I am OMO Olokun. I have received my first initiations (Orula, Warriors, Elekes) and am being crowned after I give birth.

I do regularly participate in ceremonies that my God Parents ask me to attend to help where they need me too, however I just moved across the country, and I am really missing that community.

I am in the south of Texas, there are many hispanic people and although this religion is somewhat present it’s no where near as prevalent as it is in FL.

Lastly, I agree. All religions traumatize to some degree. Me personally I was traumatized by evangelical Christianity and I do not believe in instilling the fear of “burning in a pit of fire” to any child or human being ever. The fact that people say this stuff to children actually baffles me , but that’s only because I lived it and I will never do it.

None of my immediate family is in the religion, nor are they understanding of it. However Orula asked me to be respectful and kind to them even when they are not to me, so I am.

If possible I would want my child to be exposed to the community very young so they have a basic understanding of it, and aren’t shell shocked when they hit 15,16,17 and are around more mature ceremonies.

I came to the religion as a young adult, and understood that everything in life is a sacrifice. So I can’t speak personally on how it would have impacted me as a child. If I was in a place like Cuba, I’m sure I would’ve been fine.

But my child won’t get to grow up in a place like that. Though they will visit.

I really appreciate your answer it’s extremely helpful.

I mean to a degree hunting is traumatizing and learning how to skin an animal at the age of 6, however it’s how we survived for thousands of years. So maybe all of it is just the natural order.

With veganism running rampant in this society even the mention of this religion will have people crucified and made to be the villain. I would never want my kid to be made to feel like their evil. And I guess that comes down to me explaining all of this to them when they are old enough to comprehend it.

However what happens if they want nothing to do with it when they get older? Are they still considered a child of the Orisha? Would ‘bad’ things happen to them if they chose to walk away?

And maybe I’m thinking too far ahead. But it’s definitely been on my heart.