Odù-Ifá; Ọ̀wọ́nrín Ògùndá explains; Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (Primordials / Ones Progenitors)

def. primordial
adjective
existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval : the primordial oceans.
• (esp. of a state or quality) basic and fundamental

def. progenitor
noun
a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent : his sons and daughters were the progenitors of many of Scotland's leading noble families.
• a person who originates an artistic, political, or intellectual movement : the progenitor of modern jazz.



This Odù Ifá teaches us the order in which we ought to pay our reverence and to whom we owe gratitude when praying on behalf of oneself or pleading on behalf of another persons case.
More-so, when deliberating on an issue, we first need to throughly investigate the matter, meaning to look at all-angles before bringing the matter before our Ọrìṣà. The reason is, in certain cases the matter can be dealt with within the Ancestral realm, or when checking ones Ori (including Iwa-Character), or even the way someones relations are with ones parents or how they interact with their spouse.

Furthermore, Ifá teaches us here that the way one lives their life on Earth (respecting Nature Herself) needs a through investigation, as well as inspecting if one is living according to ones Destiny (namely following ones taboo, see earlier blog on taboo HERE)

The meaning of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe becomes clear once hearing this Ifá recited. It clarifies what is Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, and what also constitute as ones Ìṣẹ̀ṣe. The verse also states that Ilẹ̀ Aiyé (Mother Earth) is ones Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, Ikin-Ifá (sacred palm) is ones Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, along with ones parents and elders. These individuals have knowledge and ought to have the vested interest & maturity to advise one or lead them on the rightful path.

With this understanding we come to see the correlation between the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (Primordial supportive Progenitors ) and the Ọrìṣà, had it not been for these collective Ìṣẹ̀ṣe the essence of the Ọrìṣà would not derive the same foundational understanding, meaning the knowledge of the Ọrìṣà came from another source, lack of that other source we would have never known of the Ọrìṣà or be able to appease them appropriately.

It is our Ìṣẹ̀ṣe that has gifted us that knowledge and ability to honour our Ọrìṣà. In Brazil they say, "if we have no ancestors we could not have Ọrìṣà", meaning it was those that came before us that made us to know of the Ọrìṣà, had they not done this, none of us would know of there existence.

So in response to the many questions people have asked for clarity of what is Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, and the purpose of last weekends Ìṣẹ̀ṣe day (Aug 20th, 2011) activities in Yoruba land, I hope this sheds some light….


Ifá in Odù Ọ̀wọ́nrín Ògùndá says;
....
díá fún Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
tíí ṣe olórí Orò n'Ífẹ
njẹ́ kínni Ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Ọ̀lódùmarè ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Orí ẹni ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Ikin Ifá ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Ilẹ̀ Aiyé ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Ìyà ẹni ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Bàbá ẹni ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Okó ni ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Òbò ni ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Olúwo ẹni ni Ìsẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe

Ẹ jẹ́ ká bọ Ìsẹ̀ṣe ò Olówó
Iṣẹ̀ṣe là bá bọ
kàí tèní b'Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe
Ìsẹ̀ṣe ni Bàbá ètùtù......




Divined for Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Progenitors)
The leader of the Orò society of ancient Ífẹ
They asked, what is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe?
Ọ̀lódùmarè is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Ones Orí (Destiny) is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Ones Ikin Ifá (ones personal Odù) is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Ilẹ̀ Aiyé (Mother Earth/Nature) is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Ones own Mother is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

ones own Father is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Vagina (likely referring to ones marital relations within home or ones mother genital) is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Penis (likely referring to ones marital relations within home or ones father genital) is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

ones Olúwo ("Elder Priest") is ones Ìsẹ̀ṣe
It is Ìsẹ̀ṣe we ought to appease
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà, Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)

Please let us appease Ìsẹ̀ṣe (Primordials)
Before appeasing any Ọrìṣà
Ìsẹ̀ṣe is the Progenitor of all ètùtù (appeasements)

This Ifá stanza not only explains the root of Ìsẹ̀ṣe, as taught in Odù Ọ̀wọ́nrín Ògùndá, but also teaches us we ought to not over-burden the Ọrìṣà when often times the matter can be dealt with or resolved by approaching it in a different way, or making personal lifestyle adjustments.
Furthermore not overemphasizing the importance of ritual sacrifice but introspection and self-examination.


