Oba
Traditional Colors: Pink
Number: 7
Areas of Influence: Science, feminism
Entities associated with: Joan of Arc, St Catherine
Symbols: unknown
Offerings: unknown
Feast Day: May 30th
Astrology: Virgo
Tarot: The Hermit, 6 of Swords
Chakra: unknown
Gemstones: Rhodocrosite, Rose Quartz,
Animals: unknown
Entities of Similar Energy: Artemis
Most sources only mention Oba as Chango’s first wife. They will normally tell the story of how their marriage fell apart…basically, she was young and niave when they wed, he cheated on her, she was convinced by either Oshun or Oya to cut off an ear and feed it to Chango to keep him faithful, Chango found out (or was told), flipped out and left her. Then they go on to say that she remains his wife but they don’t have anything to do with each other and she became a scientist and she is a happy homemaker (I don’t know where that one comes from). That’s all most books will say.
I think that’s because most people don’t see the relevance of Oba. To us women who have grown up in the post-feminist revolution of the 1960’s and 70’s, Oba is extremely relevant. She starts out a niave, sheltered child who gets married to a womanizer and sacrifices a piece of herself (and her power) to try and force this man to love her. Once he left, Oba decides that she’s not going to play the relationship game anymore and devotes herself to a higher calling, placing herself beyond the drama. She ended up chosing a life very different from the traditional life her parents and culture wanted for her. She turned her pain and heartache into a quest for knowledge and the betterment of her people. Oba has much to teach us women about not losing ourselves and not giving away our power for any reason.
Properly Showing Respect to Oba
Women should where scarves over their head and ears when performing rituals to Oba.
Where to find Oba
There is a river in Africa named after Oba, so a river or stream would be appropriate, but not close to someplace where previously Oshun has been given offerings. A woman’s shelter or near a school or science lab would also be appropriate. She likes the kitchen, so feel free to leave her offerings there.
Oba’s Children
Children of Oba will be attracted to the science or medical fields. They will have at least one very unhappy marriage and then stay single for the rest of the lives.
