The Yoruba people live in Western Africa, specifically Nigeria and the Benin Republic. In Brazil, he is known as Ocô. He is a powerful god within the pantheon.
He is not only a close friend of Osanyin and Sango and was married to Yemaya.
He is associated with the harvest of white African yams. He oversees the topsoil and the crops. He is also a God of Fertility and stories say that he drug his large testicles along the soil causing plants to spring forth with life.
Oko is Orisha's judge, according to tradition. In the event of a quarrel, he intervenes to settle the disagreement. Oko is a defender and protector of women.
He also serves as the trial judge for the other gods.
Orisa Oko's Aspects:
Orisha Oko ensures the prosperity of the crops, his messengers are the bees, and he represents prosperity and even fertility.
Farmers bring their produce to Oko for blessing before selling it at the market. When each crop is planted, the Yoruba give thanks by offering sacrifices for their crops.
Bees are his messengers and spirit animal. He is symbolized by the honeybee and seen as a hard worker and one who cares about his community.
WHAT DOES ORISHA OKO LOOK LIKE?
He carries a staff and plays a bone flute while dressed entirely in white clothing. Reproductions of his staff are made and used during agricultural celebrations. Traditionally the staff was made of wood but in more contemporary times the staff is made of iron.
The staff is a phallic symbol representing fertility and protection of the farmer and their crops. The top is often adorned in beads of red and white for fertility.
Yoruba priests of Orisha-Oko can be men or women. As a symbol of their priesthood, they have a red and white vertical line drawn over their foreheads.
In the Caribbean, he is often represented holding two coconuts which are a symbol of his testicles and fertility.
CORRESPONDANCES
Animals: Bees, dove, hen, he goat and rooster.
Crystals and Gemstones: Turquoise in red, pink, or lilac colors. Coral was also used traditionally however purchasing coral is unsustainable. The colors red and white which symbolize blood and semen are associated with Oko as a god of fertility.
Divination: The number 7
Offerings: Fruit, dried meats, yams, and beans.
Music: Flute and drums
Tools: Farm Tools such as plow and harrow.
HONORING ORISA OKO
Add plants and a bowl of the earth to your altar to worship Oko.
Add a statue of him to your garden
He loves flute music and dancing with drumming
Pray to Oko when you or your partner, are attempting to become pregnant.
Pray to Oko when you are trying to improve your diet and eat healthier you may make an offering of food by cooking for him. Among his favorite foods are sweet potatoes, or yams.
ORISHA OKO'S ORIGIN STORY
According to an ancient Yoruba legend, Orisha-Oko was initially the chieftain of the city of Irawo, where he was a successful farmer and community leader. When he died his body disappeared and a staff was left in his field.
The people of the village realized he was not human but a deity.