orisha

     

An Orisha (also spelle Orixa and Orixá) is a spirit which reflects one of the manifestations of Olodumare (God) in the Yoruba spiritual or religious system. This religion has found its way throughout the world and is now expressed in several varieties which include Anago, Oyotunji, Candomblé, Lucumí/Santería, and the Orisa religion of Trinidad, as well as some aspects of Umbanda, Winti, Obeah and Haitian Vodou, although these last two generally follow a non-Yoruban tradition. These varieties or spiritual lineages as they are called are practiced throughout areas of Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, the West Indies and Venezuela. As interest in African indigenous religions (spiritual systems) grows, Orisha communities and lineages can be found in parts of Europe and Asia as well. While estimates vary, there could be more than 100 million adherents of this spiritual tradition worldwide.