PARADISE CHRISTIAN CHURCH : Collections of Ifa and orisa work, post by Admin

How to find a good Elder, God Parent, Mentor in the Ifa Orisha Tradition.

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

Someone brought up a question about how to find a good elder. The end result of that conversation was that it was difficult for people to know if an Ifa /Orisha teacher is good or bad until it is too late. Too often, people are eager to jump without looking closely for what or who may be best for them. Compatibility is important because when seeking a mentor, you are seeking to develop a relationship that will require trust and humility that will last for years. Each lineage and even Oluwo (teacher) has different requirements as far as training and certification goes. Some offer a certificate called Itowobiye while others simply give a nod of the head. Some can train you in a year. Some will take ten years.

I’ve compiled a list of considerations when choosing a mentor for the priesthood. These considerations are not meant to be judgments… Well most aren’t.. Rather, they are intended to help you reflect on your needs, determine compatibility. and support you making an informed choice rather than an ill fated one.You will have to decide what your goals are in the first place. Is it to know your life path, to be a diviner, to be a healer, to gain protection or healing, or to floss with no intention of actually learning anything? What do your readings say?Do you want traditional or Lucumi lineage? Yoruba, Edo, Ewe, Fon lineage? Do you want an African born, American, Cuban, Peurto Rican born teacher? Do you want English, Yoruba, or Spanish speaking teacher? How do they feel about women and what is their approach toward initiating and training women? Or, how do they feel about initiating and training Latinos, African Americans, or whites? How do they feel about gay lifestyles? Do they have rules that prevent initiations for gays, women, or other races?

What is their background and training? How effective is their work? (Very important! ) How long have they been practicing? What initiations do they offer? What kind of character do they have? Are they patient? Kind? How do they treat their family and omos? Do they chase women if they are men? Are they arrogant, greedy, or humble? Are they petty, jealous, or competitive with other priests or Iles or are they able to work in partnership with others? Are they surrounded by drama all of the time? How do they handle their personal affairs? Are they judgmental and intolerant? Do they approach you for sex or use sex as a bargaining tool or tell you that the Orisha wants you to have sex with them? If that is the case Run Forrest Run!

Can you afford them? Do they require monthly fee to be a part of their Ile or joining fees? Is training included with initiation fees or separate? Do they put a dollar sign on everything they do? Do they offer payment plans or sliding scales? Can they openly discuss upfront costs or do they keep you in the dark until they have you? Is there a contract with clear roles, fees, expectations and responsibilities for both parties? That is not common but a good idea to start.

Do they have a large Ile or a lot of Omos or do they have a small one? This determines how much time they may have? Do you want a big family or individualized personal support? How do they treat their omos? How accessible are they? Do they have support? What are the rules and expectations for people in their Ile?

How do they go about training? Do they require that you learn Yoruba before they teach you anything? Do they offer written, oral, and practical application training? Do they teach divination? If so what levels? Do they make you work ten years in their Ile before they teach you Obi? Do they emphasize technical skill over understanding what and why you are doing it? Do they have a set curriculum that lets you know what you have to master and how far to go? Do they determine your skill based on clear objective criteria that can be measured or arbitrary criteria like personal feelings? What skill level are their omos at? Do they have any that have actually been trained and cleared operate on their own or do they keep them forever training and dependent? Have they received their Itowobiye or other certification to practice if they are from Nigeria? Do they offer it?

What is their approach toward the tradition? Religious, esoteric, cultural, spiritual, Nationalist? Do they answer questions or leave you hanging? Do they inspire you or leave you more fearful and distrustful? What ethics and values do they hold dear? Do they follow them themselves?

I know it’s a lot of questions and they are not a judgement about people as there is no one size fit all approaches. If a potential Oluwo is impatient and dismisses your questions though, it says they lack patience which is one of the key character points an Awo should have. These are just considerations when looking for someone to apprentice under to determine if you are compatible. They can help you avoid a lot of misunderstandings later.

At the same time the approach is two fold.. Just as you are evaluating potential “God parents”, you will need to determine what kind of student, apprentice, or omo you can and are willing to be.

Are you willing to reciprocate for time and energy given for training, initiation, and support whether financially, by barter, or other agreement?

Are you willing to actually be a student, follow directions and be humble?

Are you willing to honor your contracts, commitments, and do what you say you will do?

Are you willing to not spread gossip about your Oluwo?

Are you willing to communicate respectfully especially when there is a problem?

Are you willing to be patient with your training and do what is required to get the most out of it?

Are you willing to follow the ethical codes of the tradition and be honorable?

Are you willing to respect their time and private life?

Are you mentally stable?

Are you willing to do the work of self development?

Lastly, if you are a trained priest or priestess that is taking omos, feel free to leave your information, where you are located and available to work in the comments. Be clear though…. I do not vouch for anyone listed and take no responsibility for the actions of any priests listed. Each person has to do their own research.

For those that need to know the differences between traditional and Lucumi paths, this link offers a good explanation:

https://m.gbawoniyi.com/Clarifications.html

Oso- The Ancient Seers And Divine Men

INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

AWO: THE MYSTERY SCHOOLS OF DIVINE AWARENESS AND POWER

by Oluwo Fasola Faniyi Babatunde, Otta, Nigeria

Ogbo Ato Asure Iworiwofun

The ancient seers -ologbon- had throughout the ages developed special and sacred private societies, associations, guilds, schools and fraternities whose aim was to promote the sacred sciences of acquiring and drawing spiritual power from the Indescribable Supreme Power Olodumare for the purpose of acquiring new levels and qualities of spiritual energy, awareness, perception and power, that would enable them by entering these new and progressive states or fields of spiritual consciousness or pure awareness, to more readily develop and evolve intellectually, morally and spiritually. Together with this discovery and advancement the ancient seers also discovered, developed and gained the ability and power to perform tremendous miraculous feats and extraordinary demonstrations of spiritual power, like second sight, thought transference, mind reading, healings, seership and the ability to alter events for positive and wholesome ends. These diverse schools and the disciple-students which comprised them were called Awo. Awo means mystery. Awo also means special and sacred spiritual knowledge and power which is not known or had by the great majority of people. Awo also means one who has personally experienced, is experiencing and has been spiritually awakened, educated, trained and empowered by the Divine Powers, Sublime Energies, Pure Spiritual Intelligences and/or by other authentic and mature Awo. Among these Awo those who had a natural affinity for this study, peculiar manner of life and who displayed the beginnings of true divine power and spiritual intelligence were known as Oso.

These ancient seers vested with knowledge and power were known and called by various and diverse names. Among the most respected and revered names was Oso. The original precise meaning, dignity and value of this wonderful word today has been lost to most people and has been corrupted to mean a ‘sorcerer or witch’; and this in a bad, negative, superstitious and low sense. Even the contemporary words sorcerer or witch are not bad words if one truly understands what these words actually mean, embody and what they are actually referring to. The ancient peoples understanding, conceptual comprehension and definition of these words were not what people attach to them today. The words are the same but the meanings and values were and are different. The truth of the matter is that whenever extraordinary men or woman discovered the primordial laws of life, the laws of the spiritual world and the laws of power; ignorant and fearful people were quick to label them with derogatory and unbecoming words because of their insecurity and their ignorance of the reality of the spiritual realm and the laws which govern the spiritual realm. This is why today the great, extraordinary and wonderful word Oso is used mostly as a derogatory word by uninformed people but originally and anciently actually was and is a spiritual-scientific term which refers to spiritual-energetic-perceptive, intellectually gifted people possessing a peculiar and powerful inner magnetic force otherwise known as personal spiritual power. Of course this power and knowledge has to be clearly grasped and understood and one has to be educated, disciplined and trained in its culture. So as we have seen the true meaning of the sacred and honorable word oso (intelligent and wise seer, empowered man and spiritual traveler) became corrupted over time. and degenerated in its meaning, value and usage. This happened because the ones who were supposed to be the inheritors, guardians and teachers of the lineage of the sacred spiritual science became degenerate, undisciplined, conceited, pompous, pretentious and corrupt, thereby losing their spiritual intelligence and power, as well as losing and ruining the true meaning, intent, purpose and sentiment of the ancient original seers, spiritual scientists, empowered men, soul travelers and spirit[ual] investigators known as Oso

It is known to the humble and authentic inheritors and guardians of these lineages today that the true meaning of oso referred to a unique body of disciplined, cultured and courageous visionary men who had learned the secret of volitionally or intentionally altering their spiritual state of inner energy, perception and/or consciousness to such an extraordinary and unanticipated degree that they could peer into the divine world and even travel there to perceive and slowly comprehend its mysteries. They were able to bring new and original things back from their spiritual journeys and travels which would contribute to the enhancement, progress and evolution of mankind. These rare and exceptional awo-ologbon-oso were the original spiritual scientists, researchers, philosophers, experimenters and developing-evolving seers of their time.

There are three broad general categories of oso. There were those who main focus was the acquisition of power, authority and influence which they used for the purpose of altering, causing, hindering and controlling specific events and occurrences. They also used this power to influence, guide and even control people. So we can see how important and necessary it was for these men of knowledge and power to be good men, moral men, men of integrity, empathy and good disposition, otherwise their knowledge and its use could degenerate causing ruin, misery, sorrow and destruction to themselves and others. In fact this is what happened to some of the ancient awo. The ancient awo-ologbon-oso were beginning to understand and employ this field of spiritual science but not all of them were capable people of honor, good-will, character and integrity. Many of them lacked moral-ethical development, discipline, patience and maturity. The scope of their practices and knowledge degenerated into wars, fights and competitiveness which ultimately ruined and destroyed them because they sought to take credit for and ownership of a power, science and ability that was not their own but which was a bestowed trust or endowment conferred to them by the Indescribable Power, Olodumare Agotun. These uncultured, indifferent and unappreciative awo succumbed to moral-spiritual immaturity, greed for power, pride, heedlessness and longings for fame, self-worship, self adulation and undeserved titles or unmerited acknowledgments. They wanted people to fear and cower before them so that they might manipulate and intimidate the people for their own selfish and petty ends. Needless to say that the Great Power impartially and justly adjudicated these corrupt awo and took immediate steps to mete out to these reckless ones the corrective punishment and stern discipline that they earned for themselves.

The second general category of oso were those who discovered, studied and developed the ability to alter their spiritual consciousness and awareness and the spiritual consciousness and awareness of others so that they could gradually and progressively perceive, understand and apply the laws, principles and realities of the spiritual realm. Among these oso some sought to make advantageous, useful and beneficial use of the art of altering their spiritual awareness which enabled them to peer and even travel to the divine spirit[ual] realm where they were able to converse with divine powers and intelligences gaining wonderful information and useful knowledge. These oso also had the ability and divine power to travel long distances. They were formidable men of sagacity, courage and authority. Among these oso some also lost their way. Some also became filled with pride and conceit due to their grand discoveries and progressive attainments. Abandoning the humility, sincerity and good will with which they began their learning and training they too were ultimately consumed by the consequences of their callousness and abuses. Others lost their way in their musings and deep considerations of the profound experiences that that they had. They tried to prematurely enter into and understand what was beyond there present and actual need and capacity. They injured and hurt themselves. Others also lost their way by not incorporating and applying their findings for useful, practical, beneficial and progressive purposes. Due to lack of discipline, lack of patience, and impulsiveness some became lost in these divine realms of thought and contemplation thereby appearing to others as mad men, mentally unstable men, eccentric and/or irregular people. This is what happens when people unreflectively and pridefully insist on entering that for which they are unprepared and incapable.

The third general category of oso were the wise, observant, meticulous and progressive seers who carefully integrated the best of the two features of wisdom, power and attainment of the two general lineages of oso; (1) those whose main interest and priority was to acquire power, influence and authority and (2) those whose main interest and priority was to gain understanding of the meanings and purposes of life in general and human life in particular. It must be said that in all the categories of oso there were kind, intelligent, progressive and good willed student-disciples-practitioners. The third general category of oso were especially wise, careful and discerning. They learned from the error and mistakes of their fellow awo-ologbon-oso initiates, brothers and companions. They made sure that they did not repeat the misguided activities of many who went the wrong way in their approach. They took the science and holy mystery of the awo-ologbon-oso to a new, refined, practical, orderly and moral-spiritual level. They formed, built and established private schools or associations for qualified, prepared and maturing individuals. These associations or fellowships were permeated with love, awe, enthusiasm, simplicity, honesty, mutual respect and honor among its integrants. Like all true students, observers and scientists they learned thru trial and error. They learned from experimentation, experience, reflection and observation; and were able thereby able to formulate and explicate the principles of their spiritual science or knowledge for themselves and future generations of students; and were able to progressively devise the best means to practice and cultivate the great science for the purposes of accomplishing the Great Work entrusted to them by the Marvelous Emanator, Enitolodu.

