Oshun in the Yoruba, Efa and Santería religions, is an Orisha (not quite a “goddess”, however in the case of those who are not of these Faiths it is a close approximation) reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy. She may also be found in Brazilian Candomblé Ketu, with the name spelled Oxum. She is beneficent, generous and very kind. She does, however, have a temper which she seldom loses but which can cause havoc! In one of the stories about her, Oshun is said to have gone to a drum festival and fallen in love with Shango, and has been married to him ever since.

The Study of the Orisha is very complex and deeply rooted in the cultures from where they spring. If one is to trace it’s lore, you will find a path that leads over five thousand years into the heart of Africa and transcends time itself. I would encourage anyone who is interested in this subject to take the time for farther research.

I have some very close friends who have devoted themselves in these traditions and found a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and insight into the human condition. One of the jewels of my life is the introduction the the lovely and charming Oshun. On a visit to Florida some years ago I found myself strolling in an orchid garden and talking to a Dear One about Oshun and found myself gazing into one of the most exquisite flowers I had ever seen.

My friend pointed it out and said “the Orchid’s beauty is much like Oshun Herself: the flower’s beauty, fragrance and form holds a wounder that inspires a spark deep within you; it is that connection to Glory that invokes Her.” Love itself cannot be found: it must be inspired and generated within you, through that beholding one finds a path to Spirit.

In the Oshun Amulet, I attempted to capture the moment with a quiet face hidden a cluster of orchids, adorned with a small opal set beneath her. This would be for those who wish to invoke love and beauty in their lives.