Grandmother's Council

The Grandmother’s Council of Indigenous Elders International
have requested the rest of us join them in the following meditation:

The Gulf of Mexico needs healing and cleaning. It is not something we can do with our hands. There are people who know what to physically do and they have to do that. The real healing and cleansing of the Gulf is energetic and it is light. We are being called to use the Net of Light. I am sharing this request that was shared with me. Please join us. Your focused attention is required and appreciated by all and the earth and all life on it.

The Grandmother’s Council of Indigenous Elders Worldwide have requested the rest of us join them in the following meditation. Their website link is below the request.

We ask you to cast, anchor, and hold the Net of Light steady for the Gulf of Mexico . This crisis is affecting the entire world, and humanity is asleep. Wake up! Animals are dying, plants are dying, and your Mother is writhing in agony. If you hold the Net of Light steady at this time you will help stave off further catastrophe.

You have been lulled into a false sleep, told that others (B.P.) will take care of this problem. This is not so. And this is not the time for you to fall into oblivion. Determine now to stay awake, and once you have made that commitment, think of, cast, and hold the Net of Light. Hold it deep and hold it wide. Amplify its reach to penetrate the waters of the Gulf and dive deep beneath the crust of Mother Earth. Anchor it at the earth’s core and as you hold it there, ask it to unify with the mineral kingdom of this planet. It will do this and will harmonize with all the solid and liquid mineral states on earth-including oil and gas. The Net of Light will call these minerals back into harmony.

Whatever human beings have damaged, human beings must correct. This is the law. We repeat: This is the law. You cannot sit back and ask God to fix the mess humanity has created. Each of you must throw your shoulders to the wheel and work. We are asking for your help. Several years ago we gave you the Net of Light so you would be able to help the earth at times like this. Step forward now. This is the Net of Light that will hold the earth during the times of change that are upon you.

First move into your heart and call on us. We will meet you there. The Net of Light is lit by the jewel of your heart, so move into this lighted place within you and open to the Net of which you are a part. Bask in its calming presence. It holds you at the same time that you hold it. Now think of magnifying your union with us. We, the Great Council of the Grandmothers, are with you now, and all those who work with the Net of Light are also with you. There are thousands, even millions now connected in light. Along with this union, call forth the power of the sacred places on earth. These will amplify the potency of our joint effort. Then call on the sacred beings that have come to prevent the catastrophe that threatens to overwhelm your planet. We will work together.

Think of, cast and magnify the presence of the Net of Light in the Gulf of Mexico . See, imagine or think of it holding the waters, holding the land, the plants, the sea life, and the people, holding them all! The Net of Light is holding them steady; it is returning them to balance. Let the love within your lighted heart keep pouring into the Net of Light and hold, hold, hold. Calmly and reverently watch as the light from your heart flows along the strands of the Net. It will follow your command and continuously move forth. As soon as you think of it, it will happen. We ask you to practice this for only a few minutes at a time, but to repeat it throughout the day and night.

We promise that this work with the Net of Light will do untold good. We are calling you to service now. You are needed. Do not miss this opportunity.  We thank you and bless you.

International Council of 13 Indigenous eEders

 Grandmothers’s council:  http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/

Well the journey continues.  Last month’s reading promised a complete destiny change with respect to money and things related to money.  Perhaps your received a promotion and have begun receiving the recognition due you.  You have begun changing attitudes towards your personal intimate relationships and have come to or are coming to the realizations that you do not desire punishment but rather a reciprocal loving relationship.  This month’s reading continues along the similar energies promising expansion in your personal creative works if you continue the inner work necessary to manifest the ire (positive manifestation).

Primary Odu Ogbedi address the relationship between Ogbe (principle male energy) as it moves into the energy of manifestation.  Specifically, it describes the relationship between Obatala and Yemoja and promises the manifestation of children. These children could be literal but for most of us it is symbolic of the expansion of clients in our work, business, or personal circle.

The Ire of this reading was determined by Osa Meji.  Remember that from December!  The recipient has come to new levels of understanding about the self. Carried through the Solstice of personal reflection, the individual is emerging with new perceptions on old issues, has embraced and subsequently transformed those perceptions and is ready to create a new life experience.

The type of Ire is determined by Ogbe Oyeku in the area of marriage or intimate relationships. Barriers to intimacy have clarified, embraced, and are resolving.  The recipient is able to move forward into more positive, wholesome and fulfilling intimate relationships. The burden of shame is lifted and the recipient can move forward without fear of harm.