These sacred and private spiritual associations, fellowships and schools are among us today. They are known and called by different names but they are here. These associations and fellowships are not easily found because they are not given to soliciting members or proselytizing. The knowledge, power and blessings of membership and training in one of these associations and fellowship of concord, trust and discipline are not for sale. These authentic schools, relatively speaking, are few in number because only few people possess the right inner condition and qualities of perseverance, humility, discreetness, simplicity, good-will, stable morality and courage required to gain admission; and required to complete the training and course of instruction. The members and leaders of these legitimate schools and societies do not blow trumpets before themselves neither do they attempt to draw any special attention to themselves. When the leaders, teachers and student-members of these sacred and family like associations and fellowships discern a potential qualified candidate they have their way of communicating their intention of inviting the prospective student-initiate if he or she is so inclined. No one is ever pressured to join and they are always free to leave with no questions asked if they decide that the training and manner of life peculiar to these pursuits are not for them. Plain and simple, this is how things are. Associations, fellowships and schools of truth, power and intelligence exist. But for every genuine association of student-disciple-initiates of awo or the mysteries, there are many fake, counterfeit, fraudulent, inauthentic, fruitless and powerless associations, fraternities and so-called schools where nothing of value is actually taught or communicated, and where there is no experiential foundation of actual experience or contact with divine power, personal elevation or transformation. These so-called schools lack clarity of purpose and lack the means of systemic, orderly and progressive study-practice-experience. These so-called schools of pseudo initiates are no more than dressed up social clubs but they are definitely not genuine associations or fellowships of bonafide awo-ologbon-oso.

Authentic, sincere, persevering, determined, humble and honest inquirers will one way or another find their way to the association or fellowship of truthful student-disciple initiates. But insincere, prideful, superficial, fake and dishonest people will only find schools that are just like themselves: counterfeit. They will find so-called spiritual associations where the only course of instruction and study is pride, lies, conceit, pretentiousness, hypocrisy, superficiality, disillusionment and unsatisfactoriness: a complete waste of their lives, energies, resources and time.

The emphasis of true schools of seers is not the increase of the numbers of their membership but in the serious development, training and progress of the authentic few. From quality is born quality. Quality and truth knows how to reproduce and multiply itself. The true schools of awo-ologbon-oso are for serious, sober, humble, sincere, honest and determined people. No one else need apply.

The majority of so-called spiritual fraternities are inauthentic, spurious and fraudulent. They are not existing for the purposes for which they publicize themselves. The so-called leaders, initiators and teachers of these institutions are not morally developed, neither are they genuine spiritual people of good repute. They lack moral stability and genuine spiritual convictions. They do not even enjoy the enthusiastic support, respect and acknowledgement of their own flesh-and-blood family members because no one knows family better than family. Yet these unawakened, undisciplined, power hungry and conceited people want to lord it over sincere, well meaning but misguided members of the fellowship who have unfortunately someone how or other become mixed up with these fraudulent people. Many of these so-called leaders do not know how to govern and lead their own lives and families and yet they vainly want to head up a spiritual association?! These morally-spiritually incompetent leaders do not and cannot inspire their followers to serve their fellow man along practical, kind and intelligent lines. The leaders have no power, inner fire, divine enthusiasm or wisdom to elevate the quality of the lives of their student-followers or members. They affect no positive, uplifting and deep qualitative change or transformation in anyone! The so-called leaders of these counterfeit associations are taking advantage of the gullibility, ignorance, good faith and good feelings of their members for their own cheap prestige, benefit and enrichment. It needs be said that there are some rare cases where the association is legitimate but the leader is counterfeit. Due to manipulation and corruption unqualified people are somehow placed in authority! Where are the voices, resistance and complaint of the true and committed members when this occurs?! They should not tolerate such an occurrence for one moment because it will ruin the the quality, progress and unity of the association. These things mostly occur only when the general membership are not true and sincere initiates; but in an assembly of true and caring initiates such a thing cannot happen and if it does happen it will be quickly addressed and corrected. It is clear that these so-called leaders, chiefs, kings or whatever nice sounding names people give them or they give themselves are powerless; morally-spiritually impotent. Of what use is a name or title without substance?! Of what use is a function that one is incapable of successfully carrying out? These people are powerless, unenlightened, immoral and virtueless who are only standing in authority by the unthinking consent of the members. When these virtueless and shameless leaders are confronted, their weakness, powerlessness and lack of gracefulness becomes immediately revealed, because the only tool and avenue they have and use to respond to others or face others consists of threats, prideful anger, fear-mongering, intimidation and manipulation: this is the sign of their powerlepowerlessness, feebleness and hypocrisy which they attempt to cloak over with a false piety and simulated kindness, but their hearts are dark and not well. Maybe a handful of sincere, well meaning but misled members of the association and fellowship can clearly discern that their ‘leader’ is not worthy to be listened to, upheld or followed; the rest are blind, deaf, dumb and totally unconcerned and disconnected with what is happening.

One by one many of the various present day lineage holders of past renown spiritual associations and fellowships of the sacred mysteries are being involved in materialism, shame controversy, scandals and commercialism. The leaders are unworthy of the trust and responsibility which was placed upon them. They started off well but somewhere they decided to veer off and to go in a direction that is contrary to the spirit, interests and purposes of the fellowship. When this happens discerning and caring elders and members must take action to remove such people because they are now lacking the genuine accomplishments and sterling qualities of genuine awo, ologbon, oso and all wholehearted initiates. These pseudo leaders are endangering and contaminating the progress and unity of the association and must be unmasked, challenged and removed. These leaders want the undeserved reverence and unthinking obedience of the fellowship, never mind the fact that they lack the qualities which command respect, honor and acknowledgementment by virtue of kind heartedness, service, labors, study, practice and contributions to the fellowship and to the community at large. They lack personal development, deep empathy for the afflictions, pains and sufferings of others. They lack deep experiential wisdom and understanding and yet they insist, not on serving and benefiting others, but in being served, respected and honored! Such unfortunate associations, fellowships and fraternities being headed up and built up by morally-spiritually unhealthy and insane people cannot be normal or beneficial. Such associations will be handicapped and will always fall short of their intended purposes. It has all become about money, undeserved recognition, pride and influence. These are stark realities. We are not attacking sincere and honest people who desire to build up their characters and unfold their spiritual potentials for the benefit of one and all. We are attacking and unmasking deliberate deceivers. We are resisting the perversion of truth by individual persons and groups who are sheepishly shielding their immoral, shameful, deceitful, indifferent and superficial lives and activities under the cloak of an imaginary wisdom, power, piety and authority who deliberately, intentionally and consciously mislead the public for the aggrandizement of their own selfish and puny selves. One thing is sure and unavoidable; when the Great Powers which they are dishonoring and misrepresenting arrive at consensus and take action against these fraudsters and miscreants, all will see and know of the shameful and deceitful ways of these people. These charlatans will pay heavily for their deliberate misconduct with shame, loss and sorrow.

The sacred and true wisdom, power and science of the ancient awo-ologbon-oso is not for sale. It is not for sale in the market place. One cannot trifle with these sacred and holy things and remain unscathed! The ancient wisdom (isembaye) is not of this world and it is not the personal property of anyone, especially deluded, immoral, selfish, hypocritical and power hungry men. The true science of the awo is not for the increase of personal prestige, sense gratification and material pleasures. The legitimate practitioners of awo are not interested in improving luxurious accommodations and materialistic conditions nor in catering to materialistic selfish pleasures. Material wealth is to be obtained by honest personal industry and useful occupation and not by using or misusing spirituality for temporary pleasures and selfish ends. The true school of awo seeks to honestly and efficiently illumine, guide, safeguard and empower its adherents. It seeks to increase spiritual knowledge, inner cohesiveness, outer harmony, peace, security, happiness, satisfaction and longevity. It seeks to systematically and organically build the character of man, because it understands that when one is set right within, the world without will consequentially and naturally be set right. The school and training of awo-ologbon-oso teaches us and encourages us relentlessly that we must first purify our own lives. We must heal, educate, train and develop our divine conscience. Until vanity, ignorance, misinformation and selfishness are not adequately removed we will not be able to truly benefit from gaining divine power and greater spiritual insight. A vain, ignorant, misinformed and selfish person will only ruin and destroy themselves and others if they prematurely attempt to assimilate and practice the knowledge and power of the ancient awo as it already happened to many presumptuous, heedless, undeveloped, impatient and impulsive awo of times past. Many awo, ologbon and oso ruined themselves because they decided to move away and stray from the centerline of rectitude, kindness, fairness, justice, humility and honesty. Without humility, good heartedness, sincerity and ongoing personal effort we cannot be recipients of the divine knowledge, power and inspiration. We cannot aspire to and wield leadership and spiritual offices of instruction without exemplary conduct-behavior, deep and clear knowledge, concern and spiritual-intellectual-emotional maturity. Do not allow yourself to slip into gullibility or excessive willingness to believe things. We must be balanced, tempered and realistic in our approach. Do not allow yourself to get duped. Do not allow your enthusiasm and desires to get the best of you: reign it in a little so you can see and assess with clarity, sobriety, factualness. No one can fulfill our spiritual training for us. No one can promise you that they can accomplish your spiritual work, effort and aspirations for you. That is not how it works, neither is it an expectation based in reality; in what is actually possible. No one can promise you to accomplish your spiritual work for you. That is a lie and deception, they are merely attempting to take advantage of your present credulity, lack of deep understanding and inexperience. The spiritual-moral, intellectual-emotional fruits and benefits you expect to acquire for yourself should be seen in the person or people who are guiding and training you. The ability and power you seek to cultivate and train within yourself with it’s benefits should clearly seen to be at work in the life of your potential initiator or initiators, guides and teachers. Not through talk but through actual quality and power of life. People that are bound and regulated by their self inflated selfishness, baseless pride and unregulated imagination cannot help you.

May these preliminary and basic considerations serve as a guide, inspiration, light, compass and admonition to the many sincere, straightforward, and good hearted people who are seeking their own genuine spiritual progress and unfoldment. Remember that no one can confer to you that they do not have for themselves. Remember that no one can help you find, achieve and actualize what they themselves have not found, achieved or actualized for themselves. Do not expect instantaneous overnight wonders. This power, training with its attendant benefits/blessings are cumulative and progressive. They gain momentum, efficacy and power over time through serious and dedicated patient study, practice and upright living. Listen carefully to what people say, but more importantly pay attention to the consistency and quality of their character, manners, and conduct over time. Exercise patience and know how to wait, to acquire good things, good connections and good training. Never make a decision on the drop of a dime. Do not commit to anything or anyone who is not demonstrably committing to you. This is not a one way relationship or exchange. Observe, gain experience, wait and see. Spiritual realization, intelligence, holy charisma and empowerment cannot be bought or sold. So anyone offering to sell these things to you completely ignore. And if you are among those misguided and unfortunate people who seek and intend to secure realization, empowerment, inner satisfaction and realization by buying it, what can I say to you except that I feel sorry for you and that you are setting yourself up for frustration, disillusionment and greater self-deception. With such a mentality you will never find what you think you are looking for. You cannot cheat, buy or trick your way into the divine blessings born of dedicated effort, study, patient practice, committed fellowship, upright living, wholesome fellowship and personal discipline. These divine endowments no one can just give to you. Do not be quick to believe everything you hear. Temper the sincerity of your heart with accurate, truthful information and evidence. Proceed with honesty, determination, courage and applied intelligence and all will be well. If you proceed in this fashion the Divine Powers and Intelligences will be with you. They will accept and approve your steps. They will lead and guide you to what is true, good, right and proper. They will safeguard you from harm, deception and sorrow and will bring you to paths of joy, fulfillment, dignity and unimaginable satisfaction. To walk in the path and fellowship of awo-ologbon-oso one has to have the heart and disposition of a warrior. One has to be truthful and realistic; and one has to be seeking earnestly for truth and actuality. One cannot afford to be gullible. One cannot afford to be over exited or over enthused to the degree that ones loses ones capacity to see and weigh things as they actually are and not as they appear to be. May these words bring comfort, strength, guidance and admonition to one and all.

Ela ‘boru. Ela ‘boye. Ela ‘bosise.

