Soothsaying on the Month of March of 2019

If you’ve read my posts before, then you already know that I often divine with patterns. This means that I take random (or seemingly random) bits of information. And from there I actually find patterns which show a bigger picture of events. I’ve done this with Chinese New Year divinations, and African Disapora Divinations as well. Every Month the IFA Priests do their divinations about which of the Orishas (Gods) rule which days, I have paid attention to what happens on those days.

And from there I began to map out the days based on the ruling Gods. Like a do or do not list to avoid trouble. Or to take full advantage of the good energy available for projects or work related issues. I also include any holidays on those days or sometimes not the holidays themselves, but the Astrological shifts happening those days. With all that being said, let me show you what I found for this Month.

If you haven’t read my last post about the Orishas who rule the IFA Calendars, click on it. Otherwise you’ll be confused as Hell. So, Shango and Oya ruled the first day, then it was Obatala, Egungun, Iyami, and Sanpanna, then IFA, Esu, Osun, Aje, Yemaya, and Olokun. Then we get a breather with Ogun, Ochossi, and Orisha Oko. Notice a trend here? Energy in motion is what I am picking up this month.

Constant conflict or battle, dead ends and restarts, etc..we only get one day to chill out before the madness starts again. I believe part of this is the Mercury Retrograde. But the majority of this is what the Babalawos were telling us about in their new year’ divination. This whole year we are being forced to confront our inner demons. Our bad habits.

Our bad luck. Forced to look into reality no matter how painful it is.
Forced to confront our darkness. We’re not being given a choice. And to make that point clear as hell, we are suffering another late winter.

I wrote in my Imbolc divinations that light and dark are fighting with no clear winner in the horizon. But, the dark is doing it’s damndest to win. We have corrupt politicians doing power grabs now more than before. We have more plots in Latin America with Bolsonaro and Duque stealing the elections in Brazil and Colombia and now another US backed coup. We have Shinzo Abe in Japan being a corrupt war monger stirring up the pot against North Korea, while ignoring the wishes of his own people.

Even the so called “good guys” like Bernie Sanders, was pushing regime change narratives in Venezuela. And the Democrats are so far to the right, that with the exception of a few things, they might as well be moderate Republicans. So even the people we are told are good, are not actually good. More mass shootings, storms killing people, and mean while we’re being told it’s all naturally and okay. And that’s just the political crap we’re going through.

I’ve recieved a flurry of clients reaching out to me and my Shaman friend over malevolent paranormal activity. No sooner do we help one group of people, than we end up with someone with something far worse. Like seriously, what the hell? I was already helping a friend through a Generational Curse and teaching him how to cleanse and bless his house after we and our spirits helped break the curse and heal his family. Then we had a guy on his death bed practically. At this point we have to take weeklong vacations to rest before being asked to deal with something else.

To further emphasize this : Mercury Retrogade began the day before the New Moon. So, as one Astrologer that I introduced you to said : 

“We’re ending things right when we are suppose to begin them,”

Because Retrogrades bring an end to something that needs to go. And New Moons are a begining period where we can start over. So the begining period here, is that we are meant to destroy the structures and monoliths of power that aren’t serving us anymore. I already covered this a few blog posts ago. But it seems based on how I have interpreted the pattern I see in the IFA Calender plus current events that March is a real shirtstorm in the making.

It seems January and February were only leading up to our current situation. These are days of note.

March 5-6 : Double Chtonic power

Retrogrades are mini seasons of the dead. New Moons in Hinduism are considered the time for dark spirits of the dead. Which is why, traditionally, people try to avoid doing things or going to places on this day. Especially after dark. Both these days so close together says to me, that this Retrograde period is a time of extra reaping and extra harmful energies and spirits out there.

March 8th (this Friday) : Double Prosperity

Despite that, Friday actually seems more or less good. That doesn’t mean nothing bad will happen. In this season, even lucky days can flip on you. But Friday is an Ogun, Orisha Oko, and Ochossi day which as I explained last time is normally good luck. It is the 8th day of this Month which is a number for stable prosperity.

However number 8 is also the number for Hermes (Mercury) so I get the feeling that in this current retrograde, Friday will be bad for some and good for others. And even more people will find mixed results on that day. Also, Friday is good for Jobs and making money. Witchcraft for finding work is usually done on Fridays. But given the retrograde, we would have to be careful.

March 9th :  Mixed Results

Immediately the next day, we have Sango and Oya. Oya is the gatekeeper for the dead. The guide for souls who need to cross. Saturdays are days to honor the dead in general. And number 9 while it can be prosperous, is also a number for destruction or domination.

In Numerology number 9 can mean slow, but long lasting prosperity. Sango and Oya are royalty. So I don’t know for sure what will come of this day. The good and bad qualities may duke it out or cancel each other out. To mention just how mixed this day is : In Greek religion, 9 is the number of Aphrodite. But in Santeria 9 is the number of Oya.

While Oya does bring prosperity, the retrograde and New Moon just a few days before, and the day itself will probably mean Underworld power on full blast.

