EGBE {ELERIKO}

 

 

Egbe

According to Ifa Studies, all human beings have peers in Heaven.  Those who do not have peers in Heaven cannot live on Earth.  This notwith-standing, some people are more active in their Heavenly peer groups than others.  These people take position of responsibilities in their groups.  these are the people known as Egbe or Alaraagbo.

There are also some other groups of Heavenly Peers who chose as part of their destinies to die young so that they will return to their heavenly groups in a very short period of time.  These are known as Abiku or Emere.

In general, Egbe as a Spiritual Entity supports its members, protect them, gives them children, wealth and so on.  Many Egbe Children assume leadership positions because they were leaders of their group while in heaven before they were born.  Consequently, the leadership roles they assume on earth here is nothing but an extension of the various positions they occupied in heaven.

Egbe or Alaraagbo is a lively spiritual entity and it believes in people making good their promises.  To Egbe if you make a promise, do fufill your promise.  Many Egbe make promises in heaven which they eventually find difficult to fufill here on earth due to one reason or another.  The Egbe will however insist that the promises be fulfilled.  They will make these people go through series of traumatic experiences until they fufill these promises or make all the necessary atonement through the performance of rituals.

It must however be noted that Egbe, Alaraagbo, Abiku or Emere are not Irunmole or Orisa in the strict sense of it.  It is rather a congregation of spiritually gifted and advanced youths and adults.  To feed Egbe is to feed these groups-either for support, protection or atonement of transgression.

Symbols of Egbe

The shrine of Egbe comprises of a pot similar to that of Osun or Yemaja.   This shrine may be located near a stream or river, at the foot of a banana or plantain plantation, at the foot of Odan {a kind of bayan) tree.  These are areas which Elegbe children and youth are believed to assemble for “Meetings” and plays.

Feeding Materials

Kolanut with four valves

Bitterkola

Palm Oil

Sugar cane

Pound and cooked beans

Moin-moin

Honey

Cock

He goat

Ram

Pounded yam

Yam flour meal

Cassava flour meal

Liquor

All known snacks and fast foods

Taboos

Palm kernel oil

Swearing while feeding Egbe

Mode of Feeding Egbe

Egbe is fed with singing, dancing while kneeling or sitting.

EGBE

ABIKU                             EMERE

AKUISAN

What are Emere?   Emere are spirits of the children, that come to brings various types of unstability to a family.  They come but do not fully develop to come into the world.  Miscarriages or almost full termed children.  They create destruction in the family.

What are Abiku?   Those that come to taste the world and leave quickly.  S-I-D There is an Odu Oturopon-gunda that speaks on the needed ebos to keep the child in the world.  We also mark the birthmark of the child to identify if this person has been here before.

What are Akuisan?   The unyet buried.  Aborted children.  There are also ceremonies needed in order to give the spirit a “Proper burial”.  The spirit of these children will create disruption in the mothers life until these ceremonies and rituals are carried out.

EGBE’S main concern is children.  She is reputed to afflict small children and the parents of a child may be told to worship her.  EGBE attacks children while they sleep, but they do not die immediately.  No one can see EGBE, but sometimes the effects of physical floggings are seen on the child’s body.  At times,  EGBE plays with children without anyone recognizing her presence.  Despite her propensity for  “worrying small children,”  she is capable of curing illness and giving children to women who pray to her and worship her.  If a client is told to give EGBE her calabash, he or she will buy a calabash, a sack, eggs, parrot feathers, sugar cane, honey, ground maize, corn pap and pounded yam.  These things are put into a calabash and it is put into a sack.  Following the throwing of the calabash into the river, it is believed that the patient will recover.

EGBE’S emblem consists of small stick similar to those for Egungun, feathers of a parrot, feather of a woodcock (agbe and aluko) and palm leaves.  These objects are tied together with black and white thread and the emblem is kept inside the house.

Oriki

GB, The gracious mother, one who is a sufficient support for those who worship her.

One who wears velvet, the neat one who eats sugar-cane in the streets of <y>.