Original Post Ancestral Pride Temple

Oso- The Ancient Seers And Divine Men

INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

AWO: THE MYSTERY SCHOOLS OF DIVINE AWARENESS AND POWER

by Oluwo Fasola Faniyi Babatunde, Otta, Nigeria

Ogbo Ato Asure Iworiwofun

, intent, purpose and sentiment of the ancient original seers, spiritual scientists, empowered men, soul travelers and spirit[ual] investigators known as Oso

and the spiritual consciousness and awareness of others so that they could gradually and progressively perceive, understand and apply the laws, principles and realities of the spiritual realm. Among these oso some sought to make advantageous, useful and beneficial use of the art of altering their spiritual awareness which enabled them to peer and even travel to the divine spirit[ual] realm where they were able to converse with divine powers and intelligences gaining wonderful information and useful knowledge. These oso also had the ability and divine power to travel long distances. They were formidable men of sagacity, courage and authority. Among these oso some also lost their way. Some also became filled with pride and conceit due to their grand discoveries and progressive attainments. Abandoning the humility, sincerity and good will with which they began their learning and training they too were ultimately consumed by the consequences of their callousness and abuses. Others lost their way in their musings and deep considerations of the profound experiences that that they had. They tried to prematurely enter into and understand what was beyond there present and actual need and capacity. They injured and hurt themselves. Others also lost their way by not incorporating and applying their findings for useful, practical, beneficial and progressive purposes. Due to lack of discipline, lack of patience, and impulsiveness some became lost in these divine realms of thought and contemplation thereby appearing to others as mad men, mentally unstable men, eccentric and/or irregular people. This is what happens when people unreflectively and pridefully insist on entering that for which they are unprepared and incapable.

they are here. These associations and fellowships are not easily found because they are not given to soliciting members or proselytizing. The knowledge, power and blessings of membership and training in one of these associations and fellowship of concord, trust and discipline are not for sale. These authentic schools, relatively speaking, are few in number because only few people possess the right inner condition and qualities of perseverance, humility, discreetness, simplicity, good-will, stable morality and courage required to gain admission; and required to complete the training and course of instruction. The members and leaders of these legitimate schools and societies do not blow trumpets before themselves neither do they attempt to draw any special attention to themselves. When the leaders, teachers and student-members of these sacred and family like associations and fellowships discern a potential qualified candidate they have their way of communicating their intention of inviting the prospective student-initiate if he or she is so inclined. No one is ever pressured to join and they are always free to leave with no questions asked if they decide that the training and manner of life peculiar to these pursuits are not for them. Plain and simple, this is how things are. Associations, fellowships and schools of truth, power and intelligence exist. But for every genuine association of student-disciple-initiates of awo or the mysteries, there are many fake, counterfeit, fraudulent, inauthentic, fruitless and powerless associations, fraternities and so-called schools where nothing of value is actually taught or communicated, and where there is no experiential foundation of actual experience or contact with divine power, personal elevation or transformation. These so-called schools lack clarity of purpose and lack the means of systemic, orderly and progressive study-practice-experience. These so-called schools of pseudo initiates are no more than dressed up social clubs but they are definitely not genuine associations or fellowships of bonafide awo-ologbon-oso.

up a spiritual association?! These morally-spiritually incompetent leaders do not and cannot inspire their followers to serve their fellow man along practical, kind and intelligent lines. The leaders have no power, inner fire, divine enthusiasm or wisdom to elevate the quality of the lives of their student-followers or members. They affect no positive, uplifting and deep qualitative change or transformation in anyone! The so-called leaders of these counterfeit associations are taking advantage of the gullibility, ignorance, good faith and good feelings of their members for their own cheap prestige, benefit and enrichment. It needs be said that there are some rare cases where the association is legitimate but the leader is counterfeit. Due to manipulation and corruption unqualified people are somehow placed in authority! Where are the voices, resistance and complaint of the true and committed members when this occurs?! They should not tolerate such an occurrence for one moment because it will ruin the the quality, progress and unity of the association. These things mostly occur only when the general membership are not true and sincere initiates; but in an assembly of true and caring initiates such a thing cannot happen and if it does happen it will be quickly addressed and corrected. It is clear that these so-called leaders, chiefs, kings or whatever nice sounding names people give them or they give themselves are powerless; morally-spiritually impotent. Of what use is a name or title without substance?! Of what use is a function that one is incapable of successfully carrying out? These people are powerless, unenlightened, immoral and virtueless who are only standing in authority by the unthinking consent of the members. When these virtueless and shameless leaders are confronted, their weakness, powerlessness and lack of gracefulness becomes immediately revealed, because the only tool and avenue they have and use to respond to others or face others consists of threats, prideful anger, fear-mongering, intimidation and manipulation: this is the sign of their powerlessness, feebleness and hypocrisy which they attempt to cloak over with a false piety and simulated kindness, but their hearts are dark and not well. Maybe a handful of sincere, well meaning but misled members of the association and fellowship can clearly discern that their ‘leader’ is not worthy to be listened to, upheld or followed; the rest are blind, deaf, dumb and totally unconcerned and disconnected with what is happening.

involved in materialism, shame controversy, scandals and commercialism. The leaders are unworthy of the trust and responsibility which was placed upon them. They started off well but somewhere they decided to veer off and to go in a direction that is contrary to the spirit, interests and purposes of the fellowship. When this happens discerning and caring elders and members must take action to remove such people because they are now lacking the genuine accomplishments and sterling qualities of genuine awo, ologbon, oso and all wholehearted initiates. These pseudo leaders are endangering and contaminating the progress and unity of the association and must be unmasked, challenged and removed. These leaders want the undeserved reverence and unthinking obedience of the fellowship, never mind the fact that they lack the qualities which command respect, honor and acknowledgementment by virtue of kind heartedness, service, labors, study, practice and contributions to the fellowship and to the community at large. They lack personal development, deep empathy for the afflictions, pains and sufferings of others. They lack deep experiential wisdom and understanding and yet they insist, not on serving and benefiting others, but in being served, respected and honored! Such unfortunate associations, fellowships and fraternities being headed up and built up by morally-spiritually unhealthy and insane people cannot be normal or beneficial. Such associations will be handicapped and will always fall short of their intended purposes. It has all become about money, undeserved recognition, pride and influence. These are stark realities. We are not attacking sincere and honest people who desire to build up their characters and unfold their spiritual potentials for the benefit of one and all. We are attacking and unmasking deliberate deceivers. We are resisting the perversion of truth by individual persons and groups who are sheepishly shielding their immoral, shameful, deceitful, indifferent and superficial lives and activities under the cloak of an imaginary wisdom, power, piety and authority who deliberately, intentionally and consciously mislead the public for the aggrandizement of their own selfish and puny selves. One thing is sure and unavoidable; when the Great Powers which they are dishonoring and misrepresenting arrive at consensus and take action against these fraudsters and miscreants, all will see and know of the shameful and deceitful ways of these people. These charlatans will pay heavily for their deliberate misconduct with shame, loss and sorrow.

The sacred and true wisdom, power and science of the ancient awo-ologbon-oso is not for sale. It is not for sale in the market place. One cannot trifle with these sacred and holy things and remain unscathed! The ancient wisdom (isembaye) is not of this world and it is not the personal property of anyone, especially deluded, immoral, selfish, hypocritical and power hungry men. The true science of the awo is not for the increase of personal prestige, sense gratification and material pleasures. The legitimate practitioners of awo are not interested in improving luxurious accommodations and materialistic conditions nor in catering to materialistic selfish pleasures. Material wealth is to be obtained by honest personal industry and useful occupation and not by using or misusing spirituality for temporary pleasures and selfish ends. The true school of awo seeks to honestly and efficiently illumine, guide, safeguard and empower its adherents. It seeks to increase spiritual knowledge, inner cohesiveness, outer harmony, peace, security, happiness, satisfaction and longevity. It seeks to systematically and organically build the character of man, because it understands that when one is set right within, the world without will consequentially and naturally be set right. The school and training of awo-ologbon-oso teaches us and encourages us relentlessly that we must first purify our own lives. We must h. We must heal, educate, train and develop our divine conscience. Until vanity, ignorance, misinformation and selfishness are not adequately removed we will not be able to truly benefit from gaining divine power and greater spiritual insight. A vain, ignorant, misinformed and selfish person will only ruin and destroy themselves and others if they prematurely attempt to assimilate and practice the knowledge and power of the ancient awo as it already happened to many presumptuous, heedless, undeveloped, impatient and impulsive awo of times past. Many awo, ologbon and oso ruined themselves because they decided to move away and stray from the centerline of rectitude, kindness, fairness, justice, humility and honesty. Without humility, good heartedness, sincerity and ongoing personal effort we cannot be recipients of the divine knowledge, power and inspiration. We cannot aspire to and wield leadership and spiritual offices of instruction without exemplary conduct-behavior, deep and clear knowledge, concern and spiritual-intellectual-emotional maturity. Do not allow yourself to slip into gullibility or excessive willingness to believe things. We must be balanced, tempered and realistic in our approach. Do not allow yourself to get duped. Do not allow your enthusiasm and desires to get the best of you: reign it in a little so you can see and assess with clarity, sobriety, factualness. No one can fulfill our spiritual training for us. No one can promise you that they can accomplish your spiritual work, effort and aspirations for you. That is not how it works, neither is it an expectation based in reality; in what is actually possible. No one can promise you to accomplish your spiritual work for you. That is a lie and deception, they are merely attempting to take advantage of your present credulity, lack of deep understanding and inexperience. The spiritual-moral, intellectual-emotional fruits and benefits you expect to acquire for yourself should be seen in the person or people who are guiding and training you. The ability and power you seek to cultivate and train within yourself with it’s benefits should clearly seen to be at work in the life of your potential initiator or initiators, guides and teachers. Not through talk but through actual quality and power of life. People that are bound and regulated by their self inflated selfishness, baseless pride and unregulated imagination cannot help you.

May these preliminary an

and basic considerations serve as a guide, inspiration, light, compass and admonition to the many sincere, straightforward, and good hearted people who are seeking their own genuine spiritual progress and unfoldment. Remember that no one can confer to you that they do not have for themselves. Remember that no one can help you find, achieve and actualize what they themselves have not found, achieved or actualized for themselves. Do not expect instantaneous overnight wonders. This power, training with its attendant benefits/blessings are cumulative and progressive. They gain momentum, efficacy and power over time through serious and dedicated patient study, practice and upright living. Listen carefully to what people say, but more importantly pay attention to the consistency and quality of their character, manners, and conduct over time. Exercise patience and know how to wait, to acquire good things, good connections and good training. Never make a decision on the drop of a dime. Do not commit to anything or anyone who is not demonstrably committing to you. This is not a one way relationship or exchange. Observe, gain experience, wait and see. Spiritual realization, intelligence, holy charisma and empowerment cannot be bought or sold. So anyone offering to sell these things to you completely ignore. And if you are among those misguided and unfortunate people who seek and intend to secure realization, empowerment, inner satisfaction and realization by buying it, what can I say to you except that I feel sorry for you and that you are setting yourself up for frustration, disillusionment and greater self-deception. With such a mentality you will never find what you think you are looking for. You cannot cheat, buy or trick your way into the divine blessings born of dedicated effort, study, patient practice, committed fellowship, upright living, wholesome fellowship and personal discipline. These divine endowments no one can just give to you. Do not be quick to believe everything you hear. Temper the sincerity of your heart with accurate, truthful information and evidence. Proceed with honesty, determination, courage and applied intelligence and all will be well. If you proceed in this fashion the Divine Powers and Intelligences will be with you. They will accept and approve your steps. They will lead and guide you to what is true, good, right and proper. They will safeguard you from harm, deception and sorrow and will bring you to paths of joy, fulfillment, dignity and unimaginable satisfaction. To walk in the path and fellowship of awo-ologbon-oso one has to have the heart and disposition of a warrior. One has to be truthful and realistic; and one has to be seeking earnestly for truth and actuality. One cannot afford to be gullible. One cannot afford to be over exited or over enthused to the degree that ones loses ones capacity to see and weigh things as they actually are and not as they appear to be. May these words bring comfort, strength, guidance and admonition to one and all.

Ela ‘boru. Ela ‘boye. Ela ‘bosise.

Original Post Ancestral Pride Temple

Embodying Orisha through Virtuous Living

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

You can speak perfect Yoruba and know all of the accent marks for writing it too.

But if you do not know how to speak in loving kindness to your brother or sister, you’ve learned nothing.You can memorize every Oriki and every Ese in the Odu Literary Corpus and know how to cast a perfect divination.

But if you don’t know how to treat people and how to overcome your negative destructive ways, you are still a beginner in the spiritual realm.You can know every dance and every song, and every protocol in your lineage,

But if you cannot walk a path of peace and inner joy…. It’s just another song and dance.You can know every ritual, ceremony, and how to do work a thousand works.

But if you cannot live the ritual of life by living the virtues of the Orisha , Egun, and your Ori, You are but a mere technician, but certainly not a spiritual master.

You can have some most impressive titles, an ile, temple, or house of worship of ten thousand people.

But if you feel the need to downgrade, control, manipulate others or kick them while they are down to one up yourself, you are just another ego driven child trying to play Royalty at the expense of those who don’t know.

You can be in the tradition your whole life,

but if you think that makes you better or more advanced spiritually than someone else, you are but a fool, since you cannot recognize that Our Ori is all of our first teacher.. and its been teaching everyone since birth.

You may be old of years and draw social security, but if you still respond to life as a temperamental child of 10 or 15 you have yet to reach eldership.

Speak to me of Ogun when you are able to break through your own illusions, face your fears, own your shit, and courageously evolve to manifest your best self.

Speak to me of Osun when you are able to create harmony, joy, and abundance in your own life without selfishness.

Speak to me of Esu when you are able to make empowering choices and speak truth in word and deed.

Speak to me of Obatala when you are able to realize pure peace and maintain a tranquil mind.

Speak to me of Oya when you are able to be still in the eye of the storms of life and flow easily when the winds of change are upon you.

Speak to me of Olokun or Yemaya when you are able to balance your emotions and empathize with others.

Speak to me of Orunmila when you are able to view the world through an eye of wisdom, and balance judgement with compassion and not harsh criticism of others inadequacies.

Speak to me of Shango when you can transcend your ego and lead by serving others.

Speak to me of Iyami when you are able to honor the women in your life and treat them well, and embrace the feminine side of your own soul.

Speak to me of Iwa Pele when you can REALLY treat others as you wish to be treated because you realize.. there is no separation between you and me…except that which is in our own minds.

Demystifying Iyami: Beyond Patriarchy, Politics, and Heresy

INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA / IYAMI AJE

Its hilarious to read some writings by men about Iyami… By the way they write, you would think Iyami was some foreboding characters out of a mysterious fiction novel. You would never be able to look at your own mother and see such a character… But most of the posts and articles are by men… about what they think, guess, suspect Iyami is about… and … most of the time its laughable… if it weren’t taken so serious by some… I want to spend some time writing about My Mothers… Awon Iya Wa… I’d like to clarify some of the misunderstandings and outright lies about Iyami… Ill start with the history here and work my way through over time.

