https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-talks--4270637enSpiritualityCopyright Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/66aa362d9f3eb11200a47c383496ee95.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-talks--4270637Sun, 14 Jan 2024 01:18:39 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEMelba Farrell aka IYAOFAEayabaoloye5@gmail.comTRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE is all about AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY and what goes on with the adherents who live the IFA-ORISA-EGUN life,falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/discrepacies-in-ifa-and-orisa-life--53133840https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53133840Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:58:15 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEThis episode of TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE is about some of the basic rules, procedures and spiritual rites of Ifa and Orisa life,7162babalawo,ifa,iyanifa,lucumi,orishafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iyanifas-and-iyalorisas-women-s-power--52723412https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52723412Tue, 14 Feb 2023 04:17:34 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEThis episode is about the powers that women possess that has been maligned by men for as far back as antiquity.6030antiquity,divination,men,vagina,womenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/living-with-people-of-other-faiths--52722265https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52722265Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:39:17 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEThis episode, "LIVING WITH PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITHS" is about helping IFA-ORISA-EGUN devotees and their family members, friends, lovers, roommates etc of other faiths, to understand and to have tolerance for those who live by the African traditions and...7216african,ancestors,christianity,ifa,islam,orisa,religion,spiritualityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tempering-the-ego--50300170https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50300170Wed, 22 Jun 2022 23:30:17 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAETempering the Ego is about dealing with your own destiny, staying on your own path by working with your Ori, your divine self.7279ego,ifa,isese,ori,orisafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ifa-orisa-perceptions-can-be-deadly--50234179https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50234179Fri, 17 Jun 2022 05:34:15 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEWhen you see something one way, the other persons can see it differently. It is like seeing a glass of water, half-full or half-empty.7246ifa,interpretation,odus,orisa,perceptionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spiritual-marriage-and-divorce--50150961https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50150961Fri, 10 Jun 2022 04:59:03 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEIn our African Traditions, when we initiate to Ifa, Orisa, Voudun, Mami Wata, Nkisi or any other African Traditions, is it for life? Is it a relationship like husbands and wives who are legally married but who can opt to divorce? What are your thoughts?6838ifa,nkisi,orisa,spiritual-marriages,voudun-mami-watafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ifism-the-art-of-divination-according-to-orunmila--48106150https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48106150Sat, 01 Jan 2022 17:30:02 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEAnalyzing Ifa divination methods and taboos associated with them, in particular, using other methos in conjuction with Ifa divination; who has permission to do so and who do not.1795divination,ifa,ikin,obi,opelefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/promoting-the-goodness-of-ifa--47323786https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47323786Fri, 05 Nov 2021 02:13:20 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEDo take a listen to this episode of TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE as we discuss how people around the world adhere to the IFA-ORISA-EGUN life in the places in which they live. We also talk about our commonalities and needs as human beings as we incoporate...7181africa,briumba,candomble,diaspora,ifa,makumba,mayombe,orisa,orisha,orixa,vodun,voodoo,worldwidefalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/osetura-essence-of-female-power--46915254https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46915254Mon, 11 Oct 2021 02:40:41 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEDiscussion by Dr. QueenChiku N'gozi and Melba Farrell pn TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE in regards to the 17TH ODU, OSETURA which highlights issues pertaining to women in IFA; roles and authority.7300afa,babalawo,diaspora,divination,fa,ifa,iyanifa,lucumi,odu,ose,otura,traditional,womenfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/women-and-abuses-across-the-board--46820248https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46820248Mon, 04 Oct 2021 21:30:24 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEThis episode of TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE is about the Abuses of Women Across the Board. We dicussed how society upholds the mysognistic worldview that men are better than women. We also discuss the abuses of women by their significant others, family...7250falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/divination-a-spiritual-form-of-counseling-and-therapy--46804392https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46804392Sun, 03 Oct 2021 18:49:49 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEDivination: A Spiritual form of Counseling and Therapy talks about how the West African Spiritual systems such as Ifa/Fa/Afa, Orisa and Isese can be used to work out our everyday problems before they become serious problems; (spiritual, mental,...7814afa,africa,counseling,diaspora,fa,ifa,n'kixi,orisa,spirituality,therapy,vodunfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ifa-the-four-yoruba-walls--45944882https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45944882Tue, 03 Aug 2021 03:29:43 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReading by Melba Farrell on TRUE TALKS from the book entitled; Nigerian Studies or THE RELIGION AND POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE YORUBA by R. E. DENNETT, written in 1910. This