Orishada.com has recently travelled to the diaspora and has learned many things about how Orisha worship is practiced so far away from the source of the Yoruba people, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. We should first point out that it is much appreciated the stuggle of those in the Afrikan diaspora to keep and maintain the worshipping practices of their ancestors and the sacrifice it takes to have maintained over what has spanned many centuries. However, today is a new day and with modern conveniences such at internet, phones, airplanes, etc it is very possible to see, understand and gather information directly from the source of Orisha worship.
The major inconsistencies in the names, adura, and initiation practices, to begin with are grossly different than what is practiced in Ile-Ife. We recognize that not all diaspora Orisha worship is aimed at emulating what is practiced Ile-Ife but for those that are using the name of Ile-Ife, to attract clientèle it is unfortunate how many of the practices in these Iles are so very inconsistent with those in the Source.
Specifically we would like to clear up some major inconsistencies. Some major points about initiations include: One is never beaten, made to be exposed naked before members of the opposite sex, there is no intercourse required to receive “ase,” there is a huge difference between receiving an Orisha and being initiated to one and a full Ifa initiation is 7 days long. When a person is initiated they should receive their own divined Odu Ifa, Oriki, personal taboos, and general information about their odu Ifa, how to care for their Ifa and instructions for worship in the future. One should not be initiated and left in the dark or forced to pay extra money for what should have been included in the original 7 day initiation. After one is initiated they are not considered Babalawo or Iyanifa. These are titles bestowed on very learned priests after years of study. One does not become a pastor simply by being baptized, it takes many years of dedication and focus.
Also, Orisha worship is part of a culture, the Yoruba culture and to properly worship one must practice the culture. There is no separating the two. There are cultural norms and protocols for men as well as women. Iles claiming to practice Ifa and Orisha worship as taught from Orunmila must also attempt to practice the culture. Orishada witnessed women inappropriately dressed at temple sites and men shaking hands with their elders. This among other things is not tolerated in Yoruba culture where respect is of paramount importance.
Unfortunately, we found that some Babalawos do not praise Orunmila but praise money. They are more concerned about collecting clients without educating them and using the name of Orunmila to gain prestige.
If you have any further questions about initiations or Ifa and Orisha worship in Ile-Ife please respond to this post.
The next post will focus on Iwa Pele and the nature of human character.