Sacred Grove
The last remaining Yoruban sacred grove has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
“The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other Yoruba deities. The Grove, which is now seen as a symbol of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last sacred grove in Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements.”
The sacred site (which is over 400 years old) will now enjoy a modicum of protection under a UN Treaty that will help Nigeria preserve and protect the site for future generations. Other protected sites of note (for a modern Pagan at any rate) include the Island of Paphos (legendary birthplace of Aphrodite), the runic stones of Vejle in Denmark, Newgrange in Ireland, and of course the ever-popular Stonehenge. Click here for a full listing of protected sites.
Osun/Oshun (who oversees love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy) is not only worshipped in Africa but in the Americas as well. Her worship was transported to the Americas by African slaves and survives today in the syncretistic religions of Santeria/Lukum? and Candombl? Ketu. This goddess/orisha has also been gaining popularity in Western modern Paganism.
5 responses so far
To be a completist about it, Oxun is also one of the powers in Umbanda, a Brazilian descendant of the African traditions.
Oshun is also, Venus, Aphrodite, and all Goddesses of Love in every culture on the planet.
It’s the same energy no matter where you find her. :\
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In my experience, I disagree. I don’t see the energies as being the same.
Branruadh…Why don’t you see the energies as being the same?
It should be quite apparent,all of the attributes are the same.
That is,except for the racial/place undertones.
Ummm, would that perhaps,be a problem?
osun is primarily pagan but what she stands for is the same in every religion(love)