The act of birth has blood associated with it. New Guests - you can Register here to join Ifa College. Find out more at www.ifapray.org the Virgen of Charity, who is enshrined in a glass case above the church altar. It is impossible to properly initiate a person at any level in Santeria via mail or the Internet. Feel free to ask people about the religion and, if given permission, take photographs. FSM is a real, legitimate religion, as much as any other. Pastafarianism is no different in that regard. Many Santeros make the journey here to pray to Ochún, a.k.a. Recently Ifa was divined for someone, the Odu which came down was Eji Ogbe, (Eji-ugg-beh, the word Eji is a derivative of Meji which means two, while Ogbe means light, broken down it literally means Two Lights), this Odu, (Odu is often times referred to as Ifa … Ifa is a beautiful, rich tradition that encompasses so much wisdom, so much history, so much power. It is magick! About Us. So do I. To become an Ifa Priest (Babalawo) one must first submit themselves to Olodumare and Ifa. The Ifa Foundation has, for more than 30 years, pioneered introducing The Ancient African Wisdom of Ifa (Orisa) to the Western World. Talk to people about your religion. The term Babalawo means “Father of the Mysteries/Secrets of the Earth.” Becoming a Babalawo and Priest of Ifa is a lifetime pursuit for those who take it as a calling and profession. Once your religion’s core ideas are worked out, you can start inviting other people to join you. In order for the new orishas that are being birthed for the initiate to exist, they must consume the blood of sacrificed animals. Many experts suggest working slowly at first. All the ceremonies involved in these initiations require the initiate to be physically present and without these ceremonies being done, the so-called 'initiation' is invalid and worthless. Meet other local people who are interested in Ifa, the wisdom system of the Yoruba culture in Western Africa. Join Ifa Religion groups Related topics: In traditional Yoruba Ifa practice, Ifa … Join thousands praying for our nation and leaders. You might talk to some of your own acquaintances, then build from there by word of mouth. Most religions are comprised of a group of people with similar – but not exact – world views. IFA offers a wide variety of free resources to help those who are praying pray more effectively and with insight. Gather and discuss this spiritual system and way of life. Whatever you decide, remember this. I don't say this to get into a debate about it, it's simply religious law, but it does not forbid either from going to Ifa for divination, help or Awofakan/Ikofa. Ifa Yoruba religion is practiced not just among the Yorubas in Nigeria but also throughout West Africa, the Americas and the Canary Islands. But that reflects more on the individuals that surrounded you than the religion itself. In fact, True Belief is not often a requirement of religion. In lucumi Ifa, homosexuals are forbidden from the Ifa priesthood, as are women. Visits to the cathedral at El Cobre, which is about 15 miles (23 km) from Santiago, will also be instructive. It seems that your path is not to be an Ifa priest, or at least not a member of the ile that you first selected. Animal Sacrifice: Every initiation in Santeria requires animal sacrifice.The reason why animal sacrifice must be present is because every initiation is a birth into a new life and destiny. It also plays a critical role in the culture and traditions of Candomblé, Santería, Palo, Vodou, Umbanda, many other Afro-American faiths and in some traditional African religions.