The Global Orisha Community

"Hi.

I see that you invite people to ask questions, so I am taking advantage. I wanted to know if you are practicing the same Orisha as in Hispanic Afro-Caribbean culture?Thanks alot for your time.

Peace,

Mariam "

"Orunmila says there should be a gathering together like trees do to form a forest

Ifa says we should gather together and not walk alone"

Holy Odu Oyeku Meji

The above odu provides the explanation as to why human beings form societies. Societies were called egbe by our Yoruba Ancestors. Egbe, in the West has come to mean a gathering of believers, a group of individuals who worship the Orisha. Those of us who have returned to the ancient way of our Ancestors have a responsibility to participate in what I call the Global Egbe, those all over the world who worship the Orisha.

NOW you would think, that because of the perceived smallness of our numbers and the pervasive nature of Christianity within the modern world that we would be more than happy to align ourselves with all others who know and revere the Orisha and their Ancestors...

HOWEVER

The tyrannical force of colonialism continues to keep us from uniting.

Let me pause here to give creidt where it is due and pay homage to Ancestors...during the time of the Maafa (enslavement of our Ancestors) and after our Hispanic bredren and sistren kept much of the song and dance and ritual of the tradition alive...it remains a integral part of their culture today. We must respect and honor this reality. Without the tenacity of those of our Ancestors who were enslave by the Spaniards we would not have much of the music and the oral history of the tradition that we have today.

And that being the case, it is important to note, and I quote here from Ona Agbani

"from the West Coast of Afrika, to the shores of the Americas and the islands of the Caribbean we were all polluted by the Western mentality that attempted to turn us into chattel. There is NO form of Ifa that remains untainted by the stain of the Maafa...we must see the differences in our ways of practising the tradition as ecological necessities due to the circumstances our Ancestors found themselves in. Did the Yoruba captive see himself as more or less Yoruba if he were taken to Cuba instead of Haiti? History suggests not. Were you more Yoruba than me because your colonizer forced you to speak Portuguese while mine beat English into my tongue? Our shared culture says no. Then we cannot continue to argue that Santeria is better than Lukumi or Voodoo more sacred than Shango Baptiste. We cannot say that one is not truly initiated unless his or her spiritual leaders come from Nigeria or Cuba or Brazil. This is essentially an argument over WHO HAD THE BEST OPPRESSOR! When we compartmentalize the tradition in this way we are saying " MY SLAVE MASTER WAS BETTER THAN YOURS!" If we look at this huge controversy from the perspective of our Ancestors, those who are responsible for creating the Western forms of practising the tradition, it is clear that they did not see slavery in one place as being better or worse than slavery in another place! Our Ancestors created these forms of the tradition to achieve the goal of NO SLAVERY AT ALL! In which THEY SUCCEEDED! All praises to their couragous spirits!"

Adupe, Sistah Mariam for recognizing the global egbe!

Ise Is The Medicine For Poverty

"Ale mura e mura Ise O

Ise O

Ise"

(phonetically from the song by O.J. Ekemode)

"Doing is the medicine for poverty

Doing Ohh

Doing"

The Yoruba word "ise" (pronounced ee shay) is normally translated as the English "work"

I translate it differntly

It appears to be related to the Yoruba word "ase" (pronounced ahh shay)

Ase is the power to make something so...we sometimes think of it as an incantation at the end of a prayer or spiritual request that is a way of asking the Wombniverse to make it so

But from the perspective of Our Ancestors , to whom the word belongs, ase IS the power to make it so...the word itself not only describes the phenomena, but actually IS the phenomena

Back to ise...because it is closely related to ase which is the power of making things happen...ise from an Ancestral perspective seems to be the doing of things...the act of doing

It is necessary to separate this from our English term work because the word work is generally related to groups of meaningless acts that accomplish gargantuan piles of NOTHING

Seriously...for example

My former job was as a counselor of juvenile deliquent youth in a treatment/correctional facility

Of an eight hour day....the first six hours were spent, answering emails, returning phone calls, completing never ending stacks of forms, entering information onto the computer system....and only about 45 mins of the last hour was spent counseling the youth

While all of this was work

None of it was ise

None of it accomplished any task in particular

Ise is...growing the food that you eat

Making the clothes that you wear

Creating your home...building it and beautifying it

Sharing information with others

Dancing

Singing

Acting out and telling stories

Making music

Ise

And according to Our Ancestors...Ise

Actual doing...is the medicine for poverty

You cannot be hungry while actively gathering, hunting and growing food

You cannot need clothes while weaving cloth and creating clothing

You cannot be homeless while building and beautifying a home

"Doing is the medicine for poverty"

I am always moved by the simplicity of the wisdom of Our Ancestors

While we will create programs and build institutions and homeless shelters and welfare assistance

