All About Olodumare: Learn who he is, who created him, how to receive his services, his offerings, and how to ask him.
The Yoruba originate from a small community located in West Africa, where various beliefs emerged and were reinforced over time to create a religion based on culture.
If you want to learn about your Supreme God, in this article, we’ll fill you in on him and some of your protective orishas that you should know.
Who is Olodumare?
Olodumare is known in the Yoruba religion as the Supreme Creator, because thanks to him we have a life to be thankful for. He is the creator of life and everything we know, and Olodumare is the manifestation of the spiritual and material world.
He is unique and omnipotent, the creator of all that exists, and his name is known as a divine entity that is not limited by space, being the guardian of all at night.
Who created him?
Historically, Olodumare comes from the Yoruba religion; however, no one created him; he is an entity that has neither father nor mother.
No one created him, but he created everything. He is a supreme and omnipotent being who is the origin of virtue and mortality, granting you the knowledge of all things from birth until death.
Olodumare was also the creator of all the other entities that help us evolve and with the different events that can alter events in your life.
What is it in the Yoruba religion?
This is a religion that originated among the Yoruba people, native to West Africa, where spiritual beliefs and traditions gained strength until they spread beyond Africa through the African diaspora.
This expansion occurred syncretically, like Santeria, created by the entire culture that this religion had made known with its songs, stories, myths, concepts, and a warrior.
How to worship Saint Olodumare?
Olodumare is not worshipped; he has no altars, symbols, or figures with which he is identified, as he is a supreme being who should not be represented and who has no direct contact with human beings.
What are the offerings to him?
You should know that there is no specific sanctuary you can make for Olodumare, so keep the following in mind:
- You should not make sacrifices or offerings to him; you will not even be able to find any emblem that represents him.
- You should only turn to Olodumare when other deities are unable to assist with the events you are presenting.
- Your requests should be made to the Orishas, unless the event is one that could alter the events and destiny of life or Creation.
How do you ask him?
Since there are no altars or representations, there is only one way to communicate directly with him.
- Say a prayer dedicated to the deities and mentioning the Supreme God Olodumare.
- Each person will feel the presence of your Supreme God in different ways; you can only address him through Olofín.
- You must give thanks for everything you have every night as a prayer, and flow with everything around you, allowing you to express all the things and emotions you carry in your soul and heart.
What does it mean to dream about Olodumare?
Keep in mind that Olodumare does not manifest through direct contact with people, so you can only have contact with him through his Olorun form or through Olofi through indirect contact.
By manifesting toward you, he may want to warn you of an event or situation that you should prevent or take precautions to protect yourself.
Who are your orishas?
The orishas are the Yoruba deities, who will be there for you in different situations that may affect you in different ways. The best-known orishas are the following:
- Elegguá: He is a child messenger, master of all the paths and destinies of the world, who is in charge of bringing prosperity or misfortune to your life, maintaining a close relationship with the deity of divination. His colors are red, black, or white, and the numbers one, two, and three.
- Oggún: When Elegguá is in charge of choosing and opening the paths of your life, Oggún is in charge of clearing that path with his machete called Embelebobo.
- Ochosi: This deity is related to Obatalá because he is entrusted with carrying out the justice he dictates. He is the third member of the group of Warriors who are in charge of protecting the initiate, being the master of hunting, the bow, and the arrow. Obatalá: He is at the highest level of the Orisha hierarchy, being the most respected for being sent by the third manifestation of Olodumare to care for, protect, and create the world, where he is charged with doing good and maintaining peace. The paths he guides are for both men and women. He is represented by the color white, being a kind father, source of purity, wisdom, peace, and justice.
- OyáOyá: He rules alongside Shangó and is the mistress of the cemetery gate, having the ability to dominate the spirits of the dead (eggs). He controls strong winds and storms, being characterized by the number 9.
- Oshún: She is one of the youngest deities, holding the title of great queen, embodying love and fertility, and governing fresh waters such as rivers and streams. She is represented by the color yellow and the number 5.
- Yemaya: She is the mother of all, interpreted as a mother whose children are fish, due to her mandate from the seas of the world. She is revered in Latin America and parts of the Americas. She is represented by the colors blue and white.
- Shangó: This deity rules over thunder, lightning, storms, fire, and dance, and is considered a quick-witted, virile, and temperamental warrior. He loves dancing, women, singing, and playing the drums and eating.
- Orunmila: He is the deity of wisdom and knowledge, being the only one allowed to observe the creation of the universe by Olodumare. He also witnesses all the destinies that are in the process of creation.
What is the prayer to Olodumare?
One of the fragments of the prayer that gives its name to the great Olodumare, originally from the Yoruba people, is the following:
“We respect the womb of creation,
the king of the first messengers
and greatest father of the ancestors
the ruler who never faces death
the spirit of the planet
We praise you with your name of praise
You who shapes the light
to create all things
owner of the mysterious nature
whose words are the law and creation
owner of the most unknown mysteries
The source of all heads
and of creation
In the sacred grove your divine light will always be praised
The monarch of all forms
of consciousness on Earth
The primary among the immortals of heaven
The spirit of manifestations
and king of all kings
You who are creation itself
this is your work and
for this you receive
the praise of your offspring
You are the one who distributes blessings
in heaven and on Earth
Heavenly Father
we offer our all-encompassing respect
so be it.”
Difference between Olodumare and Olofín
Olodumare is the Supreme God, the one who creates all. He is considered a metaphysical being. Olofín is understood to be himself manifested through Olorum, but as a different spiritual aspect. They are differentiated as follows:
- Olodumare is a divine essence, Olorum is the creative action, and Olofi is the foundation.
- Olofín belongs to the trinity of Olodumare, being the third manifestation of the same Supreme God, who is distant and only visits the world infrequently.
- Olofín is responsible for indirect contact with human beings and the earth, overseeing the functioning of humanity, ensuring that all things operate at the correct pace.
- Olodumare has no contact with human beings except through his three forms. He is the author of the destinies of every living thing and the father of the Orishas.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about Olodumare and that you feel represented.