VODUNS GROUND ZERO If one were to think in mathematical terminology using the integer (whole and negative numbers) spread out across a number line the midpoint, on that line, would be zero. As one begins with zero and travels to the right, of that line, the values of our numbers increase and as we travel to the left the values of the numbers decrease. Those who are not aware or familiar with the world of the spirits are, in essence, always somewhere to the left of zero on that number line. However, If ones ancestors and the spirits that gave them life, through the manipulation of those spiritual gifts born to the person or by some other methods, are able to get them to the point where they began to inquire about them and go for authentic African divination, then, the person has arrived safely at ground zero. Ones spiritual journey has truly just begun. And even then the road can be bumpy! I bring this up because, recently, a young woman approached me seeking someone to work with. I had to gently explain that authentic African vodun does not work this way. When she first approached she was busy explaining her spiritual gifts...those things that she found that she could do in reference to the spiritual realm. So, in my confusion, I first thought she was seeking divination until she explained that she actually wanted to work with me. Even though I was flattered it tugged at my heart to have to refuse her, because, she was so genuine in her request. I believe that underneath it all she really wanted to learn and grow in the world of the spirits; so, I feel that I need to explain how one actually does come to work in authentic African vodun; and, I pray that she returns for divination one day. She seemed like a real sweetie pie! And, with my ole crusty and flawed bedside manner, I cant afford to throw away sweetie pies.... As I have mentioned countless times it begins with authentic African divination...Ifa. By using Ifa we are able to determine your ancestry, the spirits that gave you life and whether you were born to serve the spirits or not and, if so, in what capacity. This information tells us who and what you are in the spirit world. And it is through the initiation process, if instructed by the spirits, that the spirits prepare you for whatever spiritual role you were born to. Diasporans mistakenly think that the initiation process is about you and the priest or priestess. It isnt! It is about you and the spirits. For it is there, in the initiation process, that the spirits activate those spiritual gifts that one may be born with to their fullest potentials. It simply does not happen without it. In addition, through divination, we can ascertain you ancestral history or whatever, physical or spiritual thrones that you are direct descendants of. While we were taken into slavery those inherited rights are still there, in Africa, for us to claim if it can be proven the only way traditional Africans will accept...through authentic African divination. So, once we discover who and what you are in the spiritual realm, we proceed from there. If you are not born of the Mami Wata pantheon, Behumbeza the great priest of Mami, will ask the voduns, through Ifa, to whom (because we are all ordained by them and they know us) or to what priest or priestess they want to perform your ceremonies. He then goes to that person where divination is again performed for verification, with the new person, and negotiations made, on your behalf, to perform your ceremonies if you choose to proceed. You then are turned over to the person to whom the voduns have commanded of us. However, if you choose, we are there with you every step of the way. Our purpose is to make sure that you are treated fairly, honestly and somebody isnt building a new house off your back! It is NEVER a good idea for a diasporan to approach the African priesthood on their own with no prior knowledge of the people. You could be ripped off big time! I have been there, done that; so, use my help. And that is the way one begins to associate with or work with authentic African vodun. You start off with your own spiritual needs being met, and then train under your spiritual parent in his/her temple until you establish your own if is your destiny to do so. But before that we all start at ground zero. Ones spiritual gifts, prior to initiation, does not put one on the level of anyone in the African priesthood. It is a process developed by the spirits, themselves, with absolutely no short cuts!
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 10:24:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015