Across many ancient civilizations throughout the world, love was placed under the domain of a certain deity, usually, but not in all cases, a goddess. In the Classical world, for instance, there were Venus and Aphrodite, love goddesses of the Roman and Greek pantheons respectively. In the ancient Near East, love was personified in such goddesses as Ishtar and Astarte. Further afield in West Africa, the Yoruba people believe in a love goddess by the name of Oshun.
In Yorùbá spirituality, Ọ̀ṣun (also spelled Oshun) is celebrated as the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and rivers. Her energy embodies sweetness, generosity, and healing, while her influence extends from Yorùbáland in Nigeria to communities across the African diaspora. Ọ̀ṣun’s essence is one of tenderness, sensuality, and the power to bring joy and balance to those who honor her.
It is said that “Oshun is beneficient and generous, and very kind. Oshun is the Mother of the African sweet or fresh waters. Like Egyptian Isis and later Greek Diana, Osun is the goddess of love and is widely beloved. She is the protector of the poor, the mother of all orphans, she is the one who brings them what they need in this life through periods of weakness or strenght. Like Isis, She brought the teaching of divinations, mysticism, agriculture and culture to humans. She is known as the mother of the fishes of the seas and the birds of the forest. Isis used to be represented as the mother of the fishes and the Queen of the seas. Oshun is the essence of love, sweetness and good cheer, beauty and flowing joy.
Among the Yorubas of West Africa, She is also known as Yalode- the mother of things outside the home or the mother of wealth, due to her business acumen. Possession of her devotees is one of her principal manifestation and in such states, devotees are filled with clarity, confidence, joy, love, bliss and laugher. The peacock and the vulture are sacred to Her.
Unlike the Roman catholic neutered and denatured “Virgin Maria”, Osun our mother, the Empress is a passionate and hot-blooded woman. Lover of many accomplished princes and gods, Her symbolism recalls days of strong women principalites who were rich, powerful knowledge enough to have many men dangling by her strings. Oshun has had affairs with Erinle, Orunmila, Oshosi, Orisha Oko, and Aje-Shaluga. She was at one time the wife of Shango, the storm god, as was Oya, the goddess of the winds and tempests. There are many interesting stories about the romantic, passionate inter rivalry that existed between Oshun and Oya.
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In the Yoruba/Cuban religious view Osun is associated with the color yellow, the important metals gold and copper, peacock feathers, mirrors, and anything of charm, lightness, beauty and sweet taste.
Oshun, an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Oshun is commonly called the river orisha, or goddess, in the Yoruba religion and is typically associated with water, purity, fertility, love, and sensuality. She is considered one of the most powerful of all orishas, and, like other gods, she possesses human attributes such as vanity, jealousy, and spite.
Several myths exist concerning Oshun and her significance as a Yoruba deity. In most Yoruba stories, Oshun is generally depicted as the protector, saviour, or nurturer of humanity. Oshun has also been described as the maintainer of spiritual balance or mother of sweet things. One myth highlights Oshun as the central figure in the creation of human beings.
The Yoruba people believe that the orishas were sent by Olodumare, who is considered the Supreme God, to populate the Earth. Oshun, being one of the original 17 sent to Earth, was the only female deity. The other gods, all male, failed at their attempts to revive and populate the Earth. When they realized they were unable to complete the task given to them by Olodumare, they tried to persuade Oshun to help them. Oshun agreed and brought forth her sweet and powerful waters, bringing life back to Earth and humanity and other species into existence. As that Yoruba myth suggests, humanity would not exist if Oshun, the goddess of life and fertility, had not acted.
Other myths hold that Oshun is one of the wives of Shango, the god of thunder. She is commonly described as the favourite of all orishas by Olodumare, because of her beauty and sensuality. In yet another Yoruba story, Oshun is depicted as the goddess who not only gives life but also takes it. When angered, Oshun may flood Earth or destroy crops by withholding her waters, thereby causing massive droughts. In one myth, Oshun is incensed by her devotees and sends down rain, nearly flooding the world. Yet once she has been appeased, Oshun saves Earth from destruction by calling back the waters.
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Tradition holds that the first interaction between Oshun and human beings took place in Osogbo (Oshogbo), Nigeria. That city is considered sacred, and it is believed to be fiercely protected by the water goddess. Oshun is said to have given the people who went to her river permission to build the city and promised to provide for them, protect them, and grant their prayers if they worshipped her dutifully, making the obligatory offerings, prayers, and other rituals. Out of that first encounter between the people of Osogbo and Oshun evolved the Oshun festival, which is still practiced today by the Yoruba people. Every year Oshun devotees and other people of the Yoruba religious tradition go to the Oshun River to pay homage, make sacrifice, and ask for a variety of things such as wealth, children, and better health. Although other orishas are honoured during the festival, the climax of the festival is centred on Oshun.
