Ori (Yoruba) Explained

Type:Yoruba
Other Names:Ori
Member Of:Orisha
Venerated In:Yoruba religion, Umbanda, Candomblé, Santería, Haitian Vodou, Folk Catholicism
Deity Of:Choices made in the Pre-life, Destiny, Personal Identity, Fate
Region:Nigeria, Benin, Latin America, Togo,
Ethnic Group:Yoruba

Ori (known as Orí in Latin America) is a Yoruba metaphysical concept.

Ori, literally meaning "head," refers to one's spiritual intuition and destiny. It is the reflective spark of human consciousness embedded into the human essence, and therefore is often personified as an Orisha in its own right. It is believed by the Yoruba religion that human beings are able to heal themselves both spiritually and physically by working with the Orishas to achieve a balanced character, or iwa-pele. When one has a balanced character, one obtains an alignment with one's Ori or divine self. It is also believed that Ori be worshiped like Orisha. When things are not going right, Ori should be consulted. And to make things right Ori should be appeased. This is because whatever one becomes or whatever happens in one's life is as destined by Ori.

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