Oshun is the Yoruban goddess of Love and Beauty from West Africa. During the African Diaspora, when millions of Africans were transported to North America and the Caribbean Islands in the slave trade, she accompanied her people. Like them, she acquired new names: Oxum in Brazil, Ochun in Cuba, and Erzulie-Freda-Dahomey in Haiti. Everywhere she went, she inspired sensuality, love, fertility, and healing in her followers.

Celebrated in Africa as “the owner of the river,” she is a water goddess. Her movements are fluid, her influence transformative. Her appreciation of fine clothing, jewelry, and decoration comes from her love of beauty. Her taste for honey reflects the sweetness of love that she inspires, and the healing she brings. Her favorite color is yellow.

She has courage as well as beauty. When the world was still young, her people tired of serving Olodumare, Lord of Heaven, and turned from him. To punish them, Olodumare withheld rain. A terrible drought afflicted the Earth, and people began to starve. Repenting of their rebellion, they begged for forgiveness. But Olodumare’s kingdom in heaven was so high above them, that none of the birds they sent to plead their cause reached him.

Oshun, disguised as a beautiful peacock, offered to make the journey. Everyone laughed. How could such a pampered creature make a flight that had defeated their strongest birds? Desperation forced them to accept her offer.

Oshun flew toward the sun where Olodumare lived. As she drew closer, its flames seared the crown off her head, and burned her lovely feathers black. When she reached Olodumare, her beauty had perished. Bald, stooped, hunchbacked with pain, she had turned into an ugly vulture.

Olodumare admired her spirit. He healed her wounds, and sent her back to her people with rain. He named her honored Messenger of the House of Olodumare.

Another myth tells how Oshun danced to draw Ogun, the fierce blacksmith who helped create the world, out from his retreat in the forest. The sweetness of the honey she smeared on his lips as he watched her, and the beauty of her body, induced him to return to the work of creation.

Oshun’s unique combination of beauty, love and courage, has empowered millions. An affirmation dedicated to her says:

“I am the honey-sweet voice of the waters.
I am the flowing of a woman’s skirts as she dances her life.”

Celebrate her dancing spirit and bold heart! Cherish the sweetness of love that she encourages.