The Mount Shasta Goddess Temple dedicates May to Oshun.

Artwork of Oshun at Mossbrae Falls by Devanna Wolf

Oshun is a Orisha, a cosmic and earthly force of fresh, flowing waters that originates in the Yoruba-speaking cultures of West Africa. She is the river of life, and the river of the cosmos. All good, all that is worth living for, flows from her. She is sweet water: the nourishing force that sustains all beings, that changes form from liquid to vapor. She is known as the "unseen presence at every gathering," subtly influencing all interpersonal, romantic, family, and business dynamics. She is also queen of the witches, the magic woman who can hex and heal. She is symbolized by peacocks, vultures, parrots, gold, brass, cowrie shells, mirrors, fans, and the colors green, yellow, and orange. She enjoys offerings, parties, and celebrations, but she also has a soft heart for the suffering of the world. Know that when you laugh, she laughs with you, and when you weep, she weeps with you, too.

Ideas for honoring Oshun, Orisha of Love, wealth, and beauty:

-make a donation to a nonprofit organization led by a Black woman

-visit a waterfall, lake, or river to dip your toes or swim

-bring offerings of sunflowers, yellow roses, or orange flowers to a source of fresh water, or place them on your altar

-participate in a river clean-up, removing trash from near fresh water sources

-go out dressed to the nines for a night of dancing

-recite her praises daily for the month of May

-learn the art of simple cowrie divination

Praise for Oshun

I bow to Oshun ...
There is no place where it is not known that Oshun is as powerful as a king
She dances and takes the crown
She dances without asking ...
She arrives and trouble is appeased
She shakes her bracelets to come to dance
She dances in the depths of richness
The water sounds like the bracelets of Oshun
We call her and she answers with wisdom
She can do what the doctor can't
The Goddess who heals with cold water
We can stay in the world without fear.
Lovingly, with laughter and joy Oshun calls us to The Dance ...

- Yoruba praise song to Oshun

For more information about the Goddesses honored in the Mount Shasta Goddess Temple, join the Temple as a Mandala Member.