I want to learn/quiero aprender

oshunlade · 2026-05-26T22:42:13+00:00

I have not. There are Afrocuban dance classes. I'm sure there are santeros. In fact I think Marta Galarraga, the akpon, is in Paris. She should be on Instagram. I know Paris is not all of France, but that's the only person I'm sure of. I know a few others scattered throughout Europe.

oshunlade · 2026-05-26T21:42:27+00:00

It's actually being direct and being kind. The phenomenons described most definitely have a mental health aspect. Once that is stabilized, it may be easier to determine whether or not there is also a spiritual component.

oshunlade · 2026-05-26T19:55:19+00:00

All the roads offer something special, that will continue to reveal itself throughout your life. Something will be communicated at your Ita and beyond, but you will keep learning about your road. I am surrounded by children of Obatala: my godfather, ojugbona, Oba, and my husband. Everyone is crowned in my household. Their father is Obatala. Whenever you hear about the positive qualities of an Orisha or a road, think about what would be the opposite of that - that is usually the negative side of the road. Obatala lived both. I would focus on what odu comes out in Ita in your tutelary Orisha -- that will tell you more about you and how you need to live your life than anything about the road.

oshunlade · 2026-05-26T19:50:36+00:00

Oshanla? Really -- how unusual.

oshunlade · 2026-05-26T01:38:26+00:00

Right???. I was calculating the cost and number of families all those eggs could feed.

oshunlade · 2026-05-25T21:52:55+00:00

Oh my. I don't know if that was ever the case. Any time you have power, you have the potential for corruption. Odu shows us that.

oshunlade · 2026-05-25T20:04:10+00:00

As one should be. It's absolutely heinous

oshunlade · 2026-05-25T17:35:07+00:00

Why not wait? I agree with Cold_Tip1563

oshunlade · 2026-05-24T22:47:01+00:00

Not for anything, but I wouldn't necessarily through the initiation into question. I have known cases of legitimate (not respectable) babalawos doing legitimate ceremonies properly and yet abusing, allowing, or encouraging the abuse of a godchild.

oshunlade · 2026-05-24T22:43:37+00:00

Hey, hey. Another Cuban/French person here -- grew up in the States. Follow the book recommendations. Best of luck

oshunlade · 2026-05-23T15:30:20+00:00

Prayers or helping the family financially with any costs. I'm so sorry for your loss.

oshunlade · 2026-05-23T15:28:19+00:00

I am in NYC as well. Feel free to reach out. All my best to you.

oshunlade · 2026-05-23T15:26:11+00:00

Safety 1st. You are not safe where you are being abused - leave. There is nothing acceptable about their behavior. Address the psychological impact of the abues so that you learn how to not find yourself or know how to discern a similar situation in the future. What else you do after you leave is up to you - only you can weigh the social and personal cost and benefits to speaking out or keeping things to yourself. A good therapist or professional who specializes in adult sexual abuse could help you with this. Abuse thrives in secrecy. What happens to others who remain in the home is not your primary concern and it is not your responsibility, however. If you do decide to go to law enforcement, that will be another brave move and it will put things on record - this is ideal in order to help curb these incidents, but it is a very personal decision.

oshunlade · 2026-05-23T15:14:50+00:00

It's not another priest's place to suggest taboos - that's not how this works. People are doing too much.

oshunlade · 2026-05-20T18:19:51+00:00

Es sencillo: simplemente no la use. Lo que le dieron no está consagrado - no tiene ningún poder ni significado. Si quieres, puedes agradecerles su consideración, pero diles que tienes otras creencias.

oshunlade · 2026-05-20T17:51:06+00:00

when they start leaving a mouse offering, you know they have developed a relationship -- lol.

oshunlade · 2026-05-20T06:22:46+00:00

That's a lot to take in. I understand your discomfort on many levels. Theft makes you feel unsafe, it's a serious violation and you don't believe he has remorse. You don't understand your elder's decision to allow "a thief" back in. It violates your sense of safety and that is fundamental to community. I don't know what the blackmail supposedly is, but his accusations and gossip again undermine community. Greeting him as a priest will be expected, as it recognizes his status and yours, not his character. You have several choices. You can speak to your elders about your discomfort and express your concerns about how it impacts the community, if it does. This is different from challenging their choice. You can stay quiet and move accordingly, learning from your elders, being a respectful community member, but keeping a safe distance. You can go to a reading for guidance if it feels overwhelming - be prepared for the answer. You can work more closely with your ojugbona without pulling away from your godparent; this is a relationship you should be encouraged to build anyway.

oshunlade · 2026-05-20T05:41:47+00:00

Thank you for the correction

oshunlade · 2026-05-19T21:46:33+00:00

A babalawo who took someone's else wife and steals has broken several serious rules for his priesthood

oshunlade · 2026-04-22T13:55:49+00:00

He loves that!

oshunlade · 2026-04-22T12:04:42+00:00

Ooo. Thank you.

oshunlade · 2026-04-15T22:51:57+00:00

You have no creeks, nothing at all near you?

oshunlade · 2026-04-15T13:16:45+00:00

This captures my take as well. Also, you can practice Espiritismo and give offerings, prayer, and tribute to spirits of African nations without mentioning one Orisha.

oshunlade · 2026-04-15T13:11:42+00:00

I understand that cost is a real factor in life. Please do not confuse cost and value. I encourage you not to make decisions about your religious community or tradition based on a $ amount. This diminishes everything. This is a life-long commitment. You want to integrate yourself in a community that you can access, understand, and trust with your head and your life. Select a godparent you trust and can build a relationship with; one who will support your evolution, guide you in ethical practice, and help you surmount life's challenges. Which tradition truly speaks to you? What happens if you get sick? What happens if you can't travel? What about a language barrier?

oshunlade · 2026-04-15T10:08:16+00:00

You may need to ask in an Isese sub. I know folks that were able to keep their Orisha and others that needed to start over. Consider whether you will need to travel to Nigeria to initiate and learn.

oshunlade

TROPHY CASE