how to know your orisha head

My first reading took place over thirty 34 years ago, when the religion was illegal, Cuba was not a popular tourist destination and circumstances were very different. sticking to a formal exercise program Rub this liquid firmly into your scalp, with particular emphasis on the crown of your head. Once you are close to having all the money in place a cowrie shell divination should be performed to find out who that persons tutelary or guardian orisha is. As always, feel free to leave comments and/or email me at darasia@elevatedtransformation.com, Tagged: orisha, tradition, divination, head marking. Ogun could be your guardian Orisha if you: have a profound sense of right and wrong are quick to take offense enjoy physical things prefer small groups to large crowds prefer to "do" rather than talk about doing tend toward a strong physique are attracted to metals prefer the woods or the mountains to the sea or the countryside When you are about to bite into some strong cheese, be sure to smell it before eating it. This is the most common practice for those who practice Isese, or Nigerian tradition, but is a practice used for in Santeria/Lukumi houses that work with Ifa priests and encourage or require their members to receive Ifa.. They want to know who has their head and how they can go about finding out. Many other deities work with you, but your head Orisha is your guardian spirit. My office is in the basement of my home that is where, I have tried to keep myself away from the twitching beliefs since I became a Christian but the truth is. Embracing Spirituality is an educational blog sharing unusual, but fascinating spiritual experiences of the life of Metaphysics Teacher, Obara Meji, and how it all correlates to the spiritual journey of people around the world. I Grew up in London, mixed background, third generation musician. There are various ways and resources in the UK and online, but I would say that it is important to build some kind of ancestor altar in your home. you have had experiences with the dead Because he is the Orisha of metal, there are two particular ebos that refer to his domain. I enjoy spending time with my family. you tend to be slightly heavy And besides. you love (or fear) thunderstorms and lightning Unlike every other Orisha, Obatala is not offered palm oil. Here are some of my favourite introductory books and resources. I have a passion for art and nature, good music, genealogy and travel. you have a strong sense of justice and honor June 2015 These are legitimate initiations in those religions but are not a traditional part of Santeria Lukum. Each system differs in how it determines your head Orisha. The second of the witches days.. cigarettes or cigars If you have not decided that this is your path, you definitely do not want to just find out what orisha has your head and then walk away. Powered by WordPress and the Graphene Theme. Different oral traditions refer to their number being either 400, 700 or 1,440 Orishas. Usually the godparent will use the shells of Elegba or the orisha they are initiated to and will sometimes ask another priest or priestess to do the reading for neutrality. November 2018 Thus, when an Orisha contacts you, it means that you have an important part to play, and an important job to do during your time on Earth, and you are (quite possibly) in the need for spiritual guidance, which is why an Orisha is contacting you. Therefore, it has very little to do with personality. Eggplants are a favorite of Oya. So yes, for every force of nature, there is a spiritual being governing it. How To Dap Someone Up? Dead Bird Omens: What Does a Dead Bird Symbolize? The Owner of the river is a head Osha and represents the intensity of feelings and spirituality, human sensuality, love and femininity. Not All Orishas Are Equal! Shango is the God of Thunder, War, Virility, The Master Drummer, the Master Dancer. As people come to know about orishas like Obatala, King of the White Cloth and orisha of wisdom and purity; Yemoja, the orisha of the motherhood who is associated with the seas;and Oshun, the orisha of love, beauty and femininity that many saw honored and evoked in Beyonce's video for her song "Hold Up," more and more Black and Brown people feel drawn to honoring and venerating African gods and goddesses. Sign 2: You might also receive spirit messages through random images you see around you, on the TV, on your daily walks or when speaking with your friends. large groups of people & parties Each way is acceptable and it depends which house you belong to and how they work. Please see this very important article by Willie Ramos: Diplo and Pseudo OrishasThis is why it is very important to educate yourself and build up relationships. The Spirits of Africa Numerology Oracle Card Deck, Connecting w/ Your Ancestors, 2nd Edition. Kula nuts are also acceptable. Trips to Cuba now are more and more expensive and if you