Supreme principle and sacred hierarchy

What it is: In Candomblé, many lineages recognize a supreme reality associated with Olodumare, Olorum, or equivalent formulations, in relation with a hierarchy of sacred powers.

How the religion understands it: The supreme principle is not necessarily the object of the same kind of direct cult given to the orixás, voduns, or inkices, who act more immediately in ritual life.

Basis and context: The idea appears in oral tradition, in myths, and in studies on Yoruba and Afro-Brazilian matrices.

Debates and variations: Language and emphasis vary among nations, houses, and authors, and not all describe the theological structure in the same way.

Supportive

José Beniste, Òrun-Àiyé

candomble,jose-beniste,cosmology,ori

A work on cosmology, the person, and relations between worlds.

Reference: José Beniste, Òrun-Àiyé.
Content: The book deals with cosmology, orí, the relationship between the visible and invisible worlds, and Yorùbá-matrix categories in the Brazilian context.
Use in debate: It is useful for sacred hierarchy, divination, orí, and ritual cosmology.

Pierre Verger, Orixás

candomble,verger,orixas,mythology

A classic work on Yorùbá divinities and their presence in Brazil.

Reference: Pierre Verger, Orixás.
Content: The book gathers myths, attributes, relationships, and forms of worship of different orixás in Africa and Brazil.
Use in debate: It is one of the best-known sources for orixás, sacred hierarchy, and the powers of nature.

Reginaldo Prandi, Mythology of the Orixás

candomble,prandi,orixas,itas

An influential collection of myths and narratives about the orixás.

Reference: Reginaldo Prandi, Mythology of the Orixás.
Content: The work systematizes itãs and narratives that help explain the attributes, paths, and bonds of the orixás.
Use in debate: It is a very useful source for a comparative description of divinities and ritual cosmology.