Oshun

Oshun is an Orisha, originally of the Yoruba religion, who has become prominent in many Afro-American and Latin religions. Africans brought Oshun and a host of other deities, and energy forces in nature with them when they were brought to the shores of the Americas as captives. Oshun is the force of harmony. Harmony we see as beauty, feel as love, and experience as ecstasy. She reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy. In Cuban Santeria, Oshun is an Orisha of love, maternity and marriage. She has been syncretized with La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, (Our Lady of Charity), Cuba's patron saint. This makes Oshun especially dear to Cubans, who celebrate her feast day on September 8th as a major holiday. She is associated with the color yellow, metals gold and copper, peacock feathers, mirrors, and anything of beauty.

Simply Divine: Oshun

Oshun is part of my "Simply Divine" series, and is available over at my CafePress Shop. Oshun's magnificent peacock is available in two colors over in the Nature section.