--Chuchu

Aganju

Aganju is the Yoruba orisha associated with volcanoes.

"He is most highly regarded by Lukumi practitioners for his role in assisting humans in overcoming great physical as well as psychological barriers. Like the volcano, Aganjú is noted for his legendary strength and his ability to bring about drastic change.

Aganju has been associated with Oshun, with whom he had a relationship. He is associated with the shoulder and has a strong, powerful, and determined character." - Wikipedia



Here, Bebel Gilberto pays beautiful homage to Aganju. Sit back and breathe it in...

--Oshun

Oshun or Oxum

A homage to the Yoruba goddess, Oshun. Oshun (Oxum) is one of the main orishas in the pantheon of deities within the Santeria (or Lucumi) and Candomble religions in Cuba, Brazil (where Candomble is mainly practiced) and other Latin American countries. Santeria is a mix of Catholicism with African religious beliefs. The slaves continued to worship their deities in private, disguising them as Catholic saints during colonial days. Eventually, the blending of both religions ensued.

Oshun is commonly known as the goddess of sensuality and love, like an Aphrodite. "She radiates beauty and teaches us how to love and please our bodies. Everything beautiful belongs to her: jewels, amber, cowrie shells, brass, gold, river rocks, perfume, mirrors, shades of yellow, copper arm bands, copper bracelet’s, peacock feathers, dancing and honey. Oshun belonged to no man and believed all was fair in games of love." - according to one website.

Dive into Oshun ... you will no doubt fall in love.

Enter in de dance, plug it in and we begin...

--Marilyn Minter