General Meaning of Orunmilá

Orunmilá is known to be the chief advisor to all other existing Orixás. Ifá is under his responsibility, which is the divination system used for consultations with the Orixás.

Because of this, he is considered as the great knower of destiny of all people, because he has access to this system. Orunmilá is an entity of great importance and has been present on Earth since the moment of its creation and also the emergence of humanity.

Worshiped in both Umbanda and Candomblé, Orunmilá has the power of intuition and clairvoyance, which makes him do this clear reading of people's destinies. Due to this power, he is an Orixá of great prestige, one of the highest. Read more details below!

Orunmilá, his history, 16 sons and characteristics

Orunmilá's history shows that he was present at the moment of creation of the Earth and humanity. That is why he is known as one of the fun-fun Orixás. Very esteemed by the religions of African origin, he is only below Olodumarê, who is considered to be the supreme God.

Due to the fact that he fixes all that is imperfect, Orunmilá became known by his syncretized form through the Catholic Church, in which he is seen as the Holy Spirit.

Through his wisdom, this Orixá guides everyone to a path of knowledge, so that they realize that wishing evil or revenge on someone, even if this person is your enemy and has done you harm, is something that will turn against you later. Read on to learn more about Orunmilá!

The figure of Orunmilá in Umbanda

In Umbanda, the figure of Orunmilá is of great importance because he represents the creation of humanity and where it lives. Because he is the guardian of Ifá, considered the sacred book of Umbanda, he holds a lot of power and knowledge, combined with his strong critical sense. This makes Orunmilá able to exercise his power to fix everything that is needed.

Due to this characteristic, this Orixá is the most sought after by people in moments of despair when they don't know where else to turn to.

History

The history of Orunmilá shows that he had 16 children and each one of them was responsible for representing one of the characteristics of life, such as love, hate, death and others. The way to act with his children was very rigid because this Orixá always demanded a lot of respect to his position.

Another part of his story shows his relationship with Obatalá, who planned to deliver to Orunmilá the wisdom of Babalawo, but considered him too young and still inexperienced for this, since he would carry with him all the knowledge of the world. Put to the test, Orunmilá managed to impress Obatalá with his intelligence and cleverness.

Odus, the 16 sons of Orunmilá

Orunmilá always showed himself to be a very strict father with his 16 children and this characteristic made him demand that his children have respect for him. On one day, he requested the presence of his children and noticed that one of them refused to kneel.

In light of this, the Orixá confronted him asking the reason for this and his son promptly answered that he was a king and that he possessed the same riches as his father and could not bow down to another. This act caused a deep sadness in Orunmilá, who retired to Orum, leaving his mission to perfect everything that was created.

Orixá Characteristics

Orunmilá's main characteristics are shown through his vast wisdom. He is the wisest Orixá because he holds all the knowledge in the world. Therefore, he is also considered the best counselor of the Orixás because he has the necessary information to help those who need his help.

This Orixá is against any kind of action involving hate, revolt and revenge. He is always ready to help whoever needs his help. But it is necessary that the person is sincere with his feelings and also wishes good for others, otherwise his request to Orunmilá will not be fulfilled, since he does not tolerate bad feelings.

Characteristics of the daughters and sons of Orunmilá

The children of Orumilá are very calm and even shy people. As for their appearance, they are usually not very tall and have voluminous bodies. Very vain, they like to take care of their appearance, especially their hair, something they emphasize a lot.

Although they are shy, they are not fans of isolation and like to meet new people and create friendships. They stand out for their great ability to solve problems and easily understand everything that is part of their personal interests.

Because they like to have environments in order, these people have a great tendency to become authoritarian to get what they want, imposing their demands.

The game of cowrie shells

Orunmilá's connection with the games of cowrie shells is due to the fact that he is the holder of the Ifá, which is used for these divination purposes, as well as the cowrie shells. This is because he holds the power of intuition and clairvoyance and through this power he can read the destinies of all people.

Therefore, this action connects precisely with what is done in games of cowrie shells, in which the destinies of the people to whom the game is being directed are also guessed, to know more about their paths and what may happen in yours.

Day, colors, food, greeting, prayer and others

To know a little more about Orunmilá is possible through his aspects, which differentiate him from other Orixás. Each one has its day, special food of its preference, greetings that are made in moments in which they are worshiped and other various aspects.

Therefore, to know in depth about the history and the way this Orixà shows and imposes himself, it is also necessary to know these characteristics of his personality and his preferences.

For at times of celebration in Umbanda or Candomblé, in the terreiros the Orixás are presented with offerings of their favorite foods, which take their colors and other details. We will explain below a little more about these particularities of Orunmilá, check it out!

Day and colors

The day chosen to worship Orunmilá and celebrate his power is October 4. On this day, the terreiros of Umbanda and Candomblé can hold parties and events in commemoration of this Orixá, using his prayers, greetings and all the dishes approved by this powerful counselor. The day of the week related to Orunmilá is Friday.

The colors that are linked to this Orixá are green, yellow and ivory white. These colors are also used during the celebrations to worship and honor this powerful and wise Orixá, holder of all knowledge of the world.

