Oshun

I went to a birthday party last year at an art gallery here in the city. My friend was drawn to a tall and quiet man. She told me she believed he was a Santero. We ate some good Peruvian food, enjoyed the art and music. The whole night my friend was fascinated by how he remained quiet and still as everything moved around him, approaching no one and touching nothing.

The birthday girl was a follower of Oshun. I asked my friend if she followed also and she said no, they met through yoga. The only thing I really new about Santeria was that it was the belief of Celia Cruz and India. One of my favorite Lil Lou and India songs was about the goddess of sweetness.

Fast forward, the Santero barely moved and always had people around him. Later in the night as we sat, not to far from him, he left the group around him and walked over to us. As we sat he smiled and nodded pausing before us. His eyes were kind and energy emanated from his body. No words were exchanged and then he was gone.

I asked if she knew him, my friend said no, he was drawn to our energy and chose to acknowledge us.

Until this week I had forgotten about this exchange.

Behind the bar at the Senegalese restaurant the bartender had gold bracelets like my own, long hair and a turquoise top. I found her to be very kind. Since I was not sure how interested I was in the company I was keeping I turned the conversation to her. She had good energy I thought, and noticed my gold bracelets. Asked what they meant. I told her. She told me hers were for Oshun, she thought I might follow.

My date continued the conversation, about Santeria, his visit to Cuba and other Orixas...I looked down and realized she had been holding my hand across the bar as I listened. She said simply that she loved Oshun.

She didn't touch him I noticed. I asked him what he followed and said he was spiritual. I said I was Catholic, she was Yoruba, it is good to follow something.