iartsysam - Tumblr blog

[iartsysam]

100 posts!

Wow! Thank you to everyone and their notes 🙏🏽✨

We are looking to expand to a bigger platform and even a shop. Thank you for rocking with us

[iartsysam]

Mistress of Waters: Oshun

Throughout history, water has been used as a symbol of wisdom, power, grace, music, and sensitivity.

Across many ancient civilizations, love was placed under the domain of a particular deity, usually, but not in all cases, a goddess.

In the Classical world, for instance, there were Venus and Aphrodite, love goddesses of the Roman and Greek pantheons, respectively.

In West Africa, the Yoruba people believe in a love goddess named Oshun.

They inhabit the southwestern part of modern-day Nigeria and the southern part of Benin.

Although #Oshun is regarded principally as a goddess of love, there are other aspects to this Orisha.

Oshun is the goddess of love, sensuality, and water and the protective deity of the river Oshun. She is also associated with fertility, lushness, greenness, and life.

Alongside this river is a sacred grove, probably the last in Yoruba Culture, dedicated to Oshun.

When she came down to earth, she wore a gold dress and jewelry. This is why her worshippers also wear gold and yellow attires to honor her.

According to the tales, the gods came down, they completely disregarded Oshun while they engaged in creating the earth.

She returned to the heavens, where she spent time admiring herself in the mirror. Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty.

In the absence of Oshun, the other gods faced difficulties. They could not populate and revive the earth.

They went back to heaven to apologize and beg her. When she came back to the earth, she revived it with water.

Although Oshun governs love and sweet waters, she is also a benevolent deity.

She is said to be the protector of the poor and the mother of all orphans. It is Oshun who fulfills their needs in this life.

Oshun is commonly shown as a beautiful, charming, sensual, and coquettish young woman.

During the slave trade, Oshun was brought to the Americas and adopted into the pantheons, branching out of the traditional African belief system.

[iartsysam]

MathiasJudias

[iartsysam]

♥️

There will always be a person who looks like a poem the earth wrote to keep you alive.

Juansen Dizon

[iartsysam]

Stivenson Magloire (1963-1994) — The Blue Door [acrylic on board, ca. 1989]

[iartsysam]

Dear Self,

You'll find peace when you lean into uncertainty as a form of empowerment. Remember, life's not just about tolerating unpredictability, but mastering the art of thriving within it. Uncertainty is your stage, not your cage. You got this.

[iartsysam]

[iartsysam]

[iartsysam]

Mistress of Waters: Oshun

Throughout history, water has been used as a symbol of wisdom, power, grace, music, and sensitivity.

Across many ancient civilizations, love was placed under the domain of a particular deity, usually, but not in all cases, a goddess.

In the Classical world, for instance, there were Venus and Aphrodite, love goddesses of the Roman and Greek pantheons, respectively.

In West Africa, the Yoruba people believe in a love goddess named Oshun.

They inhabit the southwestern part of modern-day Nigeria and the southern part of Benin.

Although #Oshun is regarded principally as a goddess of love, there are other aspects to this Orisha.

Oshun is the goddess of love, sensuality, and water and the protective deity of the river Oshun. She is also associated with fertility, lushness, greenness, and life.

Alongside this river is a sacred grove, probably the last in Yoruba Culture, dedicated to Oshun.

When she came down to earth, she wore a gold dress and jewelry. This is why her worshippers also wear gold and yellow attires to honor her.

According to the tales, the gods came down, they completely disregarded Oshun while they engaged in creating the earth.

She returned to the heavens, where she spent time admiring herself in the mirror. Oshun often carries a mirror so that she can admire her beauty.

In the absence of Oshun, the other gods faced difficulties. They could not populate and revive the earth.

They went back to heaven to apologize and beg her. When she came back to the earth, she revived it with water.

Although Oshun governs love and sweet waters, she is also a benevolent deity.

She is said to be the protector of the poor and the mother of all orphans. It is Oshun who fulfills their needs in this life.

Oshun is commonly shown as a beautiful, charming, sensual, and coquettish young woman.

During the slave trade, Oshun was brought to the Americas and adopted into the pantheons, branching out of the traditional African belief system.

[iartsysam]

The Cloud Arthur Hacker (1858–1919) Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

[iartsysam]

[iartsysam]

The Goat (2023) an illustration by @iartsysam

[iartsysam]

Spirits of the dead: Baron sa m a di, Gede Nibo, Brav Gede, Gede Zarenyen, Grann Brijit 💀⚰️✝️🖤💜🕯️

The Gede spirits, often referred to as the "Gede family," are a group of spirits in Haitian Vodou that are associated with death, the afterlife, fertility, humor, and irreverence.

