Oluaye (Oh-lew-yay)
Overview
Oluaye is the spirit of the Earth and strongly associated with infectious disease, and healing. He promotes the cure for illnesses. He is always close to Iku (the force responsible for taking life), as he promotes healing for those who are close to death. However, some fear Obaluaye because he is believed to bring disease upon humans, including smallpox, to those who disrespect him. His command over disease is also shown in the undead his cult can create, many of them having disease causing bites. His cult is empowered with spells that are used against all kinds of diseases, but particularly against skin diseases, inflammation and airborne diseases that can cause epidemics. Heat is also a property of Oluaye, like fever, the body heating up to expel a disease, it is Oluaye acting on the human body, as well as the heat that comes from the depths of the earth. Therefore, any kind of sacrifice or offering to this orisa must be done during the day, when the temperature is higher. Usually considered hobbled by disease, he universally takes grains as offerings. He demands respect and even gratitude when he claims a victim, and so people sometimes honor him with the praise name Alápa-dúpé, meaning “One who kills and is thanked for it”. In one commonly recounted story, he attended a celebration at the palace of Obatala, the father of the orisas. When Oluaye tried to dance, he stumbled and fell. All the other orisas laughed at him, and he in turn tried to infect them with smallpox. Obatala stopped him and drove him into the bush, where he has lived as an outcast ever since.Divine Domains
Animal (only Insect), Death (including Plague and Undead), Darkness, Earth (including Caves), Erosion, Healing, Magic, Vermin, Famine, Samhain,
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Holy Symbol - Skull on a bead necklace
Holy Weapon - Light Mace
Holy Animal - Mosquito and Tsetse Fly
Holy Colors - Brown, Silver, Purple
Holy Mineral - none
