Osebiile-May2009

This is our temple's monthly gathering, in which we give worship and praise to our Creator, whom we call Olodumare or Olorun. Others may call the Creator, God, Allah, Elohim, Yahweh, Jah, or a host of other names or titles. Regardless of the name used, there is only one and the same. -- We also give reverence to our ancestors and the orisa (angelic forces). This is followed by lecture and discussion. -- This month's discussion focuses on Iwori Meji, the third Odu in the sacred oracle of Ifa. -- Each meeting begins with a brief prayer of thanks, and pouring libation to the earth and our ancestors. We share stories and experiences, and we eat together. We also discuss some ideas to help our Ifa community. -- During each of our gatherings, we have a special Odu session, in which we select ese Ifa (Odu verses) to teach our children and ourselves. There are many stories in Odu Ifa, which most people will find interesting and even fun. Let's give our children something culturally meaningful to grow on. -- If you are not a member, and would like to attend Osebiile Temple, please send email (oje_ifasakin@ osebiile. org or oje_ifasakin@ yahoo.com) for an invitation and directions. We are located in the small city of Dacula, in the East end of Gwinnett County, off Highway 316. -- If you are seeking a spiritual home in West African based Ifa, please join us. Whether you started in traditional West African Ifa, Lucumi, Candomble, Vodoun, or other variation, you are welcome at Osebiile Temple. -- Our mission is to "live a good life and help others to do the same." We do this through the example of Orunmila, which is the sacred oracle of Ifa. -- Ire aiku, ire owo, ire alaafia! -- ~ Awo Ojelola Ifasakin -- "Ibi ire ni`Fa n gbemi i lo." -- (It is only to a place of goodness that Ifa carries me.) -- . Yoruba proverb, from the odu-Ifa of Osebiile