The Vegan Question in Orishá-Ifá Traditions
Bridging Tradition and Modernity in the Orishá-Ifá Practices
Dear Seekers of Wisdom,
Recently, a passionate animal rights advocate and vegan approached me with an intriguing question: Is there a place for someone like her within the Orishá traditions? This inquiry stemmed from the widespread practice of animal sacrifices within these traditions, a practice often deemed indispensable for initiation and various rituals.
This is a complex issue touching on the very foundations of the tradition, particularly in the diaspora where views can be quite polarized. For traditionalists, abandoning animal sacrifices is tantamount to sacrilege. For modernists, these sacrifices are archaic relics that need adaptation to contemporary values.
The more I pondered this question, the more fascinating it became, raising fundamental queries not just within Ifá traditions but within all spiritual practices. I have structured my response into several sections to facilitate a meaningful discussion:
The Purpose of Exchange Rituals
The Necessity of Animal Sacrifices
Adaptability of Spiritual Traditions to Modern Contexts
The Feasibility of Vegan Ifá Traditions
Why Do Exchange Rituals Exist?
In Orishá-Ifá traditions, rituals known as Ebós are deemed essential to maintain balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. They serve as a medium to communicate with the Orishás and ancestors, seek their favor, and gain their support. According to Ifá, life is an exchange, a cycle of giving and receiving, asking and fulfilling, without which imbalance ensues in the universe and in our lives.
Why Are Animal Sacrifices Performed?
In Ifá traditions, life is considered sacred in all forms, whether plant, animal, or mineral. During various rituals, these elements are invoked and respected equally. They all possess a soul and function within the universe, interconnected with us.
A crucial concept in these rituals is Ashé, the fundamental life force that resides in all things, enabling humans to shape their lives and bring positive change. Rituals often involve manipulating Ashé, which consists of three aspects symbolized by three colors: red for vital energy (found in animal blood), white for spiritual energy (found in saliva, semen, etc.), and black for magical energy (found in the blood of leaves).
In significant rituals, all three energies are manipulated, with animal and plant blood seen as inseparable. Given that vital energy is particularly associated with animals, many rituals involve animal sacrifices. These sacrifices are communal, with the animals' meat shared among the participants, strengthening the collective Ashé.
Are Animal Sacrifices Necessary?
No, they are not indispensable, despite what many traditionalists might argue. Both theological and practical reasons support this view.
Substitutes for Animal Blood:
Plant-based substitutes are already in use. For example, red palm oil and the sap of certain trees like Osun are often used in place of animal blood. Many spiritual houses, knowingly or unknowingly, already incorporate these substitutes.
Interpretation of Odu Ifá:
Odu Ifá serves as a guideline open to interpretation. Fundamental principles and underlying reasons for rituals are key, not the literal execution of every recommendation. Adaptation to local contexts has always been part of the tradition, as evidenced by its evolution in the diaspora.
Local Adaptations in the Diaspora
As Ifá spread globally, local adaptations became necessary. For example, in Cuba, Santería practitioners adapted sacrificial practices to include readily available animals like chickens and goats instead of larger livestock. This adaptability is evident in the Odu Irete Meji, which recounts how the Orishas accepted local animals for sacrifice as long as the intention and respect were maintained.
Substitution with Plant-Based Offerings
There are myths in Odu Ifá indicating a shift towards plant-based offerings, reflecting ethical evolution. For instance, in the Odu Ose Otura, a community facing a livestock disease offered palm oil, honey, and yams as substitutes for animal sacrifices. The Orishas accepted these offerings, highlighting the importance of intent and sincerity.
The Tradition's Openness to Change
Ifá traditions have existed for thousands of years, continuously adapting to survive. The prohibition of human sacrifices is one notable example of such an ethical shift. In Odu Ifá, there are myths that clearly prohibit human sacrifices, reflecting a moral evolution. One such example is found in the Ese Ifá from the Odu Ejiogbe. This myth tells of a time when Esu, the messenger deity, was consulted. The diviners recommended a human sacrifice to solve a community problem. However, Esu intervened, demanding that an animal be used instead, thereby saving a human life and setting a precedent for future practices where human life was valued more highly than before. These changes illustrate the tradition's flexibility and resilience.
Conclusion
Do Vegans Have a Place in Orishá-Ifá Traditions? Yes, they do. If veganism means avoiding animal products in rituals, there are already examples of spiritual houses in Candomblé, Santería, and Ifá that operate without animal sacrifices.
