Returning to Our Roots: The Sacred Power of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe in Ifá Tradition
Understanding the Foundation of Our Spiritual Journey and the Wisdom of Òrúnmìlà in Guiding Our Path
Dear DAILY IFÁ Community,
Àború Àboyè! I greet you all with blessings of peace, wisdom, and the everlasting light of Ifá.
Today, let us journey together into the heart of our tradition, where the roots of our faith intertwine with the essence of who we are. We’ll explore the sacred concept of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe—a term that may seem simple on the surface but holds profound significance within the Yoruba Ifá tradition.
The Sacred Root: What is Ìṣẹ̀ṣe?
In the vast landscape of Yoruba spirituality, the word Ìṣẹ̀ṣe carries the weight of our origins, our beginnings, and the very foundation of our spiritual identity. Ìṣẹ̀ṣe simply means "one’s source, root, cradle, fountain, or beginning." It is our connection to the divine blueprint laid out by Olódùmarè, brought to life by Òrúnmìlà, our guiding oracle, and the custodian of all wisdom.
When we speak of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, we refer to the very essence of our existence, represented by our biological father, mother, Orí (Destiny), and Ìkín (Ifá). These are the pillars upon which our spiritual life stands. They are the first we honor before we move forward to engage with other aspects of our spiritual practice, be it making offerings to Òrìṣà, consulting Ifá, or performing rituals.
A Story from the Ancients: The Importance of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
Let me share with you an ancient verse from the sacred Odu Ifa Ogunda Owonrin, one that has been passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe:
Yoruba Version:
Òkun ṣú narè narè
Òṣà ṣú lẹ̀gbẹ̀ lẹ̀gbẹ̀
Alásán ní ràsán
Nífi ṣe Olówó Ìṣàn ní ilé ayé
Alásán ní ràsán
Nífi ṣe Olówó Ìṣàn ní òde ọ̀run
Àwọn àgbà ìmòlẹ̀ ní wọ́n wo ìgbẹ̀yìn
Wọ́n rí pé ó ṣuwọn
Wọ́n fi irùngbọ̀n díyà
Wọ́n fi irùngbọ̀n dìmú pín pín pín
Adífá fún Ìṣẹ̀ṣe tíí ṣe olórí ọ̀rọ̀ lórí ilé ayé
A bù fún Ìṣẹ̀ṣe tíí ṣe olórí ọ̀rọ̀ ní ìwòrùn
Bàbá ẹni
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Ìyá ẹni
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Orí ẹni
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Ìkín ẹni
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe ẹni
Ìṣẹ̀ṣe mòmọ́ láá bọ
Kí á tó bọ̀ Òrìṣà
Translation:
The ocean in great expanse
The lagoon also in great expanse
The Babaláwo of Ìṣàn on earth
The Babaláwo of Ìṣàn in heaven
The Islamic leaders foresaw the terminal end
They reasoned it is not good enough
They substituted their beards for the repose of punishment
They grew heavy beards blocking their mouths
Ifá divination was performed for Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
Our root and the leader of all rituals on earth
Also cast Ifá divination for Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
Our root and the leader of all rituals in heaven
One’s father
Is one’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
One’s mother
Is one’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
One’s Orí
Is one’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
One’s Ìkín
Is one’s Ìṣẹ̀ṣe
It’s the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe one would first sacrifice to
Before sacrificing to Òrìṣà
The Power of Returning to Our Roots
In this verse, we see how the Babaláwo—the wise ones—recognized the importance of connecting with our source, our Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, before all else. It teaches us that no matter where we go, what paths we walk, or what challenges we face, we must always return to our roots.
This reminds me of a popular Yoruba proverb:
“Ibi tí a bá ti ṣubú lá ń sọ̀rọ̀.”
"We speak from the place where we fell."
In essence, it is a reminder to always acknowledge and honor our beginnings, our origin, our Ìṣẹ̀ṣe. It is only by recognizing where we come from that we can understand where we are going.
For those of us in the diaspora—whether in the USA, Brazil, or elsewhere—this message is particularly resonant. Many of us are on a journey of rediscovering and reconnecting with the roots of our heritage, the spirituality of our ancestors that has survived the tides of time and history.
In this journey, Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not just a concept; it is a practice. It is a call to regularly engage with our source—be it through honoring our parents, nurturing our Orí, or engaging deeply with the teachings of Ifá. It is a reminder to offer our respects to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe before we reach out to the broader pantheon of Òrìṣà, just as the verse advises.
The Myth of Òrúnmìlà Bàràà mi Àgbonnìrègún
In our practice, we often invoke the name Òrúnmìlà Bàràà mi Àgbonnìrègún. This name encapsulates the essence of our great diviner, Òrúnmìlà, who is seen as the protector and redeemer of the world. “Bàràà mi” expresses a deep personal connection—“My Lord, My Protector,” while “Àgbonnìrègún” highlights Òrúnmìlà’s role as the one who redeems and sustains the world through wisdom.
This title is not just a name; it is a call to the responsibility that comes with wisdom. As devotees, we are tasked with using the wisdom of Òrúnmìlà to protect, sustain, and guide our communities, just as he does for the world. And in doing so, we must never forget our Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the source from which all our power flows.
Closing Thoughts
As we continue to walk our spiritual paths, let us always remember the importance of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe. Let us honor it in our daily lives, in our prayers, and in our actions. May we find strength and guidance in our roots, and may we carry the wisdom of Òrúnmìlà with us always.
Remember, it is only through acknowledging where we come from that we can truly understand where we are destined to go.
Àṣẹ!
With blessings and light,
Babá Tilo de Àjàgùnnà
DAILY IFÁ
P.S. If this message resonated with you, share your thoughts or experiences by replying to this email. Let’s keep the conversation going as we learn and grow together in our journey through Ifá.
The Power of Wisdom: Odu Ifá Irosun Owonrin
Summary for All Readers
This week, we delve into the profound insights offered by Odu Ifá Irosun Owonrin, an Odu that brings to light the themes of careful reflection, protection against unseen dangers, and the importance of spiritual vigilance. Irosun Owonrin warns us about the risks of reckless behavior, the need to stay connected with our spiritual roots, and the potential harm that can come from neglecting our responsibilities—whether they be in our relationships, health, or spiritual practices.
Irosun Owonrin reveals that while the week may present challenges, especially related to hidden enemies or unexpected obstacles, there is also the opportunity for significant growth and spiritual protection. By engaging with the prescribed rituals, honoring the guidance of Orunmila and the Orishas, and exercising mindful caution, you can transform these challenges into powerful opportunities for personal and spiritual elevation.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, we will explore the myths, proverbs, and rituals associated with this Odu, providing you with the wisdom needed to navigate the days ahead with clarity and strength.
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