What does Obatala symbolize?

What does Obatala symbolize?

A saint among saints and the archetypal spirit of creativity, Obatala has been carried to many cultures of the New World, where for centuries he has been honored as the patron of children, childbirth, albinos, and anyone with a birthmark. In the New World as in the Old it is said, “Obatala marks his children.”

What are the powers of Obatala?

He possesses superior strength to all other Orisha, until he bestowed that power upon his eldest son and successor, King Shango. At his peak, Obatala possessed sufficient strength to lift 100 tons in his physical prime. He was also able to augment his strength beyond 100+ tons by tapping into the Spirit of Olorun.

Is Obatala a woman?

Obatala does not have a permanent gender. He is androgynous. He is married to Yemaya, the goddess of oceans and the godmother of Orishas. Free of gender, however, Obatala could be male, female, or neither.

What is the story of Obatala?

Obatala was the creator. In the beginning, the earth was water. Olodumare, the supreme being and sky god, summoned Obatala (Orisa-nla), charging him with the first act of creation—the making of land. Obatala descended to earth with a hen with five toes, a pigeon, and a calabash containing a piece of dry soil.

What is Obatala day?

Obatala is often found in churches, libraries, universities, mountains, forest and the military. His number is 8 and his feast day is the 24th of September. His tool is a horsetail fly whisk.

Who are the orishas in the Church of Obatala?

Obatalá’s Caminos (Avatars or “Roads”) The name “Obatala” is actually a title of honor that means “King of the White Cloth (or caul)”, and there are many orishas that are called “obatala”. These various orishas are the roads of avatars of Obatala within Santeria.

Who is the king of the orishas in Santeria?

Our church’s shrine for the orisha Obatala Obamoro. Obatalá (also spells Obbatala or Obatala) is the eldest of the orishas in Santeria and king of the religion in orun (heaven). He is also the father of many of the orishas and as such is given great respect and deference by the other orishas in matters of great importance.

Who is the male orisha of the Rays?

Ayaguna is a male Obatala very similar to the Orisha of the rays, Shango. He is a warrior, fearless and combative and carries a cane. This Obbatalá is the son of Oshagriñán and king of Ketú who was a powerful quarrelsome warrior, a friend of gossiping and drinking. But he is also a great rider and can fight mounted.

Who is the woman in the road of Obatala?

Obatalá has all the secrets related to spirits and has knowledge of Egyptian practices. It is near the head of those who are dying. On this road, Obatalá is a woman and the owner of the road lights. It represents drunkards and lives in a jar covered with shells.

What does Obatala symbolize? A saint among saints and the archetypal spirit of creativity, Obatala has been carried to many cultures of the New World, where for centuries he has been honored as the patron of children, childbirth, albinos, and anyone with a birthmark. In the New World as in the Old it is said,…