Ọsanyìn Explained

Type:Yoruba
Member Of:Orisha
Venerated In:Yoruba religion, Umbanda, Candomble, Santeria, Haitian Vodou, Folk Catholicism
Deity Of:Herb, Plant, Matter, Nature, Herbalist, Magic, Civilization, Enlightenment
Color:Green
Cult Center:Olosanyin
Abodes:Forest and Air
Animals:Bird
Other Names:Osanyin Ni Baba Oogun
World:Yorubaland
Weapon:Osanyin staff
Adherents:Onishegun
Gender:Male
Mount:Ekiti Mountain
Symbols:One-eyed, One-armed, One-legged
Battles:
Region:Nigeria, Benin, Latin America
Ethnic Group:Yoruba
Consort:Orunmila, Babalú-Ayé, Aroni, Sango, Aja
Symbol:Leaf, Herb
Siblings:Orunmila
Children:3, including Oogun

Ọsanyin (Yoruba: Ọ̀sanyìn, rendered Osaín/Ossain/Ossaím in Latin America, Ague (Age) in Fon)[1] is the orisha who had the omniscient knowledge of leaf, herb and matter. He is also known for healing and displaying magic and creating technological tools, and is popularly considered as a herbalist, magician, and technologist. He is the creator of Onishegun. Osanyin is known as a powerful wizard and master of all spells and crafts found in the wild and untamed areas of nature. In America, he is syncretized with Saint Joseph. Osanyin is described as embodying the features of leaf and herb, representing healing, curse, magic, knowledge, and many other attributes found within leaf and herb.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Bay . Edna G. . Asen, Ancestors, and Vodun: Tracing Change in African Art . 2008 . University of Illinois Press . 978-0-252-03255-4 . 32–33 . 18 September 2023 . en.