Ogunda Ogbemanifested in Ori, the area of our personal divinity; our thoughts our chosen destiny.  Ogun, the energy of moving through barriers has come from behind to outshine Ogbe. However, the energies of Ogun imply that though much has been achieved there is still work to be done.  That the reading s in a positive state, Ogunda Ogbe says that the recipient has the energy is now present to accomplish the remaining task.

Ogunda Ogbe points to Money issues as the next area of one’s life requiring personal attention (Odi Oyeku in the source of money)

Idin Kulu Kulu 
Oye Kulu Kulu
Cast divination for the Grass Cutter
That was going through Ifa to Osun because of children
The grass cutter is the one crying because of children
He was asked to offer sacrifice to have children
And also make provisions for the earthly enemies
He sacrificed for children
But neglected the sacrifice for the earthly enemies
When he got to Osun
He started having children
All the cutlasses, heavy clubs and sticks that were
Mandated for him as sacrifice
The Grass Cutter forgot hem
As man hunts for the bust
And burns the wild forests
The Grass Cutter would run for safety
Man would then throw clubs at them
He started praising his Babalawos belatedly….

The work is half done. Having been unburdened by negative relationships, this is the time to pay bills, make arrangements to pay debts and resolve debts with others least creditors and collectors interfere with the ability to enjoy the relationships one desires to develop.  If you have come into some money already and are holding on to this (that tax refund) you are encouraged to resolve any unfinished financial issues.  More money is on the way. The recipient is encouraged to enjoy the present.  The joy and new excitement about living has been earned. Use this new energy to take care of the rest of the old business that you set on the shelf.  Now is the time to finish!

“Ogbe Oyeku, Father of Combinations. (1)He lives to a ripe old age; the diviner of Rod(2) was the one who cast Ifa for Rod.  Before Rod dies, the elders of Iwororo will nearly all be dead…”

This month’s reading could not be better if we had hand-picked it.  Primary Ogbe Oyeku speaks of a change in destiny for those who have been working through the revelations produced by the severe introspective energies of Oya. Ifa say’s the protagonist, having experienced an apparent unsuccessful or challenging life, is suddenly and unexpectedly placed in a position of respect, honor and financial success.  The key is that this person has been working for a long time to achieve success without a lot of positive results.  However, the truth is that this one’s diligence has built the necessary character and learning necessary to reap the abundant rewards.

Ogbe Oyeku speaks to the lesson of patience.  Many of us equate patience with waiting.  Patience is not waiting.  It is the process of slowly building a power base.  It is a process of continual and steady motion towards the goal.  Waiting is a stagnating energy.  Many of us work at creating a thing, and often become envious of the success of others who seem to create success with relatively little effort.  The answer lies in not giving up and making steady progress towards the goal.  This reading says that the work has paid off and your time has come.

The positive state of the reading is determined by Ogbe Tomopon which says, “Helping as a baby carrier has no benefits. When a baby cries, it is the mother one would call out to….”  In Nigeria, children are seen as a status of wealth and success.  One could take care of another’s child, but in the end the child will always seek its own mother for comfort.  Ogbe Tomopon encourages the client to offer sacrifice in order to have her own child.  In light of the primary Odu, Ogbe Tomopon says, your own measure of success has come.  The processes and necessary energies to manifest your success are now present and the object of your desire will begin to manifest.

Ogunda Meji (complete abundance) determined the type of positive manifestation in the area of money and wealth (owo) and points to long life (Alafia) and abundance through Ika Ofun.

Whether the Ori (mind) of Ika is tight or it is loose

It is one’s Ori that gives one the good fortunes

Cast divination for Dendere

The mother of the Moon Crescent in heaven

“Would I see good things at all?”

“Would good things stay with me?” she asked

She was asked to perform sacrifice.

The Moon Crescent performed the sacrifice

All the stars stayed with the moon

All good things stayed with her

She brought back many children…
Can’t get better than that!  Again, it is one’s character and perseverance and sacrifice that bring this energy to bear.  Continue doing what you are doing.  The energies have shifted in your behalf and your final path is beginning to reveal itself.  Look for and allow yourself to receive assistance from new people in your life.  Remember to express gratitude for and to all those who have assisted you along the way.

Ase
1.  There are 16 primary Odus ( principles) in the tradition of Ifa.  These 16 are then combined in various orders to produce 256 principles.  The first combination is Obge Oyeku.  Consequently  this combination is called the father of all other combinations or Amulus.
2.  This refers to a rod made of iron or brass as used by priests of Oshun (Nature Spirit of the Waters) or the Ogboni Society( keepers of social mores; community court).  It takes a long time for metals to decay and the metaphor alludes to long life.

