Muso Koroni
The Knowledgeable One; The Pure Woman with the Primeval Soul
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Nyalé; Mousso Koroni
ORIGIN:
Bamana/Bambara
According to myth, Muso Koroni, Leopard Goddess of Mali, is the world’s first female while the first male was a blacksmith. Muso Koroni is among those spirits involved with the magical traditions of smithcraft. Originally a divine Creatrix, she traveled as a whirlwind sparking the process of creation.
Veneration of Muso Koroni was severely repressed by Islam. She is now considered a dangerous spirit who must be carefully controlled. Demoted from goddess to witch, she is called the Mother of Chaos. The epitome of primal womanhood, Muso Koroni is now perceived as chaotic, defiant, and unruly. Every human being is believed to possess a fragment of her wild, primeval nature. This wild part is called wanzo and in Mande tradition is the feminine force of chaos, which is excised from men via circumcision so that they become completely masculine.
Muso Koroni has dominion over witchcraft. She presides over women’s secret societies and is invoked in love magic.
MANIFESTATION:
Muso Koroni appears as a black panther, a many-breasted woman or as a little old lady with white hair who haunts granaries. Muso Koroni is identified with hot, dry winds that evaporate moisture.
COLOUR:
Black, associated with fertility and black fertile soil
Elements: Fire, air (wind)
OFFERINGS:
Smiths traditionally craft metal images of her in the form of candelabra. Her spirit is invoked when the lamp’s cups, filled with shea butter, are lit.
SEE ALSO:
Artemis of Ephesus; Lilith; Oya
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.