passage speaks of Ifa as a living man who became famous for doing divination and...601afa,divination,fa,ifa,medicine,orisa,orisha,orunmila,yorubafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mentalillnessnigeria--45765617https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45765617Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:18:48 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAE7213african,american,blacks,diaspora,egun,ifa,illness,mental,nigeria,orisa,spiritualityfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mental-illness-in-nigeria-a-gender-specific-outlook--45765609https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45765609Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:14:48 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReviewing the different outlooks on mental health among people of color in Nigeria and the Diaspora and treatment approaches, especially those that deal with the Worldview of African Spirituality as it pertains to causes for Mental Illness7213egun,ifa,illness,mental,orisafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ifa-and-orisha-love-taboos--45740620You are invited to participate in a discussion entitled; IFA & ORISA LOVE TABOOS: INSIDE THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE on TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE.
We will be exploring feelings behind engaging in love relationships with people inside of your spiritual house and when it becomes dangerous to do so.
We will also look at what are some of the ethics surrounding having intimate relationships with other initiates such as your Godparents, Godbrothers or God Sisters within the same spiritual house.
We will also explore some of the difficulties that may happen by having a relationship with more than one person in the same spiritual house.
Hope you can join us and share some of your experiences or wisdom on the subject by leaving a comment. Thank you so much.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45740620Sun, 18 Jul 2021 00:51:44 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEIFA & ORISA LOVE TABOOS: INSIDE THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE You are invited to participate in a discussion entitled; IFA & ORISA LOVE TABOOS: INSIDE THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE on TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE. We will be exploring feelings behind engaging in love...You are invited to participate in a discussion entitled; IFA & ORISA LOVE TABOOS: INSIDE THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE on TRUE TALKS WITH OFAE OFAE.
We will be exploring feelings behind engaging in love relationships with people inside of your spiritual house and when it becomes dangerous to do so.
We will also look at what are some of the ethics surrounding having intimate relationships with other initiates such as your Godparents, Godbrothers or God Sisters within the same spiritual house.
We will also explore some of the difficulties that may happen by having a relationship with more than one person in the same spiritual house.
Hope you can join us and share some of your experiences or wisdom on the subject by leaving a comment. Thank you so much.]]>7052egun,ifa,ile,orisa,orishafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sacred-trees-of-the-kongo-pt-2--44805087https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44805087Fri, 14 May 2021 03:36:00 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEWhen we talk about herbs, we must know what they can do. In this podcast the names and categories of sacred trees of the Kongo are discussed in a very old book entitled; AT THE BACK OF THE BLACK MAN'S MIND by R.E. DENNETT and written in 1906.418kongo,magic,trees,wangafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sacred-trees-of-the-kongo-pt-1--44805014https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44805014Fri, 14 May 2021 03:31:45 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEWhen we talk about herbs, we must know what they can do. In this podcast the names and categories of sacred trees of the Kongo are discussed in a very old book entitled; AT THE BACK OF THE BLACK MAN'S MIND by R.E. DENNETT and written in 1906.2325kongo,magic,miracles,sacred,spirituality,treesfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/afa-fa-ifa-women--44804705https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44804705Fri, 14 May 2021 03:09:56 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEMany people know of Ifa but do not know of Afa or Fa. Many people also know that their are few female diviners in Ifa and that women can only go so far in Ifa. However, this review on Mama Zogbe's (Brief Overview of Women & Afa) found on the website...1236afa,babalawo,bokono,fa,ifafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-can-heal-your-life-by-louise-l-hay--43516816Here you can listen to some self-help techniques, in particular, how our feelings and thoughts can manifest as disease in the body and how we can change our thoughts and heal the body. Do take a listen and your comments are appreciated.
Thanks.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43516816Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:55:10 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEThis is a book reading by TRUE TALKS WITH MELBA FARRELL on the book entitled "You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L Hay." Here you can listen to some self-help techniques, in particular, how our feelings and thoughts can manifest as disease in the body...Here you can listen to some self-help techniques, in particular, how our feelings and thoughts can manifest as disease in the body and how we can change our thoughts and heal the body. Do take a listen and your comments are appreciated.
Thanks.]]>1418change,emotions,healing.,health,love,mind.,thougthsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aganju-yemaja-and-shango-and-his-3-wives--40907442https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40907442Tue, 15 Sep 2020 03:53:54 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReading of the book written by A.B. ELLIS in 1894, entitled; THE YORUBA SPEAKING PEOPLES OF THE SLAVE COAST OF WEST AFRICA. Here the author gives his perspective account of stories about the Orisa based on his research of that time.1950aganju,orisa,orisà,orisha,shango,yemaja,yorubafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vaudoun-vodoun-voodoo-vodu--40134443
Essence of Vodoun
Supreme Vodoun: The Spiritual Renaissance of Africa
- By Prince Randy K. Alam-Sogan