It is only through doing that poverty can be alleviated

I have taken this mantra to heart and realised that it is as simple as this in my own life as well

Working...stringing together meaningless, unfulfilling, status quo maintaing tasks in order to pay the bills will never alleviate a state of want

It is only ISE that can cure poverty

Doing...being....fully existing within the context of the environment that I live in is all that will destroy the negative energies of want and need

"Ise is the medicine for poverty"

"Ise Oh Ise"

Update on Online Courses On Raising Children in Orisha, Afrikan Spirituality and Gynocentricity

Today will mark the official beginning of my online correspondence courses on Raising Children in Orisha, Afrikan Spirituality and Gynocentricity...
Those who have ordered a course will receive their first lessons via email today...
For those who did not order a course...each online lesson is $10 and there are up to 8 lessons per course
Each lesson may be purchased individually by clicking on the order an online course button to the right of my blog
Also here are short descriptions of each course for those who are interested...

Raising Children In Orisha
This course will offer information and support for parents or parents to be who want to integrate ancient spiritual practices into the lives of their children...the course will not be limited to information on the Orisha but will cover Earth based cultural practices from other areas in Afrika and the Caribbean as well as North and South America

How does raising children in Orisha differ from mainstream parenting?

How can I "ritualize" my birth experience? (whether at home or in the hospital)

How can I include my child in rituals? (newborn to young adult)

Bringing ancient ways into the modern world

A year and a day, when one parent leaves the home (divorce/separation)

Can they and should they still go to church with grandma?

What about holidays?Afrikan centered/Orisha based Home Schooling/Unschooling ( a rudimentary curriculum that can be used whether your child is in public school or home schooled)

Afrikan Spirituality
This is a course in Afrikan spirituality and worldview. The objective of the class is to offer an understanding of this ancient way to those who are interesting in practicing it as a way of life or studying it or even adding it to their own current practice.

Who are the Orisha/Vodun/Loa?

What is the nature of Ancient Afrikan Supreme Being?

Affects of the Maafa (slave trade) on Afrikan Spirituality

Role of Women in Afrikan Spirituality

Family in Afrikan Spirituality

Sacred Orature: Sacred Oral Texts of West Afrika

Power of the Spoken Word, Incantations

Western Adaptions of West Afrikan practices

Gynocentricity
This course will discuss the Matriarchies and what life looks like when the womb is the focal point of all daily interactions. Instructions on creating a womb centered focus in your own life will be given. Examples of how womb centered-ness looks in the ancient and modern world.

GYNOCENTRICITY what it is and what it is not(2 sessions)

The Matriarchy: A Brief Historical Overview(2 sessions)

Praise the Mother: Goddess Veneration: Historical Overview(2 sessions)

Modern Matrifocal Societies and How they Operate

How we intergrate Gynocentricity into our own lives

Write What You Want to Read

When I first began to study Ifa, Yoruba culture and Orisha worship. I was appalled by the lack of truthful, Afrikan centered, historically correct information available on this ancient spiritual tradition. I was also crushed by my own family's reaction to my decision to study and then practice Afrikan traditional spirituality. I was all but disowned by mother, and was told by my sister's that I was damning myself and my children to eternal hellfire. I was terrified that they may be correct BUT inside me I could hear the voices of my Ancient Ancestors screaming..."We were not wicked, we were not evil, our ways were good and pure, uplifting and powerful...do not fear us...come and know us and through knowing us, know yourself".

I followed the voice of my Ancestors and they have NEVER steered me wrong since. However, early in my study I recognized the need for simple, factual, well written information on the tradition written by a practitioner. I was also painfully aware of the fact that the view that the majority of people have of Afrikan spiritual traditions was negative mostly contrived from Hollywood's degrading depictions of evil "voodoo" practitioners and "witch doctors". Afrikan's born in the West in particular have been bred to be terrified of our ancient traditions, our way of life, our belief systems. I have even heard elders speak of how glad they were that their Ancestors were taken into slavery so that they were not born into wicked Afrikan society but were instead born here in America! As if American society is ANYTHING BUT wicked! We perpetuate this fear by vehemently discouraging others who are courageous enough to study Afrikan traditions. Once I began to study the traditions of Our Ancestors, I was SURE that if others but had the information, they would not be so ashamed and terrified of our ancient ways of life. Out of that need for factual information and a concise explanation of what our way of life was before the Maafa (the great tragedy that befell us) was born Ona Agbani my book. It was my prayer upon writing the book that it would serve as a beacon of light and truth in the Yoruba/Ifa/Orisha community and that it would enlighten those who were seeking the deeper wisdom and truths of our Ancestors.

Once folx began to read it and comment...I was elated with the response...below are some of the responses from readers who have been touched...