One who spends a lot of money on palm-oil.

One who is always fresh and has plenty of oil with which she performs wonders.

One who has money for luxury, the beautiful.

One who falls on her husband like a heavy iron club.

One who has money to buy when things are dear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBATION

 

Libation Prayers

 

OMI TUTU (May the water be cool and refreshed

ONA TUTU  (may the road be cool and refreshed)

ILE TUTU   (May the house; the home be cool be cool and refreshed)

TUTU LAROYE   (May a calm messenger proceed all our prayers)

OLODUMARE AJUBA IKU MBELESE  (God I (WE) give homage, I (WE) salute the ancestors that sit at your feet)  MOPEO (I call you) ASE (So be it)

OLODUMARE, IBAYE BAYE TONU  (We give praise to the Owner of existence) MOPEO (I call you) ASE (So be it)

IBASE OLOJO ONI  (I call upon and give praise to the owner of this day)  MOPEO (I call you)  ASE  (So be it)

IBASE ORUNMILA ELERIN IPIN IBIKEJI OLODUMARE (I call upon and give praise to Orunmila, the witness to all choice of destiny, second only to Olodumare, and Owner of 256 Odus) MOPEO (I call you)  Ase  (So be it)

IBASE OSETURA OSETURA OSETURA (I call upon and give praise to the messenger of all our prayers)  MOPEO  (I call you)  ASE  (So be it)

IBASE ESU  (I call upon and give praise to Baba Esu, the road opener) MOPEO (I call you) ASE (So be it)

IBASE OGUN  (I call upon Ogun, the path opener) MOPEO (I call you)  ASE (So be it)

IBASE IMALE (I call upon and give praise to all the Ancestors that preceded the birth of those that came into the world, I praise all the energies of the North, South, East and the West directions)  MOPEO  (I call you)  ASE (So be it)

IBASE ORISA (I call upon and give praise to all the ancestors that have escaped the wheel of reincarnation)  MOPEO (I call you)  ASE  (So be it)

IBASE ARIKU BABA WA  (Deathlessness is the Father of Character, I call upon and give praise to GOOD CHARACTER)  MOPEO  (I call you)   ASE  (So be it)

IBASE GBOGBO EGUN WA  (I call upon and give praise to all the ancestors of Good Character)  MOPEO (I call you)   ASE   (So be it)

IBASE OMO AIYE  (I call upon and give praise to the all the children of the world)  MOPEO  (I call you)  ASE  (So be it)

IBASE ONILE  (I call upon and give praise to the earth that which supports us, the ancestors that supports us when we walk this world)  MOPEO (I call you)  ASE  (So be it)

IBASE OLOKUN  (I call upon and give praise to Olokun, the essence of all things that comes from the debts of the sea, the spiritual Orisa that supports all Black folks in the Americas)  MOPEO (I call you)   ASE  (So be it)

IBASE

IBASE

IBASE ASE ASE SE O  (As I pay homage to the Ancestors may my homage be confirmed)

 

 

Herbal Preparations

There are variety of ways to prepare herbs. Here is just one of those ways.

BOLUS

A bolus is a suppository  or internal poultice used in the rectal or vaginal area.  It helps draw out toxic poisons and is the carrier for healing agents.  A BOLUS is made by adding powdered herbs to cocoa butter, creating a thick, firm consistency.  The mixture is usually placed in the refrigerator to harden and then brought to room temperature before using.

A BOLUS can be inserted into the rectum to treat hemorrhoids and cysts, or into the vagina to treat infections, irritations and tumors.  The BOLUS is usually applied at night when the cocoa butter will melt with body heat, thus releasing the herbs.  Herbs used in a BOLUS are usually astringent, such as White Oak Bark, or Bayberry Bark, demulcent healing herbs such as Comfrey or Slippery Elm, or antibiotic herbs such as Garlic, Chaparral, or Goldenseal.

If you are working on something specific you should have an Ifa Consult by the Daughters of Osun Expert for better results.