It was missionaries that first began to transform about 40 different languages into one market language: Yoruba. They did so by creating a Yoruba dictionary. While this dictionary was intended to help missionaries began converting the “heathens” to Christianity, it simultaneously created its own definitions of the Traditional spiritual systems. For one, it associated Esu, the primordial who is the messenger and divine teacher as the Devil. This couldn’t have been further from the truth because there is no devil in traditional beliefs, but even today people and even Google interpret Esu as the Devil. Likewise, Iyami Aje were called witches based on the European Churches definition of what a witch is. In colonial Africa, the same ones who were burning women at the stakes were the ones converting the traditionalist to Abrahamic religions. They were also teaching that women of power were dangerous and needed to be controlled.

In Africa, women of power controlled the land.. because of their relationship to Mother Earth. They controlled the marketplace by extension and thus commerce and trade. Women determined the kingship and were on the councils of Justice. They were also psychic protection against threats. They had their own secret societies that were not controlled by men. It’s no surprise why women would be a threat to Colonialist (Islamic and Christian) who wanted to control the economics of the African countries and take over the land. It was advantageous to many men, black and white for women to have less influence so it was often supported and ultimately enforced by many Kings. As those colonist made contact and converted Kings who would influence the villages and people, the politics of the countries influenced traditionalist and converts alike destabilizing and stripping women of much of their power. The issue wasn’t just about changing public opinion of women. It was about the active enactment and enforcement of new laws that specifically forbid women of specific rights, roles, and practices they once enjoyed. Islam, having over 800 years of influence in Nigeria and Africa was just as ferocious about women and “witches” as Christians were demanding immediate execution of those who were accused of the “evil eye”. These laws did not come at once, but came gradually and over time. Waves of change and political suppression of Iyami happened from 1600s to the mid 20th century producing a gradual destabilization of women’s political and spiritual power.

These laws made it necessary for Iyami to go underground. Any woman associated with practicing the ancient ways were subject to death, humiliation, stoning, and beheading. This significantly reduced the number of women practicing and hid the rest from the community to never be spoken of. The masquerades that were originally performed by women, were then only performed by men… Who dressed up like women to “appease” the Iyami primordial mothers. Islam took over a number of Nigerian towns such as Oyo, Ibadan, Osogbo and others which eventually became the pool taken away as slaves to the diaspora with beginning accompanying views on women and Iyami. Because of this need to go underground, a lot of Iyami understanding became riddled in myth and fear but also gave the assumption that there Is no formal society of women and no spiritual tools of Iyami. It simply would not serve men for women to know that they have so much power. So much that a woman can render any work powerless just with her mind let alone using her tools.

Since the schools established to teach English in Nigeria are either Christian or Islamic, it’s easy to see the infiltration of its patriarchal precepts on all who were formally “educated” in Africa. The adaptation of the English as the official language created a paradigm shift throughout. This includes those traditionalist who were converted back as well as the traditionalist attempts to accommodate and adapt to an Islamic or Christian state. Women, of course were prevented from any education at all, let alone having the opportunity to tell their stories, their mysteries, or give their insights. So women’s voices is startlingly absent from most historical documents and books.

Just as Hebrew history was once oral and later written by a number of authors, we must be clear that while Ifa divination may be the word of God, the Odu verses are not inerrant just as the Bible and Quran is not. When examining some Odu verses, it’s hard to tell where Islam or Christianity ends and traditionalism begins. We must be clear that these verses, while offering profound insights were and still are mostly oral and subject to interpretation and the perspective of the person delivering the translation which were primarily men. So when we look at an Odu that involves Iyami Aje, we must keep in mind, that many may reflect the sociopolitical attitude towards women and Aje, but not a spiritual one. As a result some interpretations are skewed or even condescending offering chivalry while taking her rights….and making it appear it was her decision. The quality of the verses along with the spiritual consciousness and maturity of the diviner impacts the overall understanding of it.

It’s disheartening to hear people report that they were told by a priest or priestess that a witch is trying destroy their good fortune… And the need to repel or appease them so that they will leave them alone. At best, they say Iyami should be appeased but avoided at all cost. At worse, they are accused of being the source of evil and misfortune in the world. What is worse is there are often women and priests who continue to perpetuate this self loathing to others mostly because she has been taught by a man or who taught her was taught by a man. In fact, some will even defend a world and support protocols that actively undermine women’s ability to realize their fullest and natural potential. In all cases, the obvious connection to herself is painfully missed.

One such truth is that at a rudimentary level, all women born with a womb are Aje as it is essentially divine feminine energy. Like all women, this energy has a creative side inherent in birth, a sustainable side as evidence by being capable of sustaining life through feeding, and a destroyer reflected in our monthly release of eggs when conception does not occur. It’s is therefore foolish to refer to Aje as negative or evil anymore than it is to create caricatures of women as crazy, irrational, or “unclean”. It is not different that how Christians made Esu the devil… What we have is the inevitable realization that we live in a society (African traditions included) that is still very much afraid of women’s power and still seeks to control it through fear and ignorance.

What is also apparent is the fundamental feminine nature of the tradition itself. The whole initiation process mimics the feminine process of rebirth including the blood often used to birth a pot. An initiate enters igbodu.. The sacred forest traditionally where women worship in the groves throughout the world. The connection to nature itself is automatic because of offerings made to the ground ie Mother Earth and in Mother Nature.

The apparent discrepancies between certain traditions about women being able to be Iyanifas are based on if a person is given an artificial womb ie an Odu pot or if they were born with one which… to some ironically …isn’t enough. The purpose of the pot is to mimic the power of the womb and give birth to Odu in the divination process. For a man, the Babalawo by way of Orunmilla is married to Odu and she gives the answer to him. It in turn gives him a stronger intuition enabling him to access clearer divine knowledge. For an Iyanifa, she is the embodiment of Odu herself since she was born with a womb. She only needs the Ase within her released and training on how to use it. The divination process also mimics feminine process in that a practitioner sits on a straw woven mat that was a birthing mat, legs spread wide open with an Opon Ifa round plate between their legs emulating an open vagina. The palm nuts are metaphors for ovaries while the tapper is female but has a male tip mimicking a penis tapping the opon. The grinding of the palm nuts mimic a sexual act that results in a birth of an Odu … a child… The diviner’s answer….also called Odu.

Oh, I hear the naysayers now… First giving the tired ….very tired….response of “Odu forbids women from seeing her is in the Odus!” It is said Odu forbade Orunmila from allowing his other wives to see her and ultimately killed them for trying. My response is threefold. First, see the previous part of this essay about the influence of sociopolitical ideologies on Odu verses. Second, for the Odu specified.. Irete Ogbe, another interpretation offered the suggestion of the need Awos to be monogamous as Obatala priests are supposed to be monogamous. This would imply the need for balance of the masculine identified by Orunmilla and the feminine identified by Odu and not excess identified by the other wives. An extension of that idea is shared in Oyeku Meji where having more than one wife only causes trouble. That would put a whole new view on the Odu… And well change how Babalawos might have multiple wives as dictated through Islamic or other influence. Third, Orunmilas wives are apetibiis, not Awos or Iyanifas. These have different roles and responsibilities along with different initiations. The role of an Apetibi is to care for the shrine, the Awo, and guests. The role of an Iyanifa is to function as a priest serving clients, divining, traditional healing, ritual, etc.

That said, Iyanifas are also not necessarily initiated Iyami Aje either. Again different ceremonies and responsibilities. Odu, however is Iyami as is all female Irunmole and Orisha. The Odu Osa Meji speaks of Olodumare granting Odu this power …the power of Motherhood which is what Aje is about. That means Mother Earth, mother of waters, fire, and air, the mother of the world, Queen of heavens too.. The nature of mother is that of creation and the world itself. Through studying what women do by nature, you begin to understand Iyami Aje.

The longstanding truth of women’s intuition and your mama being able to see through you is Aje. Something’s we just…know… We dream it, we feel it, we sense it…and it doesn’t have to be logical or analytical to make it so. It may in reality also be hormonal…and that doesn’t make it a bad thing. Those same hormones tell us when it is time to ovulate, give birth, contract and expand, produce milk, release eggs, expel them, create a protective sac to nurture a child inside from a cell to a full living body, and have an automatic internal clock in alignment with the moon and ocean. Essentially she is able to create, sustain, and end life via menses in her body through her natural process. It allows her to know when her child is in danger even though they may be miles away..Those same energies will given a woman superhuman strength to lift a car by herself if it threatens her child and bring a dead child back to life through her love so this is not a fluke..That is the feminine power of Aje. Women traditionally are gatherers, not hunters …well with the exception of my mother Oya…. But that’s another story! Anyway a woman’s relationship with gather and preparing herbs and food for nourishment and healing fall under her domain. One woman’s magic is another woman’s medicine. Her traditional role in the home is teacher and she is responsible for raising children and creating a suitable home that sustains the inhabitants. To that end she teaches the children how to behave and right from wrong.

When we examine that from a wider perspective, this is what the earth does as well. It provides all life, creates a habitable home for all living things. We are able to sustain ourselves through the earth’s resources, and she will destroy through natural disasters when things get out of hand. She has menses likened to the flowing rivers and the hot lava in the center. She functions in natural predictable cycles and seasons. She receives her children back at the end of their lives into the same ground that gave birth. It embodies the law of giving and receiving which lays the foundation for sacrifice. The earth self regulates and restores balance when necessary through rain, wind, fire, and water. The laws of the universe are enforced by Iyami Aje to hold sacred balance as well. When someone violates the law of Olodumare…ie The laws of nature and cosmic law, Aje is the restorer of order. This may be through cosmic, natural, or societal repercussions. It is no wonder people fear Aje… Through the all seeing eye, nothing is missed and those who are chronic wrong doers receive grave repercussions. It’s not personal though… Not because of hating anyone. And it’s not without prior warning or compassion. It’s just nature. And like an ad back in the 70’s used to say… It’s not nice to fool …with Mother Nature!

Iyami: Human, Ancestral, Primordial, And Cosmic

INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA / IYAMI AJE

I’ve had a number of people approach me about Iyami in the last month or so. After so many patriarchal perspectives on Awon Iya Wa, women have grown tired of the fear, negative stereotypes, and masculine impositions on wombanhood. Women are seeking their ancestral mothers for support, healing, empowerment and guidance in their lives as they reclaim divine wombanhood. It has brought up questions that I believe are necessary to ask and information that is essential to know about Iyami. If you begin with the wrong assumption about them, you can never know the truth and therefore every other “fact” is skewed and flawed. I believe it’s important to know a little about Iyami as they inquire further.

I want people to understand that Iyami is layered… It’s not one group as believed. While all connected, each has its own part. There are human Iyami Aje. Those are divided into those who are Aje by virtue of being a woman born with a womb, those who carry Aje “powers” naturally and may not know it, and those who are conscious and inducted as Aje through ceremonies. Iyami is a yoruba word for these feminine powers but the concept of Iyami is not limited to Yoruba or West African culture. They are world wide….even cosmic in scope. To that end, the women’s secret societies that honor these primordial mothers are widespread under different names and traditions. Igbo, for instance call them Iyambo Ekpe. Among the Mende, they were Sande and Bundo. They are the Matrikas in Tibet and India. In Mexican, Nagul traditions, they are Lechuzza. In Europe, they were Black Doves and later Witches.

While they are mentioned and incorporated into the Ifa/ Orisha system of spiritual development, they are not inherently an Ifa/ orisha based tradition. It’s history is significantly older than the introduction of Ifa as we know it, although there is some evidence to suggest the binary signatures and process derived from a feminine concept, one of which is that the Ọdus are connected to the moon’s transitions from new moon to full. The Dravidians hold a similar concept of 16 principles to the 16 Nityas…primordial goddesses each governing a lunar day with the 16th day being the full moon. I’m not asserting that this is absolute truth. Just that there are similarities in how each indigenous tradition chose to express similar concepts and how the womban’s mysteries may lay at the root of Ifa too. In any case, the societies in Nigeria are precolonial and pre Oyo empire extending across Africa and other indigenous societies each with their own name. When Ifa was introduced, it incorporated Iyami into its corpus thus there are stories of Orunmila seeking to join with Iyami. Ifa, at its roots begins with the earth Onile, itself. Before writing on divination trays, it was written in sand on the earth and that’s Iyami.

Unfortunately, the interpretation of Iyami through the Ifa tradition is often skewed due to strong patriarchal influence, interpretations, and political corruption over hundreds of years. Iyami are all too often stigmatized as frightening, unreasonable, crazy, and needing to be appeased, when the truth is that if Iyami are causing a problem for someone, it’s most likely they have violated a law of nature or mistreated a woman. Like all mothers, they will correct character and discipline you, but they can also be loving, understanding and kind. They are not one dimensional. Only mindsets are one dimensional. In any case, Iyami is its own autonomous priesthood independent of any male dominated tradition and yet, there is no tradition or Odu without Iyami.

There are also Aje who exist in the spiritual world. They are ancestral mothers..those who have lived on earth. They may have been a part of the secret societies when incarnated as human. These mothers gather in the inner planes and human ones gather with them in dream states and altered states. There are Iyami who are primordials aligned with Mother Nature and are expressed through the elements of nature. They govern the seasons of the earth and the inner workings of the planet. Lastly there are Iyami who are cosmic and stellar in nature and not confined to earth, this solar system or Galaxy. So when we say Iyami, it’s a loaded word full of numerous meanings and not just one.