What is Vodoun?

Vodoun, often spelled Vodou, Vaudou, Vodu, and Vodoum is a Complex Universal System of Divine Practices, Traditions and Science.

It is very hard to evaluate its age, but according to the most ancient scriptures, it is as old as Mankind. Vodoun has been practiced in Africa for over 200,000 years. Others claim it has been around for 750,000 Years. in any case, it s really old!

There is no mainstream definition of “Vodoun”. Those who claim to know what Vodoun is might as well claim to understand the Essence of The Ultimate, Absolute source of Creation. Western Scholars and Academics, Religious Fanatics and Theologians have all tried to explain Vodoun, often depicting it as an Evil, Satanic, and Luciferic Religion. Well, it is none of that.

The reason why The Keepers of the Secret Ancestral Knowledge have kept it Secret is because of all the prejudices, persecution and misunderstanding that our traditions have suffered for hundreds of Years since the era of Colonisations and Empiric Invasions have started.

However, with the approach of the Age of Aquarius, which translates into Love, Spirituality, Esoterism, Healing Magic, the understanding that we are all one, “Vodoun” has in the recent years been the Center of Interests of many races and Nations across the World, as it is the only Set of Traditions which have remained intact throughout the Millennia.

Adepts of Vodoun Kokou

I will attempt to give a definition of Vodoun based on the Oral Traditions we have jealously kept and transmitted from Generations to generations, from the Kemet & Nubia to the Kingdom of Dahome (Danxome), the Kingdoms of the Niger delta, The Congos etc.

The etymology of the word “Vodoun” comes from the expression “Vo Bo Doun” which means: “Do not fear anything or anyone before drawing water from the Source” or in other words, “Adore your Creator fearlessly!”

This is the closest definition of Vodoun, from the High Initiates themselves, from the Cradle of Vodoun in Southern Benin.

Since the Dawn of Times, Human Beings have been amazed and puzzled by all their surroundings and all of creation. They were intrigued by the complete Harmony of Nature…The Sky, the Birds, the Oceans and its marine Universe, the Forest and all its animals etc…. They were also intrigued by Natural Phenomena and their own origins (why things are the way they are, how things work, etc…).

The Farmer who harvests his lands and benefits from Nature blessings such as rain, the Sun and also the mechanism of seeds germination…was intrigued and amazed.

The Hunter, running after his game in the jungle…was intrigued and amazed.

The Fisherman was intrigued and amazed

Mankind has always wondered about its identity, origin and essence as well as the origin and essence of nature itself and their Creator. Therefore, to acknowledge this “Force” of Creation, this “Source” of all things that Are, Mankind has created a “Religious” System to worship, thank, connect and communicate with the Source.

This is how “Vodoun” was born in Native Africa.

The Farmer, the Hunter, the Fisherman all realized that there was a superior entity that governed the different aspects of nature.

So the Vodoun System was designed to acknowledge each Entity according to their functions/roles in Nature or the Universe. In other words, Mankind realised that Earth, the Oceans, The Sky, Rain, Lightning, Fire, Illnesses, Animals, any Natural phenomena was ruled by a complex yet harmonious divine system: Vodoun. It could have been called something else, and it has, in other parts of the world, from Lemuria to Atlantis, to Babylon, Mesopotamia, Kush, Ancient Egypt, the Mayan Empire the Chinese Empire….all these Ancient Civilisations practiced Vodoun, the Ultimate Universal System of the Hierarchy of the Elements, all governed by One Source..

