Understanding Time in African Spirituality: Insights from Odu Ifá, Iroko, and Kitembo
AN AFRO-BRAZILIAN PROVERB ABOUT TIME
“O Tempo dá,
O Tempo tira,
O Tempo passa,
E a folha vira.”„Time gives,
Time takes,
Time passes,
And the leaf turns.“(Proverb Candomblé)
A FUSION OF AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY AND WESTERN PHILOSOPHY
In the realm of spiritual and philosophical thought, time has been a subject of contemplation and debate across cultures. While African spiritual traditions like Ifá offer profound insights into the nature of time through Obara Ika, Iroko, and Kitembo, Western philosophy also presents its unique perspectives. This blog seeks to weave these varied understandings into a cohesive narrative.
The Profound Intersection of Time and Tradition
In the rich tapestry of African spiritual practices, time is more than a mere tick of the clock; it’s a living, breathing entity that dances to the rhythm of the universe. This profound relationship with time is intricately woven into the teachings of the Odu Ifá, particularly Obara Ika, and personified in the Orishas Iroko and Kitembo.
Odu Ifá Obara Ika: Mastering the Art of Timing
The Odu Ifá, a vast corpus of wisdom in the Ifá tradition, presents Obara Ika as a crucial scripture that delves deep into the essence of time. It’s a narrative that stresses the importance of discerning the right moment for actions and warns against the perils of hastiness. It’s here where the African proverb „O Tempo dá, O Tempo tira, O Tempo passa, E a folha vira“ finds its deepest resonance, echoing the transient yet eternal nature of life.
Orisha Iroko is the Orisha of time, longevity, and wisdom. He is often depicted as an ancient, gnarled tree, and he is said to have been around since the beginning of time. Iroko is known for his patience and understanding, and he is often consulted for advice on matters of life and death. There are many Odu Ifá that speak about Orisha Iroko. One of the most famous is Oshe Ogunda, which tells the story of how Iroko was once a young man who was very impatient. One day, he was given a task to complete, but he grew frustrated and angry when it took him too long to finish. Iroko’s impatience caused him to make many mistakes, and he eventually failed the task. After this experience, Iroko learned the importance of patience. He began to meditate under the shade of an ancient iroko tree, and he learned to appreciate the slow passage of time. Iroko eventually became a wise and respected elder, and he is now known as the Orisha of time and longevity.
Iroko in the Sacred Corpus of Odu Ifá
Here are some other Odu Ifá that speak about Orisha Iroko:
- Ogunda Ire: This Odu tells the story of how Iroko helped a young man who was lost in the forest. Iroko led the young man to a safe path, and he also gave him some advice on how to live his life.
- Osa Meji: This Odu tells the story of how Iroko helped a group of people who were being attacked by a powerful enemy. Iroko used his magic to protect the people, and he also helped them to defeat their enemy.
- Ogunda Ofun: This Odu tells the story of how Iroko helped a young woman who was being abused by her husband. Iroko used his powers to punish the husband, and he also helped the young woman to find a new life.
- Ogunda Irete: This Odu tells the story of how Iroko helped a young man who was lost in the forest. Iroko led the young man to a safe path, and he also gave him some advice on how to live his life.
- Osa Meji: This Odu tells the story of how Iroko helped a group of people who were being attacked by a powerful enemy. Iroko used his magic to protect the people, and he also helped them to defeat their enemy.
- Ogunda Ofun: This Odu tells the story of how Iroko helped a young woman who was being abused by her husband. Iroko used his powers to punish the husband, and he also helped the young woman to find a new life.
- Odu Ifá Obara Ika: This Odu Ifá speaks about the importance of timing and taking action at the right moment. It also warns against being too hasty or impatient.
- Odu Ifá Obara Owonrin: This Odu Ifá talks about the power of Orisha Iroko, the Orisha of trees and time. It warns against disrespecting Orisha Iroko, as this can lead to misfortune.
- Odu Ifá Ogunda Irosun: This Odu Ifá speaks about the importance of patience and perseverance. It teaches that good things come to those who wait.
- Odu Ifá Irete Meji: This Odu Ifá talks about the cyclical nature of time. It teaches that everything has its time and season.
- Odu Ifá Otrupon Bara: This Odu Ifá warns against procrastination. It teaches that tomorrow is not promised, so it is important to take action today.
- Odu Ogunda Meji: Speaks of the importance of being patient and waiting for the right time to act. It also warns against rushing into things, as this can lead to disaster.
- Odu Ogbe Ate: Discusses the power of Orisha Iroko, who is the guardian of the forests and the crossroads. He is a powerful force who can help or hinder people depending on their actions.
- Odu Ogunda Oyeku: Warns against taking shortcuts or trying to cheat fate. It teaches that everything happens in its own time and that trying to rush things will only lead to disappointment.
- Odu Obara Meji: Speaks of the importance of planning and preparation. It teaches that people should not wait until the last minute to act, as this can lead to mistakes.
- Odu Osa Meji: Discusses the importance of having a strong foundation. It teaches that people should not build their lives on sand, but on a solid foundation of good values and principles.
Iroko: The Timeless Wisdom of an Ancient Orisha
Iroko stands tall, not just as a deity in the pantheon but as the very embodiment of time, wisdom, and endurance. Depicted as an ancient tree, Iroko’s roots delve into stories of transformation from impatience to sagacity. The Odu Ifá, particularly Oshe Ogunda, narrates his journey, offering us insights into the virtues of patience and the gradual unfurling of time’s mysteries.