Iyami Initiation

That said, I’d like to address this thing of initiation to Iyami. This too, is layered. Many say there is no initiation nor a pot for Iyami. They are wrong. You certainly can’t give what you don’t have and you can’t speak on what you don’t know or have never been taught so I will leave that. Interestingly, one one hand they will say there is no initiation. In the same paragraph, they will say only Iyami chose who they want. Soooo….human Iyami can and do chose who they want and they have processes through which to determine acceptance and align others to Iyami energy. One process is through Ogboni Societies. These are ancient pre Oyo societies that are known as Omo Iya (child of the Mother) . While having males and females, Women in those societies must be Iyami. Here is where Iyami are assigned for issues of Justice as Ogboni’s historical role is as a judicial branch of the community. .There are also secret society and women’s Egbes who have induction processes. Ifa, having joined Iyami has its own processes. Some require that a woman be an elder, while others accept menstruating women. There are some priests, male and female who know how to prepare the pot and perform the ceremony. There are odu Ifa that specifically give instructions on how to make an Iyami pot. Now, some women receive Iyami Pots as a complement to men who receive Odu pots. Even within the tradition, each town has its own lineages of Iyami with its own approaches to human membership so no one no any one Egbe has a monopoly on how it is done or any region in the world. Just like no one owns Orisha or Nature and each lineage has a different approach, no one owns the mothers.

I hope this sheds light on this topic. It’s important to understand though…that there is a caveat… The caveat is that induction into a society does not automatically mean full acceptance and initiation into Iyami in the spiritual realm. It is true that Iyami initiate their own and that initiation ultimately takes place spiritually in the astral realms. The induction is the physical process. The initiation is the spiritual process. Sometimes there may be a trial period for the person. This is how corruption is avoided because while some will initiate you for money or politics, true Iyami in the ancestral and spiritual planes will look at your character first. After all, these are mothers of Justice…and human Iyami are not exempt from the laws.

To that end, it is also important to know that while all women are born with some level of Aje, not all women have the discipline or moral aptitude to walk the path. There are many who are corrupt and ego driven and even void of conscience. It’s no different from any other tradition that has humans… Humans are subject to flaws… And many women who have a misunderstanding of Iyami as well. They want it for power, greed, control or to pay back men. So Primordial Iyami examine you before you are conferred with power or knowledge. Iwa is not just a concept. She is an Iyami and guides character and development. To that end, those they initiate will likely be older women and elder mothers, though menstruating women who have discipline and are balance can be initiated too. How do you know you were accepted? There are things you are given in the spiritual plane that you are likely to experience in dream or astral form. There is information you are provided that can let the inductor know it is done. These can then be further validated through divination.

I can only share what was told to me by Iyami on the spiritual planes. They told me there are fundamental laws that must always be followed. Laws of nature, but also spiritual laws and codes of conduct. Harmful conduct upsets the balance which must be maintained. One was one must never be greedy.. Always share with your sisters.. Iyami are more egalitarian in terms of function. They function more as a family…and community than as a elitist group or person divorced from all other women or people. Iyami have an inherent relationship with nature… Mother Nature… Mother Earth..Cosmic Mother IyaNla.. Because of this relationship they have an intimate relationship with plants, trees, herbs, etc. By extension, they know their uses physically and esoterically.

The common assumption is that they use it for harm… I’ve noticed that people seem to equate Aje or its power with evil…but then…you will notice those same ones equate women with evil too.. So beware of those who project that any Iyami…red, black, or white are automatically harmful. It is all about the individual and how they may use the power based on their level of spiritual maturity and development. The white, red, and black is all about what all mother goddesses represent….the triune energy of creation, sustainability, and destruction. Destruction is not always a bad thing. Something must be destroyed for things to be birthed on higher ground…it’s the circle of life. A woman’s body does all three.. Shhh…there’s a secret…

The truth is Aje are just like other traditional healers… They can use their knowledge for healing, midwifery, divination, and spiritual support in addition to practical issues on the physical plan and ancestral work. One of my main assignments from Iyami is for promoting healing so my emphasis is in spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. So another caveat is that it is not enough to be Iyami by name and ego… Having a pot is not the criteria the strength of your power is measured. It’s about doing the work… Doing the work in our communities. Doing the work on the planet.

Ori Invocation and Affirmation

UNCATEGORIZED

I invoke the power of my Ori

My divine self , connected to all that is

To bring into manifestation all ire (goodness) in my life.

I raise my hands and touch the ground

I am one with Heaven and earth

I invoke the primordial forces of nature outside and within me to

To positively move my life into alignment with my highest and greatest destiny

I affirm and give thanks for my Egun (Ancestors) to support my family in Aye( here on Earth)

May they also be supported in Orun (Heaven)

I affirm and invoke the divine intelligence of Esu… may my thoughts be clear,

I sacrifice a closed mind

I affirm and invoke the love of Osun- may my heart be filled with joy

I sacrifice any negativity.

I affirm and invoke the peace of Obatala- may my mind be still

I sacrifice stress

I affirm and invoke the wisdom of Orunmila- may I see into tomorrow

I sacrifice willful ignorance

I affirm and invoke the depth of Olokun- may my emotions be balanced

I sacrifice my fears

I affirm and invoke the nurturing of Yemoja- may I be receptive to what is good for me

I sacrifice hard headedness

I affirm and invoke the direction of Ochossi- may my focus be steady

I sacrifice scatteredness

I affirm and invoke the authority of Sango – may my will be stable

I sacrifice ego

I affirm and invoke the transformation of Oya- may my progress be swift

I sacrifice stagnation

I affirm and invoke the strength of Ogun- may I cut out what is unproductive

I sacrifice misplaced anger

I affirm and invoke the healing power of Nana- May all old wounds be resolved

I sacrifice negativity

I affirm and invoke the prosperity of Aje- may all my needs be met

I sacrifice selfishness

I affirm and invoke the power of the Divine Mothers – may all my relations be well.

I sacrifice selfishness.

Let this be the affirmative prayer for my life

May each word reach heaven

I offer these sacrifices, May the sacrifice be accepted

I accept and give thanks for all things leading to my highest good today and forever.

Ase

Ifayele Oyatunde Iyafunfun Fasola

Ifa Orisa for Beginners

How I Came to the Ifa Orisa Path

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / SPIRITUAL AWAKENING AND HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS

For beginners on the path….

Been reflecting on my path. A lot of people ask..where do I start. I seriously forgot where I started…I’ve always been interested in the ancient mysteries. But to help some, I’ll share some aspects of study I underwent to get a feel of some things you may be interested in. Many things mentioned overlapped but they were Keys. Take what you are called to…Leave the rest. I did not include names because it’s the path and experiences that is most important.

In my teens, around 1985, I studied the esoteric aspects of the Bible. The Mezzerem… My grandmother was was what I now call a Christian witch… although she would say a lay healer… She payed hands with oil and healed people. She cast out demons out of folks and bound them! She spoke in tongues and anointed stuff with herbal oils. And man she could pray like no one I’ve ever known. Of course I was a reader and I found the Bible contradictions more than I could go with it…but I waited will I was out of my mama’s house and in college before I felt free to really explore. That sent me to Atlanta and Clark College.

My first read of Jambalaya came in 1988. That’s the first time I did Orisha and ancestor work. First time I could actually hear them speak clearly. Then numerology…first in the book Star signs… the Chaldean and Pythagoras systems. Always had deep dreams and I documented them. In college, I joined a pan African Kemetian organization. Went through a series of initiations with Kemetian divinities. Prior to that I hung with the Nation of Islam. Had a boyfriend in it. After a year, I knew it wasn’t my path. The Kemetic organization aligned the Kemeitan divinities with the Orisha so they kind of blended. Ausar was Obatala, Auset was Yemoja, Het Heru was Osun. They focused on the forces of nature within and personal development. Learned how to work with my ancestors there along with working with deities, invocations, possession and rituals, Divination, feeding, meditating, breathwork, mantras, mudras , chi hung, yoga, veganism, oracles ( Iching and Metu Neter) astrology… that was about 30 years ago. The head wrote a book called Metu Neter and a number of other like books. The queen mother in Atlanta nurtured my development at that time. It was truly a foundation I will always treasure even if it was not for a lifetime, I got lifetime jewels.

While in college, I also worked at a Metaphysical book distributor and managed an African book store. This was my real education. I had access to every metaphysical book and tool imaginable. I had the opportunity to meet many legends from all over the world because we promoted their books and they visited when they came to town.

I was introduced to the Orisha through a Babalawo in Atl in 1992. I was supposed to initiate as a Sango priest and by the odu Iyanifa but they were still new in the US so it was never offered as an option. Hung out with their Ile for some time but didn’t like the pettiness… judgements, and religiosity of it so I didn’t initiate there. I came to work with several powerful elder women living with each one for a time while I studied with them. They added to the Orisha, ancestor, juju, hoodoo, Vodu work. I moved back to Stl afterward and studied western mysteries and Rosicrucian stuff for a year… learned how to manifest more with it. Next deepened into Astrology… it was too much for me at once so I committed to learning a little every year. Only Astrology book you’ll ever need was helpful, spiritual Astrology by Jan Spiller was enlightening. Cosmic Astrology was another.

Coming to Stl, I got with another sister familiar with the traditions and we hosted community rituals for the deities every month. I guess we did that for a few years till we both got burned out, had families, and work… it was during that time that I first came to understand my role and the persecution of being a witch…although we just called ourselves priestesses. There was a church…African one at that, whose pastor accused me of being a witch because I taught his wife how to use oracles. Interestingly he knew before I knew…but he presented as a bad thing at the time. Lol…There were a lot of men who were scared of me at that time…Except the ones who actually knew me… and the sisters was down with me even more, lol.

I never had a negative view of the word witch. I always understood it to be a woman of power and wise woman. Many have corrupted its meaning based on Abrahamic interpretations but it never bothered me. People will always create a label and associate it with something undesirable when they are trying to discredit someone. That doesn’t make it true.

Anyway, I next I spent some years studying the tree of life from the Hermetic/ Kabalistic perspective. Golden dawn initiations, tarot and pathwork was helpful. I hung out with new thought…Spiritual centers, Unity Church, Science of Mind….I learned how to do spiritual and treatments and how to control my mind more. Went to theology school and became a metaphysical minister. I studied comparative religions and metaphysics there. I was a healer too though so I also trained in homeopathy with a German homeopath, massage therapy and naturopathy with a chiropractor. Those were my 20’s.

In my 30’s I went on to teach massage therapy at local colleges for 15 years. That required that I certify in every healing art there was…Ayurveda, aromatherapy, Reiki, Pranav and energywork, Asian medicine…. you name it! I had to teach it. I came to head programs as dean but I hated administration work so I stepped down. But my interest in the divine feminine deepened and I opened a healing arts studio to do healing work and teach classes.

Studied goddesses all over the world. Was bothered by lack of info on African ones so I started researching the Vedic and prevedic ones. The Mahavidyas and Matrikas. I still worked with Kemetian and Orisha and the Vedic completed the circle of Dark mothers. I was passionate about how they were presented…. often Europeans and men cast them off as scary and foreboding… fear….They spoke and came to me often and took me on trips in my dreams. Astroplane work was common. I knew they were guiding mothers of love and while they didn’t take no shit, they were also super powers in themselves. At the same time, I took up bone Divination.. came natural and I learned from ancestors in my dreams who would instruct me.

The Goddess studies took me to the Fellowship of Isis because…I wanted to know what white folks were doing. I was surprised that I learned a great deal of how the Kemetic mysteries developed in Europe. It gave meaning to a lot of the European sysmbols we see and are used today. I switched teachers there and finished with a woman who understood black isis and African traditions so that was how I completed my training with FOI. I was inducted as a priestess of Shekhmet through the Isiuem of Black Isis. I began facilitating workshops and retreats and preparing women for Priesthood in my iseum. I hosted community rituals periodically. It was then I published my first book, Spirit Rising, intended for general beginners. Later that same year I publish Magical Calabash bringing together several authors to write on the ancestral mothers. They gave me an oracle to use for them and I wrote about it there.

However I also started having another calling back to West Africa and began to pursue Akan initiation. My inner circle had Akan priests, Sangomas, Kemetian, Hoodoo, people and Orisha priests. I began the first part of it but had an abrupt turn when the Orisha said…uhh…you sposed ta be over here! My resistance caused my world and body to crumble..They were already in my dreams… I was already working with them…but I wasn’t sure which direction to go with it because I didn’t vibe with all people or iles in the tradition. As a strong advocate of African women’s traditions, I knew I needed an Ile that would not inhibit what I knew was my path….Some houses will let women initiate as Iyanifas and some would not.

Sitting in the hospital after a freak accident and back injury that made it impossible to walk. I had a dream that told me where to go and who to go to in order to get back on track. I was siting in his house and he had a bunch of Ifa books and told me he needed to share this Sacred Technology with me. I didn’t know him at the time but later saw his face on FB. I contacted him and he did a reading. The reading revealed the Orisha were done waiting and I had to initiate in order to walk again. I was called to be an Iyanifa. Sooo… I agreed… and everything fell out of the sky to make it happen quickly. I was in Florida a month later for the ceremony. I was walking a week later without a cane.

