15 amazing facts about Oya ( Divinity of wind)


Oya, the divinity of wind has facts that I really like about her. Have you get to know Oya? If not below are 15 amazing facts about this great divinity.


1: Oya is said to be the wife of Sango (divinity of thunder) and his favorite wife because of her affinity with Sango.
2: She is also once the wife of Ogun ( divinity of metal and creativity) according to Ifa's sacred odu.
3: She possessed the power of fire while her husband, Sango possessed the power of rain.
4: She is not an Irunmole but an Òrìsà.
5: Some Babalawo are of the opinion that Oya is not are real name but ÀRÀKÁ it is.
6: Oya is a restless, tempestuous, impatient and extremely powerful òrìsà.
7: She is quick at meeting out justice to offenders and she is quick to anger.
8: Inspite of all this (6-7) however, she is a very honest and devoted.
9: She is highly principled and does not tolorete undisciplined behavior, dishonesty or cheating of any sort.
10: While on earth, Oya gave birth to nine children this led to people  calling her "ÌYA- NSAN" (mother of nine).
11: Oya is associated with the stream or river. In fact, the River Niger is named "ODÒ-OYA" (Oya's river) after her.
12: Her symbols are:
      • a pair of Buffalo horn
      • Edun Ara Oya (Oya's thunder stone).
      • designed and decorated switch
      • pot filled with water  known as "BÙMU OYA"
      • Beads, known as "KELE OYA"
      • Calabash with cover plus a coarse hand woven cloth known as "LÀBÀ OYA".
13: Some of her praise names are:
• Obinrin to tori Ogun da irungbon si ( the war like woman that grows beard)
• Oya òrìrì ( Oya the visible terror)
• Alégéngée  obinrin ( a tall and elegant woman)
• Oya ó dówò fun wa ( Oya we beseech you, protect us)
• Oya a ríná bora  bi aso ( Oya who covers herself with apron of fire)
14: Oya feeding materials are:
        •Goat
        •Kolanut
        •Liquor
        • Hen, Duck, Pig (female)
        • Mashed yam with palm oil, corn pudding, honey comb, cotton wool, okro leaves.
15: Taboos include: Palm kernel oil, sheep( ram/ewe), Dog.
NB: Ram or ewe must not be used to feed Oya, in fact the hair must stay away from the shrine.

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