All praises to My Munificent Mother Oshun...My Ancestors and My Ori !!!!

Good, Concise Intro to Ifa [ No Rating ] 1 Mar 2007
by carameldom
This is the most concise book I've read on Ifa so far. One of those things you can read in a day, but refer to for a lifetime. If you're curious and don't know where to start, this book is a great starting point. If you're already a practitioner & tired of explaining what it is you do/all that stuff in your house (lol), I'd recommend buying a copy for friends, family, or anyone who has heard of Ifa but has no idea what it's really about.


I couldn't put your book down!
On June 17th, 2008 Sis. Nzinga says:
Sistah,
As my spirit is being led to know more about Ifa, I knew I had to purchase your book. I was not disappointed. I gathered so much knowledge & information and I am now making arrangements to find local practitioners to learn even more. Thanks for giving birth to a wonderful resource.
Ase!Sis. Nzinga
~I affirm that I am a divine wombman who lives a life of courage, adventure and bliss!

On May 17th, 2008 Namaste27 says:
The Book is beautiful. Maweyah hipped me to it and others. Yours was the first one that came, and the first I have ever read that I overstood. Thank You!!!Peace & Blessings



You read Ona Agbani
On June 18th, 2008 Mawiyah says:
Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani
It was a wonderful read wasn't it? My husband has my copy and won't put it down. Let me know what happens on your quest.Ase Homegirl

Oriki: Increasing The Vibrations Without and Within

A Spiritual Consultation I performed for her incited the following question in a sistah...

"Peace Sistren,

It has been a few months since you have done a reading for me and I have yet to formally thank you; so let me take the time to do so now. The reading you did for me inspired and comforted me. I thank you and I hope many blessings are being sent your way. Since I requested your services I have been doing some spiritual searching in an attempt to form a stronger to connection with our glorious mother Oshun. She has made her presence in my life very apparent and she has given me many blessings. I always remember to thank her and acknowledge her but I'm wondering if you know the best way to pay respect. I also wonder what ways I can pay respect to Chango. I feel as if maybe I haven't accepted him the same way I have Oshun because I don't recognize his influences as often. If you can advise me of any ways to pay respect to my parent Gods I would be very appreciative. Also do you have any advice on how to ask for assistance or for a favor? Lastly are their any books you'd recommend reading? I hope to hear from you soon!Ashe"

I am especially pleased that your Spiritual Consultation was a comfort to you. To consult the deities is to have a dialogue with those amongst the Oldest of Ancestors and as such should be a source of security, warmth, and positivity for all who participate. Please click on the Buy Now button underneath the words Order a Spiritual Consultation from Yeye to the right of this blog to have Oshun consulted on your behalf.

The orisha known as Chango, Xango, Sango, Shongo, and Shango is the force of Divine Justice in the universe. After saying his name we always say "Kawo Kabiesile" meaing greetings to his majesty to pay homage to his royal status. He is also known as Oba Koso meaning the King of Koso and often misinterpreted to mean "the king did not hang" due to colonizers spreading a story of him hanging himself to try and persuade his followers to convert to Christianity. He is physically manifested in thunder, lightening, cedar and iroko trees and rain. Animals that contain his ashe are rams and horses. The colors that contain his vibration are red and white together and the color purple that the sky becomes during lightening. His numbers are four and six. These are the colors, numbers and images used to create altars or shrines to Shango. Children of Sango, regardless of gender are referred to as "sons". His sons have a deep love of adornment, dance, and the drum. They abhor liars but struggle to be honest themselves. They are powerfully attractive and always have a host of disciples. They feel injustices deeply even if the injustice involves someone other than themselves or folks they have never met. They have the power to influence others very heavily with their words. They are extremely good parents with a natural connection to youth. They are highly sensual with a high sex drive and are good lovers when they are open to this side of themselves. Look for these qualities within yourself and you will see the many ways in which Oba Koso is influential in your life.

Pay homage to the orisha that rule your head daily by chanting Oriki. Oriki means praise chant. Oriki is used in Yoruba culture to stimulate the vibrations of the ori-the highest self/the truest self of the person who is being chanted to. Oriki are used daily by the Iyalode ("mother of the outside") the "Big Mama" or matriarch in the Yoruba compound to awaken the rest of the family. Oriki to family members include phrases such as Asabi-she who is of select birth and Arike-she who in spite of being small is strong, Ajamu-he who fights for what he wants and Akande-he whose turn it is to come into the world. Each family member is awakened by the elder mother of the compound singing his or her praise, what a powerful way to start each day!!! Every time I think about this practice I am awed by our Ancestors anew. When naming a child in the Yoruba tradition, an oriki name is always selected.

