African Religious Beliefs

African Religious Beliefs

Oshun (Osun)

The Yoruba deity

Oshun, is an orisha (deity) of the Yoruba people of South Western Nigeria. Oshun is commonly called the river 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 goddesses, and, like other orishas or goddesses possesses human attributes such as vanity, jealousy, and as such can also get angry.

In most Yoruba stories, Oshun is generally presented as the protector, saviour, or care provider. Oshun has also been portrayed as the maintainer of spiritual balance and as a motherly figure.

In Yoruba Mythology, Oshun is highlighted as an important figure in the creation of human beings. The Story of Creation among the Yorubas  which they believe to be true states that the gods were sent by Olodumare, who is considered to be the Supreme God, to populate the Earth. Oshun was one of the original 17 gods sent to Earth, and the only female deity. The other gods who were all male, failed at their attempts to revive and populate the Earth. Realizing that they were not able to complete the task given to them by Olodumare the Supreme Being, they persuaded Oshun to help them. Oshun agreed and succeeded in bringing life back to Earth. Yorbas believe that humanity and other species were brought into existence through her sweet and powerful waters. According to the Yoruba myth, humanity would not exist if Oshun, the goddess of life and fertility, had not acted.

Read the revealing story of Oshun the Yoruba goddess of the river on Afro Cultural Hub  

Visit us at afroculturalhub.com/african-religious-practices

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