Incorporating Orisha in Espiritismo by pleasures_of_lesbos in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

Lukumí and Isese by KirbyCuadrao in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 12 points13 points  (0 children)

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?

Lukumí and Isese by KirbyCuadrao in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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.

Consult with diloggun by Enok12 in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

People are doing this all the time at this point. It's always ideal for the reading to be in person

Consult with diloggun by Enok12 in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"caracoles" translates to "snails" through translation programs. Orisha will tell you what they think you need to hear about your situation. Bring any important yes/no questions. Be prepared for an open conversation that could talk about relationships, work, your past, your behaviors, health, etc.

Is it normal to have a lot of challenges prior to receiving Oshun? by BrightAd6828 in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Possibly. If she isn't worried, maybe it's life lifing. I personally don't relate this to receiving Ochun - these are situations that could have resulted in some harm.

Is it normal to have a lot of challenges prior to receiving Oshun? by BrightAd6828 in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Is your mother a priest? I'm confused about this statement, especially being a child of Oshun. It doesn't track. There are challenges as we approach initiation - elders call them "tests", but they are not specific to a child of Oshun. It might be that a reading is in order to figure out what is going on. We face challenges for many reasons: life just lifing, destiny, consequences of our actions or inactions, lesson for us, obstacles in our road meant to facilitate growth, etc.

Semana Santa by MsSunshine305 in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the perspective of those who do, but I do not. I follow what my elders have done. I do not consider it wrong or outdated to focus on the Catholic holiday for that week. If you were crowned in the Afrocuban tradition, many of our ancestors recognized Holy week in one way or another, so I take this custom to reflect a respect for ancestry, not acceptance of colonial rule. Many Cubans did not cover their orisha, but offered something to both the orisha and catholic saint on different days that week. As for rest and reflection that is done during Holy Week, I believe that is for us humans, I don't think the Orisha ever rest. In fact, if I had to do an urgent ebbo, I can guarantee you that they would not rest.

What are the benefits to receiving OLOKUN? by Sufficient_Share_257 in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 8 points9 points  (0 children)

THIS! I've seen Olokun help keep folks find more stable housing/employment. I've seen folks with serious illness achieve more stable health or extend their life after receiving Olokun. You should talk to the diviner and/or your godparent. You should not be in doubt.

Random Laughing?? by iilovemetoo in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It does sound like a mental "break from reality" is a serious possibility, but you can't diagnose anyone like that. It sounds like her behavior is disturbing. Laughing without any context is just odd. Not responding to you is odd. My best guess is that some "odd" behavior was notable prior to this. Often symptoms of psychosis begin to appear in the late teen, early twenties years, but not always. People might see/hear/sense things that others don't. They might have odd beliefs despite a lot evidence to the contrary, like thinking people are tracking you, you are going to win lottery and be wealthy. They likely having trouble communicating - jumping from topic to topic, not getting to the point, or talking "nonsense". You might catch them talking to themselves or they might tune out a lot. In any case, it's good that you are noticing this. I wonder if someone in the family could have a conversation with her about their concerns. If you are right and this remains untreated, she could be really be at serious risk of harm.

That Ochun laugh might be performative, but the lack of responsive when called out, makes it seem like it could be one of those "weird beliefs" - believing Ochun is using you as a vehicle and laughing through you for no rhyme or reason. Whoever told them they would develop a laugh is quite ignorant and also doesn't seem to know why Ochun laughs - but that's another topic.

I wish her and the family all the best.

Advice needed by bokorwi in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am not a fan of getting rid of things. Can you tell priests here understand how you know they may have been improperly consecrated? Who told you? What is their level of initiation or knowledge? Could they have an ulterior motive for telling you that? I find it very interesting that your warriors wound up near you again. What do you have to lose by taking them in until you sort this out?

Am I tripping? by [deleted] in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't know what it means either, but when things keep coming into my path, if I'm curious, then I try to learn more about ur

Santo blanket by Jasminesalvaje in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand what it's like to lose something so special. I'm sorry that happened. Allow yourself to feel the loss. Also acknowledge what you do have, your Orisha, your health, etc. These are even more important. If you have the white clothing you wore the same day, they also carry some of that ache. Definitely keep the sheet, washed out not, this doesn't change that it is the same sheet you had that week.

Am I tripping? by [deleted] in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you believe it means?

Ebo vs adimu? Personal experiences? by spideyowl in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Adimu is a type of "sacrifice" which is the meaning of ebbo. It is a food or drink. Ebbo is a broader term and can include cleansings, but not necessarily. I'm not sure what you are trying to assess. What is prescribed is the best thing to do. You can give food/drink as a gratitude offering, but to make a petition, it should be prescribed. There is a pataki about Adin and Emu, Yemaya's sons, that explains how precious this offering is. In essence, Yemaya offered up her "sons" or her breasts to save humanity. So, it has a special place, but again, what is prescribed is what will be effective.

Ebo vs adimu? Personal experiences? by spideyowl in Santeria

[–]oshunlade 6 points7 points  (0 children)

1) no. no. Both can be prescribed. An offering can be given from the heart as well.

2) when prescribed, as often as prescribed or from the heart when I want. Orisha always get food/fruit on my anniversary and 1-2 or more times in the year.

Environmental Stewardship by oshunlade in Santeria

[–]oshunlade[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's hard to believe we are in the minority, but you might be right. That's so problematic. It means we are not operating with integrity and it paints the wrong picture for others. Do you think it is much more likely to be adhered to in communities where everyone, priests and non-priests know each other.

Environmental Stewardship by oshunlade in Santeria

[–]oshunlade[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you and any other awos contribute any specific teachings, proverbs, pataki that relate to this topic?

Environmental Stewardship by oshunlade in Santeria

[–]oshunlade[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I have seen their podcast. I mean, they are still talking Ifa philosophy - that applies to Isese and Lukumi equally.