can afford to go on a regular basis, then consider that economically there will always be an imbalance of power between yourself and those that you choose to guide you. http://www.aboutsanteria.com/santeras-blog One of the clearest Blogs regarding the Lucumi Path online. Head Orisha can assist and push you in the right direction for you in this life, while protecting you from obstacles that would prevent you from fulfilling your spiritual journey. Once you have chosen the Olorisha to represent you, the correct procedure would be to go to the feet of the tutelary Orisha of the person that you have chosen and ask. Orishas (singular: orisha) are spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and several religions of the African diaspora that derive from it, such as Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santera and Brazilian Candombl.The preferred spelling varies depending on the language in question: r is the spelling in the Yoruba language, orix in Portuguese, and orisha . Nine colored ribbons or the old fashioned childrens pinwheel toys, which harnest and react to the wind, are also excellent for Oya. I enjoy writing, beading and embroidery, when I have the time! Orisha Tradition: The Head Marking Ceremony, Kalunga Healing Arts, Philadelphia, PA, USA. As people learn about the energies and characteristics of the orishas, along with the concept of orisha head-ownership, they inevitably ask, "What orisha owns my head?". I formally ran "singing for the terrified" at the Mary Ward Centre, in addition to a world music choir. And by knowing who our Orisha is, we also learn to know ourselves better. In fact, this was one of the first things I learned about Orisha Tradition when I was a student at Temple University. I hope this helps! Visits to Cuba over the last few years have left me disappointed and confused when I see how the process of Iyaworaje is not respected, in addition to other things. In The Religion, first come the Egun (Ancestors). have trouble sharing your personal feelings -- that is important to follow through on so that you can have the spiritual support you need. January 2017 While the power of the Orishas is legendary, one doesn't become initiated for power or for money. Once you have chosen the Olorisha to represent you, the correct procedure would be to go to the feet of the tutelary Orisha of the person that you have chosen and ask. This video serves as advice and a warning so that you dont misconstrue your own life path thinking that you are an energy that you may not be, when you might have the energy of a different Orisha, which is more attuned to your life path. you enjoy darker colors prefer the woods or the mountains to the sea or the countryside you have had some experience or sense of the dead Occasionally orishas will descend onto their priests to speak and interact with others. Along with knowledge of the orishas, knowledge of particular practices have also made their way into the mainstream. Watermelon is a favorite of this deep-water Orisha. In the divination, the client will place his head on the mat while the diviner throws the diloggun to bring his guardian orisha down to the mat and determine which owns his head. They live within and around us. These are just a few of the Orisha traits to maybe narrow down who you may be a child of. Depending upon the circumstances, as many as nine are offered at one time. Which Orisha do you most resemble? When comes the time for initiation, we are crowned priest or priestess of the dominant of the two. Red palm oil- a staple of all orisa with the exception of Obatala- is often poured on Esu or in front of his image. people are oftern drawn to you for comfort and understanding you are acutely aware of how you look Summoning or invocation: It's NOT wise to try to summon the energy of one Orisha if you are not initiated to that particular Orisha. Dr. E. at the Missionary Independent Hoodoo Workshops 2013, Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers. Each system differs in how it determines your head Orisha. In this video, I explain what a head Orisha is and what it means for an Orisha to have your head. Like Wednesday, a bad day to undertake major projects and for the use of most charms. You just have to tell us a few things about yourself and based on your answers, we will determine your orisha type. Not recommended. Head Orishas are significant deities in African traditional religions like Ifa. In the Yoruba-based religions, the Orisha are angelic emanations of The Creator (God Almighty) manifesting through nature. Because of this, we often choose the orisha that can bring the most balance to our lives. Let's begin then. Shango also enjoys spicy foods, so a plate of peppers or a portion of highly seasoned chili would make an excellent offering. Normally, it means that a particular Orich is standing up to speak on behalf of that person at a given moment in time, and that the