That journey made me drop everything else I was doing and study full time as an Awo. I had the advantage of being able to take care of my mom so that allowed me to be able to be immersed in my studies and training like a full time job. I also had the support of several great Babas and Iya’s that completely supported me actually learning. Daily study of the Odus, the medicines, Divination, for 8 or so hours a day was…my life. Traveling to learn the rituals, how to perform the ceremonies, initiations, just sitting with the elders and talking on the phone with my Yeye and Baba separately 2-3 hours weekly was…and still is my life. I was blessed to have a number of other honorary elders from the book Iyanifa Women of Wisdom that I published. Those 20 women took me under their wings in one way or another and I still can call any of them for support at any time. They brought the Iyami… The women of power… Some have crossed over and they left precious jewels for me to take on my journey. I also acquired a Baba in the city I lived and started “living” at his house and he gives me a lot of old school training. I was blessed that I had many skills to offer to support what they gave so the lack of money (cuz caring for the elderly don’t pay much) was compensated by the fact that I knew how to publish their books, websites, host their classes, run errands…etc.

Through it all I continued to see clients, do some classes, and find new things to learn.

So that’s a small piece of my journey and things I’ve studied over the years. It may not all be for you but I hope it helps to know this is a lifetime work…not over a few weekends or years… Be patient with yourself and allow time to learn and grow. One thing I’ve learned is that there is always something to learn… Nothing is what you think it is…Perception is everything..and perception changes as your innersperience expands. As soon as you think you know, forget about it…You don’t. Things take time…It’s not instant or fast food spirituality… Everything is not for everybody…and it’s ok. Just follow what is for you.

Ifa Orisha Frees and Empowers you, Not Chain You in Fear

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself is not take anyone’s word for it… Take the time to go find out for yourself. The greatest way people are manipulated is from lack of knowledge. People will hold you hostage due to a lack of knowledge. In the Ifa tradition, the core of knowledge is found in the Ifa Odu literary corpus. It is the core of everything Ifa Orisha etc. Yet, a good number of people have little to no knowledge of actual odus. They allow others to interpret for them. They rely on what they were told but not what Odu actually says….and does not say. This is to the detriment of the whole tradition, because it means that people can hold you hostage by a lie. Women thought , for years, they didn’t have the right to become Awos….because they weren’t allowed to see the actual verses and they allowed a man to do the interpretations of an Odu. They didn’t have access to the actual history of the tradition or were threatened with alienation and being put out if they dared seek that knowledge. I believe slave masters did that too… kept Africans from reading the scriptures to justify slavery, keep them enslaved, and convinced them it was God’s will. Now, there is a whole group of women who have been in the tradition many years who have never really read any Odus in their original form.

I’ve been a teacher for 20 years. Taught thousands but never fooled myself into believing that only I had the answers and that my students couldn’t or shouldn’t grow beyond what I teach them. Good teachers rs want their students to learn so that they can be strong and fly on their own. I encouraged my students to ask questions, critically think, and go see and read for yourself. Any teacher that tries to make you dependent only on them and asserts that only they know and you can’t possibly have the gift, skills, or insight to see beyond what they teach you is only afraid. Afraid they may lose standing or respect or some other ego driven tool to hold on to power. Even the best teachers still struggle to grow like the rest of us.

Fear always asserts itself as control and trying to block or dissuade people from growing and learning…. Especially if it can interfere with potential income. It asserts itself by arrogantly belittling or trying to discredit others who don’t do what you say or as you do under the false guise of trying to protect people. Often, they are seeking to protect themselves and what they have . Fear asserts itself by trying to limit you from accessing vital information that could empower you. It shows up when you start to ask questions and do your own meditations and research and they try to shoot you down by asserting how many years they have been doing a thing so they know better than you. You might ask if you have had so many years, why haven’t you shared these vital bits? It projects that you, as a divine being, have no innate wisdom to discern or receive inner guidance from anyone but them…and that you don’t even have the right to perceive outside of what they tell you. And they keep you in fear doubting everything especially yourself. We got that in the church so why do we need it in Ifa? I am not saying that there is no use for teachers, elders, etc. Not at all… They are valuable sources of information and knowledge. I AM saying however, that in addition to what you are taught, continue to seek and see for yourself what is true for you. Its the difference between believing and knowing.

We all have a divine source of wisdom inside of us. Our Ori. It is connected to the divine source of the universe. No one has all of the answers or owns truth. No matter how long you have done a thing, it doesn’t mean you know everything. Even a child can teach us something new if we are open. Some children are ancestors returned who remember and are here to restore what was forgotten. We must never make the mistake of judging people by our limited perceptions of who we think they are or are not.

We can only experience the divine according to our level of consciousness…not just our number of years. How many people spent their whole life thinking the earth was flat before it was demonstrated that it was otherwise? How many thought slavery was ok until they were taught otherwise? While experience does count, sometimes there can be stagnation because you can get to a point where you think thats all there is….or should be. This happens all of the time …and usually just when the universe is on the verge of breaking through a new awareness. It’s a part of the process of transformational change and evolution…

When we are going through an awakening process, it means that you begin to question everything. Not as an affront to what came before, but to deepen our understanding of what came before. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take the time to actually read the sacred teachings of the tradition you say you love. Study the history and how things came to be… Ask why… And if the answer doesn’t make sense… Continue asking till you determine if it’s valid or needs to be discarded. Put up a red light when someone tries to stop you from critical thinking. Doubt those who doubt you and your capacity for self realization. We can’t grow if we don’t know. Information is power and knowledge leads to wisdom.

Ifa verse Okanran Odi says:

Okanran first, and then Odi

Ifa says of those that this is the vessel

Wherein the soul is kept and protected.

Ifa says that a blessing is coming

from the Ipori of thr client.

Every answer is waiting inside ourselves

Waiting till we let them out.

Ifa says we should not curse the unborn.

Ifa says we should not curse the dead.

Ifa says we should avoid

Egoism and selfishness, because

We are not the center of the universe;

It only seems that way, and everybody else

Sees these things quite differently.

The remedy against whats bothering you is in honoring the living and the dead.

Ifa says that ones nerves are kind of shaky,

That something inside makes one insecure.

We have a fear that returns and returns,

Ifa tells us to sacrifice, in order

Not to become utterly paranoid, sacrifice so that our existance becomes pleasurable.

Another ese in Iwori Osa speaks about the importance of going within and discovering truth for yourself

Atkaresete, awo orun

A difa fun Olodumare at aiye

Nigbati awon omo-araye nsare to Olodumare nitori ohun gbogbo

Nke baba, baba, mo de

Gba mi; jowo gba mi

Olodumare nI; eetiri?

Eniti mo fun l’agbara, ko lo agbara

Eniti mo fun l’ogbon, ko lo ogbon

Won ni awon omo ti ko ri awon obi won

Won maa sa ipa inu won

Atkaresete (the self adjuster) priest of heaven

Divined for Olodumare and the world

When the people of the world were running to Olodumare for everything

Crying out baba, baba, I have come

Save me; please save me

Olodumare said, what is the matter?

Those whom I have given ability do not use their ability

And those I have given wisdom do not use the wisdom I have given them.

It is said; children who do not see their parents

Will strive for their own inner strength

this is why we no longer no longer see Olodumare. It forces us to use the wisdom we were born with.

from Iwe Fun Odu Ifa by Agelo Fawesagu Agbovi

Fa signifies Coolness not Anger and Anxiety

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

Anther excerpt from Divination and Deity in African religions and quotes by Bokono Gedegbe who was the last Chief priest of the Benin Empire supervising the overal Fa /Ifa /Afa priesthood. A Bokono is the Benin Togo version of an Babalawo or Iyanifa in Yoruba.

The system of Fa is built up through the interaction of 256 signs, each of which is an essential mode of reality. Each element is the sum of a series of binary oppositions (open or closed cowrie shells, whole or broken lines, odd or even numbers, plus or minus, “male” or “female”); together they generate the whole world, including the vodu themselves. Thus, he who understands and controls the signs controls the vodu. In Fon myths, even the vodu are repre-sented as coming to Fa to understand their own dilemmas and get out of scrapes. But though “Fa is the king of life here below” (the vice-regent and homologue of God the king above),” his force is used always for harmony and regeneration of life. The very word “Fa” signifies “freshness,” “sweetness or pleasantness,” “cool-ness,” and is the opposite of the “heat” of anxiety, tumult, anger, danger, or death. The bokono is consecrated to this “coolness”: he is not an ecstatic, but must be given over to tranquil, pleasant, and benevolent consciousness, ethical behavior, and restraint. If he becomes angry or does an evil deed, the forces that he engaged through his meditative serenity will turn on him. It is his vocation to restore equilibrium in personal lives and especially in the society in general. Every regular ceremony of Fon worship, and determine which of the hundreds of vodu shall be propitiated, and how. Despite all their power and willful personalities, their sustenance, recognition, and therefore even their existence are dependent on the cool and wise science of Fa.

A Fa priest must know more than anyone else about the entirety of Fon religion, as a consequence, and the training of a bokono takes many years, which also traditionally included study abroad at Ifa centers in Yorubaland and elsewhere. The proverbs, stories, and myths appended to each of the signs must be learned; they comprise in their totality the entire mythical corpus of the Fon. The signs deal with the Creation and embody various of its moments and powers. Many of the Fa myths deal with the triumph of the cleverness embodied by Fa over the raw power and arbitrariness of the vodu. Here, in fact, are the sources for the Br’er Fox and Br’er Rabbit stories, and others of their type, popularized in American folk literature in the Uncle Remus tales. The signs govern not only the vodu, but also all the arts. They are all wisdom. The bokono is an authority on history, medicine, technology, and psychology, and the greater of them used to have extensive “hospital” quarters for lodging the sick and disturbed who needed their care.

ESU : Essential Spiritual Understanding

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

Esu is the primordial essence of infinite possibilities. It is through each possibility that some doors open and close. That is there are benefits and challenges of each choice. Some move us forward, some backward, some elevate and some descend, some are lateral moves to the left or right and some bring us full circle back to where we started.

Within that context, Esu is the grand paradox of the universe.. That paradox brings out our various perspectives that determine our choices. Esu forces us to examine our assumptions and rethink our options and outlook. Is the glass half empty or full comes to mind. What seems big is actually small. What seems infinite is actually limited. This infinite possibility challenges even our perception of time, space, and self. This is why parables and metaphors hold such significance in ancient traditions. Each one holds within it a number of interpretations depending on our level of consciousness. A simple reference to a tree could allude to fruit or could suggest a blueprint for the soul..

As a transdimensional element, Esu lives outside of the limitations of matter and the world formed of matter. Our assumptions about ourselves are often limited to our immediate lifetime, body, personal history, and culture. These assumptions limit our choices because our perspective is limited and by that very conditions doors close to us because we cannot see beyond that outlook.

These infinite possibilities challenge our assumed values as well. Values are based on what we value whether it is tangible or intangible. We make choices based on what we value. We make judgements based on those same values. We assume that because we believe so strongly in those values and that people around us also believe them, that they must be right… So much so we are willing to fight for them… When someone or something points out a flaw in our logic about our values, it forces us into what is called the dark night of the soul. We feel conflicted between what we thought we knew and what appears to be evidence of something different. To accept the new evident requires a degree of humility, because it requires us to accept that we were mistaken. It also forces us to be patient and thoughtful. Patient because we will be tested again and again to see if we have mastered our understanding. Thoughtful because we begin to realize the consequences of our actions so we are careful to make better choices in the future. It also forces us to relinquish our ego’s illusion that it is in control and surrender to the universe.

This brings us to a matter of what is true and truth? We find a description of it in Ose Otura where Esu exemplified.

The Odu Ifa Osa-Otura says,

What is truth?

I say, What is truth?

Orunmila says: Truth is the Lord of heaven guiding the earth.

Osa-Otura says, What is truth?

I say, What is truth?

Orunmila says: Truth is the unseen One guiding the earth, the wisdom Olodumare is using – great wisdom, many wisdoms.

Osa-Otura says, What is truth?

I say, What is truth?

Orunmila says: Truth is the character of Olodumare. Truth is the word that cannot fall. Ifa is truth. Truth is the word that cannot spoil. Mighty power, surpassing all. Everlasting blessing.

This was divined for the earth. They said the people in this world should be truthful. To enable them to be truthful and honest willingly and comfortably, let the idabo (Ifa medicine) be applied by marking Odu-Osa-Otura on the divining powder. After reciting the above Ifa saying on the powder, mix it with eko (cornstarch gruel) and drink it, or put it in palm oil and eat it, so that it will be easy to be honest and truthful.

Ifa song: Speak the truth, tell the facts. Speak the truth, tell the facts. Those who speak the truth are those whom the deity will help.

Esu helps us find truth beyond illusions.. But also discover the truth about ourselves. The facts are…we are more than just our body and history. We are more than our titles or status. Other people are more than just our projections of good and evil. As we unpeel the layers of assumptions about everything and everyone, we find common cords that link together beyond the surface. We are called to face our shadows and light… We are reminded of the need for balance and wholeness. Then a dawning awareness begins.. Esu is not a trickster at all. By transcending our illusions, Esu opens the path to self realization.

Lets talk Money and Initiation: What Does it really Cost?

IFA ORISA FOR BEGINNERS / INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

FAQs for beginners in the Ifa Orisha tradition

Question 1: Why do people have to pay for initiation and other experiences? Isn’t spirituality free? I can learn for free through books and YouTube. Other religions don’t charge.