The Absolute, Ultimate Source of Creation who we refer to as Mawu…

But it gets more complex than that. However, it could take at least 20,000 pages to explain Vodoun in the most accurate way possible, so for the purpose of this note, I will focus on the essentials.

Dahomean Vodoun and Nigerian Orishas are the 2nd Evolution of Vodoun. The first one being the Kemetic & Nubian forms of Vodoun which has been transferred to West Africa and the rest of the continent via two streams. One via the Niger Delta by migrating groups who left Egypt as a result of Arab and Roman Invasion, and the other stream down through Kenya into Southern Africa etc…

Vodoun as you may know is the oldest known form of Pantheonic Divinity System where the central belief if that there is an Absolute & Ultimate Source of Creation which encompasses everything including the understanding of its creatures and governs all Universal Systems from the Super Universes down to a tiny atom.

This Supreme God however also designed a hierarchical system where different lower levels of its manifestations govern all the elements of the Universe and of Nature.

So if we focus on Earth, Fire, Water, Air and also all the Natural Phenomena, all these are considered Vodoun Deities with different properties and strength and require different forms of worship to harness their powers. There are all sorts of rituals, ceremonies, sacrifices that are performed to communicate with, ask favours, appease or unleash the wrath of these entities.

A cult is dedicated to each one and a secret system of initiation.

Here is a list of some of the most powerful Vodoun Deities (all part of the One Ultimate Source, God):

Nana Buluku: this is the Cosmic Womb, the Mother of the Entire Cosmos, of all the Universes and everything that exists in it. It is also known in Dahomean Vodoun as Minonan, the mother of all Creation and of all Humanity.

Mawu: This is an adjective describing the Ultimate God of our Universe): Mawu encompasses all other Deities and everything else. Before any Vodoun Ceremony or prayer, we invoke Mawu.

Segbo-Lissa: The Supreme, the twin-sister of Mawu and child of Nana Buluku (The Cosmic Mother, the Universe itself, associated to the Female Consciousness but also one of the two creators of our Solar System together with Gbadu. It also governs colours, emotions, feelings, Seduction, etc…And even Sound. It is often represented as the Chameleon.

Sakpata Agnigbanto: The Deity who governs the Earth, this is the Earth Entity, referred to as Gaia in some cultures. Sakpata is also a Biological and Physical Being. The entire Earth and its Ecological System is Sakpata. It governs all things on earth including illnesses, cures, plants, etc…Sakpata is invoked to create powerful cures or lethal illnesses.

Ogoun: this is the God of War, Technology, Transformation, Iron and Metals. Ogoun or Goun is an Extremely Powerful Deity which is widely worshipped in West Africa. Goun can create great Havoc as he is the God of Weapons but also the God of Builders etc…

Dan: This is the most Complex Deity with regards to its essence. Dan is also the Snake, the Rainbow and Air. It governs Happiness, Wealth, Peace, Prosperity etc…. But when associated with Agbeta, it creates Mamiwata (The Goddess of the Sea).

* Dan is also the Essence of the DNA.

Agbe: This is not really a Vodoun per se, Agbe represents all the Oceans of the Globe, and it is the Water as a Chemical Element. Agbe is the Birth Place of all Sea Creatures and the Kingdom of the sea Goddess, Mamiwata. All the Deities meet in Agebta once a year (in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean) and massive ceremonies are performed to ask for their favours.

Keviosso (Ji-Vodoun): (pronounced Heviosso or Hebiosso): this is the God of Thunder, Lightning and Rain. It is known as Sango as well. Keviosso is the most dangerous and fastest deity to invoke and Vodoun Masters with negative intent often use its power to create climatic havoc or send lightning remotely. On the good side, it can be used to precipitate rain when needed or to protect against Dark Sorcerers.

Mamiwata (Toh-Vodoun, Sin-Vodoun): this is the common name of all Water Entities/Deities that regroups and Governs all the Oceans, Seas, Rivers, Lakes Deities and Entities…Mamiwata is an actual Entity who incarnates into mermaids (yes they do exist).

Minonan: This is the Mother (often represented by the Woman, the Virgin Mary holding her Child- More than Isis, she is actually Hathor). Minonan is the Goddess of With-Craft but also the Goddess of Nurturing and can be invoked for Magic Spells, it is the Mother Deity of all Nature entities, the Spirits of Nature that existed even before mankind. She is also Nana Buluku in a sub-manifestation of Herself.