HEMORRHOIDS  Ginger, Yarrow extract, White Oak Bark (powdered)

HERPES SIMPLEX II   Black Walnut capsules internally and for BOLUS Black Walnut, Golden Seal (Powdered)

Tea Tree Oil contains antifungal properties helps with warts. vaginal infections, herpes add with coco nut oil in bolus.

WORMS  Yarrow (Powdered) in bolus

Pumpkin Seeds (Powdered) in bolus rids worms

Hope this brief post is helpful.  Let us know if you want more posts like this….

 

 

 

 

Iwa

 

Iwa

Yoruba traditional beliefs are based on strict disciplines and moral values.  Addressing the understanding of Iwa will show that there is much to ponder whenever the term Iwa is mentioned.

The term literally means ‘exist’ to fufill destiny.  One cannot fufill ones destiny without applying the moral tenets of their Odu in life.  Iwa is sometimes also referred to as ones character, it is character that manifests the inner most existence of the person.  The goal is to establish Iwa-Pele.   (Good character)

Characteristics and Functions of Apetebi

Characteristics and Functions of Apetebi in the Ifa Orisa Community

An Apetebi is a role model for all women is ways she thinks, speaks and acts be it at home, in the Ifa community or even in the Society at large.  In other words she must have Iwa Pele, (good character) and be honest and have the ability to correct her errors and grow from them.

The most important duty of an Apetebi in the home is the day-to-day running of the home front.  An Apetebi is expected to be absolutely honest to her family (of procreation and orientation) be dedicated in all things she sets her mind on doing.  Take care of her husband whom Ifa enjoins her to take as  her first child, the children, brothers, and sisters as well as all those other people living in her home.

She is also expected to take care of the Ifa shrine and all the symbols of all the other Orisa in the house.  An Apetebi must, as a matter of course, know how to cook all Ifa meals as well as all the meals of all the other Orisa in the house.  As it is the duty of all Babalawos to know all the means of all Orisa, what each Orisa forbids and what the Orisa loves at any given time.  It is also the duty of all Apetebi to know how to prepare all Orisa meals and understand under what conditions such meals are to be prepared as well as know when a particular meal is not to be given to an Orisa.

An Apetebi is duty bound to work hard in order to command the trust and confidence of her family.  Her husband must be able to vouch for her character at all times.  She must be able to impact sound morals into her children and loved ones who are in close contact with her.   An Apetebi, needs to be reminded at all times that bringing up children and young ones in the proper way acceptable to the family and the society at large is the preserved responsibility of an Apetebi.

Irete-Otura says that “A childs mother is either the childs failure or its success”  Apetebi should always strive to be the success story of her children at all times, by guiding and leading them right and proper.

In the community, an Apetebi is expected to be the shining example of Otito, Ododo and Iwa-Pele (good character) for all other women.  Remember that in Eji-Ogbe, IFA says that “Whatever we think, Say or Do, all what we are looking for is character, Good Character” It is the duty of an Apetebi to infect all her friends and neighbors with her good character. She must be at the forefront of all good things happening in the community, or in the Ifa circle in which she belongs.

An Apetebi, needs to participate in programs which will bring development to her home, her community and to the whole society.  She must be an active member of at lease one group whose focus is the socio-economic and moral up liftmen of her immediate community.  If this is organized by members of her faith, the better for her.  She must be however be free to work with people of any faith with an open mind and understanding with out any discrimination what so ever.

A woman will be able to proudly call herself an Apetebi only when she had been able to satisfy all criteria listed above.  Anything short of this is not acceptable.  Any of us who has not attained this level needs to work hard and concerted effort to earn the respect, glory and honor that the name Apetebi concerns on lucky women.

Olotoye Fasina Falade  1998

 

 

 

Polygamy

 

This article was written by Awo Fasina Falade in February 1995, and discussed on our Tuesday evening Class at the Ara Ifa Yourba Center in Leimert Park, hope you enjoy his point of view.