Answer: The fact is unconscious Christianity (that’s the belief system you operate under even when professing a different religion.) has convinced people that Everything is free. It’s not…Not even any of the Abrahamic traditions… I’ll start by taking the Biblical perspective 10% tithe. By the time you calculate say minimum wage $8.00 hr at 10% that is 320.00 and the tithe should be $32. For 1 year/52 weeks that’s $1664 a year… After 3 years of attending if you never got a raise, that is $4992. Ten years in the church and you have paid $16,640…at minimum wage, not including the secondary offerings, any potential raises or if you actually make more…

Further that does not include the cost of becoming a licensed clergy-equivalent to a priest. Bible college or Theology school can range from $1500 for a certificate to $150,000 if you get a Doctor of Divinity from a prestigious college.

So since we got the fact that Abrahamic religions are not free out of the way lets go on..and even compare.

There is a law of reciprocity always at work. Never take more than you give. We pay for other readers..we pay for Reiki classes. We pay for books…we pay for clothes, jewelry…When a person wants to be a doctor, or theologian or engineer, they pay to go to school to do that work. They pay for licensing and continuing education and other professional fees. They invest the time to be proficient.

How many would really trust a surgeon to operate on their heart that primarily learned from a book and youtube? Just because you read how to drive a car doesn’t mean you know how to drive a car….so it is both arrogant…and ignorant…to suggest that you know it all already and don’t need to be taught and trained by experienced masters. A book can’t tell you when you fucked up in the spiritual realm… and are playing with fire…You only find out when some stuff is on your ass you can shake… Mentors protect you from that… They teach you time honored skills and knowledge that help you be proficient and effective. They spend hundreds and even thousands of hours initiating you, growing you, nurturing you, supporting you, training you, answering your questions, listening to your problems, emails, phone calls over a period of years…and often at the sacrifice of their own biological family. A mentor becomes a spiritual parent, Doctor, Counselor, social worker, mediator, professor, and is often on call 24/7 to numerous other people. Time is money… it took them years to be where they are…to be able to give you what you are seeking… They still have to live, eat, pay expenses, rent/mortgage, utilities, sustain their households too.. So what kind of foolery makes you think they don’t deserve compensation for that? I mean what if your employer or clients said that they weren’t going to pay you for the work you have done for them? Would you be ok with that? The only people I know working for free are people who are generally novices just learning and who work somewhere else…or someone else else is paying their expenses.

What are the real costs of Orisa Initiation?

As for the cost of initiation. That can vary widely and from lineage to lineage. I’ve heard quotes from 1000 to 30,000…depending on the Ile, lineage, god parent, Orisa, extravagance of the ceremony,… While the associated fees and cost may vary, I will share what some of the expenses may be associated with to help you know where it may go. The cost will vary on everything from :

Amount of supplies,

Number of priests and people involved (drummers, singers, dancers, general helpers, and whatever fees they may ask for their time and expertise.

Ebo items (specified offerings such as animals and adimu involved),

transportation

lodging…either for yourself going to a place, or of the priests involved that must be sent for, ewe and herbs that may be imported or secured,

number of implements /icons/ritual pots received,

If done in America or another country..Cuba, Africa, time…number of days,

Training and education before and after (this includes experience of priest)Education also takes place over years without additional compensation although some do charge a separate fee.

Food- Everyone needs to be fed over days… and someone has to prepare it.

Clothing and Ceremonial Wear

Guide/escort fees if someone is taking you overseas

When you look honestly at what is involved, most reasonable people will see that many costs can be justified to some extent. Sometimes a bare bones initiation with the minimum may happen because a life is involved. In those cases some priest may take little or no fee at all. But that should not be considered the norm. Also some things may be open for barter or reconsideration with some Oluwo. You never know until you ask how you might be able to cut costs. In any case one thing has demonstrated itself. When it’s really time, the money, Oluwo/godparent that’s right for you and what is necessary comes. Sometimes it’s just a matter of patience for the right time. Sometimes, you find that particular path just isn’t for you because you are needed in another capacity.

That said, greed is another animal, so I’m not advocating greed…..as in asking way above the normal ranges and using the tradition as a cash cow. That is corruption not compensation. I don’t advocate talking out Payday I am advocating being considerate when it comes to compensating priests and don’t be so quick to take and not give or judge those who do ask for reciprocity. Don’t be so quick to assume it’s all about money and not realize where it’s going.

Ifa Orisa Initiation and Activating DNA Codes of Consciousness

UNCATEGORIZED

With the advent of more interest in African Spirituality also has come those who want the Spiritual culture and the status, but not the hassle…of going through time honored practices such as initiation or submitting to an elder to support their growth. It’s true, initiation is not for everyone. Everyone is not called to be a priest. Many “spiritualist” and rootworkers insist..they don’t need initiation. That, they already can manifest stuff…or that they already receive messages…or they did it in a past lifetime or dreamed they were initiated so they don’t need to re do it… or…it’s in their blood line already… Some believe it’s just a superficial …and rather expensive ceremony like they are used to seeing in the West. Sing a little song…say some vows, do a little dance… Bam… you are Initiated and can now call yourself a priest. Admittedly, I felt the same years ago…BEFORE. …I formally initiated. Let’s just say that you don’t know what you don’t know, until you know better. Such was the case with me. This is what I came to understand about initiation and what it really is.

So What is Initiation All About?

We are all here to grow, develop, and ultimately realize our best selves. We choose to incarnate as souls encased in material human bodies. Those bodies are made from organic material in nature… It’s foundation is the very DNA that are the building blocks of all life on this planet. Orisa or more specifically Irunmole are primordial forces of nature. As this nature is inside of us as well as outside of us, we are are connected down to the dna. We hold in our creation story, that the Orisa descended on a golden chain to the material realm. DNA is such a chain..

Our spiritual selves has what is called an Ori. Ori is commonly stated as our destiny and related to the head, but is is also our connection to our divine selves… Our divine selves is what sets up our blueprint for what we are going to do on earth when born…but once we get here..we forget the plan.. Birth separates us from the state of being when only knew oneness. Living here can bring trauma and the negative ego leads us in directions off the path… It can create imbalance, dis-ease, a sense of incompletion, blocks, etc.

This is where initiation comes in. People are called to initiate for many reasons. Some to heal and restore balance. Some to determine their life purpose and lessons (ie destiny). Some initiate to save their lives or for protection… But ultimately what initiation does is it awakens dormant DNA and puts you in alignment with your Ori.

We now understand that DNA contain instructions for development and growth. It contains not just our keys to Ancestry , but also their gifts, their genius,.. collective knowledge…. and their trauma as well. We now know that our genes can change when trauma is experienced. Scientist have determined we only use about 5% -10% of our DNA. They say there is another part they call “junk dna”. Same goes for brain function… We only use about 5% of the brain.. with 95% being dormant. Essentially we are not nearly as evolved as we would like to think because we are living or operating at our full potential. The arrogance of western science is too proud to admit they don’t know what it does…So, they call it junk DNA. But the African indigenous ancients understand this….and understood the process on how tap it through initiation.

Science has now found that DNA can receive , emit, and be a transducer light, sound, and other quantum wave frequencies…and that it can be influenced. This means it is a conduit for the astral realms and other dimensions of light and existence. Orisa exists on these realms as well. When a person experiences a trance state, or are exposed to certain colors, light, performs certain movements, or chant certain sounds, their brainwaves can shift from regular waking consciousness to super or sub conscious states. They are able to access previously unremembered information and even program new abilities, break addictions, etc. They Our Orisa rituals are codified through those movements, chants, words of power, scents, colors, and elements of nature designed to do just that.

So what I found is initiation is designed to stimulate that dormant DNA and brain function by accessing its inner code. Initiation involves extensive rituals and ceremony on the crown of the person….the Ori. Through coded binary signatures and spiritual technology, the dormant aspect of nature is awakened. This begins a process of growth and development on a whole other level. Now I’m not saying it will make the person a genius …Cuz goodness knows there are plenty of initiated fools out there.. But.. the stimulation that happens in the Ori during initiation, through the DNA can facilitate a process leading to higher potential in the long term. The process produces altered states that can awaken what was dormant.

Each Orisa has specific frequencies and modes of operation that are directly coded in nature itself. In Ifa, nature is codified into 256 frequencies of light and Orisa are extensions of that light. These 256 frequencies are programs of human consciousness and operate in a multidimensional universe. We access these frequencies through binary oracles that are able to connect with the persons Ori. These codified signatures are what we call Odu. DNA is made up of 2 binary or base pairs that produce 4 values. Ifa Oracles are made up with like composition.

So basically, initiation utilizes methods are whereby elements are directly placed in the head/ Ori and sometimes placed inside the body. THAT is what awakens the dormant DNA. That opens them to new levels of spiritual energy called Ase. It doesn’t mean only initiated have Ase. It means much more is awakened during this process. That is also why it’s impossible to self initiate…. Because you can’t be in two places at the same time. A competent priest has to have to consciousness and

knowledge of the ancient process to do it to you. When a person initiates and it’s done correctly, they are reborn into a new state of awareness and consciousness. A paradigm shift takes place as the alignment happens. They may not understand it all and some of it is dressed in religious dogma, but the shift in their lives becomes evident over time.

This becomes especially important with those descendants in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Human captivity has left a mark on the DNA as a genetic trauma. The need for healing is overwhelming self evident. Yet, those ancient ancestral memories are peeping through our dreams and into our present day to help us to heal from that trauma. The Orisa are showing up in our dreams as a call to realign with your true nature and initiate as your ancestors did. I alway tell people dreaming of being initiated is more a call to be initiated than an assumption that you are already initiated. This reclamation of our ancient initiatory traditions, along with the spiritual practices are specifically design to support you and your family’s healing and path to wholeness consciously and unconsciously.

Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not a magic trick. You are not instantly healed and whole. You are not immediately transcended though the ego can make one feel that way. Initiation means to begin…. and so it just begins the process that will take place over a lifetime… A quickening if you will. It starts a formal process of awakening and starts a covenant with nature that is intended to build Spiritual maturity over time. Over time you gain a greater understanding of your self, your life purpose, your soul lessons, and also other people and the world around us. But in the beginning, many go through a healing crisis or emotional crisis as their DNA and consciousness is scrambled and realigned. Issues of the past and those that were unknown can come up to be reckoned with and put to rest. This takes time… This why we have to take protective measures for the Iyawo after the initiation to support the full spiritual process taking place. But the process is necessary. Even after the Iyawo period, they must be taught and trained on how to cultivate this connection with these forces let alone the training that takes place as a priest.

So in closing, these are just some of what happens when a person is initiated. It isn’t just a theatrical performance rite or superficial ceremony of receiving a title as a priest. It isn’t just a formality for community recognition of your “super powers”. It’s not just an ego boost or a way to prove your blackness by joining a African religion. Nope , Dis Ain’t Dat! Even if that is what initially motivated a person to do it, they will tell you down the line afterward, some real transformative shyt went down inside and in their life they were not expecting. That…you really can’t say what it is or is not…until you go through it. And … you don’t know what you don’t know until you know better.

Dora Milaje and the African Amazon Women’s Traditions

IYAMI AJE

I was going to wait till after some of you saw the movie Black Panther but I just haaaaad to put something to paper. The movie itself was so deep and complicated covering soooo many layers of African Psyche from a global perspective that I will be sure to write about it later but right now… I want to talk about these Badd Azz Sistas… Dora Milaje…. and not just about the costumes and the superior battle scenes… Admittedly I didn’t know what their names were until recently when I saw it in print… DORA MILAJE… and right there it stood out… MI and AJE. So for those who have followed my blog you already have read my post on Iyami Aje and the Women of Power in the Ifa Orisa Tradition. For those who have not, Iyami means my mother. Aje means wealth and also the power of a woman..depending on the Yoruba grammatical marks. Still it speaks to African women of power who protected the kingdom and were not the docile handmaidens some suggest. I don’t want to get too deep into the back story to stay on topic but the Dora Milaje apparently have a powerful history that mirrors the Ancient Womens traditions of the Iyami Aje as well as the African Amazon Traditions. Yeah.. they did their research!

So the Dora Milaje is depicted in the movie and comic book series as an elite all female fighting force who are the protectors of the king of Wakanda . Their allegiance is to the crown and they protect it with their lives. According to Marvel, they are alternatively called the Adored ones and Midnight Angels and are drawn in from every tribe in Wakanda. Each was a potential Queen to the King. They speak their own language that is, according to Marvel, Hausa. To the new feminist, this is just great. Women are finally shown as real warriors… To those who wish to depict black women as simply subservient and passive, overly emotional and high sexed, or as Angry Black Women, they are probably beside themselves with angst. lol… Good! They are probably saying depicting them this way is the problem with the black community… “Black women don’t know their place!” But I want to caution you to assume this is a new development for women… and especially women in Africa. You see, this is actually our real history. .. Its not just a imaginary comic book theme. And it is welcome because it demonstrates how women can be strong yet it does not alienate their male counterparts.

