A new year, a new business, a new outlook, a new life. New beginnings on new horizons. Everything old is new again. Time is circular NOT linear. Too bad we only see in 2D. Anyway, Tania Kotsos (www.mind-your-reality.com) gives us 26 ideas to think on in the new year. I've posted nine of them here:
Awareness - Awareness allows you to choose your life rather than have it chosen for you. It is to live consciously. Be aware and change those thoughts, words and actions that do not serve you.
Balance - Seek balance in all that you think, say and do. All power resides in the centre point of the extremes. To be out of balance is to be out of control. Live by the maxim “nothing in excess”.
Consciousness - Consciousness is the essence of your mind. Endeavour to make your conscious mind the leader, your subconscious the follower and your higher consciousness your ruler.
Detachment - Attachment breeds panic, fear and disempowerment which detachment transforms into peace of mind, certainty and empowerment. The route to effortless detachment is faith.
Energy - All is energy. Mind is potential energy, matter is material energy and thought is the power that transmutes mind into matter. This physical transmutation of energy is subject to time.
Faith - “Faith is the evidence of things not seen”. Have faith in the physical manifestation of your intention. Know that it already exists in the mental realm from which all things manifest.
Gratitude - Gratitude is an attitude of grace. Be grateful for everything you have, irrespective of whether or not it has physically materialised yet. Believe that you have received and you shall.
Harmony - Seek harmony not happiness for your life. The route to harmony is through Balance and Love in thought, word and deed. To be in harmony is to be in agreement with God.
Illusion - In the words of Albert Einstein, “reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one”. Do not take this to mean that nothing is real but rather, that you can change anything at will.
The rest are found here.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
It's All Good
Take the time to line up the Energy first, and action becomes inconsequential. If you don't take the time to line up the Energy, if you don't find the feeling place of what you're looking for, not enough action in the world will make any difference.
Esther Abraham Hicks
I post quotes from Esther Abraham Hicks because some of what she says resonates with me. Lots of times she gives me inspiration (in spirit) to write about spirit, and that is good. Ifa is a cultural spiritual tradition that allows for influences of other religions, mindsets and practices to work in harmony with Ifa practices. One of the main pillars of Ifa is Iwa Pele -- Good Character. Devotees strive to develop and maintain good character. Like Society of Soul said, "If your heart holds no truth, then your name holds no honor." I am striving for Iwa Pele, and when I do strive consistently for Iwa Pele, my energy lines up perfectly and reality is created.
According to Ifa Temple of Light, Iwa-pele sits at the threshold of the development of the individual. It is only a beginning. Even though it is a beginning, it must be attained before all other levels of development. The emphasis on the mundane levels of material attainment causes major issues and problems within the individual and within the religion itself. This emphasis overshadows the religious endeavor and perpetuates the negative stereotypes given to African religions.
One must also take into account that the development of good character produces a shield around the individual who has attained it. Baba Olaoluwa Fasade states in his book, The Orisha Speaks, "Character is like an orisha. If we behave right, it supports us." To not attain it allows the negating forces to penetrate an individual's spiritual fabric and literally "feed" on the them.
In certain instances, seekers come to a diviner believing that they are under the influence of negating forces when in actuality it is the actions of the individual that has opened the gate for them to enter. Iwa-Pele is the element that not only closes off the spiritual fabric to the negating forces, it also opens the gate for the divinities to elevate and bless a devotee."
Esther Abraham Hicks
I post quotes from Esther Abraham Hicks because some of what she says resonates with me. Lots of times she gives me inspiration (in spirit) to write about spirit, and that is good. Ifa is a cultural spiritual tradition that allows for influences of other religions, mindsets and practices to work in harmony with Ifa practices. One of the main pillars of Ifa is Iwa Pele -- Good Character. Devotees strive to develop and maintain good character. Like Society of Soul said, "If your heart holds no truth, then your name holds no honor." I am striving for Iwa Pele, and when I do strive consistently for Iwa Pele, my energy lines up perfectly and reality is created.
According to Ifa Temple of Light, Iwa-pele sits at the threshold of the development of the individual. It is only a beginning. Even though it is a beginning, it must be attained before all other levels of development. The emphasis on the mundane levels of material attainment causes major issues and problems within the individual and within the religion itself. This emphasis overshadows the religious endeavor and perpetuates the negative stereotypes given to African religions.
One must also take into account that the development of good character produces a shield around the individual who has attained it. Baba Olaoluwa Fasade states in his book, The Orisha Speaks, "Character is like an orisha. If we behave right, it supports us." To not attain it allows the negating forces to penetrate an individual's spiritual fabric and literally "feed" on the them.
In certain instances, seekers come to a diviner believing that they are under the influence of negating forces when in actuality it is the actions of the individual that has opened the gate for them to enter. Iwa-Pele is the element that not only closes off the spiritual fabric to the negating forces, it also opens the gate for the divinities to elevate and bless a devotee."