Orich is offering blessings, help, or perhaps even a warning, to help the client progress and avoid problems. June 2012, An altar for Ochn prepared by one of her children, In Santera, people who've been fully initiated into the religion refer to themselves as the son (, Don't believe everything that people tell you. In addition to running the Choir and guiding Godchildren in the Lucumi faith. Sign 1: First and foremost, you will be thinking about your ancestors, a lot. Most orisha houses perform the head-marking in one of three ways: The erindiloggun (cowrie shells) of the godparent's orishas are read in a specific head-marking reading. People are buying their crown, buying the right to play Aa in ceremonies without necessarily following the spiritual path, and buying Orisha that actually are NOT part of our tradition. sensuality. How do you know if you are a child of Oshun? A person's tutelary orisha (also called a head orisha, guardian orisha or guardian angel) is the orisha that claims a person's head. He is the head of the orishas and as such protects and guides all people with fairness and equality. How does one do that? You may ask. Orishas are deities or spirits in African traditional religions. These systems use a complex divination process to determine which deity governs your head at any given time. How to know when an Orisha chooses you? Unfortunately many people treat this information like a parlor game, trying to guess who a persons tutelary orisha is prior to divination. many friendships within their own gender But one of the two claim a more dominant role (claims our head/ crown). 5. I hope that this information was helpful for all those who who have wondered what orisha has their head or even why knowing your head orisha is important. Taking your time and being open to helping within the Ile is a good starting point. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. A person's head orisha is not a matter of choice or preference; the tutelary orisha is Three or more babalawos are used to ensure that the Odu (sacred oracle) that is marked on the opon (the divining tray) is correct and so that the querent can receive as much information as possible about the lessons and taboos of the odu. These are also legitimate and traditional initiations with a procedural adjustment. Most orisha houses perform the head-marking in one of three ways: The erindiloggun (cowrie shells) of the godparent's orishas are read in a specific head-marking reading. I run an active Ile (religious house/Orisha temple) But also first steps first, make sure you pay attention to your ancestors. As such, the children of Ogun are often leaders in some capacity. Three or more babalawos will use the ikin (sacred palm nuts of Ifa) to ask Ifa which orisha has the person's head. Palm oil, kola nuts, coral, and flowers can all be used as offerings. However, in some houses or communities, practitioners believe that your head Orisha changes until you become fully initiated. Have a look at the Blogs. This blog post may help! Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. We just want to ensure Wellness either way. As far as all should be concerned you are under the tutelage and protection of Obatala. Head Orisha: Everyone has a head Orisha, and it is not always the Orisha you may feel attracted to. | According to Spirituality. In the event of surgery, buy six different kinds of beans. Because this is such an oft-asked question, I decided to write this post to help folks better understand the concept of the practice, as well as how the actual ritual is done. The colors and numbers associated with each Orisha are listed in a separate chart. Basically, when someone receives their Ifa pot, they can find out their head orisha and other initiations they may need to receive during the divination. Reading is a good start these days. you love music Outside of animal sacrifice, the most common question I receive about Orisha Tradition is about getting one's head marked, or finding out which orisha has one's head. you enjoy good food and wine This goes back to us choosing the orisha who best supports our destiny. For example, when a person finds out they are a child of Obatal they know they usually function best over time and that when they are hurried they are at their least . October 2020 He is fate, destiny, choice. you prefer classical or quiet music to rock or rap She loves writing and is an experienced spiritualist too. enjoy physical things So how does a person find out who their tutelary orisha is? I would say do some research first. Long distance Godparents. Still, the process is much more complicated than reading a natal chart, tarot or oracle cards, bones, or similar divining tools. Your guardian Orisha is also responsible for maintaining balance in your life and keeping things running smoothly. If you were told that you are a child of an orisha through an alternate method just consider that reading as the orisha taking you under his or her protection, but until the proper method is used, you are NOT confirmed to be a child of that orisha. In situations where people suffer from terminal illnesses or endure traumatic events, there may be a need for them to connect with their Head Orisha. Obatala is the Father of the White Cloth, Peace, Calm. I would also like to say that the Lucumi Path is only one variation of what may be labelled as Orisha worship. