Ọsanyìn

Ọsanyin (Yoruba: Ọ̀sanyìn, rendered Osaín/Ossain/Ossaím in Latin America/Agué in Fon, Aziza in Esan) is the orisha of plant. In America he is syncretized with Saint Joseph. Osanyin is an orisha of herbal knowledge, he is the spirit behind the preparation of Medicine from leaves and herbs. During his lifetime osanyin is a younger brother to Orunmila. The age difference between osanyin and Orunmila is so wide that orunmila is old enough to be osanyin grandfather. Orunmila's mother give birth to osanyin at a very old age. Osanyin usually run errands for orunmila. Orunmila will send him where ever he want. But Osanyin is a great botanist he knows the names of leaves and their uses. He is naturally gifted from Olodumare with knowledge of herbs and their uses for health and other metaphysical purpose. He didn't learn how to use herb from any body other orisha learn the uses of herbs from him. Osanyin knowledge come to prominence when, when ever orunmila send him on errands when osanyin was still a small boy, he will come back home crying that he can't cut the leaves and tree in the farm because of their uses. Orunmila begin to let osanyin help him in preparation of Medicine while orunmila continue with his divination work. Osanyin was a very handsome man strong and virile couple with his great knowledge. Osanyin become very proud and arrogant. Many diviner do come to him because of his knowledge and they respect him because he is Orunmila younger brother and orunmila was a great diviner. When Osanyin becomes Sango Godfather One day, Osanyin meets Ṣàngó in the forest. He gives young Ṣàngó a gourd that allows him to breathe fire. As soon as Ṣàngó takes the gourd, he realizes his destiny as the orisha of fire and lightning. From then Osanyin becomes Ṣàngó‘s godfather and mentor. Later on, Ṣàngó is passing through a village when he spots townspeople chasing a leper and tossing water on him. When Sàngó goes in rescue the leper, he discovers it is Osanyin in another form. Ṣàngó rubs herbs on Osanyin’s body to heal him.