The Rivers of Emotion: Navigating Life with Ifá's Truth
Balancing the Flow of Feelings and Spiritual Wisdom in Our Journey
Dear Beloved Community,
In the vast ocean of wisdom that is Ifá, we often encounter verses (Ese) that tell stories—stories of love, war, death, illness, and the myriad challenges that shape our lives. One might expect these tales to be deeply dramatic, pulling at our heartstrings and immersing us in the emotional depth of their characters’ journeys. Yet, when we look at the original verses, they appear surprisingly concise, detached, and almost report-like in their delivery. This might seem perplexing at first, especially considering the immense potential these stories have to evoke emotion and reflection.
So why is it that these verses are presented so unemotionally? Why do the Babalawo and Bokonos, the custodians of this ancient knowledge, refrain from infusing their recitations with the emotion these narratives could so easily inspire?
The answer lies in understanding the role of Ifá as a divine guide. Ifá's purpose is not to manipulate or sway with emotionality but to present the truth in its purest form. The Ese are not crafted to elicit a predetermined emotional response; rather, they are designed to convey universal truths, structures, and relationships—truths that are beyond human judgments of good or bad, right or wrong. Orunmilá, the prophet of Ifá, delivers these messages with the clarity and impartiality of a witness to the divine, leaving the emotional interpretation to us, the receivers.
"Odò tí ó gbàgbé orísun rẹ̀, yóò gbẹ."
"One who hears the voice of Orunmilá will know the truth, and the truth will set them free,"
goes an Ifá proverb. But freedom, in this context, is not the freedom to be swayed by emotions—it is the freedom to see clearly, to understand deeply, and to act wisely.
In our journey through life, emotions are both a gift and a challenge. They enrich our human experience, bringing color to our interactions and relationships. However, they can also cloud our judgment, especially in matters of spiritual significance. Ifá teaches us that while emotions are integral to our lives, they must not dominate our decisions. Instead, we must strive to balance them, to let them flow like the rivers of the Orishás—guiding us gently but never overwhelming us.
Let us consider the Orishás
Consider the Orishás, each embodying powerful emotions and forces of nature. Ogun, the god of iron and war, embodies the raw, fiery passion that drives us to act and defend what we hold dear. Yet even Ogun’s fury must be tempered with wisdom and clarity, lest it lead to destruction. Oshun, the goddess of love and fertility, embodies the sweetness of love, yet her waters remind us that love must flow freely, not stagnate in possessiveness or jealousy. And all rivers ultimately flow into the vast ocean of Yemanjá, the mother of all, who teaches us to nurture, to soothe, and to maintain balance in our emotional lives.
Spiritually speaking, when we say that all rivers flow into the ocean, we are also acknowledging that they flow into Ori, the center of our spiritual balance. Ori is deeply connected to Yemanjá, as both Ori and the ocean belong to her divine influence. This connection emphasizes the importance of spiritual grounding, where the flow of emotions finds harmony within our higher self, guided by Yemanjá’s wisdom.
Let us consider Odu Ifa
Moreover, this theme of balancing emotions and maintaining clarity is deeply rooted in the Odu Ifá Òsá Méjì. This Odu speaks to the power of emotions and their potential to either build or destroy depending on how we manage them. Òsá Méjì reminds us of the consequences of letting emotions rule our decisions. As the verse states:
"Òsá dárà jọ̀wọ̀, wọ́n ni a kìí bẹ́rù ọ̀run kéré, kàkà kí wọ́n bẹ́rù ọ̀run kéré, wọ́n kìí rọ̀rùn bí ojú òwúrọ̀."
Òsá Méjì warns us that it is not the fear of the small heavens that matters, but rather the difficulty of dealing with what is yet unseen, just as dawn cannot be easily discerned.
This verse teaches us that the real challenge lies in navigating the unseen forces—the emotions and internal battles—that shape our destiny. If we let emotions cloud our judgment, we risk losing our way. Òsá Méjì urges us to seek wisdom, to balance our emotions with clarity, and to trust in the guidance of Ifá.
As you reflect on your own life and spiritual journey this week, consider the following Ifá wisdom:
"Odò tí ó gbàgbé orísun rẹ̀, yóò gbẹ."
The river that forgets its source will dry up.
In other words, let us not forget the source of our wisdom—Ifá, the truth, the clarity that allows us to navigate the complexities of life without losing ourselves in the process.
May you find balance and wisdom in your emotions, allowing them to flow through you like the sacred rivers of the Orishás, leading you ever closer to the truth of who you are and the path you are meant to walk.
With love and respect,
Baba Tilo de Àjàgùnnà
DAILY IFÁ
The Power of Transformation: Odu Ifá Obara Osá
Summary for All Readers
This week, we explore the transformative energies present within Odu Ifá Obara Osá, an Odu that speaks to the profound impact of inner change on our external world. Obara Osá highlights the importance of spiritual growth and warns us about the consequences of remaining stagnant in our personal evolution. As we grow spiritually, we often shed old relationships, habits, and patterns that no longer serve us, making room for new blessings and opportunities.
Obara Osá also brings to light the need for protection against fraud and deceit. It advises us to be vigilant and to stay focused on our goals, reminding us that with inner transformation comes the necessity to guard against external threats. This Odu encourages us to perform rituals to Ogun and Ori for protection, and it highlights the importance of honoring our ancestors, particularly through Egungun ceremonies.
This week, you may encounter situations that require you to reassess your environment and the people within it. Obara Osá teaches that positive change is possible when we align ourselves with our true purpose and protect our energy from negative influences.
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