When the Orishas call ourselves, by the most diverse means, when people get conscious that they have to serve, to attend the Orisha, the initiation is appointed.
The process of initiation completes itself 7 (seven) years later.
When we speak of initiation, or "to make the Saint", we know it is the maximum in preceptual practices.
There are other types of initiation, more simple ones: 'to settle the Saint' ('assentar Santo'), 'wash the necklaces' ('lavar contas'), 'wash the head' ('lavar cabeça') etc. Only the initiates - in the patterns of the traditional rituals and the obligations done in right time - can become initiators (Baba or Iyalorixá). It is of no use to know the practices and have no Axé conveyed by the one who has the right to do so.
The initiate is named: Omo Orisha or Olorisha.
The Axé is conveyed through the learning during the period of time which starts from the initiation, when the direct contact with the Orisha begins. There is no school to become Abyã or initiate. There is transmition of Axé done by the Baba and Iyalorixá.
Sixteen Cowries
We communicate with the Orishas and ancestrals through the oracle.
As everything in the faith of the Orishas is done through initiation, to the Oluwo or the one in charge of the communication with the forces we adore, the process is the same. It is not divination.
With 4 (four) cowries we communicate with the Orishas, translating their desires. The same happens with the Erindilogun. For exemplo: we know that Odi is one of the ways by which Ogum speaks. Knowing the practice of the play of cowries and the respective Itan (stories), we are able to make an ample reading of the messages, advices, ebos, warnings, and how to find balance in our day-to-day.
Stella de Azevedo, Iyalorixá of the Ilé Axé Opô Afonjá.
october, 1996
Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:46 pm