We could tell you all about this wonderful new show, Through the mind of Onayemi Ogunkoye, As Above So Below, currently hanging on the north wall in our upstairs art gallery, but we’ll just extend the invitation for you to come and hear Onayemi Ogunkoye in person on Saturday, May 15th at 7 p.m. when he will present his work and give a drum demonstration. The event is free, but space is limited, so come early to get a seat. Refreshments will be available.

In His Own Words – the Artist and the Orisha

Onayemi Drumming

My name is Onayemi, given to me by Orisha through my Iyalosha Oyabi Wangara. Onayemi means the profession of Artist suits me.

I have been commissioned by Orisha to do this body of Orisha Art that continues to grow. These images don’t come from me they come through me. When I begin to work on a piece, I summon the Spirit of the Orisha that I am working on. That Orisha directs me in the production of the piece.

The words that are offered  here are brief explanations of the Orisha presented in the show.

To celebrate the show Through the mind of Onayemi Ogunkoye, As Above So Below, I will present and discuss Orisha along with a drum demonstration (free).

Through the Mind of Onayemi - As Above, So Below

Elegba

Elegba /Esu is the messenger to Olodumare (God) and to all Orisha. All Ceremonies begin and end with acknowledging and knowing him he holds the keys to open the doors to our wants and needs he is the owner of the crossroads of life. We invoke his assistance with life changing decisions. He doesn’t like to be ignored and can be perceived as a trickster if provoked However he will help guide and protect us from danger He Ogun and Ochosi are very close and worked together as the warriors Elegba opens the path, Ogun clears the path,  Ochoosi shows us the most direct path to good character and our wants and needs his colors are red and black his numbers is three and his day is Monday Mojuba Elegba.

Ogun

Ogun is the spirit of iorn and technology with out him every thing comes to a hault.  He is one of the warriors with Elegba and Ochosi.  He is the one that clears the path for us.  His symbols are rail road tracks and macheties and any thing made of metal.   He is the patron of warior professions as well as surgeons his colors are green and black and his number is three.  His day is Wednesday and honored with Elegba and Ochosi on Monday.  Mojuba Ogun

Ochosi

Ochosi is the spirit of the Hunter/Tracker. He has both female and male aspects. He is one of the three warriors along with Elegba and Ogun. Elegba opens the door and road Ogun clears the path and Ochosi shows us the most direct path to alignment with our destiny and growth into good character which produces growth and development of our soul.  Ochosi can see at ground level with one eye and from above with the other, at the same time. This also means that he sees our spiritual path and can direct us in the physical realm.  Ochosi is the owner of  left hand magic. He is the provider of food for his immediate family and his extended family. He is the patron saint of hunters and fisherman and those seeking justice. He is the Divine Hunter Tracker and Fisherman. His symbol is crossbow and arrow.  Ochosi colors are green black,and  red coral his number is three.

Obatala

Obatala is the Father of the human family and Orisha.  Oldumare commissioned Obatala t0 fashion us from the Earth and Olodumare breathed life into us. We invoked him to help us keep a cool head and think clearly. He is the owner of the white cloth and purity he manifests as an old man who sits a top a mountain. His color is white with a little purple his number is eight, which symbolizes eternity. His day is Sunday.  Mojaba Obatala!

Yemoja

Yemoja is the primordial Mother she watches over us all especially the children. She is represented by the Ocean and has a male energy which is Olokun. She represents fertility and is the symbol for the females entering their rites of Passage. Her number is seven she is the mother of Shango and is the wife of Obatala. Her day is Saturday and her colors are Crystal and Blue. Mojuba Yemoja

Oshun

Oshun is the ambassador of beauty passion sweetness and prosperity and Love. She is who we call on to bare children and protect unborn children. She is the seductress who reminds us of our desires. Oshun is represented by rivers and lakes. She loves honey & money. Some of her favorite things are peacocks pumpkins and gold coins. Oshun’s color is yellow her number is five and her day of the week is Friday. Mojuba Oshun

Shango

Shango is the great king he is beloved by all Orisha worshipers. He is lord of the drum and dance. He is represented by fire and lightning, he is thunder. When Justice is to be served we turn to Shango.  His symbol is represented by a double headed axe. Shango’s colors are red and white his day is Thursday. Mojuba

Oya

Oya is the whirl wind.  She shares lightining with Shango. She is the guardian of the cemetery  gates. She is a warriors and fights alongside Shango in battle.  She can change into a water Buffalo and then back into a woman. Oya has nine colors. Her number is nine and her day is Tuesday.  Mojuba Oya.