Alusi, also known as Arusi or Arushi, are deities

Deity

A deity is a recognized preternatural or supernatural immortal being, who may be thought of as holy, divine, or sacred, held in high regard, and respected by believers....

 that are worshiped and served in the religion

Religion

Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...

 of the Igbo people

Igbo people

Igbo people, also referred to as the Ibo, Ebo, Eboans or Heebo are an ethnic group living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria. They speak Igbo, which includes various Igboid languages and dialects; today, a majority of them speak English alongside Igbo as a result of British colonialism...

. There are a list of many different Alusi and each has its own purpose. When there is no longer need for the deity it is discarded.

Ancestors

The Igbo world is divided into several interconnected realms, principal among them being the realm of the living, the realm of the dead or of the ancestors, and the realm of the unborn. Individuals who led an honorable life and received a proper burial proceeded to the ancestral realm to take their place among the ancestors or Ndichie, who are not the same as the Alusi. From there they kept a watchful eye on the clan and visited their loved ones among the living with blessings such as fertility, good health, longevity and prosperity. In gratitude the living offered sacrifices to them at the family hearth, and sought their counsel.

Alusi worship

Each major deity had a priest in every town that honored it, and the priest was assisted by a group of acolytes and devotees.

Children and Alusi

Children are still considered the greatest blessing of all and this is reflected in popular names such as Nwakaego; a child is worth more than money or Akuakanwa; no wealth is worthier than a child, or Nwabuugwu; a child is the greatest honor. In a small part of Igboland(Imo and Abia states- Mba-area), women who successfully deliver ten children are rewarded with special celebrations and rites that honor their hips. Infertility is considered a particularly harsh misfortune. The Igbo believe that it is children who perpetuate the race, and in order to do so children are expected to continue Igbo tradition and ways.

List of Alusi

Deities or Alusi include Ahia Njoku

Ahia Njoku

In Igbo mythology, Ahia Njoku, also known as Ifejioku, Aha Njoku, is a goddess worshipped by the Igbo people of Nigeria.She is responsible for yams, which were an ingredient important in the Igbo diet, and the women who care for them....

, the goddess

Goddess

A goddess is a female deity. In some cultures goddesses are associated with Earth, motherhood, love, and the household. In other cultures, goddesses also rule over war, death, and destruction as well as healing....

 of yams

Yam (vegetable)

Yam is the common name for some species in the genus Dioscorea . These are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania...

, and Amadioha

Amadioha

Amadioha is the Alusi of thunder and lightning of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. He is amongst the most popular of Igbo deities and in some parts of Igboland, he is referred to as Amadiora, Kamalu , Kamanu, or Ofufe. Astrologically, his governing planet is the Sun...

 (or Amadiora) the god of thunder and lightning. In addition to them there are:

• Igwekaala: sky god,
• Ala: earth goddess and goddess of fertility.
• Ikenga
  Ikenga
  Ikenga is a horned Alusi found among the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the most popular symbols of the Igbo people, and the most common cultural artifact. Astrologically, Ikenga's governing planet is Mars and its sacred number is 3...
  
  : god of fortune and industry,
• Anyanwu
  Anyanwu
  Anyanwu is an Igbo deity that is believed to dwell in the sun. Anyanwu was one of the principal spirits for the Igbo, often associated with Agbala, the holy spirit as they both dwelled in the sun...
  
  : (literally:"eye of the sun" sun goddess)
• Idemmili: mother goddess of villages through which the Idemili river flows (Oba, Obosi, Ogidi, Oraifite, Ojoto etc)
• Agwu: god of medicine men, god of divination and healing
• Ahobinagu: forest god,
• Aro
  Aro
  Aro may refer to:* Aro people, an Igbo subgroup in West Africa* Aro Confederacy, a precolonial Igbo trading oligarchy in West Africa* Årø , a small island in the Lillebælt in Denmark* Årø, Norway, a neighborhood of Molde...
  
   (Aro-chukwu): god of judgment (also seen as the Supreme god's "Chukwu's" agent of judgment.)
• Njoku Ji
  Njoku Ji
  Njoku Ji was the guardian deity of the yam for the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. In parts of Igboland there are still annual rituals in honor of the yam deity known as Ifejioku In some parts children who were dedicated to the service of the deity were named Njoku. As adults such children...
  
  : god of Yam
  Yam (vegetable)
  Yam is the common name for some species in the genus Dioscorea . These are perennial herbaceous vines cultivated for the consumption of their starchy tubers in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania...
  
  
• Ogbunabali
  Ogbunabali
  Ogbunabali is the traditional Igbo Death deity. His name is considered to be a literal description of his character as he is said to kill his victims in the night, these usually being criminals or those who have committed an unspeakable taboo....
  
   (literally: [he who] kills by/at night): an Igbo god of death
• Agbala: goddess of the hills and caves or the holy/perfect spirit in Nri
• Eke: god/governor of the eastern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Eke Markets and days.
• Oye: god/governor of the western sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Oye Markets and days.
• Afo: god/governor of the northern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Afo Markets and days.
• Nkwo: god/governor of the southern sky (Heaven). Also the patron of Nkwo Markets and days.

See also

• Igbo mythology
  Igbo mythology
  Ọdinani, also Ọdinala, Omenala,Omenana, Odinana or Ọmenani is the traditional cultural beliefs and practises of the Igbo people of West Africa...
  
  
• Idemmili: King of the Sea revered by the villages through which the idemili river flows (Oba, Obosi, Ogidi, Ojoto etc)