Oshun: Ifa and The Spirit of the River

by Awo Falokun Fatunmbi

Oshun is the Spirit of the river in the West African religious tradition called Ifá. The word Oshun is the name given to describe a complex convergence of Spiritual Forces that are key elements in the Ifá concept of fertility and the erotic. Those Spiritual Forces that form the foundation of Oshun’s in the Spirit Realm relate to the Creation of new forms through the interaction between polar opposites. According to Ifá, Creation occurs through the polarity between the Forces of expansion and contraction. Together these Forces create light and darkness, which in turn sustains and defines all that is. Ifá scripture often refers to Forces of expansion as "Orisha Okunrin", which means "Male Spirit" and to Forces of contraction as "Orisha Obinrin", which means "Female Spirit". Both forms of Spiritual Power are considered of equal importance in the evolution of all that exists. One is not better than the other because it is only through the balance of opposites that life comes into Being. This title is part of a series of eight booklets about the Orisha by Awo Fá’ Lokun Fátunmbi. Please feel free to write us and tell us which of the Orisha you would like to know more about.

Genres: Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 1993

About the author

Awo Baba Falokun Fatunmbi (born David Wilson) is a babalawo, initiate of Ifá, who at the age of 38 visited Nigeria with the purpose of studying the Yoruba traditions Ifa Orisa. Baba got the initiation in Ifa in Ode Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria in Ile Ogunti Ode Remo. For 25 years Baba has been traveling around Nigeria, collecting little by little the Ifa knowledge. His main teacher became Adebolu Fatunmise, who was initiated at the age of 7 in Ifa (Kekere Awo – a young Babalawo).

Reviews

[Jay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an empowering read for anyone looking to intentionally strengthen their relationship with the beautiful Oshun, Goddess of Sweet Waters and Ifá Spirit of the River. I really loved receiving this introduction on the history, traditions, customs, and spiritual practices of the Ifá religion and Yoruba culture. You will not only learn of Oshun, but gain further appreciation and perspective on Divine Feminine Power as well as other practical lessons related to the energy of Oshun.

Asé Ori YeYe O!!!!!

[Julio R. Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, and I learned quite a lot just from the first chapter. This book is only 20 pages, but it has very interesting information regarding the deity Oshun, the rituals and the religion of the Yoruba peoples. It is definitively not to read in one sitting, but to pace yourself through chapters. One of the important messages is that there are some secrets shared with initiates that are not to be disclosed because sharing them is taboo. This relates to certain rules and commandments of other religions that also impose taboos, like worshiping more than one god/goddess, praying to an image/statue, etc., and also explains the secrecy and mystery around some of these sects and religions. Also, the religion of Ifa and the Yoruba is harmony based, not male or female centric, matriarchal or patriarchal, with a superior god or goddess.

[Bri Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend reading this book first to get a better understanding of Ifa and the Orisha of Oshun. This book explains more of the religion and then the incorporation of Oshun.