Food

The Orixás have specific foods of their preference that are used in general as a form of thanks in the offerings, mainly in specific dates or to thank for something that was attended by the Orixá in question.

For Orunmilá, the food must contain cornmeal or maize flour with honey, cooked yams, fine sweets, shrimp, beef fillets and lobsters. These foods must be distributed in a specific way on white plates to please the Orixá.

Greeting and Prayer

To celebrate Orunmilá on his day or at any time that this Orixá is worshiped in the terreiros, the greeting used is: Epá Ojú Olorún, Ifá Ò! The meaning of this phrase is "Long live the eyes of God, He is Ifá", which goes along with the meaning of the Orixá.

Showing his power and the fact that he is the holder of all knowledge in the world and, thus, also has in his hands the power to help all people with whatever it is, being one of the most powerful Orixás, second only to Olodumarê, who is the supreme God.

Offering

The offerings to the Orixás must be made carefully because each one of them has specifications and preferences and some do not tolerate certain types of food or colors. Therefore, it is necessary to have knowledge and if necessary seek the help of a more experienced person in the matter.

The offerings made to Orunmilá are very easy to prepare. But, in general, they need to be delivered in even portions. They are distributed through white plates and two of these plates must contain a candle in each. The place in which the offering will be made must be lined with a white towel. Can be offered to the Orixá cornmeal or maize flour cakes, sweets, lobsters, honey, flowers, winesweet, shrimp and others.

Axés and Magic

The energies emanated by Orunmilá are beneficial for the intellectual side of people. Therefore, this aspect will be very favored by his influence in general because he is a very wise and knowledgeable Orixá. At work, creativity is something that will be very high.

The axés and spells to benefit these issues involving work, love and others can be done as follows: macerate cologne leaves with two red roses. Then, take a bath with this preparation from the neck down. Soon after, put on a red garment and light an old one dedicated to Pomba-gira Maria Padilha do Cabaré.

For union

The axés and spells to ensure the union of people can be done as follows: first write the name of the person with a pencil on a piece of paper for 16 times. Then write your name over the writings, so that it is made a real tangle with the written names.

After that, take the paper and place it on top of an oxibatá (water lily) leaf. Then, cook half a cup of hominy and let it cool. After it has cooled, place it on top of the written names. Next, cook a yam, peel and mash it, and make 16 cookies.

Sprinkle all of this with honey and air it on a hill and at the moment say: "Orunmilá, just as Oxum is unique to Oxibatá, make (name of the person) unite with me.

Orunmilá for the cleaning of the needs

Orunmilá governs all the knowledge of the world and therefore carries with him everything that is necessary to help the people who seek him begging for his help. This Orixá is sought by people who do not know what to do and need help in some way.

Thus, various aspects of life can be addressed by this Orixá, since he is one of the most powerful of all and has the necessary knowledge to be able to resolve these issues.

Even if the problems are of emotional background, relationships, financial problems, disorder, illness and others, the Orixá is willing to help those who need his help. Here are some of Orunmilá's orders!

For the lack of profit

To cleanse oneself of lack of profit and financial problems in general, Orunmilá says that if it is lack of profit that disturbs that person, he gives the order for doors to be opened so that the rain of goodness may enter that person's life and help him. This Orixá, with his power, opens the paths for these problems to be resolved and thus bring peace to the person's life.

For the lack of a wife

To cleanse oneself of problems with lack of wife: Orunmilá says that if it is lack of wife that disturbs the person, that he gives the order for the doors to be opened so that the rain mistress may bring kindness so that the person may find his good wife. In this way, Orunmilá also has the strength to deal with these emotional issues and guide those who need support.

For the lack of a son

To cleanse oneself of problems due to the lack of a son: Orunmilá says that if it is the lack of a son that has been disturbing the person, that he gives the order for the doors to be opened so that the rain of goodness may cause a healthy son to enter the person's life. This request can be made by people who are in search of having a son and find themselves in despair for not being able to accomplish thisdesire.

Tumult and disorder

To cleanse life of turmoil and disorder, Orunmilá says that if what disturbs the environment of the person asking for help is turmoil and disorder, may the lady rain come with her kindness into the life of that person to bring him peace and love. This is a common request made by people who find themselves in situations of discomfort and problems with the place they live, for example.

Disease or epidemic

To cleanse life of diseases and epidemics: Orunmilá gives the order that if it is disease or epidemic that is causing problems and has affected, that the doors be opened by the kind rain so that health can take over this environment. This is a very comprehensive request and shows the power and strength of Orunmilá to ward off problems related to disease, even at higher levels.

The orixás in Umbanda and general aspects

The Orixás are powerful entities that rule humanity in general. They have their own personal characteristics, regarding their ways of acting. The most common attitudes to be taken by certain Orixás, their postures and what these transmit to the people who are influenced by them, are their children.

They are known in several cultures, but the starting point where they started to be worshipped is the African cultures. Therefore, the religions of African matrix are the ones that worship and celebrate these Orixás regarding their powers, influences and the way they protect humanity with their powers.