Is a Vegan Future Possible for These Traditions? While it's hard to predict, there's a growing internal and external desire to consider this. In many countries, animal sacrifices are legally restricted, and urban practitioners often seek to simplify complex and costly rituals without losing their spiritual essence.
Can Traditions Thrive Without Animal Sacrifices? Yes, they can. I come from a traditional house with animal sacrifices but now lead a house in Germany that has thrived for years without them. Adapting rituals to be simpler, affordable, and free of animal sacrifices while maintaining their power and foundations is challenging but achievable.
Exploring "vegan Orishá Ifá" traditions underscores that Ifá's survival and beauty in the diaspora stem from its ability to adapt without losing its roots. Spiritual practices must evolve with time and context, ensuring that the forms we give to fundamental principles remain dynamic and meaningful.
Stay connected for more discussions on tradition and modernity in Ifá practices. Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable to our community.
Blessings and Ashé,
Babá Tilo de Àjàgùnnà
DAILY IFÁ
P.S. Next week, we will delve into the 7 Cardinal Virtues within Ifá traditions, exploring their myths and proverbs, and understanding their impact on our spiritual journey. Stay tuned for more profound insights!
Special Content for Paid Subscribers
In this special edition for our loyal subscribers, we explore the profound revelations of Odu Ifá Okanran Ogbe. This Odu provides essential guidance on navigating the upcoming week with wisdom and foresight. Key aspects we will focus on are the birth of the hunter Orishá Inle and the powerful myth stating that there is no Oshun without Oyá and vice-versa.
Key Dimensions of Life According to Odu Ifá Okanran Ogbe
The Birth of Hunter Orishá Inle
Myth:
Inle, the hunter Orishá, was born under the influence of Okanran Ogbe. This birth signifies the emergence of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection with nature. Inle is revered for his skills in hunting and his ability to thrive in challenging environments.
Consequences for the Week:
This week, channel the qualities of Inle by embracing resilience and resourcefulness. Engage in activities that connect you with nature, and utilize your innate skills to overcome obstacles. Seek guidance from Inle through offerings and rituals to enhance your strength and adaptability.
Proverb:
"A patient hunter never misses his target."
The Interdependence of Oshun and Oyá
Myth:
In the city of Oshongo, Oshun, the queen of the Amazons, and her sister Oyá, the owner of the markets in Nipe, demonstrate a profound bond. Orunmila revealed through Okanran Ogbe that Oshun and Oyá are deeply interconnected, stating, "There cannot be Oshun without Oyá nor Oyá without Oshun."
Consequences for the Week:
This myth highlights the importance of collaboration and mutual support. In your relationships and endeavors, recognize the strength in unity. Whether in personal or professional settings, seek partnerships and collaborations that enhance mutual growth and success. Honor both Oshun and Oyá with offerings to invoke their harmonious influence in your life.
Proverb:
"There is no Oshun without Oyá, and no Oyá without Oshun."
Overall Summary
Odu Ifá Okanran Ogbe emphasizes the need for resilience, resourcefulness, and harmonious collaboration. It reminds us to honor our connections and draw strength from unity. By embracing the teachings of Inle and the intertwined fates of Oshun and Oyá, we can navigate the week with wisdom and grace.
Rituals and Offerings for the Week
For Resilience and Resourcefulness (Honoring Inle)
Offering to Inle: Prepare an altar with fresh leaves and herbs. Offer fruits and grains, and recite prayers asking for Inle’s guidance and strength.
Nature Connection Ritual: Spend time outdoors, meditate, and connect with the natural elements. Collect leaves or stones as symbols of resilience.
For Harmony and Collaboration (Honoring Oshun and Oyá)
Offering to Oshun and Oyá: Create a shared altar space for Oshun and Oyá. Offer honey, oranges, and cinnamon sticks for Oshun, and palm oil, kola nuts, and smoked fish for Oyá. Light candles and recite prayers honoring their unity and seeking their blessings.
Partnership Ritual: Identify a key partnership in your life. Perform a ritual with the involved person to strengthen your bond, such as sharing a meal or a symbolic gift exchange.
By integrating these practices into your week, you can align yourself with the positive forces of Odu Ifá Okanran Ogbe, fostering resilience, harmony, and mutual growth.
Blessings and Ashé,
Baba Tilo de Àjàgùnnà
DAILY IFÁ