Monthly Archives: January 2017

Basket of Ideas: Why not me?

Mae Stella reflects on suffering, 12.07.2012 Maria Stella de Azevedo Santos http://mundoafro.atarde.uol.com.br/balaio-de-ideias-por-que-nao-eu/ Translated by Melissa McHenry Suffering isn’t “my beach,” but it’s impossible to deny that this painful feeling plays a part of the existence of absolutely every human being.  Normally, when a person sees themselves as being forced to live through intense painful moments,Continue reading “Basket of Ideas: Why not me?”

Inside a Terreiro: Ilê Aganã Axé Laburè Candomblé Documentary with English Subtitles

I always get excited when I find videos that have subtitles.  This documentary takes viewers through a terreiro in Sao Paulo.  The terreiro itself looks elaborate, but is also in an urban setting.  You get the chance to meet some members of the ile who actually live in the terreiro.  The Babalorixa makes an amazingContinue reading “Inside a Terreiro: Ilê Aganã Axé Laburè Candomblé Documentary with English Subtitles”

Getting Involved in Candomblé VII: The Importance of Sacrifice 

by Melissa It’s no secret that there is animal sacrifice in Candomblé. However, there are many types of sacrifices that we make when we decide to follow Candomblé (or any other religious belief system). The biggest sacrifice that I think is understated is that of time. Once you enter an Ile, you will be expectedContinue reading “Getting Involved in Candomblé VII: The Importance of Sacrifice “

Getting Involved in Candomblé VI: Switching Orisha Traditions

by Iya Melissa Edited on June 29, 2017 to clarify points about switching traditions after having gone through full Orisa initiation in another tradition. As Candomblé grows in the United States, it’s becoming more common for people who have exposure and initiations in other Orisha traditions to develop an interest in Candomblé.  It’s normal to wantContinue reading “Getting Involved in Candomblé VI: Switching Orisha Traditions”

Mãe Stella: Presence, yes! Presents, no! – a Translation

Maria Stella de Azevedo Santos | Iyalorixá do Ilê Axé Opô Afonjá opoafonja@gmail.com http://atarde.uol.com.br/opiniao/noticias/1734286-presenca-sim-presente-nao Translated by Melissa McHenry I’m ready to sleep, not so early as the elderly sleep.  I’m 90 years and 7 months old, but my filha throws the 90 away.  She’s of Iyemanjá.  As her essence is that of a mother, she coversContinue reading “Mãe Stella: Presence, yes! Presents, no! – a Translation”