There have been many discussions about the Polygamous Society of the Yorubas’.  If we are to understand the Ancient Traditional Society, we must rebuild or reorientate our thinking and not to substitute the dictionary meaning of Polygamy.  We must also address the social conditioning of 400 years of separation from traditional values.

Firstly, this system isn’t a excuse for sexually promiscuous relationships, be it instigated by male or female.  It is a system of developing family.  Yoruba marriages traditionally, are the merging of families and not just the bringing together of a man and a woman.  This is the reason the screening and dowries are part of the ritual.  This is not the “Free and Easy” approach to marriage.  If, for example, ones’ brother passes, it’s the responsibility of the next man in the family to support or provide for the wife and children of the deceased to maintain the family structure.

In our Social conditioning, we view things on a worldly or physical level and cannot see the important of “Spiritually Caring”  for each other.  Conditioned men use the term, Polygamy, to sexual exploit the mothers without respecting them. We find that in Traditional Society it approved of the multiple wives system, provided it was did in the open and not to the detriment of others.  Without lies or deception.  Most relationships in this Society begin with deception and then we sit back and wonder why we cannot have an enduring or secure relationship.  Traditionally, there was also a multiple husband system, for a wife was free to leave her husband to take residence as the wife of another man, especially if the first husband failed to make her fruitful, but it had to be a clean break and in accordance with the custom which did not impose sanctions through the medium of high divorce fees or slander.  This is not to be judged as adultery, which is not accepted in the tradition, but the right of the person to receive truth in relationships.  Adultery is quite a different matter for this was a contract between God and Man, in which any individual culprit necessarily and automatically involved society-as the organic unit of which that individual is an integral part-in a crime against the gods and as such society became responsible and the punishment of the gods and as such society became responsible and the punishment of the gods would be meted out, not simply to the people involved, but to society as a whole.  Again it’s necessary to be up=front in ones relationships or face the consequences of your actions.

I don’t believe that we have grown to the point of accepting responsibilities in polygamous relationships.  Many who state that they are for this, get mid stream and reverse their direction.  We must be sincere at the beginning of the affair and not to have hidden motives for involvements, e.g., money, titles, alimony, or sex, etc.  If these are the motives they should be revealed in the beginning of the relationship and no deceit/lies. If the beginning is in this direction, not only will you have a lasting relationship, but be able to “have your cake and eat it to”, meaning that everything will be shared in harmony.  Fasina 2/95

 

 

ORIKI ORUN MORNING PRAYER

 

ORIKI OLORUN MORNING PRAYERS

IBA OLORUN

IBA OLODUMARE

IBA OLOFIN

IBA OLORUN

IBA OLODUMARE.

IBA OLOFIN  

IBA OLOWO ON I  

IBA ELENA

IBA ORI

IBA BA ORIKI  

IBA ALEWILESE  

IBA OBA A DAKE JO

IBA OYIGIYII OTA AIKU  

IBA ARINU RODE OLUWO OKAN  

IBA  SANU MI OLODUMARE

A DUPE LOWO OLORUN

IBA ASE IBA ASE IBA ASE O!

 

ORUNMILA I GREET YOU IN THE NAME OF (YOUR ODU) AS I GREET OLODUMARE THIS MORNING, I THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SEE THE LIGHT OF ANOTHER DAY.  I THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO TRAVEL THROUGH MY SLEEP IN PEACE ALLOWING ME TO SIT WITH THE MASTERS AS A STUDENT. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE OPEN TO GAIN THE WISDOM OF IFA. THE ORISAS AND MY EGUNS. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ABUNDANCE TO MANIFEST IN MY LIFE IN HEALTH, AND WEALTH.  THANK YOU FOR BLESSING ME WITH A WONDERFUL SPOUSE AND BLESSING MY FAMILY. MOST OF ALL THANK YOU FOR STOPPING ME FROM OFFENDING ANYONE AS WE INTERACT, AND FORGIVENESS IF I HAVE.  ORUNMILA, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR WISDOM AND GUIDANCE AS WE CONSULT. MAY THE BLESSINGS OF OLODUMARE CONTINUE TO SHOWER ME WITH WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, A COMPASSIONATE HEART,  LIGHT, GOOD HEALTH, PROSPERITY, FINANCIAL ABUNDANCE AND PEACE. ASE!  .

