As we come to the end of the decade, I am reflecting on some of the personalities that have crossed my path. One of the most disturbing trend I have found is the general idea that Orisha are universal energies open for all too manipulate. This has led to many people building altars, selling produce, creating rituals and also filming it for all to see. So there are a lot of misguided individuals who think they have the entitlement to work with Orisha or the equivalent in other ATR religions, when they have no idea what they are doing. Then…
Category: Protocol and Ceremony
Thoughts and expressions about our Ceremonies and such like in the Lukumi tradition.
Why my previously public ceremonies are no longer public.
This is just a little note to let anyone know that I am not here to provide material for your PhD or your book chapter, If by chance you are intending on using any information gathered whilst attending something in the Ile Oshun Kayode. Have the courtesy and respect to ask me if it is OK first. Put it by me. Mention who I am and my Ocha name. I am representing Oshun. Have some damn respect. Do not write me out of the story, because you will be disrespecting Oshun and her Ashe. And so be it….
Lineage, Initiation, entitlement and appropriation: Part 1
The other day, I came across a Facebook/instagram friend posing with two cards from an Orisha tarot deck, with “messages” from the Orisha. The messages quite frankly were very general, superficial and flippant. I was surprised and concerned since I know the person not to be involved in the Orisha way of life, and if she had been, she would not be posing in the park, giving messages from the Orisha on social media. I picked her up on it and pointed out nicely that Orisha do not communicate via tarot cards. The mouthpiece of Orisha is the Dilogun. We…
What to expect when going for Divination
What should you expect when going for a Divination. Within The Lucumi tradition. There are several ways of connecting with the Divine, depending on who is the Diviner and what the purpose of the Divination is. You may go for an Ifa Divination where the trained Babalawo will interpret the word of Orunmila. OR you may go for a divination with the Dilogun, from an experienced Olorisha who has had training and experience in divining with 16 Cowries. On this occasion, the Cowries will be the mouthpiece of Elegua who is the witness to your destiny. It must be…
A guide to receiving what, with whom and what it means!
I have noticed that there is a general confusion regarding initiations, the reception of certain things, and what it means. So here is a general breakdown of what to expect and from whom. Just a reminder to let you know that in Lucumi, there are houses that work with Ifa and houses that do not. There is no “correct” way. There are different ways of working and each way is legitimate. ELEKES: WHAT ARE THEY: Elekes are the reception of the sacred beaded necklaces of the four Pillars of the Regla de Ocha. Obatala, Chango, Yemaya and Oshun. Some houses…
11th December 2016 Hosting Aña for Obatala
I was very blessed to be able to host the very first Aña to Obatala in honour of the International Peace and Healing initiative organised yearly by Oloshas United. It was held on the same day as many events all over the world, and our hope is that it will advance our quest for peace and healing, and that united we can have an impact in this world that is often so angry and damaged. I thank everyone who made an effort to come down, whether Olorishas or Aleyos, and I thank my Family and my Godchildren without whom I…
Making Ocha, The Build up and Preparations
How can you really prepare mentally for making Ocha? I am writing this as I share the journey with someone who is close to me. It is always a reminder and a confirmation of the process, and rebirth that I experienced and I always feel excited and grateful by my journey. Being crowned with Orisha is not a right but a privilege and something to take seriously. You are on your journey but what can you do to prepare mentally? With most people I would imagine that there are mixed emotions. There is excitement with what is to come, a…
I am interested in following the Path of Orisha, what do I do about it?
This is one of the most frequent questions that I have been asked over the years. I would also like to say that the Lucumi Path is only one variation of what may be labelled as Orisha worship. Because it is my lineage, the Lucumi path is what I will be concentrating on, however please be aware that there are different traditions under the umbrella of Orisha worship and you need to find what is right for you. Also bare in mind that even within traditions there are variations. I would say, first and foremost. Do not hurry. My advice…
New String to my bow: Becoming a Celebrant
I have not written for some time. This has been such a busy year. I have settled into a new home, continued to work with the London Lucumi Choir preparing a new recording dedicated to my Mother and Father in Ocha, Oshun and Obatala and continue to guide godchildren and my family members. All of this keeps me pretty busy. Many concerns and topics always come up which tests, challenges and and confirms my faith and my journey in life. There is a lot I would like to write about, and find the time to do it. Meanwhile I would…
Ten Things: Exploding the myths!
I wrote this piece a while ago for an online magazine. It was in response to a request for some basic information regarding this terribly misunderstood way of life. In addition I think that in this day and age where there is a lot of information on the net, it does not hurt to add my perspective. If you are thinking of following this path, I would say that it is really important to educate yourself. Understand that this is a communal religion based on lineage and bare this in mind when you are on your journey. Because of the…
oshunschild's Blog: Simply my thoughts and feelings about being an Iyalocha in London 