Àbọrú Àbọyè
Awo Ifálojú
www.Ifaspeaks.alawoye.com

Odu of the Year ObaraOgunda 2011/2012

AGBONNIREGUN ANNUAL FESTIVAL 2011/2012
On Saturday/Sunday June 4/5 the Annual Agbonniregun Ifa Festival was held at Oke Itase Orunmila Temple, Ile Ife. During Ifa consultation, Obara Ogunda was revealed.
Ifa foresees Ire Gbogbo (All Ire of life). Ifa says that ebo will enable all the ire to manifest.
By virtue of this Odu, and in cognizance of the fact that Ifa foresees ire, there is the need for all Ifa devotees the world over to propitiate their Ifa with two kolanuts, four bitterkolas, one hen and money each. In addition to this, all those born by this Odu are expected to specifically ask Ifa what Ifa will take from them in order for all the Ire in their Odu to manifest in this year.

MESSAGES OF OBARA OGUNDA FOR ALL IFA DEVOTEES FOR THE YEAR 2011/2012.... read more at
www.Alawoye.com Odu Ifa for Year/Ano

the author of this detailed analysis is:
Solagbade Popoola.
Chairman, Ethics and Scripture
International Council for Ifa Religion.
Rector, Ifa International Training Institute.

Chief Popoola is also the author of Ifa Dida Volume 1 & Volume 2, Ikunle Abiyamo ASE of Motherhood and several other coming titles, learn more at: www.alawoye.com

Ọwọ̀nrín Méjí - Ọwọ̀n / Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Ọwọ̀n Scarcity / Necessity

def. Scarce: adjective
(esp. of food, money, or some other resource) insufficient for the demand;
occurring in small numbers or quantities; rare

def. Necessity
the fact of being required or indispensable

Ifa teaches us; that which we are lacking in our own Earthly accomplishments, can be attained through Ifa consultation and filling that Void which is the Heavenly Scarcity & Necessity of that item(s) in our own Heavenly Lot. It is through divination and the appropriate follow up rituals that this Necessity can be provided for, and the Void satisfied, thus we enjoy that aspect of our Earthly blessing.

Commerce within Ifa teaches us; it is by seeking for a particular item and finding a shortage or perpetual out-of-stock (Scarcity) of that particular item, an entrepreneurial minded person creates a business idea which births a business model. A business with a ready clientele - the much needed critical-mass (Necessity) to kick start a new venture with growth potentials.
Also, it is this same Scarcity & Necessity, which makes one to become resourceful and inventive in creating; 1) that item, 2) a similar item, 3) a more cost-efficient item or 4) the closest substitute item. (I will be addressing the issue of substitution within Ifa in a future article).
In either case Ifa pinpoints that be it the need of the industry, Humans, Earth deity, Nature deities or the "Spiritual" realm, we can address the area of Scarcity & Necessity similar to fulfilling our ritual request or obligations


The Ọwọ̀n (Scarcity / Necessity) of Ọwọ̀nrín Méjí

Ọwọ̀nrín Méjí says;
Ọwọ̀n (Necessity) of money makes one to seek an alternative means
Ọwọ̀n (Scarcity) of water makes one to capture water-drips
Too much water Ọwọ̀n (Scarcity) is known as drought which brings famine
These were Ifa's Priest who cast Ifa for Oun-yoo-won
(That-Which-Is-Scarce-And-Expensive)
The Princess in Old Oyo

Ifa is in this particular stanza pointing out that when an item is a Necessity & Scarce it usually either drives up the street value and/or makes people to seek the best substitute especially if the item is a Necessity or something we all need and depend upon and yet is not plentiful.
Let us consider for a moment if our global fresh water supply continues to diminish, what will we do...? As already stated, the price of fresh drinking water may become one of our most prized commodities, unless we find means to augment it or find ways to decrease usage.
We Ifa practitioners pray to our Great Mother Olomitutu (Osun / Iyemoja / Oba) that they will not abandon us & provide for us in this way.