Legba: The Protector and the Guardian Angel (often depicted and associated to Archangel Michael or St Peter). Legba is the One who holds the Key to the World of Gods/Deities and is used as the intermediary between the Material World and the Spiritual World. Legba is also the trickster and can be very wicked. To-Legba is the Ultimate Legba in the main Vodoun Temple of Ouidah. This one was created for my Ancestor King Gbehanzin…I won’t get into this extensively at this moment.

Agossou (Venavi): The Twins. Venavi are represented by Twins, and governs all who are born twins.

Gambada: The God of Speed. Gambada is used for all urgent matters. It can be used to accelerate any demands or make someone who you have not seen or heard from in ages, suddenly come see you.

Abikou: Alien entities of inner Earth, The Forests, etc. Abikou are little Genies, often called Jinns in Arabic and extensively spoken about in the Quran. They rule material wealth and extreme Intelligence and can make those who are initiated to them very Rich or very Poor. There is much more to the Abiko]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40134443Tue, 04 Aug 2020 04:04:53 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReading by MELBA FARRELL of TRUE TALKS Essence of Vodoun Supreme Vodoun: The Spiritual Renaissance of Africa - By Prince Randy K. Alam-Sogan What is Vodoun? Vodoun, often spelled Vodou, Vaudou, Vodu, and Vodoum is a Complex Universal System of...
Essence of Vodoun
Supreme Vodoun: The Spiritual Renaissance of Africa
- By Prince Randy K. Alam-Sogan

What is Vodoun?

Vodoun, often spelled Vodou, Vaudou, Vodu, and Vodoum is a Complex Universal System of Divine Practices, Traditions and Science.

It is very hard to evaluate its age, but according to the most ancient scriptures, it is as old as Mankind. Vodoun has been practiced in Africa for over 200,000 years. Others claim it has been around for 750,000 Years. in any case, it s really old!

There is no mainstream definition of “Vodoun”. Those who claim to know what Vodoun is might as well claim to understand the Essence of The Ultimate, Absolute source of Creation. Western Scholars and Academics, Religious Fanatics and Theologians have all tried to explain Vodoun, often depicting it as an Evil, Satanic, and Luciferic Religion. Well, it is none of that.

The reason why The Keepers of the Secret Ancestral Knowledge have kept it Secret is because of all the prejudices, persecution and misunderstanding that our traditions have suffered for hundreds of Years since the era of Colonisations and Empiric Invasions have started.

However, with the approach of the Age of Aquarius, which translates into Love, Spirituality, Esoterism, Healing Magic, the understanding that we are all one, “Vodoun” has in the recent years been the Center of Interests of many races and Nations across the World, as it is the only Set of Traditions which have remained intact throughout the Millennia.

Adepts of Vodoun Kokou

I will attempt to give a definition of Vodoun based on the Oral Traditions we have jealously kept and transmitted from Generations to generations, from the Kemet & Nubia to the Kingdom of Dahome (Danxome), the Kingdoms of the Niger delta, The Congos etc.

The etymology of the word “Vodoun” comes from the expression “Vo Bo Doun” which means: “Do not fear anything or anyone before drawing water from the Source” or in other words, “Adore your Creator fearlessly!”

This is the closest definition of Vodoun, from the High Initiates themselves, from the Cradle of Vodoun in Southern Benin.

Since the Dawn of Times, Human Beings have been amazed and puzzled by all their surroundings and all of creation. They were intrigued by the complete Harmony of Nature…The Sky, the Birds, the Oceans and its marine Universe, the Forest and all its animals etc…. They were also intrigued by Natural Phenomena and their own origins (why things are the way they are, how things work, etc…).

The Farmer who harvests his lands and benefits from Nature blessings such as rain, the Sun and also the mechanism of seeds germination…was intrigued and amazed.

The Hunter, running after his game in the jungle…was intrigued and amazed.

The Fisherman was intrigued and amazed

Mankind has always wondered about its identity, origin and essence as well as the origin and essence of nature itself and their Creator. Therefore, to acknowledge this “Force” of Creation, this “Source” of all things that Are, Mankind has created a “Religious” System to worship, thank, connect and communicate with the Source.

This is how “Vodoun” was born in Native Africa.

