#yoruba religion

[fyblackwomenart]

"Mawu Orisha" by Adesewa Adekoya

[arjuna-vallabha]

Oshunmare/Oxumare by Nelson Boeira Faedrich

[kemetic-dreams]

Yoruba gods protect Fidel Castro: priest

By Reuters

January 21, 20083:31 PM ESTUpdated 17 years ago

HAVANA (Reuters) - Yoruba gods protect ailing Fidel Castro from witchcraft and want to see him continue leading Cuba, the first priest of the Santeria religion to be elected to parliament said on Monday.

"Olodumare says he is the one that should be there and so he is untouchable," said Antonio Castaneda, a babalawo (priest) in the religion slaves brought to colonial Cuba from Nigeria.

Hurricanes may batter Cuba this year, but Castro's health will not break, according to the orishas (deities), he said.

The 614-seat National Assembly elected on Sunday must approve Cuba's top leadership at its first session on February 24, when Cubans will learn whether Castro will retire as head of state.

Castro, 81, has not appeared in public since stomach surgery for an undisclosed illness forced him to hand over power temporarily to his brother almost 18 month ago.

Santeria followers have believed their gods were on Fidel Castro's side ever since a white dove landed on his shoulder during a victory speech in Havana after his 1959 revolution.

Castaneda, who played the sax at Havana's famed Tropicana cabaret for 30 years, never joined Cuba's Communist Party, but considers himself a "revolutionary." He praised Cuba's social safety net despite widespread economic hardships Cubans face.

He said 60 percent of Cubans believe in Santeria and he can give them a voice in the National Assembly. Castaneda won a seat as president of the Yoruba Cultural Association of Cuba, which is close to the government.

The orishas augur a good year for Cuba, the babalawo said. "If Cuba marches ahead, so too does the Comandante," he said.

[lawleitleerskov]

Remember even in the darkest times you are never alone

The spirits, your ancestors, and the Orishas themselves walk beside you

With them by your side nothing can block your path for long

Ashe

[jadeseadragon]

Harmonia Rosales, Yemaya with Ibeji, 2022, oil on wood panel, 36” × 36”.

[asanee44]

IS IFA INITIATION (ITEFA) RIGHT FOR YOU?

I get asked about Ifa initiation often by clients seeking to embrace this tradition. It has become a popular topic of discussion throughout the diaspora community. It tends to be a big deal among the African diaspora because we have been separated from our traditions for so long. And many want to connect with them as quickly and deeply as possible. So, they often consider initiation early on in their journey.

But what many aren’t aware of is that initiation is not required for everyone. It is a beautiful and blessed part of an Ifa spiritual journey. But this process is not mandatory to enjoy a fruitful and beneficial spiritual practice. So, it’s definitely not something you must rush into.

Even more, many don’t realize that all Ifa devotees in Yorubaland don’t go through initiation. Instead, some only receive the Hand of Ifa and continuously work with their Orisa icons. This is because everyone is not called to initiate. In fact, it is a rarity for initiation to be a requirement for anyone. Contrarily, it is primarily a personal choice for the average person.

SHOULD YOU INITIATE?

Initiation into the Ifa tradition is a powerful and significant event in the lives of those who practice it. This ancient and sacred ritual, referred to as Itefa, involves a complex set of prayers, ceremonies, sacrifices, and offerings. Those who are initiated into the Ifa tradition are granted access to higher-level spiritual teachings and knowledge. Likewise, they tend to have stronger connections to Ifa and specific Orisas once they endure this process. So there are many benefits to initiating into the Ifa tradition.

But keep in mind that this is not the only way to achieve higher spiritual connection and communication. In fact, some people are naturally born with such abilities without going through this specific process. Instead, these individuals endure initiation through personal circumstances and challenges that give them a similar level of spiritual connectivity.  

Beyond having basic knowledge of what initiation is and its benefits, there are other considerations you need to think about before making such a move. I have outlined a few of them below.

COST OF INITIATION  

One of the first things to consider before initiating is the cost of this process. For the average person, paying initiation fees can be quite exorbitant. While prices vary, I have seen costs between $5,000-$30,000 for various types of Ifa initiation ceremonies.

