How 3 Orishás Learned the True Value of Divination
A YORUBÁ MYTH ABOUT PATIENCE AND PATH TO WISDOM Introduction to the myth In the heart of Yoruba mythology lies a captivating tale about patience, dedication, and the true path to wisdom. This story, known as “The Path Where Elegbara, Shangó, And Ogún Wanted To Become Diviners,” unveils the ordeals faced by the powerful Orishas […]
Bridging Philosophies of Respect: Insights from Ifá and Kantian Philosophy
INTRODUCTION Welcome to a journey through the realms of philosophy and mythology, where the principles of respect intertwine in the teachings of Immanuel Kant and the wisdom of Ifá, a divination system rooted in Yoruba religion. In this exploration, we will delve into how respect is conceptualized and enacted in both Western philosophy and Ifá’s […]
Orishá Nanan Buruku: Orishá of Creation, Wisdom, and Nature
INTRODUCTION TO ORISHÁ NANAN BURUKU – THE ANCIENT MOTHER Welcome to our exploration of Nanan Buruku, a deity revered in various African and Afro-diasporic religions such as Vodou and Candomblé. Known by names like Nanan Buluku, Nanan Burukú, and Nanan Bukuulu, she stands as a towering figure in these spiritual traditions, often portrayed as the […]
Where Elegbá (Eshú) lost an Eye
A YORUBÁ MYTH FORM THE SACRED CORPUS OF ODU IFA OGUNDA IROSUNA Elegbá (Eshú) was walking on his way and arrived in a land that was crossed by a river, naturally leading to another land on the other side. The first land was very firm but lacking in everything. Its inhabitants wanted to have everything […]
Reflecting on Plato and Orunmilá: A Philosophical Journey
HARMONY OF THOUGHT: UNVEILING THE CONVERGENCE OF PLATO’S PHILOSOPHY AND THE SACRED ODU IFÁ Introduction to Plato and Ifá In the vast tapestry of human thought, certain threads of wisdom transcend cultural boundaries and historical epochs, weaving an intricate pattern of universal truths. Plato’s seminal philosophical contributions and the ancient Yoruba divination system, the Odu […]
Peregun: The Sacred Plant Bridging the Worlds of Orisha and Loa
STARTING WITH A QUOTE FROM THE SACRED CORPUS OF ODU IFÁ “Pèrègún Ní Í Pe Irúnmolé L’át’òde Òrun W’áyé.” Peregun calls the gods from the heavens to the earth. BACKGROUND In the Afro-Brazilian religions of Ifá, Candomblé, and Santería, the plant Peregun plays a significant role. It is considered a sacred plant and is associated […]
Orishá Kitembo and Iroko: Time-Honored Deities
ABOUT ORISHÁ KITEMBO AND IROKO In the rich mosaic of African spiritual heritage, two figures command awe and respect: Kitembo, known as Tempo in certain Afro-Brazilian traditions, and Iroko, a cornerstone of the Yoruba religion. These deities, deeply ingrained in the rituals of Brazilian Candomblé and beyond, stand as timeless emblems of the natural world […]
Orishá Yemanjá: The Mother of Waters and the Sea
INTRODUCTION TO ORISHÁ YEMANJÁ – THE MOTHER OF THE SEA AND OF ALL ORI Let’s dive into the captivating realm of Orishá Yemanjá, a deity of profound significance in the Yoruba religion and its diasporic manifestations such as Candomblé, Santería, and Umbanda. Yemanjá, also known as Yemoja, Iemanjá, or Yemaya, is a goddess intertwined with […]