Knowing the Orixás more deeply can bring several explanations, especially by the way of acting of some people, who may be children of these Orixás in question, for example. Learn more below about the Orixás and their characteristics!

What are the Orixás in Umbanda

In Umbanda the Orixás manifest their energies through actions. The history of Yoruba mythology indicates that there are hundreds of Orixás, but in Umbanda, one of the most common religions of African matrix in Brazil, only a few of these are worshiped in general.

In Umbanda 9 Orixás are worshiped and in Candomblé the number can reach up to 72. Therefore, even though there are thousands of distinct Orixás, the most common religions practiced in Brazil do not adopt this stance, but they are very remembered in other parts of Africa.

Ogum

Ogum is an Orixá that symbolizes the conquests. Known for its syncretism in the Catholic Church with St. George, because it is a fearless warrior, very brave and does not abandon the causes that he believes and his ideals.

Ogum's figure is considered to be that of a supreme commander, so when you feel threatened it is by this Orixá that you should call for help. During his battles Ogum's blood boils and he will fight to the end with all his strength. Son of Iemanjá and brother of Oxóssi and Exú.

Oxum

Known for being the Goddess of love, Oxum is responsible for maintaining the balance of emotions. She is considered the gentle mother of the ancient peoples. Because she received the title of the Orixá of love, Oxum is the most sought after by people due to issues of union and relationships.

Those who seek peace and stability in this sector usually ask for help and for the Orixá to intercede for them. Oxum also represents sensibility and feminine delicacy. The incorporations of this Orixá are very emotional and, in general, have cries due to Oxum's sensibility, which is transferred to her children.

Oxalá

Oxalá is known as the father of men and creator of humanity. This is a very wise and benevolent Orixá with his children, because he carries them with him to the paths of victory. Oxalá is the first son of Olorum, known as the oldest Orixá of all.

Because of the position he occupies, some of the most common characteristics of Oxala is the fact that he is a perfectionist and this even makes him overbearing in his actions. His strategies and advanced thinking skills make him always get what he wants.

Iansã

Iansã is the Orixá known for representing the lightning, the strength of the winds and the power of nature in general. She appears when the sky falls into water and wind, showing her power. The Orixá is the representation of strength and female independence.

Her name has a strong meaning, so that she is considered the Mother of the Dusk, name that was given to her by Xangô, the great passion of her life. This Orixá is different from the characteristics of the others because of her strength, because she accompanies the strongest in battles and does not have characteristics that make her seen as one who will remain taking care of the home.

Omolú

Also known as Obaluaiê, Omolú is responsible for earth, fire and death. Because of his great power, he is feared by humans. In the religions he is worshiped, such as Umbanda and Candomblé, he is known for the fear he causes because no one can hide anything from this Orixá and he can see every detail of a person's life.

Omolú is the protector of the sick and the poor and this comes from his history because he carried with him an illness and understands the suffering of people, thus wanting to prevent others from going through the same pain that he went through. Therefore, he is also associated with healing, which he provides to those who depend on this help.

Iemanjá

Iemanjá is known as the Queen of the Sea, one of the most beloved entities of Umbanda and Candomblé due to her characteristics. She is considered the mother of almost all Orixás and represents fertility. Iemanjá has many particular characteristics of her own.

Some that make her be seen as an Orixá that enjoys the luxuries provided to them and show these characteristics through her children, who inherit this personality. On the other hand, she also provides a lot of emotional balance, which comes from the great wisdom she possesses.

Oxóssi

Oxóssi appears with bow and arrow in hand and is one of the main Orixás of Umbanda and Candomblé. He has a strong connection with nature and knows how to use it in his favor whenever necessary.

Also known for being the Orixá of the forest, of abundance, of animals and hunting, Oxóssi is responsible for providing the meals of all. His knowledge of the forests and of nature makes this Orixá a perfect warrior due to his good aptitudes in this regard.

Xangô

Xangô is one of the best known Orixás. Connected to fire and thunder, he has an imposing posture that shows him with a virile, aggressive and violent image. However, he is an Orixá that promotes justice.

He acts in karmic justice and therefore considers people's actions in all their lives and not only in the current one. Xangô also shows himself to be a true conqueror because he has great beauty, besides being very vain and sensual. The story tells that few were the women who could resist the charms of this Orixá.

Nanã

Naná is called Mother or Grandmother. This is a very ancient Orixá who has been present since the creation of humanity. Queen of the mud, where all humans originated, Naná is one of the most respected Orixás and also one of the most feared of all.

The portal between life and death is her responsibility because she is the one who makes the spirits pass through a cleansing so that they can get rid of all the suffering that they passed through during their journeys on Earth and thus be able to disincarnate without this weight.

How to please Orunmilá?

The best way to please Orunmilá through offerings is to guarantee foods that are of the taste of this Orixá. In general, the foods must be prepared in a specific way and the preparations are made with corn flour or cornmeal, which are of the preference of this Orixá.

Thus, the most common ways to please any Orixá is through the offerings, which are according to their preferences and also not using the colors that these do not like and, mainly, wearing the colors that represent them.