A prominent deity in the Yoruba religion, which originated in West Africa and is still practiced today in various forms throughout the African diaspora. Oshun is considered one of the most powerful and beloved Orishas (gods and goddesses) in the Yoruba pantheon. Oshun is associated with a range of attributes, including love, beauty, fertility, prosperity, and healing.

In Yoruba mythology, Oshun is believed to be the goddess of the sweet waters, such as rivers, streams, and springs. She is often depicted as a beautiful and seductive woman adorned in vibrant yellow garments, with flowing hair and carrying a mirror, a fan, or a gourd filled with honey. Her symbols include gold, peacock feathers, seashells, and the number five.

Oshun is known for her sensuality and captivating beauty, which is believed to attract lovers and bring joy and pleasure to those who honor her. Oshun is also revered as a wise and compassionate healer, providing remedies for ailments and helping individuals overcome difficulties in their lives. She is particularly associated with issues related to women, childbirth, and the enhancement of feminine qualities.

Devotees of Oshun often seek her blessings for matters of the heart, including romantic relationships, marriage, and fertility. She is considered a patroness of artists and musicians, believed to inspire creativity and artistic expression. Oshun is also associated with wealth and abundance, and her devotees may seek her assistance in matters of financial success and prosperity.

Rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Oshun vary, but they often involve offerings of sweets, fruits, flowers, and other items associated with her domains. These offerings are made to honor and appease her, and to seek her favor and blessings. Oshun is also known for her love of dance and music, and devotees may engage in lively celebrations, including singing, drumming, and dancing in her honor.

Oshun’s influence extends beyond the Yoruba religion and has been embraced by various cultures and spiritual traditions around the world. She is often associated with other deities and figures, such as Aphrodite, Venus, and Our Lady of Charity, reflecting the syncretic nature of African diasporic religions.

Weapons

Oshun is not typically associated with weapons. Oshun is primarily known for her attributes related to love, beauty, fertility, and healing. She is often depicted with symbols such as a mirror, a fan, or a gourd filled with honey, which represent her divine qualities and powers.

If there are instances where Oshun is depicted with a weapon, it would likely be a symbolic representation rather than a conventional weapon of war. For example, in some artistic interpretations, Oshun may be depicted holding a sword or a staff, but these representations are relatively uncommon and may vary depending on regional or individual interpretations.

Family

Oshun is considered to be one of the Orishas, the deities or spirits that hold various aspects of nature and human life. As such, she is believed to be a member of the divine family of Orishas. While the specific genealogy and relationships among the Orishas can vary across different Yoruba traditions and stories, there are a few commonly recognized connections involving Oshun:

• Oshun is often considered to be one of the children of Olodumare, the supreme deity in the Yoruba pantheon. Olodumare is believed to be the creator of the universe and the source of all life.
• Oshun is sometimes portrayed as a sister or companion of other important Orishas, particularly Shango, the god of thunder and lightning, and Oya, the goddess of winds, storms, and the cemetery. Their exact relationship is complicated and depends on the myth. Sometimes Oya and Oshun are the wives of Shango, sometimes Oya and Oshun are considered sisters. 

Pivatol Moment

One of the most well-known stories is the tale of Oshun and the Creation of the World. According to this myth, after the supreme deity Olodumare created the universe, there was a period of chaos and disorder. Olodumare then summoned the Orishas to bring order to the world and assigned each of them specific roles and responsibilities.

In this narrative, Oshun played a significant role in the restoration of balance and harmony. It is said that when the Orishas gathered to discuss how they would fulfill their duties, Oshun proposed that they seek wisdom and divine power from Olodumare by performing a ritual. She suggested that they offer sacrifices and sing, dance, and make music to please Olodumare.

Oshun’s idea was embraced, and the Orishas followed her guidance. They created a beautiful and elaborate celebration, filled with joy, dance, and music. Oshun led the way, using her beauty, charm, and sensuality to captivate and inspire the other Orishas.

Their collective efforts and the power of Oshun’s suggestion pleased Olodumare. In response, Olodumare granted the Orishas their divine authority and endowed them with specific powers and responsibilities over different aspects of nature and human life. This event marked the establishment of the Orishas’ roles and their active involvement in maintaining order and balance in the world.