Ibi

This Month’s reading speaks of difficulties (Ibi)   in the home environment due to conflicts in intimate relationships (Ose Ogbe).  These conflicts are the result of both parties being resistant to change (Irete Meji). Both individuals may have retreated to their respective corners and the relationship is at a stalemate.

Ose Ogbe, when in a positive state speaks of enjoyable relationships; intimate, friendship, social opening in abundance.  there is a sweetness to relationships and joy is had by all.  In ibi, Ose Ogbe speaks of emotional upheaval in relationships.  Ifa encourages us to take our space; catch our breath and avoid people and relationships where we are not supported.  This is not necessarily a permanent situation, but it is time to take space and be reflective.   Osa Iwori speaks of having many detractors; people who are against us and supports the need to seek refuge, self-protection and personal sacrifice. It also speaks of overwhelming support and intervention from Spirit if we approach with heartfelt humility.

Irete Meji speaks of the unchangeable of the situation. The core nature of the relationship will not change. It is faulty and a new foundation must be created.  However, Irete Meji also speaks of the  need to use humility the basis for compromise to bring a positive, by this we mean a peaceful ending and possible new, and different relationship.  True sacrifice requires that we first honor ourselves;  find and offer from our greatest strength. Then, it is necessary to choose the outcome one desires and move toward it. When  we give something from our strength and  the heart without resentment, we avoid bitterness if the desired outcome is not achieved. the doors remain open to build something new.

The energies of this reading, with appropriate sacrifice, (appropriate giving) resolves in Ogbe Iwori. One of my favorite Odus is truncated below:

Ogbe Look back 
in case your dog kills the ikin rat( a rat used exclusively for offering to Orunmila)
the Babalawo of the hunter cast divination for the hunter…

Ogbe look back
in case your dog kills the ikin rat
Cast divination for the farmer….. 
both were asked to make sacrifice and take care of the earth…
(reference to a particular ceremonial offering to bring abundance and peace)

… both went into the forests to hunt and farm and encountered each other on their journeys. Rather than becoming territorial over the land, the Hunter gave the Farmer meat, and the Farmer gave the hunter yams, thus avoiding conflict and creating mutual prosperity. Each acted cautiously (Ogbe Iwori) and gained mutual respect for their differences and abundance.

Again, the energies of needing to change our beliefs and consequently, our behaviors, continue through the month of March.  Remember, that while change can be difficult, it is only painful when we are in resistance.  Sacrifice our ego and resistance and see the situation from the other’s perspective. Take plenty of time for refuge to support the self, and give from your abundance; not your weakness.

What a beautiful way to learn about Orisha Oshun!  This wonderful video by the acapella group Women of the Calabash present many aspects of Oshun.  Oshun the beautiful, Oshun the river, Oshun of abundance.  My favorite aspect is Oshun Ibukule, the intercessor.  It is this aspect of Oshun that entreated Olodumare to not destroy the world with a flood to punish humanity. Because of her fervent effort, Olodumare repented and spared the world. The lesson;  For every hundred wicked, there is at least one righteous person worth sparing.  Focus on the positive, for in every thing negative there is something positive and life is worth the living. . 

An instructive video on the most controversial entities in the Yoruba tradition:  the Iyami.  The Iyami are one of the Karmic enforcers of the universe.  They, along with Eshu, are the entities which are the hub and spoke on the saying, “What goes around, comes around.”  all references in the Odu Ifa speak of the harm they bring to individuals, usually as the result of breaking universal law. 

Orunmila, the Orisha responsible for bringing the tradition of Ifa into the world showed kindness to the Iyami.  As a result, the Iyami have a pact with him that they will never harm his children.  The children, or priest of Orunmila, wear a sacred bracelette and necklace as symbols of that pact.  The Awo’s (particular level of priesthood in Ifa) have the ability to entreat the Iyami to stop acts of harm.

In this video the Seven Iyami, aslo known as the Mothers, ask Obatala for permission to enter the world.  Obatala tells the Iyami that he must ask of the sixteen Odu, or sixteen Keepers of Universal princple, for one to lead them into the world.  The first nine, fearing the strength of the Mothers, refuse the task.  Osa Meji, the tenth Odu agrees to lead the Iyami into the world.  Consequently, we say that the Iyami manifest in Osa Meji. When Osa Meji or one of his children manifest in a reading we know immediately that the individual is having trouble, usually as the result of something that individual has done.  