African has a long history of Amazonian women who were outstanding fighters. The Berbers in North Africa has a long history of female fighters who protect the King. As much as people hated to recognize him, Muammar Gaddafi recognized this as his Berber ancestral tradition and had his own squad of female bodyguards. The pre Islamic North African Berber Amazon women were known in Greek history and mythology and were respected and feared. One of their primary divinities was Tanit who became Neith in ancient Egypt. She became Athena in Greece… She is shown with a bow and arrow and depicted as a warrior goddess. The name Amazon itself came from the original ethnic name of those women AMAZIGH . The last of that era was an Amazon Queen named Kahina who led the resistance against Arab invasions. Tin Hinan of the Tuareg was also an Amazon Queen. She was found in her tomb wearing 7 silver bracelets on her left and 7 gold bracelets on her right. It doesn’t go unnoticed that the Dora Milaje also wear these bracelets with the General wearing gold for her rank while the other wear silver.

The Kikuyu women were another group of African women known for their kick ass abilities. Kikuyu women were known to fight as well if not better than any man. Below is a Kikuyu woman shown carrying the traditional Muthigi (stick)signifying power to lead and Itimu (Spear)-power to call people to war. The Dora Milaje used their technologically advanced spears masterfully to combat threats to the point where guns were considered primitive!

The Dahomey Amazons were another group of warrior women. They called themselves the N’Nonmiton, which means “our mothers and they were considered a band of terminators deeply feared by European colonizers. They too protected the king and were known for their trademark of cutting off their enemy’s head. They were 6000 strong. They were not just mythical either. The last known one Named Nawi dying as recent as 1979 at a 100 years old.

These are just a few of the women fighters in African History that are often less known. There was also the Igbo women who waged the Women’s war against the colonist over taxes. There was of course Yaa Asantewaa protecting her stool in Ghana. There were the Nyabinghi in Uganda who also fought colonial powers. Oya, the warrior queen of the Yoruba Alafin Sango was known to fight before and with him side by side… And Osun and Yemoja, though water also carried swords demonstrating their relationship to divine justice. The list can go on but you get my point.

What also makes this interesting for me is that the Dora Milaje carry similar spiritual descriptions of the ancient mothers Iyami.. Iyami are known as elders of the night and affiliated with birds and flying just as the Dora are called Midnight Angels drumming up similar images. Iyami are who determine kingship and who are traditional psychic protectors of the throne. I wont spoil the movie but you will understand it once you see the movie as the Dora Milaje make a choice. Im so glad it chose to demonstrate the power of African Warriorhood in such a magnificent way all the while allowing them to keep their beauty, grace, and femininity.

Oyeku Meji, the Winter Solstice , and the Darkest Night before Dawn

ODU IFA

It’s the Holiday season and a number of religions are celebrating in their own way. Many are quite unaware that this season used to be tied to nature herself. This is the season of the winter solstice. Tonight is December 21 and it is considered the beginning of winter…at least in North America. It may be different things in different parts of the globe, but it is also the longest night of the year. December 21-24 are considered the longest nights because the time of sunset and sunrise is extended the most. On the 25th of December The Sun rises again and it is considered a rebirth because from that day on, the sun will stay out longer and longer until the longest day which is the Summer solstice. So this is where we get the birth of the son…but it’s S-U-N not son. Still, the time is significant because as the Ifa Orisa tradition seeks alignment with nature, this process of dark and light happens inside of us too…

So as this time is dark we must reflect on what the dark means. I’ve always hated the categories of dark and light. For one because people always made it out to be a good or bad, enlightened or baneful thing. Frankly I think it’s crap but these are world politics that support one group to justify injustice to another group so…. Anyway what the darkness brings to mind for me is Odu. Now Odu is many things to many people and in fact multidimensional. For one, she is the feminine force of divine wisdom who relays the Oracle Ifa. In African Vodoun Afa, she is Gbadu, daughter of Mawu who has 16 eyes. In Yoruba, she is called wife to Òrúnmìlà (considered a prophet or deity of wisdom too) and it is through her that Orumila taps the Oracle to communicate the message. One thing about Odu is that she prefers the dark. She is depicted with eyes closed where it is dark. Another symbol for her is a womb…also a place of darkness, mystery, and sacred power. A sacred portal where a soul is nurtured and receives the veil of human form. The darkness, is where we are not distracted by the outer trappings of the world like the ego who seeks to control and dominate. The dark is where divine light is Born and Wisdom lives. It’s not dreadful or baneful at all. It is where we all come from and will return to.

Then there is the Odu verse …(the sacred verse or teaching from the Ifa oracle ) Oyeku Meji. People sometimes fear Oyeku Meji because they associate it with death or the averter of death. While it can mean that, when it comes up, it is often something other than literal death. It’s significance is much broader than that. It could mean it’s a time to close doors, or a need to tap ancestral wisdom, or the darkness found with closed eyes in a meditative state. It can be death like the trees whose leaves fall but retains life to be reborn in the spring. Or the death of a child who leaves the mothers womb and spiritual world to be born into this one. It can be the end of a bad situation and the return of better days. As the opposite of the odu Ogbe Meji who is often associated with masculine and light, external, movement, Oyeku can represent the epitome of the feminine , internal stillness… like the darkness of the womb. Oyeku is associated with the name Atooro meaning from the very beginning. As such, Oyeku can represent the darkness of the ocean deep and Olokun and the darkness of Onile Mother Earth herself. The darkness of deep space and the triple blackness of the black hole that gave birth to this entire universe. Oh yeah it can go deep… very deep.

Oyeku Meji

Even if you move away from your position

I will not move

The foundation stones of the house must not fail the house.

The crown of the head must not fail the person at the market.

So I will not move away

And you will not move away

You are the light

I am the light

Twilight is just appearing in the sky

But some people thought it had already dawned

Cast Divination for Eji Oye

Who would Dawn on the earth like daylight

Oyeku Meji speaks of the time of darkness just before dawn… And that is what we find at this time of the year… Dawn being on the 25th… So during this time of darkness, if we are tuned to nature, we might find ourselves needing to shut down and go within. While many see the new year as January 1st, the new year is actually the 25th. So on those dark days before it, we can do what nature calls us to do…plant seeds… spiritual seeds for what we want accomplish next year. We take time to reflect on what has passed, what has been learned, and what needs to be done next. We fast or meditate and close our eyes to the distractions of the world. We enter the darkness behind our eyelids as we access the inner wisdom of our Ori. We write down goals and visualize them coming into being. We get Divinations to see what lessons are in store for us . We do rituals to tune into the pulse of nature.. We become still..settled like the Earth almost at rest untouched by time or space. We slow down our breath waiting in Heavenly peace in this silent night where all is calm. We tap the virgin part of our spirits and become receptive as a child receiving wisdom from our inner mother. And we wait.. for the rebirth of light.

While We are Addressing Abuse, Can we Address the Environmentthat allow it to Thrive?

INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

There has been more voices speaking out about abuse and fraud that has been slowly poisoning the Ifa Orisa community. It’s good to see people standing up for women and those vulnerable. As an Iyanifa, I have had numerous women come to me about abusive or lack of ethics in situations they were a part of. From advising compliant sex with their spouses even when having problems to sexual rituals in the name of performing spiritual work to beating and harassing women outright. Whatever the case, the abuse of power is evident. So while we are having these conversations about abuse and fraud, I’d just like to point out a few more things to consider while we are having these conversations amongst ourselves. If we are going to really address these things, we cannot ignore the environment we have created that have allowed these kinds abuses to thrive. So if we examine what is it that allows sexual or physical abuse to thrive in any community, we must look at some key habits that encourage it.

1. The elephant in the room is an overtly patriarchal culture and misogynistic attitude that is supported by men and women in the tradition under the guise of preserving culture and what has been. From how some Odus are interpreted to the historical actions implemented to minimize women’s influence. We are at a crossroads in that we really do have to look at what is working for us and what is not….particularly in the Diaspora. So many are seeking to return to our culture and preserve everything that we can’t fathom that some ways need to die and be abandoned.

It’s not new. We have stories and itans where when something was no longer suitable for the community, the practice was abandoned and a better way was implemented. It’s called evolution. As an Omo Oya, I know for sure change is inevitable and often necessary. We must discern where “culture” is valued more than spiritual integrity and adjust.

2. The implied blind loyalty, faith, and life long devotion to a person, Ile, or lineage. Often from the moment a person adorns a set of elekes or receives anything from a Oluwo, they are assumed to be an omo for life. If a person leaves they are considered Ile hopping or being disloyal. They are ostracized, looked down on , and alienated if they dare leave. So if a person is experiencing abuse by an elder, they don’t have anywhere to go. Even the accusation that one of the elders may have abused them can turn the whole Ile on them in defense of the god parent or Oluwo. We may not realize it but this is cult like behavior and fraud and abuse can thrive in those environments. It’s one thing to create a mutually family. It’s another when it’s a virtual prison.

3. Baba is damn near god syndrome. Women historically have played very strong roles in maintaining balance and justice in the tradition. Slowly however, that is not always the case anymore. Often the “elders” that are looked to take action are men that may be abusers or have a history of abuse themselves. We often have blind loyalty to celebrity babas even when their behaviors are dishonorable. Sure they may make a declaration denouncing abuse for public show. But when actions are necessary, many turn their heads in denial which through non action still supports the abuser and reinforces the system. At worst, they continue to secretly support them.

To be sure, it’s not just Babas because some Iya’s are abusive too…There are some Iyas who have been reported to procure sexual favors from male Omo’s in exchange for some advantage. But the overwhelming culture systemically supports the predominance of male elders at the top with little to no female counterparts. Too often, women are theoretically spoken about in terms of respect but there is also an intangible aire in many circles where there is a condescending attitude towards respecting women but not demonstrable actions of respect. This allows for an environment for abuse especially when spiritual work is supposed to be done for a woman and no woman is present particularly in some rituals.

What we have seen is that when that is the case, the woman often does not get real justice and more often is silenced. Women have reported to their Babas and accusations are often blown off or the offender is gently chided but not taken to task for behaviors. Or, they are advised to endure or be patient.. not considering a life may be at risk. Some Nigerian babas don’t want to address it because they don’t want to shake up their Diaspora money tree a particularly Baba may have provided them in exchange for their outward support. Some abusers like to surround themselves with these popular Babas to gain more credibility and deceive the public.

4. We assume lineage or eldership equals character. These are not the same. People’s individual behaviors and attitudes determines character regardless of what lineage they are from, how old they are, or how long they have been in the tradition. To that end, I’ve heard people not wanting to make a big deal of foul behaviors for fear damaging the reputation of the lineage or the elder. Again, this sets up situations for those kind of behaviors to continue.

5. Lack of transparency or full disclosure. Often people don’t know they have been had until after they have paid significant money. Most contracts are based on trust only and while there are mysteries that may not be revealed, there are some things that are not mysteries at all. In this case, good open communication can often curtail situations where people are taken advantage of. In addition, the obsessive silencing of anything that happens in an Ile or with a godparent often leaves a trail of people who have been taken advantages of. Paying 20x more than the average. Not getting what they paid for. One woman paid for an Obatala pot and was told never to open it. For years she did not. Finally she peeped… Inside was just cotton balls and nothing else. Now we can’t share what goes into sacred vessels with everyone. And every lineages has different approaches and ingredients. But the person receiving it has a right to know what is inside. And it’s this kind of thing that promotes fraudulent behavior.

6. Lack of viable judicial process that allows for objective due process and the ability to execute repercussions for “decided” offenders of the community. In ancient times, Ogboni was the council of elders that one would go to for justice. This was one of the strongest roles Iyami played in maintaining justice in society. If someone was accused of an offense, a judicial process would ensue allowing for both sides to speak. If found guilty, repercussions ensued. If found not guilty, the matter would be put to rest. In the Diaspora no such group exist outside of our own legal system to address such matters. The challenge is when there are ethical lapses but not necessarily legal offenses that happened. That often leaves a conundrum of not know what to do. Essentially mob rule and public humiliation is the only recourse.

These are but a few things that contribute to an environment where abuse can thrive. It is certainly not an exhaustive list. It’s not a list of full solutions. My hope is that while we are having these conversations about addressing abuses, let’s consider how we all can contribute to the change that needs to happen in ourselves, our iles, and for our overall growth.

Being an Evolutionary Revolutionary

INDIGENOUS FAITHS OF AFRICA

I used to wonder what my life purpose is. Then when I found out, I first denied it, then I was afraid of it, then I was angry because I didn’t want it. Then I grieved. When I realized I couldn’t run, I surrendered to it. I let nature take its natural course inside of me.

I accepted that I am a warrior. Not the kind of warrior that sheds the blood of humans. I am a warrior of light. I am an evolutionary revolutionary. My sword is often my tongue or my pen…or in this digital age, my finger. I am here to cut down the weeds ignorance at its root so that growth can happen. I’m a transformer.. a catalyst for change… I’m not meant to comply with man made rules that seek to control. I am meant to live in alignment with the laws of nature herself. I’m not that pretty flower in the carefully planned garden. I’m the weed nature brought that is the needed medicine.

That means I may run into a lot of people in the established orders that will oppose me. What revolutionary hasn’t? People don’t really like change… They prefer to be comfortable and unbothered. They want things to stay exactly the same…. even if it is not in their best interest. So when I show up, I remind them they cant be comfortable in their bubbles anymore. Its time to grow beyond your limitations. I remind them they are more than what they have become…

It’s not always easy. I don’t claim perfection. I don’t always do it just right…. Sometimes I get weary… Sometimes I fall down… Sometimes I cry. But life has taught me, it’s precisely those times, my sword is being sharpened… My heart is being tendered…. and that even though it appears all too much, when it looks like death is imminent, it is at that moment, I am reborn…