The Orisha Oxossi, a Pataki about Knowledge and a Workshop
Also closely related to the sign of Sagittarius is the Orisha, Ochosi or Oxossí. In my spiritual path of Candomble, this orisha is my maternal guide. In candomble, Oxossi is most often visually depicted as a masculine figure but Oxossí’s essence is one that is two spirited. Oxossi is said to have 7 or more different caminos or avatars. Each one manifesting differently as a masculine energy or feminine.
Ochosi like Sagittarius embody roles as an explorer, protector, a seeker of justice, a provider of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. They also represent cosmic harmony, wealth and prosperity, as it reflects the abundance and blessings that come from harmonious living and justice with earth and the collective.
The tone from which I started to write this post and what is being transmitted today, makes me think of a Pataki of Oxossi, about their quest for knowledge.
But first, what is a Pataki?
A Pataki is a traditional story / mythology in ATR’s ( like Candomblé and Ifa). These stories are used to teach lessons about the Orishas, their qualities, characteristics and how they interact with the world and people. Each Pataki usually shows what an Orisha represents, like love, wisdom, or strength and how those themes play out in all of our lives at some point.
Oxóssi and the Quest for Knowledge
Oxóssi is the Orisha of hunting, wisdom, and the forest. He’s known for his sharp mind and deep connection to nature, but there’s one thing he wanted even more than hunting skill: knowledge. He was not only interested in plants and animals; Oxóssi wanted to understand the mysteries of the world.
One day, he decided to go on a journey to find the wisdom of the universe. He wanted to know the secrets behind life, the forest, and the forces that shaped everything. So, he ventured deep into the woods, following the trails of animals and paying attention to every sound, smell, and movement. Oxóssi knew that nature itself held clues to the answers he was searching for.
As he traveled, Oxóssi came across a wise elder, a spirit who had lived in the forest for a long time. The elder told him, “If you want to understand the true nature of the world, you have to prove that you’re ready. Knowledge is earned, not given.”
The elder set Oxóssi a series of tests. Some were physical challenges, like catching a certain type of deer, and others were mental, like solving riddles or finding hidden symbols in nature. Oxóssi had to show patience, strategy, and wisdom to pass them.
Through these challenges, Oxóssi learned that knowledge isn’t just about gathering information; it’s about understanding the bigger picture, being patient, being in awe, wonder and respect for the world around you. He learned to listen to the trees, the wind, and the animals, who all had their own wisdom to share.-
This feels like such a sweet reminder as we close out the year. Through all the tests, trials and tribulations that life hands us- We are being reminded in this season that our patience, respect and care for ourselves and our community is imperative. This whole life is a journey, as Ram Dass would say “ We are all just walking each other home.” Sagittarius reminds us to dance along the journey, to marvel at the beauty of it all and that liberation can also look like joy.
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Join us on 12/17 at 6pm EST for a virtual workshop, Path of The Orisha: Obatala, Oxossi and Omolu. Together, we dive into the Orisha Cosmology of these Orisha. Learn about their individual Astrology connections, Sacred Plants (Ewe), Caminhos (from both the Ifa & Candomble perspectives) and simple rituals to connect with them. The online class will be recorded and available within 24 hours with every purchase. Zoom links are sent 2 days before the workshop.
