Deep Knowledge

Òrìṣà Encyclopedia

The Òrìṣà are the divine forces of the Yorùbá universe — each governing an aspect of nature and human life, served as pathways to Olódùmarè, the Supreme Being.

White

Ọbàtálá

Creation, Purity & Wisdom

The senior Òrìṣà, sculptor of human bodies from clay. Ọbàtálá represents purity, ethics, calm wisdom, patience, and human dignity. Robed in white, his power flows from character rather than force. Read the full profile →

Red & White

Ṣàngó

Thunder, Lightning & Justice

A legendary Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ who became the Òrìṣà of thunder. Ṣàngó embodies power, virility, and fierce justice. His double-headed axe (ọ̀ṣẹ́) and the bàtá drum are his emblems. Read the full profile →

Gold & Yellow

Ọ̀ṣun

Rivers, Love, Fertility & Wealth

Òrìṣà of fresh water, beauty, love, and prosperity — soft yet formidable. Ọ̀ṣun embodies feminine power, diplomacy, and healing. Her sacred grove at Òṣogbo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read the full profile →

Green & Black

Ògún

Iron, War, Labour & Technology

The Òrìṣà of iron, tools, and clearing the path — master of the forge and patron of blacksmiths, hunters, warriors, and today drivers and engineers. Ògún embodies the dignity of labour and the power to transform the world through work. Read the full profile →

Blue & White

Yemọja

Motherhood & the Waters

The great mother Òrìṣà — 'Mother of Fish' — of rivers in Yorùbáland and the ocean across the diaspora. Yemọja is the nurturing, protective source of life, guardian of women and children, revered as Yemayá and Iemanjá worldwide. Read the full profile →

Deep Red & Gold

Ọya

Winds, Storms & Transformation

Warrior goddess of winds, storms, and the Niger River, and guardian of the gateway between life and death. Ọya, companion of Ṣàngó, is a fierce force of change, courage, and feminine leadership who sweeps away the old to make room for the new. Read the full profile →

Black & Red

Èṣù

The Crossroads & Divine Messenger

The messenger who carries prayers and offerings between humans and the Òrìṣà, and the keeper of the crossroads and àṣẹ. Èṣù embodies choice, change, and consequence — not evil, but the reminder that every path has a cost. Read the full profile →

Green & Yellow

Ọ̀rúnmìlà

Wisdom, Destiny & Ifá

The Òrìṣà of wisdom and divination, witness to each soul's chosen destiny. Ọ̀rúnmìlà is the voice of Ifá — a UNESCO-recognised system of 256 Odù, sacred poetry, mathematics, and ethics carried in living memory. Read the full profile →

Blue & Green

Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì

The Hunt & the Forest

The Divine Hunter — Òrìṣà of hunting, the forest, tracking, precision, provision, and protection. Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì embodies focus, patience, and the specialised knowledge of the wilderness. Read the full profile →

Earth tones

Ọbalúayé

Earth, Disease, Healing & Renewal

The Òrìṣà of the earth, illness, and healing — feared and deeply respected. Also called Ṣọ̀pọ̀nná, Ọ̀mọlú, or Babalúayé, he governs epidemics and their cure, teaching humility, compassion, and the possibility of renewal. Read the full profile →

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