Ogunda Meji: A Woman’s Choice and the Wisdom of Ifá
Abortion and Ifá: How Do We Honor Life While Respecting Choice?
In the verses of Ogunda Meji, there is a poignant tale about a young woman named Adétútù who faced a heart-wrenching dilemma. Adétútù was known for her beauty and kindness, and her family regarded her as a blessing. She became engaged to a hardworking farmer named Òjé, and together, they dreamed of building a life filled with joy, prosperity, and children.
Shortly after their marriage, Adétútù discovered she was pregnant. Though she and Òjé were overjoyed at first, their circumstances grew increasingly dire. Òjé’s crops had failed for the second year in a row, and they were struggling to feed themselves. Adétútù began to worry: how could they provide for a child when they were barely surviving?
In her distress, Adétútù visited the Babaláwo, who cast Ifá for her. The Odu Ògúndá Méjì appeared, and its message was clear: Adétútù’s pregnancy was not coincidental. The child she carried had a powerful destiny. However, the verse also acknowledged the gravity of her concerns. Ògúndá Méjì emphasized that while life is sacred, the choice to bring it into the world must be made with wisdom and intention.
Adétútù was torn. Òjé supported whatever decision she felt was right but reminded her of their shared struggles. Together, they performed ẹbọ (sacrificial offering) to Òṣun, the Òrìṣà of fertility, to seek clarity. The Babaláwo advised Adétútù that if she decided not to continue with the pregnancy, she must perform specific rituals to honor the child’s spirit, ensuring its peaceful return to the ancestral realm.
After deep reflection, Adétútù made the difficult choice to terminate the pregnancy. She followed the prescribed rituals, lighting candles and pouring libations while offering prayers of gratitude for the child’s brief presence. Through these acts, she found healing and connection, knowing the spirit would return at the right time, either to her or another family.
Years later, after Òjé’s farm began to thrive, Adétútù became pregnant again. This time, she carried her child to term. Her firstborn, a boy, grew to be a respected leader in their community, fulfilling the destiny foretold by Ifá.
Interpretation of Ògúndá Méjì
The myth of Ogunda Meji delves into themes of choice, responsibility, and spiritual connection. It offers profound insights into how Ifá views the intersection of life and freedom.
1. The Sacredness of Life
Ifá recognizes life as a divine gift. The unborn child in Adétútù’s story carried a powerful destiny, emphasizing that even life not yet realized holds sacred significance. However, Ifá does not see this sacredness as a reason to strip individuals of their agency.
2. The Role of Free Will
The Odu highlights the importance of Àṣẹ—the power to decide and manifest outcomes. Adétútù’s consultation with Ifá and her subsequent decision demonstrate that while Ifá provides guidance, it ultimately respects human freedom to choose.
3. Honoring Spiritual Relationships
The myth emphasizes the relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. Adétútù’s rituals ensured the child’s spirit was honored, avoiding spiritual imbalance. This approach underscores the Ifá teaching that even difficult decisions should be made with reverence and responsibility.
4. Timing and Readiness
Ògúndá Méjì also teaches about timing. Adétútù’s initial decision allowed her to prioritize stability, enabling her to bring life into the world under better circumstances. This reflects the Yoruba concept of ìfaradà, or patience, which is often necessary to align with destiny.
Lessons for Modern Life
The myth of Ogunda Meji speaks directly to the complexities of modern decisions about pregnancy. It teaches that:
- Freedom and Responsibility Coexist: Ifá honors the sacredness of life but also recognizes the importance of individual circumstances and readiness.
- Consultation with Spirit Is Key: Whether through divination, meditation, or prayer, seeking spiritual guidance can clarify difficult choices.
- Rituals Bring Healing: For those facing abortion or pregnancy loss, rituals offer a way to honor the life that was and to find closure and peace.
Guidance from Ògúndá Méjì
- Seek Clarity: Consult Ifá or a trusted spiritual guide when making significant decisions about life.
- Honor the Spirit: Perform rituals to acknowledge and respect the spiritual significance of the unborn.
- Trust Your Path: Every choice, made with intention and reverence, aligns with a larger destiny.
The Odu Ògúndá Méjì reminds us:
„Ẹni tí ó nífaradà, yó rí ayé rere.“
(One who has patience will see the goodness of life.)
This wisdom encourages us to approach life’s challenges with compassion for ourselves and respect for the sacredness of all paths.
Stay blessed, and walk with wisdom.
Read my BLOG about CHILDREN and IFÁ.