They are believed to serve as intermediaries between the living and the dead, helping to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.

The Gede spirits are known for their playful and mischievous nature, often using humor to challenge societal norms and break taboos.

The main day of celebration for the Gede spirits is November 2nd, which is known as "Fet Gede" or the "Festival of the Ancestors."

This is when offerings and rituals are made to honor and communicate with these spirits, seeking their guidance and protection.

The Gede spirits are associated with the colors black and purple.

Black symbolizes death and the mysteries of the afterlife, while purple represents spiritual power and transformation.

Gede Zarenyen, also known as Gede Zariyen or Gede Zarenye, is a specific Gede spirit within the Gede family. He is often depicted as a dapper and sophisticated spirit, dressed in elegant clothing.

Gede Zarenyen is associated with graveyards and is believed to have power over the dead. He is sometimes considered the guardian of cemeteries and is invoked for protection and assistance with matters related to death.

Baron Samedi is a prominent and powerful Gede spirit who serves as the leader of the Gede family. He is often depicted wearing formal attire, including a top hat and sunglasses, and is known for his irreverent and humorous behavior. He is associated with death and the afterlife, and he is believed to have the ability to help with matters related to healing, protection, and crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead.

He is a complex and multi-faceted spirit, embodying both the serious and the playful aspects of death.

Baron Samedi, the leader of the Gede spirits in Haitian Vodou, is often considered to have a counterpart known as Maman Brigitte. Maman Brigitte or Grann Brijit is a powerful and revered spirit associated with death, cemeteries, and healing. She is considered to be Baron Samedi's wife or companion in the Vodou pantheon.

Maman Brigitte is closely linked to the Vodou representation of the lwa (spirits) associated with the Irish-Celtic deity Brigid. She is depicted as a fierce and protective figure, and she is often invoked for matters related to healing, especially in relation to women's health. Like Baron Samedi, Maman Brigitte is also associated with the crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead, and she is believed to be a guardian of the cemetery.

Together, Baron Samedi and Maman Brigitte form a complementary and powerful duo within the Gede family of spirits, each embodying different aspects of death, protection, and healing.

Illustrations by @iartsysam ✨

[iartsysam]

Spirits of the dead: Baron sa m a di, Gede Nibo, Brav Gede, Gede Zarenyen, Grann Brijit 💀⚰️✝️🖤💜🕯️

The Gede spirits, often referred to as the "Gede family," are a group of spirits in Haitian Vodou that are associated with death, the afterlife, fertility, humor, and irreverence.

They are believed to serve as intermediaries between the living and the dead, helping to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.

The Gede spirits are known for their playful and mischievous nature, often using humor to challenge societal norms and break taboos.

The main day of celebration for the Gede spirits is November 2nd, which is known as "Fet Gede" or the "Festival of the Ancestors."

This is when offerings and rituals are made to honor and communicate with these spirits, seeking their guidance and protection.

The Gede spirits are associated with the colors black and purple.

Black symbolizes death and the mysteries of the afterlife, while purple represents spiritual power and transformation.

Gede Zarenyen, also known as Gede Zariyen or Gede Zarenye, is a specific Gede spirit within the Gede family. He is often depicted as a dapper and sophisticated spirit, dressed in elegant clothing.

Gede Zarenyen is associated with graveyards and is believed to have power over the dead. He is sometimes considered the guardian of cemeteries and is invoked for protection and assistance with matters related to death.

Baron Samedi is a prominent and powerful Gede spirit who serves as the leader of the Gede family. He is often depicted wearing formal attire, including a top hat and sunglasses, and is known for his irreverent and humorous behavior. He is associated with death and the afterlife, and he is believed to have the ability to help with matters related to healing, protection, and crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead.

He is a complex and multi-faceted spirit, embodying both the serious and the playful aspects of death.

Baron Samedi, the leader of the Gede spirits in Haitian Vodou, is often considered to have a counterpart known as Maman Brigitte. Maman Brigitte or Grann Brijit is a powerful and revered spirit associated with death, cemeteries, and healing. She is considered to be Baron Samedi's wife or companion in the Vodou pantheon.

