Ọ̀ṣun (Oshun) is the Yoruba orisha of sweet water, love, beauty, fertility and prosperity, and one of the most beloved divinities in Yoruba religion. Her sacred river flows through the town of Osogbo, and she is honoured in Nigeria, Brazil, Cuba and across the diaspora. This guide explains who she is, her symbols and how she is worshipped.
Who Is Ọ̀ṣun?
Ọ̀ṣun is seen as the giver of children, the protector of mothers and the source of wealth and diplomacy. Tradition names her as one of the wives of Ṣàngó. Her gentle image also hides great strength, and stories describe her cleverness in solving problems that others could not.
Symbols and Offerings
- Colours: yellow and gold.
- Sacred items: brass jewellery, mirrors, fans and honey.
- Water: rivers and freshwater are her home.
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
Her most famous shrine is the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with shrines and sculptures. The artist Susanne Wenger helped protect it; read the story in our guide to the Osogbo art school.
Ọ̀ṣun Around the World
Enslaved Yoruba people carried her worship to the Americas, where she is known as Ochún in Cuba and Oxum in Brazil. See our features on Museu Afro-Brasileiro and Oyotunji African Village. Her yearly celebration is described in the Osun-Osogbo Festival guide.
Learn More
Explore the list of Yoruba gods and goddesses, the beliefs behind them in Yoruba religion and the overview on Wikipedia’s Oshun page.
Ọ̀ṣun FAQs
What is Ọ̀ṣun the goddess of?
She is the goddess of rivers, love, beauty, fertility and prosperity.
Where is Ọ̀ṣun worshipped?
Her main centre is Osogbo in Nigeria, and she is also honoured in Cuba, Brazil and the wider diaspora.
What colour is associated with Ọ̀ṣun?
Yellow and gold.
