Oshun

Oshun is a prominent Orisha, a deity in the Yoruba religion and its diasporic descendants such as Santería, Candomblé, and Umbanda. She is often associated with fresh water, particularly rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Oshun is revered as the goddess of love, beauty, sensuality, fertility, and prosperity. Her followers believe she bestows these blessings and guides individuals in matters of the heart and financial well-being.

Her iconography frequently includes the color yellow, gold, and often white, representing her connection to sunshine and purity. She is typically depicted as a beautiful woman, adorned with jewelry, especially gold. Symbols associated with Oshun include mirrors, fans, combs, and various aquatic objects. Her sacred number is often considered to be five.

In mythology, Oshun is often portrayed as a benevolent and maternal figure, but also as a powerful force capable of both great joy and significant anger if disrespected. She is known for her wisdom, her playful nature, and her fierce protective instincts towards her children and devotees. Rituals and offerings to Oshun often involve sweet foods, perfumes, honey, and gold objects, reflecting her luxurious and alluring nature. Her influence is sought for healing, reconciliation, and to bring good fortune.