Oya, the Spirit of Wind, or thought  will  also  also manifest in Osa Meji to bring clarity to the situation. No stone is left unturned.  When Osa appears it is for the individual to search the intentions behind their behaviors and make amends as appropriate.

Type: Loss         Osa Meji

Ibi          Odi Meji

Primary Odu:         Iwori Meji

The annual reading speaks of the need to examine self and see your self as you truly are and not as you believe yourself to be.

The February reading continues on this theme with the the need to look more closely at our relationships (Ose Odi)and what beliefs (Iwori Meji) we act out in our personal,intimate relationships that could lead to the loss of the relationship (ibi Odi Meji). Now is the time to be truly honest withourselves before attempting to be honest with others. We have been believing something about ourself that is not true.

 We are the product of our past. More often than not, we enter in intimate relationships bringing the past and unresolved bagge with us into that relationship. These unresloved issues impact our behaviors in a negative way due to our projecting onto the current partner those unresloved issues. We then wonder why there is a problem in the relationship.

We may carry beliefs such as,” so and so was unfaithful,therefore my current partner will be unfaithful”.  We then snoop into our partner’s emails, and cell phone; question our partner relentlessly about where they are going and what they are doing, even though the partner has done nothing to warrant that type of behavior.

Iwori Meji implies that the belif system impacting the relationship is more subtle than the example above.  Let’s say some one abused you as a child then gave you gifts and trinkets to please you. Over time, you forget the abuse but remember the gifts. You then develop a belief that money and gits equate with love.  In your current relationship your partner does not always give you money or gifts and you conclude that your partnerdoes not love you. You begin pressuring your partner for money and gifts when what you are actually looking  for are demonstrations of love and attention.

The reading  suggests that you begin with with the feeling of not feeling loved and look back through your relationships to find the patern. Keep looking until you you come to the relationship where the feelings began. Exmanie that relationship closely, from and adult perspective; the gifts given to you as a child and when. While the child may see the behaviors and subsequent gifts as demonstrations of love, the adult may see it as “hush money” and that it was not love nor demonstrations of love at all that wer received as a child.  The adult would then be required to redefine what it means to be loved and to re-examine the current relationship from that perspective; hopefully before the relationship is seriously damaged or lost.

In addition, the adult will need to heal the child that was abused. Feelings of betrayl, abandonment, and rage may surface in the example given above. Let these surface so the child can release the truth of what was experienced and the adult can let go.

The reading suggests that the issues needing clarification are  just below the surface, trying to rise
and it is important to release the resistance to seeing the truth about you. Seek emotional and spiritual support during this time to work with these issues.

Spider Who Sings

Second Witness: Ogunda Meji

First Witness: Ogbe T'omopon

Primary Odu: Ogbe Sotito

The reading of the year was revealed in the Ile of Baba Awodele Ifayemi, in Denver Colorado. The primary Odu was cast by our youngest awo; Ogbe Sotito – Jason Tibbitt, the first witness was cast by Eji Ogbe Michael Bolden, and the second witness was cast by Eji Ogbe Fatu.

Ifa says that no matter the condition in which you may find yourself, you must never lie. You must never cheat or be dishonest.

Ifa says that those who are cheating you will find themselves to blame in the end. On this Ifa says:
If a Babalawo is in grave want
Let the Babalawo lie not
If a herbalist is in need
Let the herbalist not be dishonest
Let no one lie or display dishonesty
These are the declarations of Ifa to Orunmila
When unknown people (pretenders) were waging was against him
He was advised to offer sacrifice
He complied.

This is a partial repost of the annual reading given by Awo Dele Ifayemi on January 15, 2010.  The energies of the year speak for the need for individuals to maintain their integrity, even in the face of financial hardships.  As we know, some times this is hard to do without bitterness or frustration.  We watch those who achieve success by cheating, lack of honesty and mainpulation and wonder, as the faithful Job, …”why do the wicked prosper ( Ogunda Meji resistance)?

Odu Ogbe Sotito resolves into an energy of  hidden things being revealed.  More specifically, secrets and the “real deal” coming to light suddenly and in a manner which cannot be denied or disputed. Individuals gaining succes through less than honest means will be exposed. For this reason, thosestanding in their own integrity, even though their may be hardships are encouraged to continue to do (Ogbe T’omopon).  There will be exoneration in the end with success that is more enduring.  this trusts manifests in trust from one’s family, friends and community as well as increased financial well being.

visit ileifa.org for the complete reading from Awo Dele Ifayemi