Prayers & Requests
Ifa – Morning Prayers to Your Ori
Sep
Ifá is a Yoruba religion and system of divination. Ifa is the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. This religion reveals all that was, all that is, and all that will be. Also, her followers are blessed with the wisdom to understand this knowledge and use it properly. Ifá is practised throughout the Americas, West Africa, and the Canary Islands, in the form of a complex religious system, and plays a critical role in the traditions of Santería, Candomblé, Palo, Umbanda, Vodou, and other Afro-American faiths, as well as in some traditional African religions.
In traditional Ifa, there is no hell and there is no Satan or devil. Olodumare (God) is the creator of all things and all forces. The breath of Olodumare gives life to all that exists in heaven and earth.
Babalawos or Iyanifas use either the divining chain known as Opele, or the sacred palm or kola nuts called Ikin, on the wooden divination tray called Opon Ifá. The Ifá divination system was added in 2005 by UNESCO to its list of the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. (1)
Ifá is also used in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería. The two are closely linked, sharing the same mythology and conception of the universe, although Ifá also has a separate existence from Santería. High priests of Ifá are known as babalawos and although their presence is not essential to Santería ceremonies, they often attend in their capacity as diviners.
In Yorubaland, divination gives priests unreserved access to the teachings of Orunmila (Orunmila is identified as the Grand Priest, as he revealed divinity and prophecy to the world). Eshu is the one said to lend ashe to the oracle during the provision of direction and or clarification of counsel. Eshu is also the one that holds the keys to one’s ire (fortune or blessing) and thus acts as Oluwinni (one’s Creditor): he can grant ire or remove it.
Ifá divination rites provide an avenue of communication to the spiritual realm and the intent of one’s destiny.
Controversies and modern adaptions
- Many santeros are also babalawos, although it is not uncommon for babalawos to perceive themselves as being superior to most santeros
- Traditionally, only heterosexual men are allowed to become babalawos, although homosexual male babalawos now exist due to the more open policy for Santería initiates.
- Women are typically prohibited from taking on this role, a restriction explained through the story that the òrìṣà (pronounced “orisha” or “oricha” in Spanish) Orula was furious that Yemayá, his wife, had used his tabla divining board and subsequently decided to ban women from ever touching it again. In spite of this legend, by the early 21st century, a small number of women have since been initiated as babalawos.
- Initiation as a babalawo requires a payment to the initiator and is typically regarded as highly expensive.
Morning Prayers
Your ORI can roughly be translated as your consciousness or higher self. We are asking for guidance and to be brought into alignment with the universe and our environment.
The best time to pray is after you get out of bed. You want to raise your arms, stretch your legs rinse out your mouth and say a quick prayer to your “GOD”. I say God because many people reading this Will be following a different religion and so it’s always important to honour the God in which you believe most. Next, here is the suggestion for praying to your own ORI.
Morning Prayer 1
Ori, I honor you and give you thanks.
It is you who are with me through every event of life.
My Ori is a good Ori.
Good Ori is my direct link to Olorun.
Good Ori is Olorun’s essence within me.
Good Ori is open to receive the blessings that Olorun sends to me.
Good Ori is my Ori.
Good Ori is open to the wisdom of Ifa.
Good Ori is open to the guidance of Orunmila.
Good Ori accepts assistance from Orisa.
Good Ori welcomes and embraces Egungun.
Good Ori welcomes assistance from Egungun.
Good Ori is my Ori.
Ori, I ask you to always keep my doors open.
Ori, I ask you to always bring me blessings.
Ori, I ask you to always support me through difficult times.
Ori, I ask you to always celebrate the good times with me.
Ori, I embrace you, and ask that you always embrace me.
Ase, Ase, Ase o!
Morning Prayer 2
Olodumare is unseen, but sees all. Olodumare is the source of all that exists.
OLODUMARE
Olodumare, mo ji loni. Mo wo’gun merin aye.
Creator, I greet the new day. I greet the four directions that create the world.
Igun ‘kini, igun ‘keji, igun ‘keta, igun ‘kerin Olojo oni.
The first corner, the second corner, the third corner, the fourth corner are owners of the day.
Gbogo ire gbaa tioba wa nile aye. Wa fun mi ni temi. T’aya -t ‘omo t’egbe – t – ogba,
They brought us the good fortune that sustains us on earth. They bring me all things that sustain my spirit,
wa fi yiye wa. Ki of f’ona han wa. Wa fi eni -eleni se temi,
With you there is no failure, we praise the road you created, nothing can block the power of the Spirit.
Alaye o alaye o. Afuyegegege meseegbe. Alujonu eniyan ti nf’owo ka le.
We praise the Light of the Earth; it sustains the abundance of Creation.
A ni kosi igi meji ninu igbo bu obi. Eyiti o ba ya’ko a ya abidun – dun — dun — dun. Alaye o, alaye o.
It brings us the food of the forest. It brings us the sweet things in life. We praise the Light of the Earth; we praise the Light of the Earth.
Ase.
May it be so.
Note:
- Ori means Soul/Spiritual head
- Olorun means God
References:
- “Ifa Divination System”. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If%C3%A1
- https://www. scribd.com /doc/126870497/Ifa-Morning-Prayers
- https://atla.libguides.com/c.php?g=1138564&p=8384919 cheese up for you Angela and then I can post my lemon jail utan
