Yesterday I went to the Osun Veneration held at a nearby park. I don’t know much about Osun, Yemaya, and Oya but it was an amazing learning experience. First we listened to some amazing singing by the Sahara Peace Choir. It was like a mix of African rhythms and gospel. Very moving and energetic, even when it was a slow piece. Then the High Priestess spoke. She explained that Osun was like the woman who attracted the man, Yemaya is the woman who keeps the man, and Oya is the wise woman later in life, and all three are a water Goddess. Much like the triple goddess aspect of Maiden, Mother, and Crone. But it had a voodoo aspect where it could be incorporated with any tradition including the abrahamic religions.

Mother Grove Temple was on hand to put together an Orisa altar. One side, dressed in yellow, was for Osun. The other side, dressed in blue, was for Yemaya. I didn’t get pics of Yemaya’s altar but I did get a pic of the Osun side.

We did a beautiful job! In the center on the tray are small vials of honey with a pearl inside. We were asking for donation for those to give to the Zamani Refuge organization to help our sister city of Osogbo, Nigeria. I got a vial and had Molly take it to the High Priestess to get blessed. Then she offered about a quarter of the vial into the river as thanks to Osun.  We also offered handfuls of popcorn into the river as prayer and thanks to Osun.

After that came the drumming. Oh how I wish you all could have been there for that. It simply was amazing! Honestly, words cannot describe the powerful energy that was flowing from the drumming, clapping, and people dancing. I did get some video of the drumming, by then the rain had stopped which was a wonderful blessing! Anyhow here are the video’s I shot. I recommend if you can go to an honoring of Osun, please do so. You won’t regret it!

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