Orishas: 1,2 or 3 Dimensional?!

by oshunschild Categories: My ten pence worth!Tags: · · · · Leave a comment

One thing that bugs me about the continuous and unstoppable commercialisation and appropriation at times, is the tendency of the Orisha to be narrowed down to one, or two dimensional characters. The visualisation of Orisha has always been a fascination to me. For Example, how artists depict Orisha in their paintings; the stories and the four sentences you usually get when you google a particular  Orisha, as if this can describe all the complexities of the energy of each Orisha in four simple quotes. I also notice how on the net, there is a tendency to copy and paste from…

Making Ocha, The Build up and Preparations

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · Protocol and CeremonyTags: · · · · 5 Comments

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?

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · My ten pence worth! · Protocol and CeremonyTags: · · · · · · · · 1 Comment

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…

Orisha: Kind and Loving or Punishing Energies?

by oshunschild Categories: My ten pence worth!Tags: · · · 11 Comments

The other day I was looking into the reasons why people may come to my website. One question typed in, was regarding “what happens if you disobey the Santos?” I have also; over the years thought deeply into how fear is used as a tool of control within religious movements. Never more so than the idea that if you “ Sin” you go to Hell or you will be punished. There is also the idea of Karma; ie what comes around, goes around. There are many ideas and philosophies that exist within different traditions pertaining to the idea of Punishment….

REVIEW: On the Orishas’ Roads and Pathways: Oshún Deity of Femininity By Obá Miguel W. Ramos, Ilarí Obá

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · ReviewsTags: · · · · · 4 Comments

I was so excited when I heard about this book. Any information and insight into the Orisha that I am crowned with is most welcome. What was also exciting is that Miguel W.Ramos is not only a Scholar and a Writer but also an experienced and respected Obá in our religion. This is one occasion where the ability to write combines with the experience of an initiate and that is a rare and wonderful thing. The book did not disappoint. From the introduction documenting his own personal experience, to the historical background, to understanding more about the paths of Oshun,…

London Lucumi Choir

by oshunschild Categories: UncategorizedTags: · · · · · 1 Comment

I have been a bit quiet of late since I have been updating a new blog/ website for the Choir that I run and direct. The London Lucumi Choir’s new website/blog has up to date information about our history, performances, membership and also a blog looking at the challenges of running such an unusual choir. Follow us:   http://londonlucumichoir.wordpress.com/   Photo Credit: Angela Dennis

OYA: RISE OF THE ORISHA

by oshunschild Categories: UncategorizedTags: · · · · · · 2 Comments

“ I am annoyed as other people are at the misrepresentation of African Traditional Religions. I think it speaks to the world rebranding what we stand for and who we are as a people” …. “ It is my goal to…. provide something different that is informed by the actual people” (who practice the religion). “The journey of the film has been crazy” Nosa explains. “Some people involved in the film dropped out because they were worried about being stigmatised. These people are Nigerians themselves” ….. “I am trying to connect with people so please get in contact. The short is coming out in May but the feature film will be layered and deep and I welcome all of your input”

Orisha comes to London. A review of the projects that came to London last year.

by oshunschild Categories: ConnectionsTags: · · · · · · Leave a comment

Feature photo: Creative Direction Janine Francois. Choreography: Stella Odunlami. Dancer: Zinzi Minott: Photography Zainab Adamu. BOdy Art: Estar Melbourne. I consider myself an artist. I am first and foremost a musician, however I have used other idioms to express my creativity, I have been also in my lifetime a professional dancer and I enjoy textiles and embroidery.  I am also passionate about the arts and how it can reach the individual, make a statement and create a powerful message.  Over the last couple of years there seems to be a resurgence of interest in all things Orisha. My natural instinct…

Ten Things: Exploding the myths!

by oshunschild Categories: Connections · My ten pence worth! · Protocol and CeremonyTags: · · · · · · · 7 Comments

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…

Making Ocha and the Initiation Procedure.

by oshunschild Categories: My ten pence worth! · Protocol and CeremonyTags: · · · · · · · 38 Comments

This little blog is directed to anyone who is thinking of taking the step to make Ocha. In particular I will emphasis the year of initiation, the Iyawo year, the so called year in white, What does it mean to make Ocha? Making Ocha refers to the ceremony of Kariocha where the tutelary Orisha of the person is seated in the person’s crown.  The Orisha is aligned with the person’s inner head. The person also receives various Orisha that are born during the ceremony that will have to be looked after and cared for. This is a life long process. …