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Which Stand do you have. Seeing how you feel within the Ile, how friendly people are and welcoming, and generally how you fit in, is important. Esu/ Elegba (Eleggua) is Guardian of The Crossroads, and the messenger of God Almighty. The following is taken from a book I once had titled Way of The Orisa.. This deity is mainly known for being a go-getter and initiator. When you know who your Head Orisha is, you know which energy to turn to for help. Because it is my lineage, the Lucumi path is what I will be concentrating on, however please be aware that there are different traditions under the umbrella of Orisha worship and you need to find what is right for you. Liquor is never offered and is a strict taboo for Obatala. The famous herbal black soap used to dispel evil is not used on these days out of respect for the aje (witches), who are said to hold meetings on Wednesday and Saturday. you are highly sexual When an Orisha chooses you or contacts you, it means that you are called to your human purpose (here on Earth), and you need to receive divine help and guidance from the Orishas (and your ancestors). I am also a diviner of the Dilogun. You Will Have A Highly Developed Sense Of: right & wrong Orishas and other deities correlate to many aspects of western astrology since this system was derived from African spiritual science. Kariocha means "to seat the orisha", and in this ceremony a person's tutelary orisha is seated on their head; they are literally crowned with that orisha. Personally I have witnessed bogus ceremonies, extortionate derechos and the receiving of suspect religious items from unsuspecting individuals in the UK who have not educated themselves or spent time getting to know those that they have received ceremonies or initiations from. you prefer small groups to large parties 4. Additionally, you learn what you should and should not do to effect positive change in your life. Asking for an understanding of your circumstances is a tall order if the majority of your Ocha family have never left the street they have lived in all their lives. movies & theater, functioning within confined environments In the case of one guardian spirit, this energy governs the head. Please dont get me wrong. Peace Family! For digging the foundation for your home. Read more Orunmila In 2005 I Obatala may well be your guardian Orisha if: you are more cerebral than physical March 2013 The Ancestors, The Orisha, The Creator. This ceremony is also perfomed on the floor like the one done in Ocha-centric houses. Yemaya is the Mother of the Ocean Waters, the Seven Seas. PS I also have adhd which predicts that I will decorate the entire house with different colours every few years! Ob is only used for yes or no questions. you love to flirt Going into a path that requires a degree of blind faith is not recommended without a connection and guidance from those that love you the most and want the best for you., ie your own ancestors and spirit guides. Others may come on a regular basis and may never have to receive anything but may find that visits to a Diviner helps them on their journey. In fact, in Nigeria sometimes whole families belong to a particular orisha, and surely everyone in that family does not have the same personality. Our head of mission in Malawi, Marion Pchayre, explains how. This candle can be any color (other than black), but a white candle is most commonly used. I recently saw an article in a well-known New Orleans Voodoo publication telling people to perform a shamanic journey to determine who their tutelary orisha is. To find out who your head Orisha is, you need to consult with a priest or priestess of the Ifa religion or other African traditions. This might be a potent introduction to your Orisha initiation and your journey down the ancestral path. being monogamous Sign 5: You can experience cold feels (chills) in the area of the Crown and Third Eye chakra, respectively, and you might see either white, red or black orbs and colors in the corner of your eyes. This deity is popularly known as the 'God of Thunder and Lightning .'He is also known as one of the greatest warriors of the Yoruba mythologies. Those that have made a stand, find themselves outnumbered and follow the general way that things are going. Similar to him, you are a brave, courageous, and powerful individual. In Europe, in general there has been a huge rise in the practise of the religion and the ceremony of Kariocha has taken place in some countries, amongst them Holland, and Spain. Even without the readings and (expensive) ceremonies, if you put energy and work into your Orisha research, you might be able to get connected with your Head Orisha and start a bountiful spiritual journey. It is said that most of these avatars and enlightened spirits first existed in the etheric realm the realm of the spirits (Orun), and that then they came down into human bodies on the Earth as divine beings (Irunmole). The head can be requested by any Olorisha or Awo Orunmila (santero or babalawo) as long as their hands . My Iyatobi Oshainle passed this year and Omi Laibo is my Ojubona. 