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From: Yabezwen
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The Lwa (and Orishas)are indeed God; however, they are like branches stemming from one large tree (tree viewed as the entity of God/Yehwe or Bondye and the origin Guinea). The base representing the core beginning from which all was created, the roots representing the spirits that sustain the earth and the world below. The branches and leaves the spirits that support the sky and reach out into the universe above. All part of one whole, unable to exist without the other, each having its own importance and function as in treatments and healing, being called on for strength and courage and protective purposes (just to name a few). They represent certain nature elements such as fire (energy of life, heat, lightening), water (rivers, oceans, streams and rain), the earth (plants, trees, herbs, soil) and air (sky, wind, tornados, spiritual breath). To serve them, dance for and with them and make sacrafice to them is making a connection with and interacting with God. Oftentimes, as you know, possession is a result of this interaction and the Lwa come forth communicating messages, and performing treatments and healing. Though the Lwas have specific functions they are transmitting the energy of God (an aspect of a whole). Your soul is your spiritual essence, that inner fire that burns within us all. It connects you to God, spirits and your ancestors. It is eternal; therefore, it never ceases. In the Yoruba Tradition, Oludumare, Orunmila, Obatala and Eshu go hand in hand as God and the Lwa described above with the tree. Orunmila being the Supreme Being and his/her will unto you carried out by Obatala responsible for creation, Orunmila the seat of your destiny and Eshu the divine communicator between you and God (all part of one whole). And of course your Ori/head–the need to remain in balance to stay on course in order to achieve ones destiny (balance). Gods will is individual, each person being giving their own destiny and purpose to fulfill. The more one taps into their soul their destiny (Gods will) becomes clear. The Odu contain many elements, seeming to serve as a guidline of direction, principles, morals, lessons and ebbos, that cannot be interpreted verbatim. By tapping into ones soul and ones self, the Odu take on a more inherent meaning.
