On this day of veneration of Obàtálá, we reflect on Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́, gentle character, and the care we offer ourselves and one another. The verse of Iwori Obara below speaks to despair and the sacred value of life.
Painful thoughts and feelings deserve compassion and support. Difficulty does not make a person spiritually unworthy. In community, we can listen without blame and help one another remain connected to care.
Obatala is the molder of heads and humanity. It is from Obatala that we learn what Iwa Pele is. Stories explain that Obatala created Iwa (character) from the calabash of Igba Iwa for the humans he molded. Obatala created “ASE” even. Any time we say “ASE” we are speaking Obatala language and calling upon this deity in our lives and the many lessons he brings to bear.
Many make the error in thinking that Iwa Pele means “good character”, however Iwa Pele actually translates more to mean “gentle character”.
For Obatala and his divine consort Yemoo, one of their sacred symbols is the egg, called eyin in Yoruba. Think of how one holds an egg in their hand. Do you squeeze in your fist? Or does one hold an egg gently? This should be how we model our relationships with one another, our communities, and how we go about in life. When one is no longer accountable or a teachable person in life we can find ourselves living the Ibi (negativity) of our Odu.
The following verse of Iwori Obara invites reflection on patience, care, and the possibility of receiving support in a time of despair.
Ifa says,
He who consumes an entire corn meal and plans on committing suicide by hanging himself
What does he expect the person who eats the leftovers in the cornmeal wrapper to do?
This was the declaration of Ifa to Iwori o p'ajuba
When going into forest to hang himself
He was advised to offer ebo
He complied
Iwori o p'ajuba, don't give into anger and frustration
Iwori o p'ajuba, don't hang yourself
All Ire of life is coming from the front
All benefits of life is coming from behind.
I read this verse as a call to cherish life and respond to despair with care. Its spiritual hope deserves to be accompanied by compassionate human support.
May Obatala hold our lives gently as one would hold an egg. May our lives model Iwa Pele and balance. May we forgive others of offenses, be they real or perceived, as we pray and ask the deities to do the same for us, and may we enjoy the gift of life that has been bestowed upon us with the fullness and joy it deserves in the time that is given to us by our creator.
Remember venerating Obatala and Egungun on their shared day of worship teaches us a valuable lesson. As we reflect upon life we are also reminded of our own mortality and the sacredness of the time we have while we are here in this physical human vessel. Think about how you want to be remembered and reflect upon the fact that each day we have may be the last to greet one another as community, to greet one another as spiritual family, to greet our personal families in our homes, to greet all humanity that we meet in our day to day lives, and all forms of life that inhabit the world we live in.
Let us use our time with one another and the world wisely and with care.
Eepa Orisa! Orisa Eepa Obatala Alaso Funfun
Your questions are welcome
When you feel ready, bring what is on your heart. I will listen with care, seek guidance through traditional Ifá divination, and consider appropriate spiritual or practical steps with you.