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.[2] 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.
| Ọsanyìn | |
|---|---|
Herb, Plant, Matter, Nature, Herbalist, Magic, Civilization, Enlightenment | |
| Member of Orisha | |
 | |
| Other names | Osanyin Ni Baba Oogun |
| Venerated in | Yoruba religion, Umbanda, Candomble, Santeria, Haitian Vodou, Folk Catholicism |
| Major cult center | Olosanyin |
| Abodes | Forest and Air |
| World | Yorubaland |
| Weapon | Osanyin staff |
| Battles | |
| Animals | Bird |
| Symbol | Leaf, Herb |
| Adherents | Onishegun |
| Color | Green |
| Mount | Ekiti Mountain |
| Gender | Male |
| Region | Nigeria, Benin, Latin America |
| Ethnic group | Yoruba |
| Genealogy | |
| Siblings | Orunmila |
| Consort | Orunmila, Babalú-Ayé, Aroni, Sango, Aja |
| Children | 3, including Oogun |
References
edit- ^ Bay, Edna G. (2008). Asen, Ancestors, and Vodun: Tracing Change in African Art. University of Illinois Press. pp. 32–33. ISBN 978-0-252-03255-4. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ Adeoye, C. L. (1989). Ìgbàgbọ́ àti ẹ̀sìn Yorùba (in Yoruba). Ibadan: Evans Bros. Nigeria Publishers. pp. 214–219. ISBN 9781675098.