African Spirituality and Tradition Archives - Page 2 of 8 - Monique Joiner SiedlakMonique Joiner Siedlak

April 1, 2023
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/ by Monique Joiner-Siedlak /
Filed in: African Spirituality and Tradition, Ethnic and Spiritual Growth
Tagged as: all the orisha, are orishas gods, deity of transformation, history of the orishas, how to pray to the orishas, the orisha elegua, the orisha gods, the orisha of transformation, the orishas gods

The Orisha of Transformation

Elegba (Legba, Esu, or Eshu) is the messenger god who presides over crossroads, doorways, and transformation. He is a protective, benevolent spirit who serves Ifa, the chief god, as a messenger between heaven and Earth. Elegba also stands for change and uncertainty.

Story of Elegba
Elegba is a trickster who is unpredictable, sly, and fond of pranks. He became a messenger god because he tricked the High God, who was then living on Earth. Due to his tricks, the High God decided to reside in the heavens and ordered Elegba to fly to him through the sky every night and report everything that happened back on Earth. Because of his trickster characteristics, he is often paired with Ifa, the God of Order.

March 1, 2023
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Filed in: African Spirituality and Tradition, Ethnic and Spiritual Growth
Tagged as: aganju and oshun, aganju mythology, aganju offerings, aganju orisha, aganju orisha colors, aganju orisha offerings, aganju: the orisha of volcanoes, orisha of volcanoes, the seven orishas, volcano orisha

Aganju: the Orisha of Volcanoes

According to Yoruba mythology, Aganju is the Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness, and the earth. He is associated with Saint Christopher and is believed to be the third Orisha said to have come to earth and is an Orisha of great antiquity.
In the Yoruba areas of Nigeria and the Benin Republic, Aganju is known as a revered warrior king from Shaki town in the present-day Oyo State of Nigeria. Aganju was said to walk with a sword and to fight by shooting fire.

February 1, 2023
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Filed in: African Spirituality and Tradition, Holidays
Tagged as: african american history month facts, black history month african american, celebrating african american history month, history of african american history month, observations on how attitudes about african american, observing black history month, the african american family, women's history month african american

Observing African American History Month with your Family

African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, is observed in February to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It is a time to reflect on the African American community’s struggles and triumphs and educate ourselves and others about the important role African Americans have played in shaping our nation.

January 1, 2023
/ Comments Off on The Yoruba God of Wisdom
/ by Monique Joiner-Siedlak /
Filed in: African Spirituality and Tradition, Ethnic and Spiritual Growth
Tagged as: Babalawos, God of Wisdom, Ifa Yoruba religion, Orisha Figures of The Yoruba, Yoruba Ifa

The Yoruba God of Wisdom

In the Yoruba Ifa religion, Orunmila is the God of Wisdom. In terms of Ifa, he is perhaps the most revered divination god. Orunmila is the most frequently invoked Orisa in the Ifa Yoruba religion. Olodumare bestows infinite wisdom on Orunmila, allowing her to foretell, predict, and read human minds and thoughts. He was the only Orisha permitted to witness Olorun’s creation of the universe and bears witness to our destinies. Eleri Ipin, or in other words, “Witness to Destiny in its Creation,” is derived from this. His priests, known as Babalawos or “Fathers of the Secrets,” must devote their lives to divination and the associated arts.

December 26, 2022
/ Comments Off on The Orisha of Herbs: Osanyin
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Filed in: African Spirituality and Tradition, Ethnic and Spiritual Growth
Tagged as: history of osanyin, osanyin african god, osanyin colors, osanyin god, osanyin healer, osanyin healing herbs, osanyin orisha, osanyin yoruba

The Orisha of Herbs: Osanyin

Osanyin refers to a lesser god credited with all knowledge of herbs, leaves, and roots for medicinal purposes. Osanyin is missing a leg, and an arm lost as punishment from all the other orishas when he attempted to conquer the world with magical domination. He is also blind in one eye. He has one arm and one leg that he lost as punishment from all the other orishas when he attempted to conquer the world with magical domination. Osanyin is a divine herbalist who knows all of the earth’s botanical secrets.