Osogbo is also home to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a forest that contains several shrines and artwork in honour of Oshun; it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.
Oshun is especially important to women in West African cultures. Those who want children and who may suffer from infertility usually call on Oshun for assistance, and she is associated with the concepts of femininity and the power of women. More widely, she is sought after in times of drought or severe poverty.
According to the Ifa Literary Corpus, Oshun was the only female Irunmole (primordial spirit) sent to assist Shango to create the world by Olodumare, the Supreme God. The other spirits sent ignored Oshun, who went to Shango for guidance. One version of the story claims that female spirits were tempted to take matters into their own hands, but all of their creative attempts failed because they acted without male spiritual leadership. Another version, one more consistent with the beginning of the story, claims that the male spirits attempted to make the world without female influence, and this exclusion is what caused the world to fail.
Attributes and Symbolism
Ọ̀ṣun is revered not only as a goddess of love but also as a figure of power and wisdom. Her symbols and associations reveal her multifaceted nature as both a nurturing mother and a defender of the oppressed:
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- Water and Rivers: Ọ̀ṣun is the deity of fresh water, rivers, and springs, symbolizing life, fertility, and healing. Rivers in particular are associated with her gentle, flowing energy.
- Gold and Yellow: The colors gold and yellow are Ọ̀ṣun’s signature colors, representing her warmth, wealth, and ability to inspire joy and prosperity.
- Mirrors: As a goddess of beauty and self-reflection, Ọ̀ṣun is often depicted with a mirror. This symbolizes not only her connection to love and aesthetics but also the importance of self-knowledge and inner beauty.
- Peacocks and Fans: Both are symbols of Ọ̀ṣun’s beauty and grace. Peacocks represent her elegance and allure, while fans are used in her rituals to cool, soothe, and show respect.
In the Yoruba/Cuban pantheon of gods and goddess, Oshun is represented as a beautiful, charming and coquettish young woman, often with long flowing dreadlocks. With Oshun there are no sensual repressions and inhibitions. She is a leader in Her father’s house. She is an independent woman, a matri-focal and androgynous matriarch.
Oshun is the divine patroness of the Osun River in Nigeria, which bears her name. Ọshun was adopted into Afro-Brazilian religions, retaining her role as the goddess of love, beauty, and waters, with the addition of power over wealth and prosperity. Followers seek help for romantic problems from Oshun; the orishá is also responsible for marriage and other relationships. As the orishá of financial life, she is also called the "Lady of Gold". This referred to copper at one time for being the most valuable metal of the time.
Oshun is worshiped at rivers and waterfalls, and more rarely, near mineral water sources. In Candomblé Bantu, Oshun is called Nkisi Ndandalunda, the Lady of Fertility and Moon. In Candomblé Ketu, Oshun is the deity of fresh water; the patron of gestation and fecundity; and receives the prayers of women who wish to have children and protect them during pregnancy. Osun also protects small children until they begin to speak; she is affectionately called "Mamãe" ("Mama") by her devotees.
Plants associated with Osun in Brazil are aromatic, sweet, and often yellow, reflecting the qualities of the Orisha. They include mints (Lamiacaea). Osun is associated with the folha-de-dez-réis (Hydrocotyle cybelleta), a plant of the pennywort family. Many species are brilliant yellow, reflecting Osun's association with gold and wealth.
Ozun is another major Orisha that is distinct from Oṣun, the latter who is also called "Oshun" and "Ochún" in the Santería religion of the Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico and Trinidad) brought over by Yoruba people during the transatlantic slave trade.
The Story of Oshun
Myths and Stories
The tales of Ọ̀ṣun illustrate her wisdom, her importance to the Yorùbá people, and her profound love for humanity. Here are some well-known stories about Ọ̀ṣun:
The Only Female among the Founders
According to Yorùbá mythology, Ọ̀ṣun was the only female among the original Òrìṣà sent by Olódùmarè (the Supreme God) to create the Earth. However, the male Òrìṣà disregarded her contributions, leading to failures in their mission. When they realized their error and sought her help, Ọ̀ṣun agreed and brought life and fertility to the Earth. This story emphasizes the importance of feminine energy and balance, as well as the strength and significance of Ọ̀ṣun’s presence.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria
The Story of Ọ̀ṣun and Ògún
One story recounts that when Ògún, the god of iron, retreated into the forest due to a dispute, the world fell into chaos. Only Ọ̀ṣun was able to lure him back with her beauty, kindness, and allure, restoring balance and harmony. This tale highlights her role as a harmonizer, capable of reconciling opposing forces and bringing peace to conflict.
Ọ̀ṣun and the Honey of Love
Another popular story tells of how Ọ̀ṣun used honey to heal and spread love. In one myth, she saved humanity by using honey to cure the other Òrìṣà when they were ill. This act led honey to become one of her offerings and symbols, representing sweetness, healing, and the power of love.