And keep in mind that these fees typically only include elements related to the initiation. You will typically have to pay your own airfare and other transportation-related costs if traveling for such an endeavor. However, room and board may be included in your initiation fees. So, you should definitely ask about this element and be prepared for it before taking this step.  

GODPARENT SELECTION

Before you initiate, you need to have a strong connection with and understanding of the individual who will be initiating you. Likewise, you should be familiar with the other initiates and members of the temple where you plan to initiate. Though it’s not mandatory for you to like every member of the temple, you should have a decent relationship with them for the most part.

Beyond the semantics of social dynamics, the Babalowo (Priest) or Iyanifa (Priestess) who conducts your initiation should be qualified to do so. As such, you should take your time to get a feel for the quality of the individual’s work beforehand. This is usually done by getting divination and ebo performed regularly to determine the effectiveness of such solutions.  

POST-INITIATION REQUIREMENTS

Keep in mind that initiation doesn’t automatically make a person righteous, infallible, or all-knowing. Nor is a person considered a spiritual leader simply because they initiate. There are additional requirements beyond initiation that set the stage for one’s spiritual growth and development.

Initiates are expected to learn and practice the teachings of Ifa and adhere to its moral code. Also, they must live with respect for their ancestors, community, and environment. Becoming an initiate also means taking on certain responsibilities as part of your role in the community. These responsibilities include maintaining a strong connection with the Orisa and honoring tradition. You must also serve as a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds for others who may require your assistance.

Initiation is only the beginning of a joyous, transformative existence. Though it may come with ups and downs, it is meant to be the start of a cataclysmic change in your life. It is not the peak or conclusion of such a journey, as your process of spiritual growth and development is never-ending.

OUTCOMES OF ITEFA

Aside from the above-mentioned benefits of initiation, the following list outlines what you can expect from the process:

A rebirth process that further integrates you into the Ifa tradition

A holistic understanding and profound knowledge of Self

Comprehensive understanding of personal taboos

Deeper knowledge about your existence, purpose, and path

Enhanced relationship with and connection to your Head Orisa

Ability to overcome extreme or unrelenting difficulties and hardships

WHEN SHOULD YOU INITIATE?

The decision to initiate is very personal. As outlined above, it should be made with careful consideration. But beyond these factors, the choice of when to initiate should be made based on when you are ready to do so. No one should ever pressure you to initiate, even if it comes up in a reading. And keep in mind that it is a rarity for someone’s reading to indicate that they must initiate.  

Instead, some of the best Babalawos and Iyanifas I have worked with often discourage new devotees from initiating too soon. That is unless it is a matter of life and death, which is not typical. Usually, these individuals won’t initiate someone until they deem the individual ready for such a process.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, some people use unscrupulous tactics to pressure others into initiation. Typically, they will say that initiation is a requirement or that something bad will happen to the person if they don’t initiate right away. Or they will otherwise compel them into going through the process. But note that such practices are not part of the Ifa tradition.  

Contrarily, people are usually encouraged to wait until they feel ready for initiation. This may take months, years, or decades. Or it may never come to fruition. And that’s perfectly fine. Anyone considering this path should do so when they are spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially ready for it.  

[vsthepomegranate]

Lord Shango (1975)

by Ray Marsh

[rubylioness]

Learning about Oya made me like Storm even more and not just because she’s the black girl on the X-Men 😊

[onlybuilt4expensivetaste]

Son of Shango 🤔

[lightdancer1]

Today in Black History Month, the Yoruba and the Diaspora religions they inspired:

The Yoruba have accomplished the not at all small feat of holding onto the most well-preserved traditional African religion in present times against the twin juggernauts of Islam and of Islamic Jihads against infidels, and Christian and cultural Christian colonialism.

The Orishas and the world they inhabit are one that are very much alive and living, and mark a path worthy of respect for the grit and determination to keep it as it is.

[arjuna-vallabha]

Eshu/Exu/Elegua by Nelson Boeira Faedrich

[jeneka]

[blue-lotus333]

💕Goddesses of love💕

Aphrodite: Greek Goddess of love, beauty, sex and lust.

Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, emerged from the sea in a scallop shell and sailed to Cyprus. She possessed a magical girdle and had many lovers, including Ares and Adonis. Ares killed Adonis out of jealousy, leading to the creation of anemones. Adonis became a god split between the Underworld and Earth due to Aphrodite's love. She travels with the Three Graces and bestows joy, brilliance, and abundance upon mortals. She aids in romantic love and is associated with myrtles, roses, and anemones.

Freya: Norse Goddess of love, war, fertility and magic.

Freya, the Norse goddess of love and ruler of war and death. She mediated conflict between warring groups of Norse gods and established peace in Asgard. She is known for her beauty, sorcery, and sexuality, as well as for riding a cat-drawn golden chariot. Freya wears a falcon-feathered cloak that allows her to move quickly between heaven and Earth and has an enormous palace in Asgard where she celebrates with the souls she chooses from the battlefield. In one myth, she obtains the famous amber necklace, Brisingamen, from four dwarves by sleeping with them, beauty for beauty.

Oshun: African Goddess of love, beauty, prosperity & femininity.

Oshun is a goddess of love in the Yoruba religion. She is one of the 7 orishas and the source of power for all the other orishas. Oshun has the ability to make all things flow in the universe through her love and strength. She played a significant role in encouraging Ogun, father of civilization, to continue creating. Oshun is the only goddess who can carry messages between the mortal world and the Supreme Creator in heaven. In Nigeria, there is an annual ceremony called Ibo-Osun where women dance for Oshun during a feast of yams, with the best dancer winning Oshun's favor and becoming the village adviser on healing and fertility.

Parvati: Hindu Goddess of love, fertility, harmony and motherhood.

Parvati is a golden Hindu goddess known for love and devotion, forming a holy trinity with Saraswati and Lakshmi. She was born in the Himalayan mountains and embodies nurturing feminine energy. Parvati won over her husband, Shiva, through patience and determination in asceticism. Parvati is the creator of her son Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. She is also worshiped for her strength and ferocity. In one legend, she transformed into the fearsome goddess Kali-ma to overcome & destroy demons who threaten the earth, showing her protective nature.

Guan yin: Buddhist Goddess of compassion, love, peace and kindness.

Guan Yin, originally a mortal princess named Miao Shan, was known for her compassion and kindness. Despite her father's cruelty, she devoted herself to helping others and performing miracles. After her death, she chose to remain in human form as a bodhisattva to help suffering beings, eventually becoming a goddess. By simply invoking her name, people can receive protection from harm. Guan Yin is often depicted in a white gown on a lotus throne and is revered by her followers as a symbol of love, compassion & purity. Her devotees often follow her vegetarian diet on her sacred days. Guan yin is not only the goddess of compassion, but the literal personification of it.

Hathor: Egyptian Goddess of fertility, love, womanhood and the sky.

Hathor, ancient Egyptian goddess of love and joy, has been revered for over 3,000 years. Known as the Gentle Cow of Heaven, she provided milk to the Sun God Ra, making him and other pharaohs divine. Hathor created the Milky Way and is often depicted wearing a crown with cow horns. She is worshipped through joyful ceremonies of music and dance and is the most beloved goddess in ancient Egyptian belief. Hathor is also the goddess of the Underworld, protector of females, and champion of romantic bonds. She can appear in different forms and her symbols are the sistrum and hand mirror.

Laka: Hawaiian Goddess of love, wilderness, the hula & music.

Laka is a Polynesian goddess of love and wilderness who taught humans the art of the hula dance. She is married to the fertility god Lono, and rain is considered a sacred time for them. Dancers in training build altars to Laka with her favorite flowers and plants, and offerings are taken down to the ocean after performances to thank her for her blessing. She is a Goddess who rules over all vegetation. Plants sacred to her are: maile, Lama, hala pepe, `ie`ie, ki, `ôhia lehua, `ôhelo, and palai.

Aine: Irish Goddess of the summer, love, wealth and light.

