Sacred Practices to Honor the Radiant Goddess Oshun

Have you ever felt drawn to gold jewelry that seemed to choose you? Have you found yourself lingering by a flowing river, feeling inexplicably at peace? Perhaps Oshun has already been calling you.

Who is Oshun?

Oshun (also spelled Ọ̀ṣun) is one of the most revered spiritual deities in the Yoruba religion, which originated among the Yoruba people of present-day Nigeria. Cloaked in a radiant golden aura, she stands as the fierce protector of women and children, embodying the deepest essence of feminine power.

Oshun is revered for her compassion and seductive charm, but also for her powerful and fierce qualities. She shows that you don’t need to choose between softness and strength—your beauty, kindness, and sensuality are forms of power in and of themselves.

It is believed her essence lives in rivers and flowing waters. She glows in the sweetness of honey, and her beauty shines through in the adornment of clothing that we wear in her honor.

Think about the last time you adorned yourself with care, choosing clothing that makes you feel beautiful, or let the taste of honey linger on your tongue satiating its sweetness. These moments are examples of tuning into Oshun’s energy and her celebration of self-love and embodiment.

Honoring Oshun with Water Offerings and River Rituals

Water is Oshun’s sacred element. Like the cycles of a woman’s life, water transforms, adapts, and persists. Have you ever noticed how watching flowing water can shift your emotional state?

Because of this, you can worship and honor Oshun at rivers or streams. For example, bring honey, cinnamon sticks, or sunflowers. However, before placing anything in the water, always ask permission from the spirit of the river. Also, consider the environmental impact of what you give.

If you live in a city, you can still connect with Oshun through the water element. For instance, you might take a ritual bath filled with flowers and oils as you offer sacred blessings whispered into the water.

Water holds our intention and carries emotion and memory. This is why you may notice a shift as the water spirals down the drain, feeling your worries and heaviness dissolving with it, carried away by Oshun’s cleansing current.

As you watch the moving waters or soak in a tub – focus on divine femininity, emotional healing, and self-love. Speak to Oshun — ask her to cleanse your spirit and bless your life with beauty and grace. Let the water become a sacred womb of rebirth, where healing and renewal can unfold.

Honey Rituals: Invoking Oshun’s Sweetness and Love

Honey is one of Oshun’s favorite gifts. It’s a powerful symbol of her sweetness and love. When your relationships feel bitter, when creativity stagnates, or when wounds seem slow to heal—this is when Oshun’s honey medicine can transform your life.

How: Place a bowl of honey on your altar and whisper your intention.

Tip: Taste the honey first. Traditionally, the honey is tested before it’s given to Oshun. This is because, according to legend, someone once tried to poison her with it.

Even though the honey ritual is simple, it becomes sacred. It turns into a conversation, an exchange with the divine.

Create an Oshun Altar: A Sacred Space for Devotion

Altars are spiritual spaces that invite divine presence into your home. Creating one for Oshun gives you a place to honor her regularly. It also helps build a strong and lasting connection.

Include these elements that delight the Goddess and pay homage to her traditions:

• Yellow or gold candles
• Offerings such as oranges, pumpkins, honey, or cinnamon
• Mirrors (to symbolize beauty and self-reflection)
• Fresh flowers, especially sunflowers
• Hibiscus tea
• A bowl of water or a river stone
• And, if you can find one, a peacock feather

This altar becomes your focal point. Over time, it supports meditation, prayer, and offerings. If you tend to it with love and intention, it will invite her blessings into your life.

Prayer, Chant, and Candlelight: Speak Oshun’s Name

Lighting candles in Oshun’s colors— yellow, orange, or gold— is a beautiful way to honor her. As the flame moves, speak your prayers out loud. You can use your own heartfelt words,  or you can recite a traditional Yoruba chant, such as:

“Ọ̀ṣun, Ọ̀ṣun, ọmọ Ọ̀ṣun. Bring your sweetness into my life.”

This chant calls Oshun by name. At the same time, it affirms your connection to her sacred lineage. When you speak with love, honesty, and clarity, she hears you. She listens to the truth in your voice.

Dance as Devotion: Moving with Rhythm

When was the last time you danced without inhibition? When did you last allow your hips to speak their truth? Dancing for Oshun invites you back into sensual sovereignty. As you move, you might find tears flowing, or laughter bubbling up from forgotten places. This is Oshun’s gift: reconnection with your body’s innate wisdom and joy.

Beauty and Art as Offerings to Oshun Goddess

Oshun delights in beauty and creativity. So when you write poetry, paint, make music, or dress with care, you are offering gifts to her. These acts show love and devotion.

Taking time for self-care becomes a sacred practice. Decorating your space with beauty, or wearing her colors also honors her. Celebrate your own beauty. Explore your creativity. Each act of art becomes a prayer. Each expression becomes a living offering.

Cultural Respect

When practicing your Oshun rituals, avoid blending her practices with other spiritual paths unless guided by a teacher or elder. It is important to honor her origin.

Learn with humility. Acknowledge her lineage. Oshun welcomes sincere love and devotion, yet she also expects truth and reverence.

To walk with Oshun is to walk a path of sweetness, beauty, and compassion. It is also a path of abundance and joy. Whether through a honey ritual or a full altar with sunflowers, peacock feathers, and candles, each act of devotion strengthens your link to her golden light.