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Omo Esu Laroye
I am a child of Esu, and the path of Esu I embody is Laroye. From Orishalist.com: Eshu Laroye: Eshu Laroye is closely related to Oshun in her role as guardian of mysteries, sensuality and fertility. The word “Laroye” in a very loose translation (I don’t know any better…) would mean something like “close to, or related to, the Mothers”, which is one of the praise names for Oshun. In Santeria, Laroye is the Eshu that stands guard behind the door in his clay vessel. Phil Wayne’s point of view from Umbanda adds: Laroye is the shyster … the lawyer. If you want to win a lawsuit because you are right, go to Oxossi. If you want to win, no matter if you are right or wrong, go to Laroye. He is often pictured as a man in a business suit with a briefcase at his side, perched on a red and black trident.
Also, Eshu Alaroye is always placed behind or close to the door, guarding the home. He likes to wander the streets a lot and is involved in money and trade transactions; he can attract money or cause great losses. Alaroye is a great friend of Oshun, and works with her a lot. One time he came to her protection when Sango was trying to overpower and take advantage of her. Oshun yelled for Alaroye, and he came and stood between her and Sango, telling him to leave; the Orisa of lightning had to listen, and moved on. Laroye Biba-Kikeno, is a path of Laroye that works closely with Ifa, and let’s the Babalawo know who is coming to see him.
Quote for the Day from Esther
You are joy, looking for a way to express. It’s not just that your purpose is joy, it is that you are joy. You are love and joy and freedom and clarity expressing. Energy—frolicking and eager—that’s who you are. And so, if you’re always reaching for alignment with that, you’re always on your path, and your path will take you into all kinds of places.
--Esther Abraham Hicks.
--Esther Abraham Hicks.
Words from Iya Meri
African Traditional Religion: Iya Meri Adeola Karade Tahset
“Traditional religions were practiced in Africa before colonialism and the arrival of Christian missionaries and Islamic invaders. Although the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade disrupted the practice of African Traditional Religions by the enslaved who many times were forced to practice Christianity or Islam, it was instrumental in spreading the religious beliefs of Africa around the world, leading to the practice in North and South America. African Traditional Religion transformed to new world adaptations such as Santeria, Lucumi, Haitian Vodoun, Candomble and New World Ifa just to name a few. Although the spiritual system transformed to adapt to the new land, the basic beliefs are still the foundation of the system. The basic beliefs are as follows: one Divine Force (God), Emissaries from the Divine Force for human guidance and support, Ancestor veneration, Divination and Sacrifice.”
“The main reason that Ifa is practiced by a devotee is to embody and to manifest different attributes of the Divine Force, Olodumare. This may or may not take a lifetime. It all depends on the person."
Ifa is not a system that you can join. It is a way of life. In the words of Iya Meri “Do you join meditation? No! You practice meditation. Ifa is the same you do not join you practice it.” The practice in itself helps people to live productive and balanced lives. The practice is open to all, but there are those exceptions, some people aren’t destined to become priests or priestesses, much like other faiths.
Divination is another core belief of Ifa and other African Traditional Religions. Divination is the practice of communicating with the Divine Forces and the Ancestors. There are many different divining tools that are used in the Ifa Tradition to open up the channels of communication with the Orisha and the Ancestors. Such tools are cowry shells called meridiloggun, coconut shells or kola nuts called Obi and the Opele Chain used only by Babalawos and Iyanifas. Babalawos and Iyanifas are high priests and priestesses of the Ifa Tradition. The practice of Divination holds the belief that all things can be seen with divination and can be changed with sacrifice. There are only two things in life that cannot be seen or changed; if someone is born with bad character and the day someone will die. Divination is not merely a reading. Divination is considered to be the direct connection to the spirits and is only done by initiated priests and priestesses.
The Diviner uses their connection to help guide clients to their chosen path. The Diviner’s connection is to the spiritual oracle called Odu. Odu is the Ifa Corpus (body of knowledge) that was handed down thru oral tradition.
Sacrifice is a very important part of all African Spiritual Wisdom Systems. Sacrifice comes in many forms from releasing bad habits to feeding the hungry to the over-sensationalized process of animal sacrifice. Like Iya Meri said, “All things in the Universe require reciprocity. All things require balance. One does not get something without giving anything in return. It is vitally important in the practice of African Traditional Spiritual Paths that one recognizes that to arrive with pleas and requests and to offer nothing in return is insulting to your own soul as well as to the Deities. You have been blessed to be in a world of abundance where you can receive all that you can ask for. How can you deny that and act as if you have nothing to give? Not even a song, a story, a poem, or a dance? You have been blessed with the beauty of your human body. How can you deny its beauty by refusing to use it in honor of your God?”
