The Divine Hierarchy
Yoruba cosmology presents a sophisticated spiritual hierarchy. At the apex is Olodumare (the Supreme Being), who is served by the Orisha - divine spirits who act as intermediaries between heaven (Orun) and earth (Aye). The Orisha govern natural forces, human activities, and moral concepts. Devotees develop personal relationships with specific Orisha through initiation, offerings, and worship.
Olodumare / Olorun
The Supreme Being - Owner of Heaven
The almighty creator, source of all ase (vital force). Olodumare is too vast and transcendent for direct worship - approached only through the Orisha. Also called Olorun ("Owner of the Sky") and Eledumare ("Almighty"). Created the universe and delegated authority to the Orisha to interact with humanity.
Primordial Orisha - The First Powers
These Orisha were present at creation and hold primordial significance in the cosmic order:
Major Orisha - The Great Powers
The most widely venerated Orisha, each governing crucial aspects of life and nature:
Warriors and Forces of Nature
Water and Fertility Orisha
Other Notable Orisha
Sources
- Ifa Oral Corpus: Sacred verses (odu) transmitted by Babalawo
- Ethnographic Research: William Bascom, Pierre Verger, J.O. Awolalu
- Wande Abimbola: "Ifa: An Exposition of Ifa Literary Corpus"
- Living Tradition: Priests and practitioners in Nigeria, Cuba, Brazil