As part of the tradition, the Orisha too have their own oriki. Phrases and terms that increase the vibration of that deity within you, within your space and within your life. One of Oshun's orikis is Laketi-she who has ears to hear the cries of her followers. Obatala has an oriki of Aremu-the first born. Oriki to the various orisha have been preserved in the form of lyrical poems which contain several of that deities praise names as well as mention of his or her heroic feats and exploits. As a son of Oba Koso, you should chant his oriki daily to excite his vibration within you...here is one you may use:

Kawo kabiesile, Oba Koso
Etala mojuba gdagba mojuba
Sango pele o
Sango pele o
Sango pele o
Ngba meta
Sango pe o
Sango pe o
Sango pe o
Baba aladufe
Sango nuaaa jeke awon wa iku
Ma ja kiki wa orun
Aiku Baba wa

We greet His majesty, the King of Koso

Sango we request permission to greet you

we request permission to greet you

we request permission to greet you

Thirteen times we greet you

Sango we are thankful for you

we are thankful for you
we are thankful for you

Ruler in the realm of the spirits

We greet the citizens of the Spiritual Realm

May we not see the death of our fathers

I recommend my book Ona Agbani: The Ancient Path Understanding and Implementing the Ways of Our Ancestors. It was written to give an intense culturally and historically correct understanding of the spiritual tradition of the Yoruba people. Within Ona Agbani there are prayers, incantations, descriptions of the Orisha and the ways in which the ashe of each orisha manifests in humans, on the Earth and in the cosmos. A Yoruba language pronunciation guide is also included as well as an explanation of the role of women from a Yoruba perspective. What our Ancestors viewed as the meaning of life and the reason for living is also included.

To ask for assistance or a favor, first chant the oriki of your orisha to awaken the energy of that deity around you and inside and then verbally request what you need. Chanting should take place in a quiet,peaceful area where you are not distracted. Ideally, before your Shango altar or at a cedar tree would be places where you can access the energy of Oba Koso readily. Make your request as you would to a loving, indulgent father for that is exactly what Shango is for his sons.

Introducing Orisha to your children

A myspace friend "Righteous" aka Oyabomi asks...

"I did have a question...how did you first introduce the orisa to your children. My daughter is oni sango and we always talk about Kabiesi when there is a thunderstorm outside (along with Oya...my head orisa). She is showing true interest because he is shared like a real person even though she can't see him. Is this a smart approach?"

A GREAT APPROACH SISTER GODDESS!

We introduce the Orisha to our children by allowing them to see how the Orisha are a part of our lives. Children should participate in all family rituals and spiritual discussions from the beginning. Encourage your children to pour libation, pray and use divining tools at EVERY age and they will feel a part of what happens in the spirit realm and this connection will be second nature to them.

I would also suggest reading stories about the Orisha, straight from the odu (Yoruba oral history) with William Bascom's Sixteen Cowries and Ifa Divination and Chief FAMA's Sixteen Mythological Stories and Maulana Karenga's Odu Ifa: The Ethical Teachings. Stories transmit knowledge, symbols, proverbs and incantations that your child will remember well into adulthood.

New Beginnings to Celebrate Beltain and the Grand Trine

May 1st marks Beltain. The Celtic name for the time of year when life is reborn in the Western Hemisphere. Beltain, is an actual New Year, in that it is the time when life springs forth new and fresh once again. We celebrate Beltain by celebrating fertility, our own and that of Earth Mother in any and all ways possible.

This year Beltain is also falling within an astrological vortex of power called a Grand Trine...

According to Wikipedia " a grand trine occurs when you have three planets or other points in the horoscope that are all separated by a span of 120 degrees. With the placement of the planets, the grand trine visually looks like a large triangle across the horoscope of the recipient. It is a special configuration that is thought to promote high ideals, insight, vision, creative expression and well being..." This Grand Trine is the alignement of Venus, Pluto and Saturn.

In conjunction with the Juicy Goodness that EarthMother is exemplifying at this time...I am bringing forth some fruit of my own in the form of three classes I wish to offer.

Afrikan Spirituality

Gynocentricity

and

Pagan Parenting

Are being offered at Magical Journey, a local witchy hotspot

AND

Beginning this week HERE ONLINE as well!

Tomorrow I will add a paypal button for those who wish to purchase the class information online The cost will be $10 per class

If at least ten students purchase one class, we will also meet for a conference Instant Message session once a week to discuss the topics of that class in depth

As always, I offer Online and Face to Face Spiritual Consultations through the Orisha Oshun for $50

And my book, full of basic information, prayers, incantations, rituals and history of Yoruba spirituality

Ona Agbani:The Ancient Path Understanding and Implementing the Ways of Our Ancestors

is available for $20 paperback and $14.29 download as well