And I agree 100% . Ashe’O
“Traditional religions were practiced in Africa before colonialism and the arrival of Christian missionaries and Islamic invaders. Although the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade disrupted the practice of African Traditional Religions by the enslaved who many times were forced to practice Christianity or Islam, it was instrumental in spreading the religious beliefs of Africa around the world, leading to the practice in North and South America. African Traditional Religion transformed to new world adaptations such as Santeria, Lucumi, Haitian Vodoun, Candomble and New World Ifa just to name a few. Although the spiritual system transformed to adapt to the new land, the basic beliefs are still the foundation of the system. The basic beliefs are as follows: one Divine Force (God), Emissaries from the Divine Force for human guidance and support, Ancestor veneration, Divination and Sacrifice.”
“The main reason that Ifa is practiced by a devotee is to embody and to manifest different attributes of the Divine Force, Olodumare. This may or may not take a lifetime. It all depends on the person."
Ifa is not a system that you can join. It is a way of life. In the words of Iya Meri “Do you join meditation? No! You practice meditation. Ifa is the same you do not join you practice it.” The practice in itself helps people to live productive and balanced lives. The practice is open to all, but there are those exceptions, some people aren’t destined to become priests or priestesses, much like other faiths.
Divination is another core belief of Ifa and other African Traditional Religions. Divination is the practice of communicating with the Divine Forces and the Ancestors. There are many different divining tools that are used in the Ifa Tradition to open up the channels of communication with the Orisha and the Ancestors. Such tools are cowry shells called meridiloggun, coconut shells or kola nuts called Obi and the Opele Chain used only by Babalawos and Iyanifas. Babalawos and Iyanifas are high priests and priestesses of the Ifa Tradition. The practice of Divination holds the belief that all things can be seen with divination and can be changed with sacrifice. There are only two things in life that cannot be seen or changed; if someone is born with bad character and the day someone will die. Divination is not merely a reading. Divination is considered to be the direct connection to the spirits and is only done by initiated priests and priestesses.
The Diviner uses their connection to help guide clients to their chosen path. The Diviner’s connection is to the spiritual oracle called Odu. Odu is the Ifa Corpus (body of knowledge) that was handed down thru oral tradition.
Sacrifice is a very important part of all African Spiritual Wisdom Systems. Sacrifice comes in many forms from releasing bad habits to feeding the hungry to the over-sensationalized process of animal sacrifice. Like Iya Meri said, “All things in the Universe require reciprocity. All things require balance. One does not get something without giving anything in return. It is vitally important in the practice of African Traditional Spiritual Paths that one recognizes that to arrive with pleas and requests and to offer nothing in return is insulting to your own soul as well as to the Deities. You have been blessed to be in a world of abundance where you can receive all that you can ask for. How can you deny that and act as if you have nothing to give? Not even a song, a story, a poem, or a dance? You have been blessed with the beauty of your human body. How can you deny its beauty by refusing to use it in honor of your God?”
And I agree 100% . Ashe’O
Friday, October 10, 2008
Mambo
"You cannot notice what-is and complain about it, and be a vibrational match to the solution. When you were living the problem, you were asking for the solution, and Source said yes immediately. So, there's never a reason for you to be wallowing around in a problem for more than about a second? You can get so good at this that before you're even aware that the problem has gotten started, you've already got the solution under way." -- Esther Abraham Hicks
The first 25 years I ran from and avoided the calling. Then I accepted my assignment, then I put my mission on hold while I started my family. Now, I return to the path that is my destiny. My mission, which I chose to accept, requires me to walk a road that others before me have walked. The way is not easy - it never is, but the path is visible from this fork in the road.
Zora Neale Hurston revealed some aspects of the rituals in her book Mules and Men. Portions were shown in the movie The Serpent and the Rainbow after all art imitates life. These pieces do not accurately and fully describe the beautiful and powerful cultural expression that is IFA.
The first 25 years I ran from and avoided the calling. Then I accepted my assignment, then I put my mission on hold while I started my family. Now, I return to the path that is my destiny. My mission, which I chose to accept, requires me to walk a road that others before me have walked. The way is not easy - it never is, but the path is visible from this fork in the road.
Mambo (Voodoo)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mambo is the term for a female (as opposed to the Houngan, or male) High Priest in the Voodoo religion in Haiti. They are the highest form of clergy in the religion, whose responsibility it is to preserve the rituals and songs and maintain the relationship between the spirits and the community as a whole (though some of this is the responsibility of the whole community as well). They are entrusted with leading the service of all of the spirits of their lineage.
Zora Neale Hurston revealed some aspects of the rituals in her book Mules and Men. Portions were shown in the movie The Serpent and the Rainbow after all art imitates life. These pieces do not accurately and fully describe the beautiful and powerful cultural expression that is IFA.
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