The Farmer, the Hunter, the Fisherman all realized that there was a superior entity that governed the different aspects of nature.

So the Vodoun System was designed to acknowledge each Entity according to their functions/roles in Nature or the Universe. In other words, Mankind realised that Earth, the Oceans, The Sky, Rain, Lightning, Fire, Illnesses, Animals, any Natural phenomena was ruled by a complex yet harmonious divine system: Vodoun. It could have been called something else, and it has, in other parts of the world, from Lemuria to Atlantis, to Babylon, Mesopotamia, Kush, Ancient Egypt,...]]>1331africa,benin,religion,spirituality,togo,vaudoun,vodoun,vodu,voodoofalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/oduduwa-female-major-orisa--32803192https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32803192Wed, 24 Jun 2020 04:23:31 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAE440feminine,odua,oduduwa,orisa,orisha,yorubafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-7-american-ifa-fa-afa--31014617https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31014617Tue, 16 Jun 2020 01:08:49 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAECall to IYANIFAS, women in Ifa of the Diaspora, to come together and be recognized as equal counterparts to Babalawos under the the banner of AMERICAN IFA-FA-AFA. Do take listen and leave your comments.1030afa,american,babalawo,diaspora,fa,ifa,iyanifafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ewe-deity-khebioso-khevioso-so--27475992https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27475992Sat, 16 May 2020 05:25:28 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReading by Melba Farrell from the book entitled "THE EWE SPEAKING PEOPLES OF THE SLAVE COAST OF WEST AFRICA written by A.B. ELLIS,1890. We should note the differences of yesterday and today in customs and traditions of the EWE PEOPLES.829falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/discussion-of-the-ewe-people-on-mawu--27370640https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27370640Thu, 14 May 2020 22:52:32 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEHere I am reading excerpts from a book written in 1890 by A.B. Ellis entitled THE EWE.SPEAKING PEOPLES OF THE SLAVE COAST OF WEST AFRICA. The objective is to learn more about the traditions and culture of the Ewe people.1062benin,culture,customs,ewe,ghana,nigeria,togo,traditionsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/obatala--24787107https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24787107Fri, 03 Apr 2020 18:21:54 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReading from the book entitled "The Yoruba Speaking Peoples of the Slave Coast of West Africa by A.B. Ellis, written in 1894.490conciousness,obatala,orisa,spirituality,yorubafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-3-major-orisa-olorun--24700772https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24700772Wed, 01 Apr 2020 07:20:25 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEReading from the book entitled The Yoruba Speaking peoples of the Slave Coast of West Africa by A B Ellis, published in 1894.741falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-2-ibu-kole-the-vulture-who-saved-the-world--24152496
“Oshun who gathers dust from sweeping that
takes care of the house”
by Baba Odusola Esudina Ifaseye, 8/2015

The very name describes our female ancestors and power they truly had. History states that the most powerful woman on the plantation was not the master's wife in fact it was the Mame, the true matriarch. The African woman who was mother mistress housekeeper, babysitter, counselor and steward of all that master owned except herself... for in truth at night it was she that went into the swamp with the dust gathered and the herbs of the swamp to take control of her destiny and of all the other Africans enslaved as well. Oshun Ibu kole as “the swamp witch”.

The Oshun that gave up her outward beauty to save the world.


Oshun Ibu Kole who is she... that we will never truly know and woe to any human being that thinks they understand the totality of any Orisha. However, our ancestors, my Oluwo and my own research may give some clarity on how powerful and mysterious this Oshun truly is. Oshun is an Orisha that is misunderstood and underestimated. Asking how far does her influence reach in our daily lives is like asking, how old is water. I hope the following gives you all understanding and clarity.

Oshun Ibu Kole her representation and force of nature:

She represents the fight of life. That drive, the stamina that makes us say “I will Live!!!” This is equated with the blood. As they say Blood is thicker than water, In other words saying we all may share the water as a people but the wealth is another matter for that belongs to family. Speaking of authority and rights by blood and lineage; many roads of Oshun are rich and some are not but all have a wealth that takes deeper understanding like all woman.

She is the owner of the river, the river flows underground and over like the veins in our body carrying life with it. Wherever there is a civilization there is a river supporting its growth and stability.

