Where Do We Come From? The Creation Story According to Ifá
With over 20 years of experience in the Yoruba spiritual path and formal training in Cuba, the babalao discusses his outreach work started in 2017 through the "Yoruba Spirituality" podcast, a platform dedicated to sharing the Orisha traditions and Ifá philosophy with a wider audience.
Òrúnmìlà: The Man, the Orisha, and the Worldview
In it, she explores the similarities and differences between Socrates and Òrúnmìlà, an orisha and philosophical figure in Yoruba culture.
Yoruba mythology
In Yoruba mythology, the Great Flood is a significant event that marks a divine intervention by the Orishas, the gods of Yoruba culture.
Olorun summoned Obatala, one of the Orishas, and tasked him with creating solid ground so that humanity and all other living things could inhabit the earth.
However, as human beings multiplied, they became increasingly disrespectful toward the Orishas.
The Orishas, who were guardians and intermediaries between Olorun and the earth, grew dismayed at humanity's lack of reverence.
He called upon Olokun, the Orisha of the sea, to unleash her waters and cleanse the earth of its impurities.
It is said that the flood lasted for many days, and only those who sought refuge with the Orishas survived.
Some versions of the story recount how the Orisha Orunmila, the deity of wisdom and divination, helped guide a few faithful individuals to safety.
Orunmila used his divinatory powers to teach the survivors how to live righteously and in harmony with the Orishas.
Humanity was reminded of the importance of respecting both the Orishas and the natural world.
Yoruba Religion
The Yoruba belief system has also given rise to several religions in the New World, including Santería, Umbanda, Trinidad Orisha, and Candomblé.
The Orisha (Yoruba: Òrìṣà) are deities that reflect the manifestations of Olodumare.
Orisha are venerated across Yorubaland, even influencing neighboring cultural groups.
In total, there are said to be 400 plus 1 Orisha.
The Ajogun represent destructive or malevolent forces, counterbalancing the Orisha.
Abel: Ruler of water and earth
Yemoja (Yoruba) - Orisha goddess of the Ogun River and mother of all other Orishas.