(Spi)Ritual Solutions
Spirituality: adj: relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul. The word Spirituality emerges deeply from the Latin Spiro (“breath” “(be) alive”).
The spiritual solutions we speak of here relate to the human spirit or the human condition, and along the way applies focus to improve the seekers immediate life. We call these improvements the Basic Blessings - Long life (aiku), home (ile), business or means (owo/aje), spouse or partners (oko/aya), children (omo, and not just physical children, but anything you create or that becomes your legacy) and victory or overcoming obstacles (isegun).
In the science of Ifa, having the basic blessings (health, wealth, stable home, family/support, children/creations, and victory over obstacles) are the primary vehicles of spiritual practice and evolution.
In Ifá tradition, consultation comes first. Ẹbọ—offering, sacrifice, ceremony or ritual—may be recommended according to the Odù and the person’s circumstances. Its traditional purpose is to support alignment and respond to the guidance received. It does not guarantee a particular outcome.
Ẹbọ is traditionally understood as sacrifice or offering. Recommendations are individual, rather than a fixed menu: the appropriate work, if any, is discussed after consultation. Its scope and cost are explained separately before you decide whether to proceed.
Below, though, you will find a basic overview of some of the common rituals, ceremonies and ebos in Ifa and Orisa traditions used to manifest change.
Distance & Connection
"I was worried that being thousands of miles away would diminish the impact of the spiritual work, but I was wrong. The communication was seamless, and the results of the ebo performed on my behalf were undeniable. There is a level of transparency and professionalism here that is rare to find. I am grateful to have a reliable connection to such powerful tradition regardless of geography."
— David L., Sydney, Australia
Bring what is on your heart.
You may be facing grief, uncertainty, conflict, or a question you do not yet know how to express. I begin by listening to what you are experiencing, with respect for your dignity and your circumstances.
Through traditional Ifá divination, we seek the guidance of the Odù and discuss appropriate spiritual or practical steps. If ẹbọ is recommended, I explain its purpose and separate cost before you decide whether to proceed. No particular outcome is guaranteed.
An introductory initiation, this ceremony is a one-to-three day process, culminating with the reception of an Odu – a sacred contract with destiny as you currently experience it. The goal of this ceremony is to develop spiritual intimacy with Ifa and your Orí (inner head), as well as Ifa’s message for you on navigating life smoothly.
Ibori
Head Cleaning
Before anything else, we are told to know ourselves – to honor Orí (inner head). Knowing the self is quiet, private, and reflective. A person who knows their own Orí, knows themselves, will end up much better than one who holds high position but lacks knowledge of self. Self-knowledge prevents us from being fooled, or going down a path not in our best interest; it is protection from the inside out.
Ancestral Veneration
It is important to always remember those that have come before. By working with and elevating your Ancestors through prayer, service, listening, and offerings, you are better able to not only spiritually heal members of current or unborn family, but also yourself. Venerating and working closely with your own ancestors is a powerful step towards a happy life on Earth.
To get an ancestral altar going is a great beginner practice, and a low-risk investment of time. Our Temple offers customized direction or assistance with setting up an ancestral alter for the first time, for about the same cost as a consultation. Contact us here, and one of our Temple leaders will be in touch.
Oba Ifagbemi both initiates seekers locally at his Temple and can coordinate trips to West Africa. Some of the various Orisas one may initiate to include the following: Ifa, Esu, Obatala, Osun, Sango, Ogun, Osoosi, Obaluaye, Yewa, Yemoja, Olokun, Oya, Egbe, Osanyin, Egungun, Gelede, and various societies within the tradition, etc. Please contact us for details on how to arrange this if you are interested.
Spiritual work begins with listening and guidance.
You deserve to understand any work recommended for you. I explain what Ifá has revealed, what the offering or ceremony involves, and how to approach it with care and respect.
There is room for your questions. Together, we consider the guidance and the steps appropriate to your circumstances, without rushing your decision or promising a particular result.