5. A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. As time goes on, this will inevitably change due to the volume of practitioners and for practical reasons. If you are a child of Obatala, you may find that you are enamored with ideas, analytical, cerebral, introverted, and monogamous. you are always analyzing other peoples behavior and motives In the If oracle, for example, a trained priest, a babalawo ("father of the mystery"), interprets the fall of consecrated palm nuts to reveal the orisha s' response to a seeker's question. We may receive compensation when you click on the links and images to affiliate sites. Then comes God Almighty. you often set the tread for your friends or family Similar to him, you are wise, smart, and intelligent. As you present each offering, you should tell your Ori the reason for making that particular offering. Chang is one of the most common head orishas in Santera Lucum. Some of their characteristics, though slightly different in each branch, all evolved from the source, the Yoruba people of West Nigeria. people either love or dislike you Obatala is the owner of all heads he fashioned our bodies and minds. There is even a modern trend to begin initiating people to these orishas in Lukum practice but this is highly unconventional and non-traditional. Channel 5 documentary program, Wetherspoons: How Do They Do It? They may be unknowingly violating certain taboos or otherwise out of alignment. prefer small groups to large crowds wine or liquor These orishas include Logun Ede, Oshumare, Orisha Oko (direct) and even Olokun. Next time you are drinking a cup of coffee take time to really breathe in the smell before you drink it. It looks like the Orisha that matches your personality is Shango. you cannot tolerate deceit or lying Sheep, guinea fowl, hens, pigeons, raw or cooked fish, and palm wine are also acceptable. For people in the modern world who are used to making choices and getting their own way, it's a humbling experience to be told that you can't pick the owner of your own head. This is a Santeria/Lukumi practice for houses that work with babalawos. You should not be focusing on one orisha. you are not bothered by funerals or cemeteries So that overzealous athlete may need calm and peaceful Obatala energy but may seem more like a Shango, and that doctor may need to be flexible and agile like Elegba, but may seem more like an Ogun. Oya is the goddess of the winds, the storms (hurricanes), the lightning, the market, and guards the gates to the cemetery. I received Pinardo with Baba Funke and Omi Saide in Havana in July 2018. He MUST be a child of Shango!". It's hard to wait and not know who is your mother or father in the religion, but by accepting the need to do ceremonies in the proper way at the proper time, you enter into a different kind of relationship with the religion, where you're honoring the traditions of the ancestors and the elders, and showing the kind of humility that the Orichs expect of their children. Palm oil, kola nuts, and coconuts are also suitable offerings. you were a difficult child ALL IMAGES AND TEXT COPYRIGHT 2014 santeriachurch.org except where noted otherwise. The orishas that can be tutelary orishas in Santera Lucumi/Lukumi are: Aggayu is crowned through a ceremony called Chang oro Aggayu. In the original African belief system from which Santeria originates, there are hundreds of orishas. This knowledge often accompanies some additional information -- like the need to initiate! It may mean that the Orich has a special fondness for the client, and over time, it may be revealed through the correct ceremonies that in fact that Orich is the owner of the client's head. He opens and closes all The Paths, The Doors, The Roads. To find out who your head Orisha is, you need to consult with a priest or priestess of the Ifa religion or other African traditions. December 2013 It may be the first time that will connect with the religion and you may find it is a comfortable experience or you may find that it is not for you. It is believed that access to the orisha s can be achieved through various types of divination. In the Afro Cuban branch (My branch) Eleggua (Esu/ Elegba) day is Monday. getting even In the Afro Cuban branch Yemaya (Yemonja) day is Saturday. To put it simply, God created the universe and everything in it. These are the list of tutelary orishas within Lukum practice that are done directly to a persons head. Although it's true that the various odu (signs, or letters) that come up in the reading are associated with particular Orichs, it's not accurate to say that information delivered during a regular consulta should be taken as proof that a particular Orich is claiming the person's head. Her name means Mother whose children are fish., you can not stand to be bored Offerings of candies, cakes, flowers, mirrors, kola nuts, red palm oil, coconuts, and cowries shells are also acceptable. A review of the projects that came to London last year. having fun Visiting a Diviner; Having a reading. you have a natural antipathy toward the flirty flashy members of the opposite sex At this ceremony, the initiate is given the mysteries of Orunla (Orunmila), the bracelet of If (id If) and they are told who their tutelary orisha is. Knowing a persons guardian orisha is putting the cart before the horse. Finding a Godparent and Religious house. Many devotees begin each day by sprinkling cool water on or in front of Esu as a way of cooling his temper and asking for pleasantness in their own day. you love the color red Leave the meat by the railroad track. you are physically attractive Sometimes your head Orisha corresponds to the planetary ruler of your sun or moon sign, so you could already be familiar with how this energy works. Firstly, you need to be clear about which branch of the religion you want to commit to or you feel is calling you. I have taught Cuban Music to children. The main personal religious identifier for any Orisha worshiper is the necklace(s) made in the colors of the Orisha under whose protection s/he is initiated. You should never feel pressured by any Diviner to become committed to them as Godparent. Train your nose. These elements ultimately help you live in balance and harmony. There is a small ritual that is connected to this procedure. Again, the taboos here are typically understood to be in effect until initiation. This can happen at a drum ceremony or other ceremony. Orishas presence is not active just in Yoruba religion, but also they are essential and very present in Santeria, Hoodoo and Diloggun divination practices. money is easy for you to make but not your foremost consideration In addition the growth of the ownership of smart phones has meant that there are more and more photos and filmage going on within ceremony. Her domain is the fresh river waters. Orishas are divine emanations that have been created and sent to Earth in order to help humans achieve their self-fulfillment. I have mentioned before that for some indviduals, that is a desired alternative and there is no real desire to belong to a community or to really learn or take part and some have problems with the hierarchical nature of Lucumi practise and prefer not to get involved within a community environment. *there are two ways of marking the head and finding out which Orisha claims the head. At this point, your head is stabilized, and you begin receiving higher-level spiritual insight and wisdom. The union should be blessed by the head Orisha of the Olorisha before making any commitment. January 2019 You also understand your character and nature better. Shango may well be your guardian Orisha if: you are extremely articulate I was born from Obatala and Yemaya. Rituals for overcoming enemies or conflicts are best performed on this day. Easy Folk Magic Love Spells to Try for Yourself, Basic Ingredients and Curios Used in Hoodoo. This would happen in a divination where it is determined that you must be crowned a priest. Ob can be used to open the bajada reading but the sixteen cowrie shells (diloggn) are what speak and deliver the news of that persons tutelage. There are literally hundreds of orishas but only a select few of them can be guardian orishas that are actually crowned on a persons head as part of the ordination of kariocha. dieting Because our tutelary Orisha plays such an essential role in our lives, it is probably not surprising that the process of discovering the identity of our Orisha is a major ceremony in itself. Also have a look at these Online resources: http://wemba-music.org/orisha_faq.htm A fantastic resource with alot of good advise for new comers. And the more we live in harmony with our Orisha, the more harmonious our lives will be. Ogun is the god of war and iron and the patron of blacksmiths in the Yoruba and other diasporic traditions. Throughout the video, I also share some tips about reasons why each step of the long process is valuable and how to ensure your short process is valid as well. This is yet another reason why it is best to wait up until the last possible moment to determine the guardian orisha so that there are no dramatic changes that have to be made in the ceremony.