About ORISHÁ OSHÓSSI

Orishá Oshóssi, also known as Ochosi or Oxóssi, is a significant figure in the Yoruba religion and its diasporic forms such as Candomblé and Santería. He is revered for his roles as a skilled hunter and protector, and his influence extends to various aspects of life, nature, and the spiritual world.

Oshóssi's influence extends beyond his roles as a hunter and protector. He embodies qualities such as agility, cunning, wisdom, and an appreciation for the arts, making him a multifaceted orishá with a profound impact on the lives of his devotees.

BOOKS ABOUT ORISHÁS - ENGLISH

About the ORISHÁ

Roles and
Influence

Deity of Hunting: Oshóssi is known for his exceptional hunting skills, accuracy, and profound knowledge of the forest.
Protector of Wildlife and Forests: He guards animals and the natural environment, ensuring the balance and preservation of wildlife and ecosystems.
Provider of Food and Sustenance: As a deity of hunting, Oshóssi is responsible for providing food through successful hunting expeditions.
Guide in the Wilderness: He assists and leads individuals safely through unfamiliar terrains.
Patron of Archers and Hunters: Oshóssi is the patron of those engaged in hunting and related activities.
Spirit of Justice and Truth: He is associated with fairness and upholds moral values in hunting practices.
Guardian of Boundaries: Oshóssi protects sacred spaces of the forest and the realms of the orishas.
Patron of Seekers and Explorers: He is revered by those seeking spiritual guidance and those on quests for knowledge and self-discovery.
Symbol of Focus and Determination: Represents qualities necessary for successful hunting and navigating life's challenges.
Connector with Ancestors and Spirits: Facilitates communication with ancestors, spirits, and other orishas, fostering spiritual connections.
Spiritual Mentor: His role as a connector with ancestors and spirits highlights his importance in spiritual guidance and connection to the divine.
Symbol of Art and Culture: Oshóssi's connection to the arts signifies the value of creativity, expression, and appreciation of beauty in life.
Embodiment of Knowledge and Wisdom: He represents the pursuit of knowledge, both practical and philosophical, encouraging continuous learning and expansion of horizons.
Advocate of Justice and Fairness: His association with justice and truth underscores the importance of ethical conduct and fairness in personal and communal life.
Patron of Workers and Seekers: Oshóssi is a patron for those who work diligently, especially in fields connected to nature and exploration, as well as for those seeking spiritual and personal growth.
Influence on Health and Healing: His connection to the respiratory system indicates his role in health and healing, particularly in ailments related to this system.

Characteristics and Symbolism

Symbols: Bow and arrow, two leather bags.
Colors: Light green, turquoise blue.
Natural Places: Bush.
Flowers: Meadow flowers.
Essences: Rosemary.
Stones: Turquoise, aquamarine.
Metal: Associated with bronze and brass.
Health: Connected to the respiratory system.
Planet: Venus.
Weekday: Thursday.
Element: Forests, farmland.
Chakra: Sacral chakra.
Animals/Offerings: Pig, ram, armadillo, turtle, rooster, dove, guinea fowl.
Plants: Various, including rosemary and amaranth.
Foods and Drinks: Includes fruits, roasted cowpeas, cooked corn with coconut, white wine.
Number: 6.
Commemoration Days: Corpus Christi, April 23rd, January 20th.
Syncretism: St. Sebastian.
Manifestations: Various forms and manifestations.
Incompatibilities: Honey, mandarin, animal head, checkered clothing, egg.
Title: King of the Forest, Lord of Hunting, Lord of Ketú Candomblé.

Key Manifestations (Aspects)

Oshóssi manifests in various forms, including

Odé (some consider do be his father)
Inlé (some consider to be a distinct Orishá)
Inlé (or Erinlé) - Odé cult originated on the banks of the Erinlé River. He is a young elephant hunter connected to the ancestral gods. He is the son of Oshaguiã and Yemanjá. Connected Orishás: Oshaguiã, Yemanjá, Ogunjá, and Oshum Ikolé.
Ajenipapô (or Oluerê) - One of the oldest Odés; associated with the spirits of ancestors and the magical beings of the forest. Connected Orishás: Oduduwá, Iyami Osorongá.
Akuerã - Lord of abundance; he lives in the deepest part of the forests and has many relationships with birds. Connected Orishás: Ossaim and Oshumarê.
Arolê - Lord of abundant hunting, a young and agile hunter. Odé is associated with the royal power of Ketu. Connected with deer and swift animals.Connected Orishás: Ogum and Oshun.
Danadana - Odé is also connected to the spirits of the forest and the ancestors. He has no fear of the Egun - the ancestors - or death. Connected Orishás: Oshumarê, Oyá, Eshu, Egum, and Ossaim.
Gongobila (Bantu) - Related to Lembaranganga and Quissimbi. He is a powerful son of Olorum. He is a hunter not only in the physical sense but also in the moral, spiritual, and psychological sense.
Ibualamo - Odé refers to the depths of rivers and streams that flow into the forests. He is the father of Logun-Edé and the husband of Oshum Ipondá. Connected Orishás: Oshum Ipondá, Logun-Edé, and Omolu Azoani.
Ibuná (or Ogunlodê) - He is the Oshóssi of the palms.
Infami - Funfun Odé. Wears only white and eats Abadô. Connected Orishás: Oshaguiã and Oshalufã.
Inkulé (Odé Oni Kulé) - Odé connected to the mountains and plateaus. He receives his offerings at the top of the hills. Connected Orishás: Shangô and Oshaguiã.
Karê - Odé connected to the water sources. Connected to love, beauty, and wealth. U Connected Orishás: Oshum Karê, Logun-Edé, Oshalás.
Koifé - Mysterious Odé, very rare and connected to the inner parts of the forests. Connected Orishás: Ossaim.
Mutalambô (Bantu) - Connected to Aluvaiá.
Oreluerê/Oluerê or Onipapô - one of Odudua's companions upon his arrival on Earth (Aiê). He is considered the first Odé to roam the world, getting to know it and giving his assurance that the Earth is suitable as a dwelling for gods and humans.
Otí - a war Odé who receives his offerings together with Ogum.
Otim - Warrior Odé, hunter of large and wild animals. Very present quality. Connected Orishás: Ogum.
Walé or Alê - Another old and somewhat rough aspect of Oxóssi, closely connected to male strength, with aversion to female power. He avoids the presence of female Orishás. Connected Orishás: Eshu and Ogum.
Wawá - He is a Funfun hunter of arrows and bows from the plains, very old and related to the Orishás of creation. Connected Orishás: Oshalá.
Ygbô (or Ossewê) - Odé connected to the inner parts of the forests. In the myths, he is the Odé enchanted by Ossaim. Highly connected to leaves and their magical power. Connected Orishás: Ossaim.