ORISA LIFESTYLE ACADEMY
  • OrisaLifestyle
  • Membership
  • Certification
  • Classes
  • Books
  • Testimonials
  • BLOG
  • SHOP

Orisa Lifestyle in Trinidad

5/18/2018

2 Comments

 
Picture
I recently visited a spiritual curio shop in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Everything about the experience was unique. For starters, the place was very bright and well-lit. No dusty figurines. No cluttered display cases. No shadowy corners. Instead, there were 8-10 shelves, stocked with a variety of spiritual healing oils. Some were labeled by their functions. Others were labeled by their contents. I was particularly intrigued by the High John oil because of the importance of John the Conqueror in Hoodoo.

However, the most distinguishing feature of this particular shop was the fact that it was operated by four Black men; the eldest and most authoritative of whom was very dark and lean… He reminded me of Snoop Dog, to be honest. His features and mannerisms were lanky and tree-like. The next eldest was very light skinned, with a white beard. There was a cunning, even mischievous aire about him. The third among them – who was in his mid forties - was tall, thin and brown skinned, with a very deliberate gaze. He wasted no time in demonstrating that was a seer, a living oracle.  He spoke to me in proverbs, making sure I was properly reading between the lines.

There’s no doubt about it; Trinidad is Orisa country. The heritage is strong there and it has had an indelible impact upon Trinidadian popular culture. Everything from Calypso to provisions are direct manifestations of Orisa Lifestyle. Of course, the most tangible evidence of Yoruba tradition survives in the medicines, rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the Orisa. I was so deeply honored to spend a little time with the Iwori Meji Temple, lead by the family of Awotunde Elebuibon. Baba Mitch – as he is known in the community – is part of an important Orisa Lineage, rooted in Port of Spain’s Belmont district.

During our very brief time together, we could see that what elders say is absolutely true; When one ori is blessed it reaches out to two hundred others. Within ten minutes of meeting one another, Baba Mitch and I were on Trinidadian radio, in the presence of his family, as well as responsible elders, like Baba Neal Rawlins and Iya Fabunmi Rhonda Valentine, making prayers for the entire Nation! Shortly thereafter, we were in communion with the divinities through song, drum and chant. Finally, we were made privy to the wise directives of Ifa.

We pray that our ancestors will continue to allow us to envision good people and that our feet will continue to carry us to the place where good people meet. Ase! We remember what Ifa has taught us, that When we get to the house of a respected elder, we bend down low! Orunmila wanted to know who among all the Orisa could accompany their devotee on a long journey, even across the oceans, without ever turning back. One by one, all the Orisa claimed the ability and oe by one, they all failed. It was Ori alone who could accompany its devotee on a long journey, even across the sea, and never depart from him or her.

And so, we give eternal thanks to the blessings that Ori has seen even when we ourselves have been blinded. Ase! We give thanks that our feet have brought us into the presence of good people. Ase! We pray that soon, we shall reconvene in greater abundance at the feet of Ope, the sacred palm of Orunmila! ASE!!! 

Obafemi Origunwa, MA | OrisaLifestyle.com
#OrisaLifestyle
#PersonalPriesthood
#LivetheMedicine
​#TiwanTiwa
2 Comments
Iya Ifabunmi Rhonda Valentine-Charles
5/19/2018 06:30:17 pm

Aboru. Aboye. Abosise.

Ekaasan Baba Obafemi Origunwa. It was a Pleasure to have you visit our Country of Trinidad and Tobago. We ThAnkh Our Ancestors for bringing you to us and taking you Safely Back Home. I/We look forward to joining with you to Strengthen Our IFA/Orisa Family Bond and creating Friendships.

I/We look forward to Your next Visit to Our Sacred Land and I Do Pray that You will be able to spend a Longer Period of Time with Us.

Gbogbo Ire ati Ase.

Reply
Obafemi link
5/22/2018 05:24:22 am

Àboyè àbosíse Iya... Thank you for your hospitality and thoughtfulness. If Olodumare will allow it, and the ancestors will support it, I'm confident that we'll see one another again and again . Trinidad is calling and I'm going to answer ! Àse !

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    FREE Orisa Shrines eBOOK

    Picture

    Archives

    March 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    November 2017
    May 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014



    Picture
    IFA DIVINATION

    RSS Feed


    Picture
    Membership

    Picture

    Picture
Live the Medicine
Photo used under Creative Commons from Mary Gillham Archive Project
  • OrisaLifestyle
  • Membership
  • Certification
  • Classes
  • Books
  • Testimonials
  • BLOG
  • SHOP