Oshun Goddess
Worship and Rituals
Ọ̀ṣun is beloved by her followers, who seek her guidance for issues related to love, fertility, and prosperity. Worshippers honor her with offerings, prayers, and rituals by rivers and bodies of water.
Offerings to Ọ̀ṣun
Offerings to Ọ̀ṣun reflect her love of beauty and sweetness. They often include:
- Honey: Ọ̀ṣun is known for her love of honey, which symbolizes sweetness and is used in many rituals to ask for blessings in love and health.
- Cinnamon and Perfumes: Known for her love of sensuality, Ọ̀ṣun is offered cinnamon, sweet-smelling perfumes, and other fragrances.
- Oranges and Other Fruits: Fresh fruit offerings, particularly oranges, are given to Ọ̀ṣun as symbols of fertility, abundance, and joy.
- Yellow Flowers and Candles: Yellow flowers and candles are placed at her altars to represent her colors and invite her presence.
Ọ̀ṣun’s Festival (Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo Festival)
The annual Ọ̀ṣun-Òṣogbo Festival, held in Ọ̀ṣogbo, Nigeria, is one of the largest celebrations of Ọ̀ṣun. Thousands of devotees gather at the sacred Ọ̀ṣun Grove by the river to honor her with dance, music, and ritual. During the festival, worshippers pray for fertility, prosperity, and health, and Ọ̀ṣun’s presence is believed to bless the river, bestowing blessings on those who participate.
Osun-Osogbo Festival
Symbols and Emblems
- Mirror: Symbolizing self-reflection, beauty, and love, it represents the way Ọ̀ṣun encourages us to look within for self-acceptance.
- Rivers and Water: Representing life, healing, and abundance, water is at the heart of Ọ̀ṣun’s worship.
- Gold and Jewels: These symbols reflect Ọ̀ṣun’s wealth, generosity, and the prosperity she brings.
- Honey: As a symbol of sweetness and healing, honey represents Ọ̀ṣun’s kindness and nurturing spirit.
Oshun Symbols
Oshun Ibu Ikole - Oshun the Vulture
This dimension of Oshun is (as was Isis of ancient Kemitic Egypt and the later Greek Diana) associated with Witches (Aje). Her symbols include the vulture, and the mortar and pestle (both of which are symbols of witchcraft). Witchcraft in Africa is a high science practised by a few who are fortunate enough to have the time and resources to acquire that science of life. It is said today that this power of witchraft is abused in today’s Africa. The craft is a neutral science that can be deployed to serve what ever ends. But a disciplined and well educated practitioner of the craft is a great help to whatever community he or she lives in.
Oshun Ololodi - Oshun, the diviner
Oshun is a particularly sensous goddess and has been associated with many lover and husbands. In her form of the diviner She is the wife or lover of Orunmila, the first prophet of Ifa divination. It is said that Oshun’s father Obatala the first of the among the Gods (similar to the Amen of New Testament Book of Revelations Chapter 1 verse 18. He bequeathed unto Her the secret of divination and mysticsm just live Kemitic Father Ra(s) bequeathed unto daughter Isis the secret of divination and mysticm. As such Oshun has the key and the secrets of Ifa, the fount of sacred wisdom. Oshun is then a synonym for Wisdom.
In the Old Testament Book of Proverbs Chapter 3 Verse 13 to 18, this beautiful praise of Oshun is embedded in the Bible under her Holy name Wisdom, or Sophia (the Greek goddess name used in the original Septuagint Greek New Testament Bible), which is of the same roots and essence as the Yoruba Ifa.
13. Happy is the man that findeth [wisdom/sophia] Osun, and the man that getteth understanding [of her arts and science].
14. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15. [She] Oshun is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
The Orisha Oshun
The Yoruba people inhabit the south-western part of modern day Nigeria and the southern part of Benin. Practitioners of traditional Yoruba religion believe in a pantheon of 401 gods (known as Orisha) who govern various aspects of the world and human life. Although Oshun (also spelt Osun) is regarded principally as a goddess of love, there are other aspects to this Orisha as well.
One of the most important roles that Oshun plays is that of the goddess of the sweet waters and the protective deity of the River Oshun in Nigeria. Alongside this river is a sacred grove, probably the last in Yoruba Culture, dedicated to Oshun.
Osun river at the Sacred Grove Of Oshun
Legend of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a dense forest on the outskirts of Osogbo town, western Nigeria. In the past, sacred groves were commonly found in areas where the Yoruba lived, and every town would have had one. Over time, these sacred groves were either abandoned or shrank in size, apart from the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
This sacred grove contains 40 shrines, 2 palaces, as well as many sculptures and works of art. Due to its unique status, the Osun-Osongbo Sacred Grove was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005.
There are some interesting tales linked to Oshun’s sacred grove. In one story, villagers from a nearby area were migrating in search of water and settled in along the river near the present town of Osogbo.
