However, these are the principal Orishas worshipped: Eleggua, Ogun, Ochosi, Obatala, Yemaya, Oshun, Shango, Oya, Babalu- Aiye, and Orula. “The Orishas are highly important beings of an esteemed nature; they are spirits that reflects one of the embodiment of God (Olodumare, Olorun, Olofi) in Ifá and Yorùbá religion. Orishas are considered personified aspects of nature and spirit. “Animism is the belief that "spirits" inhabit the earth – in its rocks, plants, streams, animals, mountains, valleys – indeed all that is natural, and that these can be appealed to, interfered with, communicated with, defended against, and manipulated. It is the most widespread of all religious systems and has the most adherents, without those adherents necessarily …show more content…
One orisha that is honored at the opening and closing of all religious ceremonies is Eleggua. He is believed to live at crossroads, corners, mountains, rivers and seashore. Eleggua is everywhere observing everything that occurs, both the good and the evil. To Olorún (the supreme God in Yorùbá pantheon), Eleggua is his eyes on earth. He is also known to communicate between human and other orishas. At times he may appear as a child; when viewed by others; with a mischievous nature and a trickster reputation. He is a representation of St. Anthony and St. Jude in Catholic religion, also, as the Holy Child of Atocha. Ogun is an ancient hunting deity; a fierce warrior who defended his people against injustice. His intelligence and creativity shows through the mastery he possessed in the construction of weapons; especially those made of iron such as spears, knives, and blades. He is also a well-known sorcerer. Ogun is known to reside in the wilderness and forested areas of the world and knows secrets to all of the plants that the forest contains. Ogun is recognized as Saint Peter for