TRANSLATION:

Olorun  (The owner of heaven)

Olodumare (Supreme being, unchanging God)

Olofin (The owner of the Palace)

Olojo oni (The owner of the Day)

Eleda (The owner of Spirit)

Ori (The owner of the Crown)

Oba orun (The King of Heaven)

Alewilese (He who speaks words to fulfillment)

Oba a dake jo (The king who judges)

Oyigiyii ota aiku (The mighty rock never dies)

Arinu rode olumo okan (He who sees inside/outside the discerner of hearts)

Sanu mi Olodumare (Have mercy on me Olodumare)

Adupe lowo Olorun (We thank you Olorun)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OSE MEJI TEMPLE ODUN

OSE MEJI

Ose Meji is the Odu that opened divining board for defining the purpose of ‘The Daughter’s of Osun’, in 2012.  I am forever grateful and humbled to share any knowledge gained while on my journey.  IFA is open to all Souls with Iwa Pele (Good Character) and IFA crosses all color lines.  The knowledge of IFA is not here to exploit and take advantage of under knowledged individuals. IFA is reasonable therefore so should we.  The meaning of OSE MEJI translates, (remember there are several interpretations this is ours)

OSE MEJI

Ose Meji creates abundance through prayer. This signature speaks about the GOOD FORTUNE, the VICTORY, the ABUNDANCE, FERTILITY and the EROTIC.  Symbolically it is associated with FRESH WATER, MOUNTAIN STREAMS, and RIVER WATERS.  IFA says, abundance and fertility are a result of the proper use of  OFO ASE  (Power of the Word) especially in prayer. (Aladura)

Ose Meji, speaks to the fragility in the World. We the people are in a transitional phase of changing conditions in business and relationships. Odu also speaks on NOW being the time for making money and finding a destiny appropriate loving lasting relationship. Individuals will attract to this Temple for consultation and their lives will transform and evolve.  Osun will bless them with her many gifts especially the individual with a pure sincere soul and Iwa Pele (Good Character). This is the positive side of Ose Meji.

In its flip side or negative side, (Ibi) Ose would be the driver to material wealth at the expense of SPIRITUAL GROWTH and IWA.  Ose Meji is also the lure that pulls and attracts individuals seeking truth and change and since out of non cense and understanding where their is none.  In our case  many GOD CHILDREN will develop through this Temple, coming here to develop, grow and to model proper Cultural and Traditional Values.

The letter ‘O’ in OSE is ‘O ASE’ with meji, translates to the SPIRIT OF THE POWER TWICE.  In the odu OSE MEJI this power of the spoken of is the spiritual power that manifests as Ofo ase or the ability to have prayers heard by the Immortals in Orun. The ones who grant us blessings. Orun is the Heavenly Abode in the IFA COSMOLOGY STRUCTURE.  This Odun denotes plenty of GOD Children, Victory over Enemies, and Plenty of Good Fortunes. Those born (initiated) through this Temple/House (Ile) under this Odun are destined to be initiated into Priesthood more likely as Osun Priestess or Priest. If, they continue their studies and elevate consciousness are likely to be called into IFA. This Odun assures many  initiates will manifest through this House (Ile) with Iwa Pele.  This type of God Child is destined to take a position of honor and responsibility with in their chosen professions with financial rewards and create value in the arenas they frequent.

Here, in the Ose Meji Odun, is where ORUNMILA himself (The Owner of 256 Odu Ifa) learned that OSUN is considered the keeper of the mysteries of abundance. Orunmila realized, OSUN enticed OBATALA (The Father of All Orisa) for the wisdom and secrets. OSUN gave it in blessings to her worshipers. By desiring Spiritual Growth and following through, will lead one to the abundance they seek. IF, the right ebos are made, Children of the Ose Meji Odun, will live to be an ripe old age IF, they take care of their HEALTH, EXERCISE, EAT CORRECTLY and MAINTAIN PROPER NUTRITION.

