The Gift of Yoruba Spirituality
When Your Path Finds You
by Adeola Fearon
Photo: Unsplash
Spirituality, a sense of something more, is magnetic. You’re drawn to every sensation before there is consciousness of what it is, what to call it, or how to explain it.
As a flower would talk of its experience of being a seed, I also am filled with a story of wonder. Everything that lives begins in a protected layer as elements push up, around, over, and under. It is Grace greater than I can imagine that carried me through to the spirituality I’ve grown to love in the Yoruba tradition.
In my seedling form, I was curious and aware of the interrelationships between people and their surroundings. Raised in a Pentecostal church with an awareness of Spirit deeper than I could explain to anyone around me, I found solace in song and praise that reached deep into my core and increased the fire already lit in my understanding. I began to study and visit various faith traditions, using nature as my seat for meditation. The wind, the waves, the trees, and the water kept me curious.
A Place to Sing
After being touched by these experiences, I became exposed to the Yoruba tradition through my first love, the arts. I became part of a theater company that was rooted in the Yoruba tradition. Olodumare, the Creator of all, was not a being in the sky but a connection in every living thing, unconfined by gender, race, or other forms of separatism. It called and entranced me as a devotee. The curtain finally raised on my spirituality, and my song had a place to sing.
Yoruba tradition, culture, and spirituality originate in Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. All aspects of it are deeply rooted in honoring what has been endowed in the individual and nature. Yoruba spirituality is conveyed through the arts. Its poetry, music, and dance are vehicles used in meditation and ritual to express metaphorically the Divine connection that is the “INS-perience” (inspirational experience) of the individual. Its substance is all about connection. Yoruba spirituality practiced throughout the African diaspora is called by many names, names such as Candomble, Santeria, Sango, and Umbanda. These are found in diverse cultures, but its roots are the same: Yoruba.
An oral tradition, Yoruba spirituality is passed down from elder to student and community to individual. Its passing traditionally entailed an immersion of the senses until more recent years, when it began to be conveyed in written form. Many individuals bought and sold in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade practiced Yoruba spirituality but were forced to renounce their beliefs. Later, early witnesses and recorders of the tradition, unfortunately, were unaware of its depths and translated what was seen through their own cultural and spiritual lens; stripping it of its beauty and wisdom. Through it all, the tradition survived.
Original quilt by Adeola Fearon in honor of the Osun Grove and it’s healing waters.
A devotee is one who has been introduced to mysteries or rituals to enhance their life journey. Each day a devotee bows, prays, and draws fresh water to honor Olodumare, uttering thanksgiving and praise for all of life, their ancestors and spiritual guides, and requesting blessings for themselves, their family, and community. The devotee has now re-affirmed through breath and substance the source of their existence and the power that is in control. No matter what the day brings, they are honored to be present and have another opportunity to serve.
In visiting other houses of worship, a devotee knows and recognizes the presence of Orisa (pronounced O-ree-sha). Orisa are the various expressions of Olodumare, each reflecting an energy or taking prominence in different situations, places, and persons. Therefore, there is acceptance and openness to obtaining the knowledge present. Olodumare is like the rainbow, being as apparent as different colors but associated as One and revealing the purity in every circumstance.
Yoruba spirituality is grounded in recognizing the strength of ancestors and their contributions to the present. A devotee understands their actions, words, and deeds are possible, supported, and reflective of the ancestors who may or may not be in their direct family line. The concept of iwapele, having good and gentle character, is of utmost importance and sustained through prayer; a constant process used not just throughout life, but in each waking moment.
A Deeper Wisdom
Photo: Adeola Fearon
Prayer honors the power of the breath, that which brings life and hence, the power of the word ... Ofo Ase (pronounced “Ofo Ah -Shay”). The Holy Odu (scripture) are written poetically to encourage meditation in a lyrical digestion of words and wisdom. It is not for the speed reader but for those willing to embark on a constant meditative education. There is ritual, divination, and ceremony. These three solidify and enhance connection to the past, present, and future. However, each person comes to this wisdom uniquely and through ritual, meditation, and prayer. Mystery is unlocked and a deeper wisdom is received.
As an artist and healer, I express my connection through poetry, various art forms, teaching, and healing. It has touched every area of my being, family, relationships, work, and play. It is in my silences and my song, my movement and my discernment, keeping the core of me in balance. Just as a seed is fed, I am nurtured, given room to grow, bend, and evolve while always remaining grounded and rooted. I am honored to have received this gift.
Header Photo: Unsplash