Kitembo: The Guardian of Time and Ancestral Connections
Kitembo, revered as Tempo in the realms of Candomblé and Santería, is not merely an overseer of temporal flow. His realm extends to the ancestral lineage, tying us to the spiritual legacies we inherit and pass on. His tale, a chronicle of struggle against time’s bounds and eventual mastery over natural cycles, symbolizes our own quest for harmony within time’s embrace.
WESTERN PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES ON TIME
Aristotle’s Concept of Time
Aristotle viewed time as a measure of change, existing only in relation to movement. This notion resonates with the Ifá concept of time as a series of events and cycles.
Immanuel Kant’s Idealistic View
Kant argued that time is a part of a systematic mental framework that structures human experience, suggesting that our perception of time shapes our reality, much like how Iroko’s wisdom illuminates the passage of time in Ifá tradition.
Henri Bergson’s Emphasis on Duration
Bergson proposed that time, or duration, is an uninterrupted flow that cannot be divided into instances. This aligns with the Ifá understanding of time as a continuous, flowing cycle.
EMBRACING THE CYCLICAL AND LINEAR NATURE OF TIME
While Ifá teachings emphasize the cyclical nature of time, Western philosophy often views it as linear. The Odu Ifá, with verses like Irete Meji and Ogunda Irosun, emphasizes time’s cyclical and seasonal nature. These teachings remind us that every moment has its purpose, and patience and perseverance are key to unlocking the right opportunities. This blog aims to harmonize these perspectives, illustrating that time’s essence can be both cyclical and linear, a tapestry woven from diverse cultural and philosophical threads.
THE MAIONGA RITUAL: A CLEANSING CONFLUENCE WITH TIME
Central to the spiritual practices of the Angola Candomblé tradition is the Maionga ritual, a sacred bath symbolizing purification and realignment with the energies of time. Integrating herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint, this ritual acts as a conduit for spiritual cleansing, reconnecting practitioners with the rhythmic pulse of Kitembo’s essence:
- Daily Maianga: Performed with specially chosen herbs. All members must take it upon arriving at a Candomblé terreiro (place of worship) before starting any activity.
- Maianga in Sakulupemba/Sakamene/Sacudimento Rites: These are various types and are used to complement the cleansing rites a person undergoes.
- Energetic Revitalization Maianga: Involves specific powders.
- Initiatory Maianga: Taken daily by initiates at specific times during their initiation process.
Maianga (also spelled Maionga) is more than a mere bath; it’s a vital part of worship with diverse forms. These baths go beyond physical cleansing, mainly focusing on spiritual and energetic cleanliness. The water used in these baths is collected ritually (from rivers, wells, rain, springs, etc.), allowed to „rest,“ and is sung and prayed over before being mixed with any compound. Historically in Candomblé, followers would often participate in processions to collect water from natural sources, accompanied by beautiful prayers.
APPLYING TIME’S WISDOM IN EVERYDAY’S TIME
The lessons of time extend their roots into various aspects of our lives:
- In Relationships: Understand the timing in relationships, aligning your actions with the natural flow of emotions, embracing patience and mindfulness.
- In Health: Use spiritual baths as a medium for cleansing and balancing, synchronizing with your body’s and spirit’s natural rhythms.
- In Business: Implement the wisdom of timing in your business decisions, understanding that every venture has its season and cycle.
IN CONCLUSION: DANCE WITH THE UNIVERS
As we journey through life, let the teachings of Iroko, Kitembo, and the Odu Ifá guide us. They remind us to honor every moment, to respect the cycles of time, and to understand that each phase of life brings its own unique lessons and opportunities. In recognizing the rhythm of time and the wisdom of our ancestors, we find harmony and insight in life’s ever-changing seasons. May the ancient teachings of Iroko and Kitembo guide us to live in harmony with the eternal dance of the universe.
“O Tempo dá, O Tempo tira, O Tempo passa, E a folha vira.” – Embrace the eternal dance of time and change.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH TIME: A PATH OF ENLIGHTENMENT AND DISCOVERY
Stay tuned for our ongoing series on the wisdom of the Odu Ifá, Iroko, and Kitembo, as we continue to explore these timeless teachings and their application in the modern world of African spirituality. To continue this spiritual journey and delve deeper into the fascinating world of Yoruba religion and its diaspora, I warmly invite you to subscribe to my NEWSLETTER. Here, you’ll receive regular insights, stories, and updates that will further enrich your understanding and connection to these ancient traditions.
Additionally, if my journey through Kitembo’s and Iroko’s world has sparked your interest, I encourage you to read my books, which delve even deeper into these subjects, particularly the enchanting myths. They are available on AMAZON in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, offering a multicultural perspective on these rich traditions.
Lastly, don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram at @daily_ifa_orisha. It’s a vibrant community where we celebrate and honour the Orishás daily, and I would love for you to be a part of it.
Thank you for accompanying me on this enlightening journey. May the blessings of the Orishás, be with you always, nurturing and guiding your path. Until we meet again, stay connected, stay curious, and continue to explore the profound depths of our spiritual heritage.
Asé ó.
Tilo Plöger de Àjàgùnnà