This Odun also speaks on strengthening spiritually, Meditating, getting closer to Orunmila, (IFA) Obatala and strengthening one’s professional capabilities in order to prosper in their lives.

Here in these Blogs we will share the value of Herbs, Herbology, methods and practices.

The Daughters of Osun was birthed under this Odu in 2012……

 

 

 

 

OSE MEJI TEMPLE

 

Aboru Boye  Abosisse

We are back and we are very humble and eager to serve the community. We have made some improvements starting with the name change from The Daughters of Osun, to Ose Meji Temple. Ifa, the Orisa and the Egun speak through this blog for the purpose of leading from darkness into the Light of Orun.  We are still an institute for sharing knowledge, clarity and understanding of cultural, traditional values.  Leading with Iwa Pele, peace, compassion, wisdom, health, family and abundance. If you like what we share please tell your friends to tune in and sign in through our email and be amongst the first to receive.  Don’t be afraid to show your appreciation with owo donations.  Make yourself known through your comments and email requests. We will make efforts to find the information for you.  Peace and Bliss       Ase ooo…..Iya Adunni

Native American Preception of Wolf

 

THE WOLF’S MESSAGE TO MAN

• ENDURANCE
• TEACHING
• COMMUNICATIONS
• SOCIAL SKILLS
• COOPERATION

When we actually check ourselves we can all improve in all these areas in our lives.  Endurance our ability to be consistent, organized, and prioritize from beginning to end, in all our endeavors.  Teaching our ability to learn from each experience and to look within to make necessary adjustments first and share from an informed position.  Communications our ability to be objective and to look deeper beyond our limitations becoming open to divine openness. In being open make sure you are understanding the mutual points of views. One may see green and one may see blue when viewing the same object, so get on the same page.   Social Skills dropping the formalities and show up as self.  Know thy self and love it for whom it has become, but start with true self.  Cooperation is many in bodies one in mind.  Everyone can not lead in a group, others must follow the goal of the group right or wrong, skilled or unskilled the leader may be, progress comes from the collective.   When the Wolf, shows up he comes with a message and a gift of medicine.

THE WOLF’S SURVIVAL

The Wolf is a carnivore and lives in many areas such as thickets, holes, and caves, called dens.  Gray Wolves, also known as Timber Wolves can be found in Northern Europe, Canada, Alaska and Russia,  The Wolf can also be found in the Northern United States.

The diet of Wolves consists of vulnerable animals, such as Weak, Sick, Young, or old prey.  Depending on Wolf’s location its prey is White-tailed Deer, Moose, Beaver, Hare and other small mammals.  The Wolf requires at lease 5 lbs. of meat a every day.  However, there are plenty of lean times before a feast of plenty.  Wolves are intelligent social animals with sharp  keen senses.  It’s ability to survive depends on the cooperation of the pack.

THE WOLFS BEHAVIOR

The Wolf’s behavior is established upon a hierarchical structure.  there is a definite order of rank.  The leader of the pack is called the ALPHA Male, and his mate is called the ALPHA Female.  Each Wolf knows his or her place and responsibilities.  Wolves have a complex method of communicating method that involves body language and vocal skills.

If you have a problem in expressing your thoughts, needs or ideas to others, take time to study the Wolf’s behavior.  The Wolf’s message will teach you how to enhance your Verbal communication skills with the appropriate body language.  It would be a great time to study body language, room language and environmental messages.

THE WOLFS MEDICINE

The Wolfs medicine will help you gain your objectives through cooperative endeavors. A Wolfs message is the power to teach and share information.  If Wolfs energy has entered your life it is time to share knowledge by teaching, writing, and lecturing.  Now is not the time to push ahead on your own.  If you are experiencing family problems or conflict at work, try meeting with the whole ‘PACK’ to resolve difficulties.