Because Orisa Studies is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates elements of anthropology, art history, Yoruba history, language, philosophy and religious studies, students are typically unaware of the range of preparation that is necessary to become truly adept.
Whether you're trying to establish your personal practice or take your professional priesthood to the next level, our courses and certifications will help you succeed in Orisa Lifestyle.
Whether you're trying to establish your personal practice or take your professional priesthood to the next level, our courses and certifications will help you succeed in Orisa Lifestyle.
OVERVIEW AND COURSES
Each student pursuing an Orisa Lifestyle Certificate will choose, in consultation with the Orisa Studies advisor, one of the following courses of study:
Each course of study comprises approximately one year of coursework, study and practice. Once all coursework has been completed, each successful candidate will complete a one year practicum. Ideally a student should complete the certification process within three to five years.
- Orisa Ritual Specialist: Bring about balance and harmony by performing the sacred rituals of Orisa Lifestyle, according to the West African tradition.
- Personal Priesthood Coaching: Use the teachings of Orisa Lifestyle to help people make progress in their lives in order to attain greater fulfillment
- Holistic Health Coaching: Use an integrative approach to diet, spirituality, wealth and lifestyle changes to cultivate total wellness.
Each course of study comprises approximately one year of coursework, study and practice. Once all coursework has been completed, each successful candidate will complete a one year practicum. Ideally a student should complete the certification process within three to five years.
1. School of orisa studies
This program gives students a firm foundation in the core practices associated with all forms of authentic Orisa devotion. Our unique teaching methodology is rooted in Orunmila's three-fold approach to spiritual training and development. This approach provides students with ample exposure to ritual specialization, mental health and holistic healing.
Our students are immersed in a rigorous exploration of Orisa Lifestyle. They are trained in three performance areas on six levels. These experiences arm students with the time management, teamwork and leadership skills necessary to succeed in spiritual and social endeavors. Regular habits—including recitation, prayer and divination—are considered among the most valuable features of an SOS education.
Starting in June 2021, all new students will be required to have the following:
Our students are immersed in a rigorous exploration of Orisa Lifestyle. They are trained in three performance areas on six levels. These experiences arm students with the time management, teamwork and leadership skills necessary to succeed in spiritual and social endeavors. Regular habits—including recitation, prayer and divination—are considered among the most valuable features of an SOS education.
Starting in June 2021, all new students will be required to have the following:
- Altar kit
- Text books
- Uniform
2. INTRO TO YORUBA SPIRITUALITY
This is a four part survey course that will introduce you to the role of Orisa Lifestyle within the context of Yoruba civilization. The Intro to Yoruba Spirituality is necessary for any devotee, no matter which tradition you practice, because the course provides an overview of the tradition at its roots. Not only that, the Intro to Yoruba Spirituality also highlights the spiritual laws that govern Orisa devotion around the world. The more clearly you can understand concepts like the role of divination, family structure and divine kingship, the more deeply you will appreciate the true meaning of sacrifice, initiation and priesthood. This course is essential for helping you start your journey with focus and clarity.
3. CERTIFICATIONS
Upon completion of the Intro to Yoruba Spirituality, all students will select a course of study (i.e., Personal Priesthood Coaching, Orisa Ritual Specialist, Holistic Health Coaching). Then, over a three - five year period, successful candidates will complete intensive certification courses.
Ritual Specialist Certifications
Ritual Specialist Certifications
- Ifa Veneration
- Osun Veneration
- Oya
- Sango Veneration
- Egbe Veneration
- Obi Level II
- Orisa Music/Song
- Omi Ero
- 16 Essential Traits of Personal Priesthood
- Fundamentals of Orisa Lifestyle
- Daily Devotion [Seven Day Calendar]
- Implementation
- Storytelling
- Coaching
- Ifa Medicines, Charms & Protection
- Healing Modalities
- Implementation
- Dream Analysis & Interpretation
- 16 Essential Traits of Personal Priesthood
- 16 Symbols of the Olodu
- Coaching
4. PRACTICUM
The year-long practicum, required of all candidates, provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills under supervision in a laboratory setting. The practicum is a supervised experience in which Orisa Lifestyle theory is applied to practice and it provides candidates experiences in serving in real time settings within the School of Orisa Studies. Typically, these interactions are recorded and afterwards, students receive feedback from their course supervisors and peers through individual and group class meetings. The practice of skills in school, ritual and clinical settings is considered a necessary condition to develop professional competencies.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL
Our program is designed for anyone who:
Our program is designed for anyone who:
- Can dedicate 4-8 hours a week to learn the foundations of the religion online
- Yearns for intellectual & spiritual growth
- Desires to be an Orisa priest, priestess or healer
- Aims to truly learn African traditional wisdom
- Aspires to be a Scholar of Orisa Studies
- Is committed to African Spiritual Liberation
Service, Not Selfishness
Sango did not survive the Middle Passage so that you might get a red car. Osun did not survive the plantation so that you might get more lingerie. Likewise, our tradition is not about accumulating beads, pots and titles. At OLA, we recognize the Orisa as agents of spiritual liberation. We teach the value of service over selfishness. Our students pledge to abide by the academy's core values of honor, duty and respect for African liberation, both on the Continent and in Diaspora. We understand that the Orisa show us how to care for one another and advance the divine nature of African culture. Our objective is to produce leaders who will change the world through positive influence.
Learn what a PERSONAL PRIESTHOOD CERTIFIED COACH is, where the global Orisa tradition is headed, and how you can become a major contributor to this growing movement.
GET THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ORISA LIFESTYLE CERTIFICATION
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IN THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ORISA LIFESTYLE CERTIFICATION, YOU WILL LEARN:
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The Next Level
Exceptional devotees take pride in their physical and financial fitness. They understand that the physical body must be conditioned to carry out the spiritual mission. One enduring value of an OLA education is our holistic approach to Orisa Lifestyle. We believe that the head, the heart and the hands all work together to refine the soul. Our students are encouraged to actively seek out opportunities to activate the teachings through hands on experiences, including yoga, martial arts and nutrition.
Follow the Leader!
If you’re looking for a transformative experience that will give you knowledge and skills that will prepare you for the highest levels of spiritual leadership, the Orisa Lifestyle Academy is the place for you. Located in Decatur, Georgia, OLA offers an African centered educational experience set in a culturally-rich environment. Through our extensive offering of streaming and pre-recorded courses, you will learn the teachings of Obafemi Origunwa, who is at the forefront of Orisa-related education and training. You will learn what it means to be part of a learning community. You will develop enduring friendships. You will learn authentic tradition. And in three to five years, you will emerge wiser, more compassionate, more confident, ready to make a meaningful contribution to the people who matter most. You will become a leader.
Obafemi Origunwa founded the Orisa Lifestyle Academy (OLA) as an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher. OLA is dedicated to being a resource for its members, who include priests, devotees and students. Our objective is to help African Americans better understand the Yoruba world and the choices we face in pursuit of the Good Condition.
Obafemi Origunwa founded the Orisa Lifestyle Academy (OLA) as an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher. OLA is dedicated to being a resource for its members, who include priests, devotees and students. Our objective is to help African Americans better understand the Yoruba world and the choices we face in pursuit of the Good Condition.
