded, the name of the loved one is written down on tracing paper, along with the following ingredients: fresh herb, buttercup, prodigious, yanten cedar, cuaba, cinnamon powder, oñi (honey), amansa handsome, watery, romerillo, flowers, aniseed liquor and sawdust from palo victor. The ball is wrapped in a white and yellow cloth. Ochún is informed of the request, a candle is placed on it and when it is finished, it is buried on the banks of the river, once again notifying the Orisha.

To defeat the enemies

A snapper is cooked and an almond syrup is prepared that is poured over the fish, and Oshun is placed on top on a white plate asking her to sweeten his path and the victory of his wars. When he begins to decompose he throws courage at him, puts the name of his enemy and takes him to the mountain begging Oshun for the destruction of his opponents.

Work with Oshun for health

A lamp is prepared at the foot of Oshun asking for his health with: 3 eggs, honey, 5 cinnamon sticks, almond oil, eating oil, 3 wicks (2 for Ochun and one for the person's guardian angel) and stays on for 5 days.

You can read: Oshun works for love


I sing to the Orisha Oshun


Akuon: Yeye Yeye Biaremi, Ebulli Wuase Moroefa.

Chorus: Yeye Yeyeo Aremi, Yeye Wuase Moroefa.

Akuon: YeyeYeyeo Ochun Aremi, Ebulli Wuase Moroefa.

Chorus: Yeye Yeyeo Aremi, Yeye Wuase Moroefa.

Akuón: Yeye Yeye Okandideu, Yeye Yeye Okandideu Ariñale Cowuo Osi, Yeye Odolorefa Ariwuoyo Okandideu, Ariñale Cowuo Osi.

Choir: Yeye Yeyeo Okandideu, Yeye Yeye Okandideu Ariñale Cowuo Osi, Yeye Odolorefa Ariwuoyo Okandideu, Ariñale Cowuo Osi.

Akuon: Ori Yeyeo.

Chorus: Afiyeremo Yeyeo Afiyere.

Akuon: Ori Yeyeo.

Chorus: Afiyeremo Yeyeo Afiyere.

Akuon: Beroni Abebe Oshun Beroni Abebe Leda, Beroni Abebe Osun Beroni Abebe Leda, Iya Yumu Brakala Leda Beroni Abebe Osun.

Choir: Beroni Abebe Oshun Beroni Abebe Leda, Beroni Abebe Osun Beroni Abebe Leda, Iya Yumu Brakala Leda Beroni Abebe Osun.

Akuon: Chekunche.

Choir: Waamile.

Akuon: Makowua.

Choir: Waamile.

Akuon: Six.

Choir: Waamile.

Akuon: Ori Olu.

Choir: Wuamile Iya Mio Wuamile.

Akuon: Chekunche.

Choir: Waamile.


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.


OSHUN PHRASES

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."


Patakies or stories

Oshun took Oggun out of the mountain.

It happened that Ogun worked nonstop and for that reason everyone took advantage of him. As time passed, Oggun began to get tired of so many abuses, so he began to neglect his work, until one day he decided to leave his house and go into the solitude of the mountain, far from everyone.

After a while, his father became seriously ill. His anguished family went to Orunmila's house, who made divination for him and determined that Ogun had to be sought to put things in order, help his father and avoid further losses.

Countless times they went to the mountain and called him as much as possible, but Ogun refused to leave there. So, they chose to look for Oshun to see if he could help them solve that problem. She asked to be served with lots of honey. Upon receiving her, she smeared her whole body with honey, went into the bush, took off her clothes and began to sing:

"Ogun Arere ile bombo lokua, Ogun wa nile, Ogun wa lona ile bombo lokua aye."

Hearing the song, Ogun began to look for where that sound came from, looking through the undergrowth he discovered that it was Oshun and went out to meet him. When he tried to grab her, it slipped through his hands, then he tasted that viscous substance with which he had smeared himself, feeling the sweet taste of honey, he thought that this woman had a very special flavor and ran after her.

In this way Oshun managed to get Oggun to return to his work leaving the thicket of the forest and returning everything to normal.

Why Shango doesn't crown Oshun's children and Oshun doesn't crown Shango's children.

It happened that in the Akere land, its inhabitants were going through a lot of misery and need because they had no one to help them. One day, Ochún passed through that town and when he saw what he decided to do works for the people, going so far as to make them Kariosha if necessary.

Shango lived in a nearby town, and was determined that the Akere land would not prosper due to faults that his children had committed against him, but he found out that the locals began to get ahead, a situation that bothered him too much. Immediately, he left for that neighboring town to put an end to all that.

Upon arrival, Shango began to ask who had Osha crowned and those who had been consecrated killed them immediately. His anger was so great that every time Oshun made a Saint, Shango went behind the Iyawo and killed him.

When Olofin found out what was happening in that land, he ordered Oshun and Shango to be brought to his presence and sentenced them: “You Oshun, who by my command are doing charity, and you Shango are destroying it. From this moment this war ends, for the good of humanity. But you Oshun, from now on you will not be able to do Shango and you Shango will not be able to do more Oshun, they will respect each other's children and there will be no consecrated that is harmed by their war. To Iban Eshu."

Ochun the apetebi of Orula

It happened that one day Oshun went out with Eshu for a walk. They came to a land with large fields of corn, black-eyed beans, yams, and bananas. Oshun asked Eshu what was that land called and to whom did it belong? Eshu told him that it was the Eyigbo Meko Nile land and the owner of all that was Orunmila.

Precisely that day, Orunmila had registered with the Odu Osá Roso and made the corresponding sacrifices immediately. Oshun was eager to meet the owner of Eyigbo Meko Nile and asked Eshu to take her to Orunmila's house. Upon arrival, they greeted Orula and seeing the square that she had in front of her Ifá Oshún asked her permission to eat, since they were hungry from the trip. After having eaten, Oshun asked Orunmila if she could sit down to rest, and he found a chair for her. When sitting down, Orunmila blew air with a fan that she had from yarey.

Oshun told Orunmila that he would stay in that land because he needed a woman to take care of him. It was since then that Oshun stayed living in Orunmila's house, who at that time was single, because a short time ago he had separated from Yemaya.

Orunmila and Oshun led a good life, they often went for a walk. One day, Orunmila got Oshun pregnant. Over time, her belly began to grow and this event reached Yemaya's ears, who immediately prepared to go to earth to Eyigbo Meko Nile to ascertain what was happening.

When Yemaya arrived at Orunmila's house, seeing that Oshun was pregnant, she reproached Orunmila for this situation, saying: "I have been the woman who has loved you the most and you abandoned me and got Oshun pregnant who does not love you so much. like I love You".

Orula entered a great crossroads by being in the middle of those two women without knowing which of the two loved him more. For this reason, he called Shango and Eshu and told them that he would hold a meeting with both women, that Shango would be present and that Eshu should burn down the house when he told him to, this in order to see how Oshun and Yemaya reacted to that situation. .

When the day came, Orunmila told Eshu to do as agreed and immediately a great fire spread inside the house. Eshu shouted: "Fire, the house is on fire." Yemaya upon hearing that hugged Shango protecting her son. Oshun realizing the situation hugged Orunmila protecting him from the flames.

Orunmila, seeing their reactions, told Eshu to put out the fire and when everyone was calmer he said: "This situation showed me what I wanted to know. Oshun is the woman who loves me the most and that is why she will be my apetebi and my favorite. But, Yemaya for her gesture that shows her mother's love and sacrifice, she will be recognized as the mother of the world ».


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