There is a popular saying that became a great Blues tune. It says, You can't spend what you ain't got and you can't miss what you ain't never had. I think this is really true when it comes to culture. If you don't have it, you can't exchange with others who do. So, if someone greets you, Eku ojo meta, but you're unfamiliar with Yoruba language, you won't know how to respond. More importantly, if you have no memory of your family ever speaking any language other than English, you probably won't care.
Orisa Lifestyle is greater than Yoruba religion precisely because it engages the physical, emotional and mental activities associated with the culture that sustains the religion. Too often, the vast array of rituals and ceremonies, with their chants, songs, drumming, dances and costumes, create so much excitement that you will be carried away with what happens in the shrine and ignore the traditional context for the values espoused by the religion. Without a clear and definitive understanding of the relationship between Yoruba culture and religion, your practice will be one-sided, sterile and hollow. At best, you can hope to become a good magician under such circumstances.
Living the medicine means healing your life and the lives of those you are destined to serve. This is, by definition, a collective effort that far exceeds the limitations of the shrine or temple. Learn more at www.OrisaLifestyle.com
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