Ọwọ̀n (Ifa Ọwọ̀nrín Méjí ) instructs us to seek what is a Necessity to fill the Void, bringing abundant blessings into our lives. Example taken from one ese Ifa of Ifa Dida Volume ONE by AsefinMedia LLP



Aboru Aboye Abosise
Awo Ifaloju
www.alawoye.com
I am writing this 'Ifa Speaks' from Havana, Cuba where the issue of Ọwọ̀n is very present as with many other corners of this World

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Book Review - Ifa Dida (Ifa Divination)

I had the great opportunity to finally complete my own personal (objective) review of the work Ifa Dida - An Invitation to Ifa Consultation by Solagbade Popoola Library, INC ISBN 978-0-9810013-1-9


I will also highlight some of the feedback I have received from the many people who have already received it during the pre-release segment.

To summarize the actual comments from the ten Awo Ifa who gave direct feed back,

8/10 said "excellent, love it",
9/10 said "humbled" by depth/content,
7/10 said "massive amount of information",
8/10 said "wow"
6/10 said when is the Volume 2 coming out? want it

others said "finally" now they "see things differently", "thank you" "Orunmila is teaching his children" around world etc etc...

some of the overseas Asefin Media registered customers said, "they want it now in English and then later will buy it again" in their local language(s)


To offer my own unbiased feedback of Ifa Dida, I will say that not only is it the largest complete collection of Ifa stanzas ever put in print with full comprehensive explanative stories to finally gain a deeper understanding of the essence of the philosophical Ifa stanza (unlike everything else currently in print dating back 130+ yrs ).

But Ifa Dida has also started the first encyclopedic collection of the stanzas of Ifa, an eventual complete 17 volume collection, which is a major milestone for not only Ifa oral literature but any ancient oral tradition globally. This is history in the making.

Very important, since oral traditions and literary traditions globally can share and collaborate best practices and aid each other in its preservation, yet staying true to its identity. Ifa Dida is bridging that divide with this offering.

So I conclude by saying, Ifa Dida is a must have for any serious Ifa Diviner/Practitioner who wishes to finally understand the coded figurative language of Ifa poetic stanzas, thus embody it and be able to deliver that message to their client who may come for navigation or direction in ones life. Ifa Dida is a professional diviners reference manual, period.

Not a book to read cover to cover, Ifa Dida is a reference manual to refer to from time to time (like any professional) when divining Ifa on behalf of your client who will be seeking that same clarity, Ifa Dida offers that clarity we need from the ancient wisdom of Ifa.

Awo Ifaloju
Contributor to this work, offering as best I can an unbiased review of the work
www.Alawoye.com

Aboru Aboye



Publishers Circular :


Ifa Dida - An Invitation to Ifa Consultation - Volume ONE

Ifa Dida, the new Ifa Diviner / Practitioner Master Reference Manual, is now available as "exclusive" public offering after a very successful global launch for Asefin Media's registered members. Register for Asefin Media HERE

Publication Dimensions:
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Again this is an Ifa diviners reference manual for serious Awo only, not specifically for the general public or interested readers, can be useful for university library and African Studies/Comparative Religious Studies/ Afro-Latin Caribbean Studies and Schools of Divinty
Ifa Dida Volume ONE has sixteen (16) full stanzas, with stories and preparations for all the major Odu Ifa, covering Odu, Eji Ogbe, Oyeku Meji, Iwori Meji, Odi Meji, Irosun Meji, Owonrin Meji, Obara Meji, Okanran Meji, Ogunda Meji, Osa Meji, Ika Meji, Oturuupon Meji, Otura Meji, Irete Meji/Eji Elemere, Ose Meji, Oragun Meji/Ofun with 16 each Odu, it is the largest of its kind anywhere

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