Áine is a powerful and loving fairy queen in Irish legend, associated with agriculture, animals, and light. She is celebrated at the Midsummer Festival in Limerick, where people run up her hill to seek her blessing. She is also a survivor of sexual abuse in legends, where she shows strength and guides women to empowerment. Áine is depicted with red hair, a headband of stars, and surrounded by her animals. She can transform into a red mare who is unbeatable in speed.

Xochiquetzal: Aztec Goddess of fertility, beauty, flowers and love.

Xochiquetzal was a powerful and complex Aztec goddess known for her beauty and seductive nature. She was worshipped as a patroness of lovers and prostitutes, encouraging love-making for pleasure rather than reproduction. Despite her associations with sexual relationships, she also had the ability to absolve humans of sins unrelated to sex. She was married to the water god, Tlaloc, and was considered a consort to the creator deity, Tezcatlipoca. Xochiquetzal was widely worshipped and honored through great rituals that included acts of sacrifice and confessions.

Ishtar: Mesopotamian Goddess of love, war, fertility and power.

One of the oldest goddesses in the world, Ishtar, the goddess of war and sexual love, was the queen of heaven. Ishtar is considered a member of the special class of Mesopotamian gods called the Anunnaki. Ishtar is often called Inanna, she is also an astral deity, linked to the planet Venus, and was worshipped widely in the ancient Middle East. She was known as the Queen of the Universe and had powers attributed to various other gods. Ishtar was the very first goddess of love, Mesopotamians described her in her many legends and poems as young and strikingly beautiful, with piercing, penetrating eyes.

[divinum-pacis]

August 15, 2023: Yoruba priestess Aina-Nia leads a water ceremony by Lake Michigan as part of the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. During the ceremony, which recognized the sacredness of water, water from different parts of the world was combined and poured into the lake.

Photo by Lauren Pond

[asanee44]

ILEKE BEADS IN THE IFA TRADITION

Ileke beads, sometimes referred to as Ifa or Orisha beads, are a type of beaded jewelry that can be found in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The word ileke means “bead” in the Yoruba language. Seeds, beans, and stones are kneaded together to form these elaborate fetishes. The beadwork is created by stringing together ornate objects of various shapes and sizes to form patterns.

These totems are used by some people as a form of currency, while others use them for religious or spiritual purposes. Notably, ileke beads are an important part of the Ifa religion and other African traditional religions. They are used in many ceremonies and rituals similar to rosary beads in other religions like Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, etc.

COLOR MEANINGS AND ORISHAS

Ileke beads come in a variety of colors and styles. However, the most common color is white, as it can be used for various deities or Orishas. However, they can also be found in a mixture of black, green, red, and other colors that symbolize different Orishas.

Here are some examples below:

White for Aje

Yellow for Oshun

White for Obatala

Red and black for Eshu

Green and black for Ogun

Green and yellow for Orunmilia

Note that the color of the beads associated with each Orisha can vary by house and tradition. For instance, Ogun is often represented by the color red in diasporic traditions like Lucumi and Santeria, etc. So, you may find discrepancies in the colors as outlined above.

THE PURPOSE OF THESE TOTEMS

The ultimate purpose of ileke beads is for spiritual protection. They ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The Yoruba people believe that they have spiritual power. They are a symbol of wisdom and knowledge and are used in many ceremonies and rituals. These spiritual totems are also said to be blessed by the gods, which makes them even more special.

An Ifa devotee should always wear ileke beads on the wrist or around the neck. These blessed adornments can protect the wearer from the conspiracy of enemies and onlookers. They can also keep death at bay and sickness away.

Ileke beads should be consecrated by an Ifa priest or priestess in order to serve their primary function. They can be bought from spiritual suppliers and practitioners. However, they won’t possess the essence of an Orisha or spirit unless they are consecrated or blessed. 

WHERE TO FIND ILEKE BEADS

If you want to wear ileke beads, it is best to consult with an Ifa priest or priestess to see if they are appropriate for you. They can be worn by anyone, but it is important to ensure that they are consecrated when using them for spiritual purposes. Also, you should be aware of any taboos associated with wearing these totems before purchasing them.

If you are interested in learning more about ileke beads and the Ifa religion, you can purchase them in our online store. You can also visit a local Ifa temple or shrine to see ileke beads in person.