Initiation ceremony to any Orisa is an act of being reborn into a new role or new life. During initiation you become more grounded with your Ori Orisas, such as Orunmila(Ifa), Sango, Osun, Oya, Ogun, Yemoja, Egbe, Obatala, Esu, etc. There are many types of ceremonies: Orisha Initiations, Naming Ceremonies, Esentaye Ceremonies and more...
 

ABOUT INITIATION 

Initiation into Ifa and Orisa spirituality assists you in developing a deeper, closer relationship with your Orisa.  During Initiation, the energy/spirit/Ase of the particular Orisa you are seeking is transmitted to you through your Ori (head/inner spirit).  This is done through several days of ritual, divination, and ceremony. 

 

The process of initiation allows you a deeper connection to your Orisa and activates the power of the Orisa that is within you. Initiation is usually done to support you in your life and in achieving your destiny. Walking with your Orisa gives you access to greater ability to live your life in harmony and provides access to the Orisa that governs your life and the world around you.

 

When you choose the priest you would like to initiate with you are also choosing the family/Ile you will train and study with.  To learn the ways of a priest takes many years of study under a competent Orisa and Ifa family.  You can begin learning years prior to Initiation or after Initiation, Initiation with extensive study and training will prepare you for priesthood and gives you strength within your own spirit to navigate your life more successfully and connect to your Orisa. 

IFA & ORISA INITIATION

There are several steps that may be taken on the road to Ifa Initiation.

ISEFA: This is when you receive your one hand of Ifa and protection Ide for your wrist.  This is a preliminary step to initiation for those who want to receive the shrine of Ifa but are not ready to gain full initiation.  This give a person access to Ifa for weekly prayer request, communication, to be able to give offerings to Ifa, etc.

ITEFA:  Itefa is full initiation to Ifa. When Initiating to Ifa you will usually prepare ahead of time for travel to Nigeria with your spiritual family, Babalawo and Iyanifa who will come together with other members of the community in Nigeria who will take you through the process to receive the rituals, rites, ceremonies to consecrate your spirit with the spirit of Ifa. 

ORISA INITIATION: Orisa Initiation crowns you to the Ase of the Orisa and their spiritual characteristics by placing their power into your spirit via your Ori.  Prior to Orisa initiation and after, an Orisa devotee is dedicated to connecting with their shrines and learning and growing in the wisdom of the Orisa.  A reading is usually done early on to see which Orisa governs your Ori (inner spirit/head) or it may be revealed through general divination.  

 

This gives insight to the Orisa that is very important for you to connect to spiritually.  Many times one may receive the shrine of their Orisa prior to Initiation to begin the process of communicating with their Orisa and developing a more personal relationship.  

 

The Initiation ceremony to any Orisa is an act of being reborn into a new role/life that brings about necessary and positive changes in your life leading you to the path of achieving your most positive destiny. Initiation to Orisa will be done under the guidance of your Babalorisa and/or Iyalorisa. You will travel with them to Nigeria for at least a week to embark on your journey to Initiation. 

ORISA INITIATION IS OFFERED FOR THE FOLLOWING ORISA:
Sango
Osun
Oya
Esu
Egbe
Ogun
Obatala
Olokun
Iyemonja, etc.

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