She was born from a beautiful shell at the border where the sea and river meet. All waters come from the sea and go back to her. From that union is born another road Oshun Akparo which is depicted as the mermaid. Ibu kole being the marshy aspects all the way up to this transition from fresh too salty. Manatees were sometimes described by fisherman as mermaids of the swamps. Her water is also the still swampy waters and sulfur water which I will explain further below.

She is the overseer of Egun. An overseer is best described as an over looker especially over workers. During slavery the overseer was an individual that kept watch making sure there was no slaking or organizing against the master. He kept the workers in line. Although he was only one man with just a few assisting him he had a psychological control over them as well . In the case of Oshun she keeps the Egun on task and working toward the goal at hand. Death being the power of Orun is apart of her power and magic.

There are many spirits in the swamps and graveyards that can be found near swamps so her power is supported by her sisters in the cemetery as well Oya and yewa. A very powerful force to be reckoned with indeed. This segues well into her being the only female to be able to go to Oro.

Only she can go to Oro

Oro is a spirit that is found in forests and swamps. Oro means fierceness, provocation, it is a dangerous spirit for it consumes life including the soul . Oro is especially dangerous to child bearing woman and because of this when Oro comes into town either called or being appeased it said Oshun Ibu kole is the only one that does not have to run, in fact she goes to Oro to placate him to her requests as apart her deep magic. This also eludes to Oshun's access to politics and male power. For Oro is evoked by the Agboni society; A society of political authority regarding the law and justice that must be carried out. It is Oro that carries out the execution. This privilege also speaks on the woman that is respected amongst men of authority because she understands their thinking as well as their weaknesses and secrets. Oshun Ibu kole appears poor however she obtains great riches discretely wealth not seen in plain sight. To live under ones means yet own the whole city block. This is effective in a society that does not favor independent woman. Children of Oshun Ibu kole prosper in these type of situations.

Daughter of Nana Buruku

She is the daughter of Nana Buruku and Olofin (Orisha Odu) . This kinship brings her in the realm of Iyaamis thus her messenger being the vulture. A bird also used by the Iyaamis as carriers between dimensions and time. The Iyaamis also shape shift into birds The vultures are said to bring her food and messages for Orun and her worshipers offerings. In reality Oshun Ibu Kole can shape shift into water creatures as well alligators, fish and yes mermaids included.

She lives with Aganju, Osain ,Orunmila, Orisha Oko,Odududuwa,Babaluaye and Inle

Oshun ibu kole's nature is the river, moving and ever resourceful .If one investigates the Orisha above they all share a kinship and relationship with Ibu Kole by virtue of the swamp habitat alone. In reality Osun Ibu lole is a resource for them for she is the swamp and all the mysteries it entails.

Osain for the herbs, Orunmila as his counsel and appetibi, Orisha Oko for wild plants that were domesticated for farming, Oduduwa the dead, Babaluaye for the multitude of diseases in the swamp as well as the multitude of cures, Inle looking for the cure. All of these Orisha personified have good reason to allow Oshun to be free to thrive as humanity needs her to thrive. Aganju however deserves further explanation beyond the ferryman on the river.

She lives with Aganju . Aganju is the fiery boat man crossing the river history shows that the boat men would drop money into the river to ensure a safe crossing. However this does not explain the relationship of Oshun living with the God of the volcano. However science does give a hint to this analogy.

The volcano in the swamp

In Wakulla Florida there is a legendary tale of a volcano that holds firm to this day. History states that native tribes up to the Seminoles gave accounts of a glow seen at night with smoke that was visible for miles. Confirmation of this phenomenon could not be confirmed because of the thick and harsh habitat of the swamp and the legend volcano being in the center. I cannot confirm this to be a pervasive occurrence in swamps elsewhere The possibility that this is pervasive is yet to be investigated . However this account could begin to explain this swamp volcano relationship. Thus the statement Oshun lives with Aganju or more accurate they exist together.

Also sulfur water which is a product of minerals produced by ancient volcanic eruptions and magma flows that seep into the water sources of course near rivers and swampy areas. This water is not harmful in fact it can be effective for the hair skin and digestive system and of course blood being high in minerals.

Attributes

Osun ibu kole's eleke 10 amber and 1 coral

An Esu is received with her .

