Obatalá is a deity with significant influence in countries like Umbanda and within the Yoruba religion. He can also be found in Santería as the patron saint of Barcelona, symbolizing Our Lady of Mercy. He is also known as Oxalá or Ochalá and is a representative of other spiritual traditions.
He is known as the father or mother of all the Orishas and of humanity, being the creator or sculptor of human bodies under the direction of Olodumare, the supreme deity. To learn more about him, we will summarize his duties and behavior.
Who is Obatalá?
He is a highly venerated deity in various cultures. He is depicted in white, as he is the owner of all that is white, including dreams, thoughts, and all that is positive. He is the son of Olofin and Olodumare, and the creator of the earth and humankind. When God descended to Earth, he was accompanied by his son Obatala to observe his creation. In this way, his spirituality is considered to represent the purest form of nature.
As we have noted, he is the central figure of the Yoruba religion and is venerated as the “King of Purity,” “The Lord of White Robes,” and “Lord of Visions .” He is also known as “Orisa Nla” and “Obaba Orugbo,” symbolizing spiritual purity.
Obatalá is a head Orisha, meaning he rules over all others. He loves everything pure, clean, and white, which is why he dislikes witchcraft. However, he prefers to remain in dark places. Even if his figure is placed in a well-lit area of the house, it must be covered with a cloth to keep it away from the light.
When we want to find Obatalá, we can look for him in nature, high in the snowy mountains, on the summit or peak . He is represented as a wise old man of the hills. He offers justice, a new beginning, and renewal.
In African culture, he is considered the father of humanity and one of the seven principal orishas of the Yoruba pantheon, one of the indigenous religions of Africa. He is the creator of the Earth, human dreams, intelligence, and thoughts. In this culture, he was established as the highest authority among its deities, standing out as a great protector and spiritual guide. He intervenes in women's fertility, favoring conception, and protects people with physical disabilities, safeguarding them under his care.
The feast day of this orisha is September 24th (in the Catholic religion, it is the feast of Our Lady of Mercy), and its number is eight and its multiples. It is venerated with dances, with energetic movements and dances performed by young people, simulating actions of battle and protection.
This god has 24 paths or avatars and dwells in a great castle with 16 windows, but through which neither sun nor air enters. He holds the highest authority in the Orisha hierarchy, being compassionate and helping other Orishas when they face difficulties.
What does Obatalá offer us?
In the creation of the world, Obatalá was a great predecessor, responsible for shaping the Earth and aligning the minds of human beings in wisdom. He is also considered a molder and sculptor, as he represented human bodies in clay before their creation.
Within its symbolism, it is represented as wisdom, justice, purity, balance, and patience. In its embodiment of creative energy, it is considered both masculine and feminine, depending on the stories and avatars venerated.
He is capable of discerning between good and evil, which is why he is sought out as a guide, advisor, and protector. The word "justice" is attributed to him; he defends the vulnerable, such as the disabled, and punishes those who do evil.
Purity is associated with Obatalá. The color white is associated with him because it represents purity, peace, and spirituality. Furthermore, his clothing is white because of his connection to the divine. Devotees also dress in white in his honor.
He is considered an icon of wisdom. He is wise, able to discern between good and evil, and capable of judging accurately. He always seeks the right path, the correct advice, and the best guidance.
He is a great influence on the physically disabled and helpless . He is a peacemaker, promotes harmony, is a spiritual guide, and intervenes in conflicts.
Image from Wikipedia
Prayer to Obatala
"Greetings to Obatalá
Obatala, Obataisa, Obatayanu
Jekua ashó Baba buké buké obirinigua
"Lanu Ayáguna eleyigbó jekua Baba."
This is the prayer offered to Obatalá. It asks for protection, peace, mental clarity, strength, and the resolution of complex problems. Those who pray it seek comfort and the strength to face challenges.
Her figure is represented with a crown or a sun. She is seen as a connection to light and a reflection of authority. Offerings can be left for her, almost all of them related to pure white , such as rice, bananas, coconut, cocoa butter, soursop, or milk. None of these offerings should contain salt as a seasoning. Other elements include fresh water, coconut water, candles, and white flowers.
Obatalá's necklace is made of white beads with crystal details, always featuring a number related to 8 or its multiples. Other colors associated with his paths are also added, such as red bands or shades of purple and green, although its main color is always pure white.
Myths related to Obatalá
One of the most famous myths tells that Obatalá was commissioned by Olodumare. His mission was to create the Earth by throwing a handful of sand and placing a hen on the water. In this way, the world and its philosophy of life were created. It is important to remember that Obatalá is a transcendental orisha, the creator of the Earth and humankind, a peacemaker, and a seeker of balance and peace.