OSUN STATUE

Osun/Ozun: Warrior, Messenger, and Watchman.
Osun is a major orisha, but is not seated on anyone’s head as a guardian. He is a companion to the other orishas, especially the other warriors, and is the messenger of Obatala and Olofi, and sometimes of Orunmila. When initiates to Santeria receive their Warriors (Elegua, Ogun, and Ochosi), they usually also receive Osun. [Not to be confused with Oshun/Ochun, the female orisha of love and beauty]

Osun’s main task is to alert us to danger, and let us know when there is a serious threat to our physical or spiritual well-being. Like the rooster in a barnyard he stands guard and never sleeps. He is represented in the home by a white metal rooster perched on a metal cup with a tall base, which is weighted to prevent tipping. This is placed on a high shelf out of harm’s way. This cup symbolizes the initiate’s health and stability. Should the cup tip over and fall (without anyone touching it), this signifies a serious problem with health or safety, and the initiate should contact their Godfather or Godmother immediately for advice.

Osun has no eleke or necklace, no cowrie shells, and never possesses anyone in trance. If he has something to say, he speaks through Elegua’s shells. No specific colors are associated with him, but he is considered to be present in all colors, especially the four basic ones used in initiation: red, yellow, blue and white. His day is Thursday, his numbers are 8, 16, and 24. He is syncretized with St. John the Baptist and shares his feast day of June 24.