Orisha Divination is Not Fortune Telling

by Iyalorisa Melissa Olosun People often come to Orisha religions and think the first step they should take is to get a reading. While divination is absolutely important in all of the Orisha religions, it is usually not the very first step one would take. North Americans are quite familiar with Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls,

Yemoja & Candomblé

Understanding Tradition – a reflection

Those who study and practice the African derived religions of the diaspora often develop questions that we can’t easily find the answers to. Sometimes, the impulse is to look outside of the traditions of the diaspora to explain the norms that have developed in the diaspora over time. While the many traditions that developed in

Mãe Stella’s YouTube Channel: A First Look

Mãe Stella de Oxossi explains why she decided to launch a YouTube channel as a way to combat inventions and misinformation in Candomblé.

Baba Google

The difference between finding answers to your questions about Orisha and looking for other information on the Internet is that people are more likely to be able to discern whether information is credible or not when researching topics where they’ve already got some level of familiarity.

“What is Ori and Why do I Need a Bori?”

One of the basic beliefs in Candomblé is that harmony is essential, and in order to have harmony there must be balance.

But in Candomblé They Only do Head & Foot…

I’m not sure where the myth began that Candomblé initiations are done “head and foot,” but it’s a grave misconception.

Worshipping Orixá isn’t About Expecting Miracles

When we make ebo, it’s not a business transaction we’re making with Orixá; we need water, but water doesn’t need us.

A Refuge in Thunder: Dr. Harding Lectures About Candomblé

A Refuge in Thunder, by Dr. Rachel E. Harding, takes a close look at the trajectory of Candomblé in its Brazilian home as a religion of resilience and affirmation of a Black identity in Brazil.

Workshop on Yoruba Language in Rio de Janeiro

Ethical Responsibility in the Diaspora

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you believe you’re being taken advantage of or are being abused, do not feel that it’s your role as a “good godchild” to endure such behavior.

The Beauty of a Iyawo’s Initiation in Candomblé – A Translation

Oh, if you knew how beautiful it is to watch your gestation in the uterus (honko) of the ile, in your simplicity of white, seeing your initiation and being born into the religion.  Giving you food, your bath, everything at the right time, sleeping with you to protect you during the night.  Oh, iyawo, if you knew

When Depression Shows Up, How Do You?

It’s not unusual for someone to break down in tears during a reading.  Sometimes the desperation is palpable, and we should do our best to help in whatever ways we can. Divination reveals a lot about us, and it’s not uncommon to see when someone is suffering from depression.