Maman Brigitte is closely linked to the Vodou representation of the lwa (spirits) associated with the Irish-Celtic deity Brigid. She is depicted as a fierce and protective figure, and she is often invoked for matters related to healing, especially in relation to women's health. Like Baron Samedi, Maman Brigitte is also associated with the crossing between the worlds of the living and the dead, and she is believed to be a guardian of the cemetery.

Together, Baron Samedi and Maman Brigitte form a complementary and powerful duo within the Gede family of spirits, each embodying different aspects of death, protection, and healing.

Illustrations by @iartsysam ✨

[iartsysam]

Gran Brijit, Madan Bawon

A hen is a female chicken. And a rooster is a male chicken; the term “chicken” is used for the species as a whole.

Culturally, the rooster symbolizes beauty and even arrogance.

In some cases, dreams about roosters show that you have to get rid of the ego to pay more attention to others and be more uncomplicated.

Mama Brigitte is one of the Ghede, the Haitian family of death and fertility loas. She is the counterpart of Baron Samedi. Madan Bawon.

She takes care of death, cemeteries and graves. She drinks rum with hot peppers. She swears a lot and is symbolized by a black rooster.

Roosters represent the sun and the dawn. They symbolize the rebirth that we experience daily.

Mama Brigitte is known for her piercing stare. Roosters keep an eye on things and chase away the darkness.

In certain cultures, many people use roosters as a symbol of luxury and power. Another meaning of a rooster is related to prosperity in the field of finance or health.

Dreaming of a black rooster signifies that you will achieve the things you want, especially professional success. But you must be careful of envy and be prepared to stand up for what is yours.

They are seen as symbols of strength, courage, and determination. They are also often associated with fertility and new beginnings.

To hold a black chicken in your dream suggests that someone close to you will need guidance.

It is a powerful symbol of protection in many cultures.

In some traditions, the black rooster is associated with the underworld and is thought to be able to ward off evil spirits.

In others, the black rooster is seen as a home guardian, offering protection from harm.

Regardless of the reasons behind it, it is a symbol of mystery that is steeped in history and folklore.

A black rooster may appear to us in our dreams when we have encountered hard times when we receive unexpected help – seeing the symbol permanently restores your faith in humanity.

Cemeteries are seen as places where spirits reside, making them suitable for certain rituals, especially for approaching the spirits of the dead.

A cemetery or graveyard is a place where the remains of dead people are buried or otherwise interred.

Dreaming of cemeteries is very symbolic, and those are dreams that sometimes have nothing to do with you dying; their metaphor relates to things in your life that are buried or long forgotten.

[iartsysam]

Thank you @iartsysam and everyone who got me to 100 reblogs!

Ogou, ogoun (Nago)

In Haitian vodou— Ogou is the Loa who presides over fire, smithery, politics, and wars. He is sometimes seen riding a white horse, his machete or rhum never too far away from him.

He is viewed as the ultimate fighter, the faithful warrior that will defend you through the end.

According to legends, during the Haitian Revolution, most of the enslaved people were mounted by the mighty spirit of Ogou, including Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti's father of Independence.

The white horse has been an essential symbol in mythology and religion for centuries.

It symbolizes purity, heroism, enlightenment, and triumph of good over evil and serves as a holy animal.

The white horse is generally considered the purest animal and the only one worthy of carrying a hero into battle.

Seeing a white horse in your dreams signifies that your greater purpose and potential are out there!

Horses are soft, gentle creatures. Combine this with the pure white color, and we can see how it gets the symbol of innocence.

Seeing a white horse in your dreams can also signify that you’re on the right path toward enlightenment.

[iartsysam]

Ogou, ogoun (Nago)

In Haitian vodou— Ogou is the Loa who presides over fire, smithery, politics, and wars. He is sometimes seen riding a white horse, his machete or rhum never too far away from him.

He is viewed as the ultimate fighter, the faithful warrior that will defend you through the end.

According to legends, during the Haitian Revolution, most of the enslaved people were mounted by the mighty spirit of Ogou, including Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti's father of Independence.

The white horse has been an essential symbol in mythology and religion for centuries.

It symbolizes purity, heroism, enlightenment, and triumph of good over evil and serves as a holy animal.

The white horse is generally considered the purest animal and the only one worthy of carrying a hero into battle.

Seeing a white horse in your dreams signifies that your greater purpose and potential are out there!

Horses are soft, gentle creatures. Combine this with the pure white color, and we can see how it gets the symbol of innocence.

Seeing a white horse in your dreams can also signify that you’re on the right path toward enlightenment.