With her goes a doll, 5 needles, a drum , champagne you never open, 2 mirrors and a bell

Herbs

Yellow Dock, Burdock, Cinnamon, Damiana, Anise, Raspberry, Yarrow, Chamomile, Lotus, Uva-Ursi, Buchu, Myrrh, Echinacea, watercress chestnut, Chinese plum, air potato

Waters
Swamp water, river water, sulfur water, rain water on the equinox of spring

This is some not all of the mysteries of this powerful and underestimated Orisha I hoped this has broadened your understanding.

May Oshun Ibu Kole give you good health and happiness. Ase]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24152496Sun, 22 Mar 2020 01:16:22 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAEOSHUN IBU KOLE “Oshun who gathers dust from sweeping that takes care of the house” by Baba Odusola Esudina Ifaseye, 8/2015 The very name describes our female ancestors and power they truly had. History states that the most powerful woman on the...
“Oshun who gathers dust from sweeping that
takes care of the house”
by Baba Odusola Esudina Ifaseye, 8/2015

The very name describes our female ancestors and power they truly had. History states that the most powerful woman on the plantation was not the master's wife in fact it was the Mame, the true matriarch. The African woman who was mother mistress housekeeper, babysitter, counselor and steward of all that master owned except herself... for in truth at night it was she that went into the swamp with the dust gathered and the herbs of the swamp to take control of her destiny and of all the other Africans enslaved as well. Oshun Ibu kole as “the swamp witch”.

The Oshun that gave up her outward beauty to save the world.


Oshun Ibu Kole who is she... that we will never truly know and woe to any human being that thinks they understand the totality of any Orisha. However, our ancestors, my Oluwo and my own research may give some clarity on how powerful and mysterious this Oshun truly is. Oshun is an Orisha that is misunderstood and underestimated. Asking how far does her influence reach in our daily lives is like asking, how old is water. I hope the following gives you all understanding and clarity.

Oshun Ibu Kole her representation and force of nature:

She represents the fight of life. That drive, the stamina that makes us say “I will Live!!!” This is equated with the blood. As they say Blood is thicker than water, In other words saying we all may share the water as a people but the wealth is another matter for that belongs to family. Speaking of authority and rights by blood and lineage; many roads of Oshun are rich and some are not but all have a wealth that takes deeper understanding like all woman.

She is the owner of the river, the river flows underground and over like the veins in our body carrying life with it. Wherever there is a civilization there is a river supporting its growth and stability.

She was born from a beautiful shell at the border where the sea and river meet. All waters come from the sea and go back to her. From that union is born another road Oshun Akparo which is depicted as the mermaid. Ibu kole being the marshy aspects all the way up to this transition from fresh too salty. Manatees were sometimes described by fisherman as mermaids of the swamps. Her water is also the still swampy waters and sulfur water which I will explain further below.

She is the overseer of Egun. An overseer is best described as an over looker especially over workers. During slavery the overseer was an individual that kept watch making sure there was no slaking or organizing against the master. He kept the workers in line. Although he was only one man with just a few assisting him he had a psychological control over them as well . In the case of Oshun she keeps the Egun on task and working toward the goal at hand. Death being the power of Orun is apart of her power and magic.

There are many spirits in the swamps and graveyards that can be found near swamps so her power is supported by her sisters in the cemetery as well Oya and yewa. A very powerful force to be reckoned with indeed. This segues well into her being the only female to be able to go to Oro.

Only she can go to Oro

Oro is a spirit that is found in forests and swamps. Oro means fierceness, provocation, it is a dangerous spirit for it consumes life including the soul . Oro is especially dangerous to child bearing woman and because of this when Oro comes into town either called or being appeased it said Oshun Ibu kole is the only one that does not have to run, in fact she goes to Oro to placate him to her requests as apart her deep magic. This also eludes to Oshun's access to politics and male power. For Oro is evoked by the Agboni society; A society of political authority regarding the law and justice...]]>2571corona-virus,disease,ibukole,lucumi,orisa,orishas,oshun,osun,vulture,yorubafalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/my-very-first-episode-with-spreaker-studio--24027358https://api.spreaker.com/episode/24027358Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:01:15 +0000Melba Farrell aka IYAOFAE268afa,africa,babalawo,diaspora,ebo,egun,fa,ifa,iyanifa,myths,odu,olorisa,orisa,rituals,spells,spirituality,storiesfalsefull