The Marinheiros in Umbanda: Joyful Healers of the Waters
The Presence of the Marinheiros in Umbanda Like the tide that sometimes kisses the shore with gentle waves and other times crashes in with the force of a storm, the presence of the Marinheiros in Umbanda carries both softness and intensity. They arrive swaying, laughing, and dancing—mirroring the carefree joy of sailors ashore. Yet beneath […]
Odu Osá: The Winds of Change and the Secrets of Balance
Introduction Odu Osá is one of the most enigmatic and transformative Odus in the Ifá corpus. It carries the essence of unexpected and dramatic change, often symbolized by storms, winds, and other forces of nature that disrupt and reshape the world. Odu Osá highlights the need for balance, respect, and awareness of the spiritual and […]
Odu Irosun: The Flow of Consciousness, Legacy, and Divine Order
Introduction to Odu Irosun Odu Irosun, particularly Irosun Meji, occupies a prominent place in the corpus of Ifá as a symbol of transformation, ancestral connections, and the flow of life and destiny. Its teachings explore the interplay of earthly challenges and divine wisdom, emphasizing the importance of humility, sacrifice, and alignment with one’s destiny. This […]
Gẹlẹdẹ and Its Roots in Odu Ifá: A Sacred Perspective
The Gẹlẹdẹ spectacle, like many Yoruba cultural and spiritual practices, finds its philosophical and mythological grounding in Odu Ifá, the sacred corpus of divination and wisdom. By drawing from the 256 Odu Ifá, Gẹlẹdẹ is deeply intertwined with teachings about harmony, respect for elders, communal stability, and the spiritual authority of women. This section highlights specific […]
Orishá Olokun: Guardian of the Ocean’s Depths
INTRODUCTION TO ORISHÁ OLOKUN – THE FATHER OF YEMANJÁ Source: The Myths of Orishá Olokun – Baba Tilo de Àjàgùnnà Orishá Olokun, a powerful and revered Orisha in the Yoruba religion and its diasporic traditions like Candomblé and Santería, embodies the mysteries and vastness of the ocean’s depths. Known for his association with wealth, transformation, […]
Orishá Babalú-Ayé – Embracing Duality
INTRODUCTION TO ORISHÁ BABALU AYE (OMOLU): THE VULCANIC ORISHÁ OF HEALTH Welcome to our exploration of the roles, myths and archetypes of the Orishá Babalú-Ayé, a complex and fascinating Orishá revered across various Yoruba and diasporic traditions, including Candomblé and Santería. Known by many names, such as Omolu, Obaluaye, and Sakpata, Babalú-Ayé embodies the dual […]
Mystery of Creation and Abundance: The Egg in Orishá Traditions
ABOUT THE EGG IN ORISHÁ IFÁ TRADITIONS In the rich tapestry of the Orishá traditions, including Santería, Candomblé, Palo, Umbanda, Vodou and others, symbols carry the weight of history, wisdom, and the sacred. Among these, the egg, in its simplicity and profundity, plays a pivotal role. This newsletter explores the egg’s significance, the myths that […]
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 […]