Sango (Shango or Chango) is a prominent and respectable Orisha within many African spiritual practices. He is one of the ancestral fathers and Orishas of the Yorubas. However, devotees also venerate this deity within other diasporic traditions practiced in the Americas and other parts of the world. As a highly revered deity of thunder and … Continue reading Sango in the Ifa Religion
The Orisha Ogun appears in several traditional African belief systems throughout the diaspora. However, he is most notable as the elemental deity of iron in the Ifa tradition. Ogun was believed to be a warrior and a powerful spirit of metalwork (blacksmith) during his time on earth. Likewise, he is well known for rum-making in … Continue reading Ogun in the Ifa Religion
Oshun, sometimes spelled Osun, is another Orisha of the Ifa tradition practiced in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and other parts of the world. Popularly known as the river goddess Oshun’s link to water, love, purity, fruitfulness, and fertility are vital to her essence. As one of the most potent Orishas, Oshun also embodies human traits like jealousy, … Continue reading Oshun in the Ifa Religion
Oshunmare, also spelled Oshumare or Osumare, is another Orisha in the Ifa religion. Oshunmare signifies the "rainbow" or the coming together of heaven and earth. The origins of the worship of this deity can be traced back to the Yewa realm of African heritage. Several religions describe Oshunmare as having a feminine and masculine essence. … Continue reading Oshunmare in the Ifa Religion
Obatala, known as Orisa Nla, is an orisha in the traditional African religion of Ifa. According to Yoruba mythology, he is the Sky Father and the maker of human bodies brought to life by Olodumare's calm breath. This deity is the most ancient of all orishas in this African religion. Olodumare gave Obatala permission to … Continue reading Obatala in the Ifa Religion
Orishas are deities or spirits in African traditional religions. They live within and around us. Like humans, they have distinct personalities with strengths and weaknesses of their own. Your head Orisha is one of the most important personal deities according to the Ifa religion and other diasporic traditions. Many other deities work with you, but … Continue reading Who is Your Head Orisha?
The Hand of Ifa or Isefa in the Yoruba language is a set of consecrated ikin dedicated to Orunmila. This is the first sacred Orisha pot or icon that devotees receive during an Isefa ceremony. Typically Ifa devotees receive 21 ikins for Orunmila and one icon for Eshu. Eshu, the messenger Orisha, always gets the … Continue reading Hand of Ifa (Isefa)
Ileke beads, sometimes referred to as Ifa or Orisha beads, are a type of beaded jewelry that can be found in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The word ileke means "bead" in the Yoruba language. Seeds, beans, and stones are kneaded together to form these elaborate fetishes. The beadwork is created by stringing together … Continue reading Ileke Beads in the Ifa Tradition