Welcome, dear reader, to this extraordinary odyssey, a voyage that will immerse you into the cosmic rhythm of the Yoruba Orishas. This book is one in a sequence, each volume capturing the enchanting myths of the principal Orishas of the Yoruba tradition. Spanning between 20 to 250 myths per Orisha, these compilations offer a comprehensive exploration of this rich spiritual landscape, a tapestry woven from the threads of the divine.
What awaits within these pages are not just a series of myths, but a dynamic and vibrant tableau of stories rewritten in a fairy tale style. This approach ensures an engaging, captivating reading experience, transforming the ancient narratives into tales of wonder, enchantment, and timeless wisdom.
Each myth is presented with a trifold interpretive dimension. They are given a structuralist treatment in the vein of Levi-Strauss and Prop, dissecting the narrative's framework to reveal underlying structures. A psychoanalytic perspective, following the insights of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler, plumbs the depths of these tales for symbolic meaning. Finally, a spiritual analysis delves into the mystical relationships and interactions between the Orishas.
All these myths have been painstakingly extracted from the vast corpus of the 256 Yoruba Odu Ifa books, encyclopedic collections that house the original myths and additional elements such as prayers and sacrifices. These original books will also be published or have been published by the author over time.
The guiding hand behind this expansive project is Tilo Plöger de Àjàgùnnà, himself a Babalorixá and Babalawo of Candomblé, Zelador der Umbanda, and Mestre de Catimbó. Tilo operates his spiritual house near Munich, Germany, initiated in Rio de Janeiro at the Casa do Caboclo Pena Branca, Ile Ase Jagum, a spiritual lineage tracing back to the renowned Casa Branca do Engenho Velho, Ilê Axé Iyá Nassô Oká in Salvador. A man of many talents, Tilo holds degrees in economics and chemistry, and his professional background encompasses multiple leadership roles in international health and beauty companies.
Tilo's spiritual journey began in his early childhood. For over a decade, he has been immersing himself in Yoruba spiritual culture. His dedication to making this profound and vibrant spiritual culture accessible is evident in the dozens of books he has written and continues to publish. He also leads a spiritual group, providing counseling and conducting various rituals, utilizing all the major divination oracles from the Yoruba tradition.
The series will be published in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German, with select parts made available as audiobooks for those who prefer listening to reading.
In this series, we delve into the myths of the main Orishas, including Ibeji, Nanan Buruku, Eshu, Oyá, Obatalá, Shango, Ogún, Osain, Yemanjá, Oshun, Logun Edé, Oshósi, Oshumaré, Olokun, Obaluaye, Obbá, Yewá, and Yami Osóronga. Some Orishas, such as Oranian and Erinlé, relate to similar Orishas like Shango and Oshóssi.
This series has been crafted for readers of all levels, from the curious novice to the experienced devotee in search of deeper knowledge and captivating storytelling. It aims to engage and delight Candomblé, Santeria, and Ifá followers, and anyone who finds joy in the magic of myths. This is your invitation to journey with us into the heart of the Yoruba tradition, a place where the spiritual and the mythical are as real as the air we breathe, as vital as the beat of our hearts. Welcome aboard!
Asé ó.