Oxóssi is a male Orixá and is linked with hunting and the forest. As an extension of this, he is also associated with good nutrition and fulfilling your essential needs to live a good life. Oxóssi is known for his strategic planning and thinking and is often called upon when it is time to step back and evaluate a course of action. He is usually depicted with a bow and arrow in hand.
- Greeting: “Eku aro”
- Symbol: bow and arrow
- Day of the week: Thursday
- Colors: green, blue, and bright red
- Foods: pigs, axoxo, corn, and coconut
- Day of the year: January 20
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Oxossi of the Forest
Oxossi is an Orixá of the forest, animals, abundant food, and hunting. He is responsible for providing meals for everyone and always brings good fortune to those who seek him out. His knowledge and way of life in nature make him a perfect warrior and wise man. He is in tune with the environment and is responsible for the entire balance of the ecosystem, even the birds singing. Oxossi is the defender of all those who fight for their livelihood and that of their family.
Oxóssi is linked to everything natural, including activities such as dancing, singing, and the visual arts. Living in tune with Oxossi means always expecting the positive and seeking what is naturally produced. It also requires a bit of laziness and comfort-seeking, because to be able to contemplate the world you need patience and time to relax.
History of Oxossi
Oxossi is the son of Oxalá and Iemanjá. His name comes from the Yoruba language in West Africa and means “guardian”. Oxóssi is considered the King of Ketu, as he freed the population from one of Eleyé’s birds, thus breaking a spell he cast over them.
Legend has it that Oxóssi doesn’t need more than one arrow to kill his target, which is how he shot down this bird. That’s why he is called Otokan Soso, which is an Okiri, which means “warrior who only needs an arrow, as he never misses his target”.
Oxóssi and Oxum fell in love as soon as they met, but they knew that Oxala may not accept the relationship because they are brother and sister. Therefore, Oxum had the idea of dressing Oxóssi as a woman, taking him to the palace, and introducing him as a friend. At first, this plan worked, but soon Oxum became pregnant and it was not possible to maintain the charade. When Oxalá discovered that his trust had been betrayed by his daughter, he expelled Oxóssi from the palace and condemned him to be bisexual, since he spent so much time dressed as a woman.
Sons of Oxossi
The sons of Oxóssi are often considered the most attractive men, slender and agile, but also explosive and irrational. They can be curious, introverted, and observant, which fuels creativity and sensitivity. They are often kind and polite and highly respected in social groups, but with a hidden, fickle, and unstable side.
Oxóssi’s colors are sky blue and green, and his day of the week is Thursday. His greeting is Oke Aro.
Exu – Intermediary & Guardian of the Crossroads
Iansa – Warrior Goddess of Wind and Storms
Oxossi – Hunting and the Forest
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