Sunday 10th : More Mixed results, but leaning on a peaceful day

Or it should be anyways. It all depends. Sundays are good for white magic and spiritual meditation. This Sunday will be ruled by Obatala, Egungun, Iyami, and Sanpanna. Obatala the white king of Heaven is obviously going to have his influence felt.

But the Iyami Goddesses are known for being violent if offended. Egungun is a dead child of Oya and is the embodiment of all the dead ancestors. And Sanpanna or Sakpata is the lame footed God of disease and cures for disease. Seems like it could lean in any direction.

March 13th : Tripple Cthonic Power, or Mixed Results. You be the judge. 

Wednesday is the day of Hermes who is in retrograde form right now. It’s the number 13 which can be good luck or sometimes bad luck. And it is ruled : By Sango/Oya. And again they can bring good luck or bad luck. Depends on their mood.

March 17th Sunday : Begining of Light Week

This is where the good actually comes from the reaping. I felt that Sango and Oya were bringing good energy this day. And it’s also St. Patrick’s day. The days ruled by Obatala and his party and the days ruled by IFA, Esu etc..and their party started to feel lighter and better to me.
From this point forward.

I began to feel spiritual light appear. 

March 20th : Full Moon, Sun enters Aries/Spring Equinox

Ruled by Orishas Oko, Ogun, and Ochossi. The good energy ia starting to appear en masse. An energitic doorway is open on this day.

March 21 : Thursday (Thor’s Day)

is ruled by Sango and Oya. If you read my last post, you know Sango rules lighting storms like Thor. I felt that Underworld Gods will gain some extra power this day. But, Thursday is good for prosperity magics. And Sango and Oya are both King and Queen.

With Oya being the Matron of the Market place and businesses, and Shango often depicted in statues with black cauldrons of gold. He is King after all. I feel that this is definitely when they will aid with money.

March 22 : Friday

Obatala and his Party, normally give me days of wisdom and spirituality. The number 22 in Angelic Numerology corresponds to the Archangel Raphael. Who teaches knowledge such as the magical uses of herbs (Book of Tobit) and is the Patron Saint of Healing. I feel this day will lend itself well to wisdom, knowledge, and clarity.

March 23-24 : Mostly Good

There’s a partial Chthonic influence on both these days. Saturday because that’s naturally a day for the dead. But I can feel the retrograde dying faster here. It is ruled by IFA, Esu, etc..and it felt like a day of great blessing. The number 23 always reminds me of Psalm 23.

Which I use in special baths for cleansing and blessing. The next day I can feel the retrograde starting to wrap up. I felt a nasty bit of negativity coming out as part of our reaping. But other than that, mostly a good day. Orisha Oko, Ogun, and Ochossi rule here.

And Sundays are meant for good energy as I explained. But it feels off. Dark and gray in the spiritual sense. Murky is the best word for it. That same under world energy feels stronger the next day on the 25th ruled by Sango/Oya but in the retrograde death throes.

March 27th : Extra Blessed

Now at first I thought this was weird as Hell. And I will tell you why : Because the three day lunar festival of the Ancient Greeks is happening here. And the 27th is the first and worst day : Hekate’s Deipnon or feast. Hekate told me when I first started out to celebrate the three day feast the day before the last quarter of the moon at Sunset. I’ve followed her instructions ever since.

Everyone has their own ways for doing this. Many modern practitioners of Hellenismos will do it the day before the astronomical new moon. But back to the point, Hekate’s Feast is a very nasty day. It’s a day when Hekate collects all the nasty energies from every corner in the world and brings it to the crossroads to destroy it all. And part of that, is that she finds all the dark, angry souls of the dead, including murders and suicides and brings them there.

The Hellenic will then go to the crossroads at Sunset with food and drink and leaves it there to appease the dark spirits and the Deity. But now that I am looking back on this, it actually does make sense. The next day : Hermes-Mercury leaves the Underworld and turns direct which ends the retrograde. So the final end of the retrograde is actually this day.
Also, Hekate’s Deipnon is a day to spiritually and physically clean the home.

You take the dust to the cemetery and leave the bad energy there. You also confess your sins to Hekate and ask for a clean slate. A sort of absolution. That’s something other practitioners taught me, not my priest. Hekate’s Deipnon goes on the next day till Sunset.

That also makes sense because the actual day it goes direct, Mercury still needs some time to leave retrograde and station direct. And the moment Hekate’s Deipnon ends (which coincides with us leaving retorgrade) it becomes the feast of Noumenia. The new Lunar Month. Which brings positive energy and good fortune and tidings.

I purify and cleanse and ask for good energy to replace the bad.

March 29 : Cleansing and Restoration

Now that said, negative after effects of a Retrograde can still be felt days after it ends. On the third day of the Lunar feast, it’s the day of Agathos Daimon (the Good Spirit). Now Agathos Daimon actually is a name for a Serpent God of Good Luck. He’s married to Tyche (Lady Luck). But as is the case with may Gods and spirits, Agathos Daimon’s name is also a name used for a specific type of spirit.

Particularly a person’s spirit guides.
This day is sacred to him, your spirit guides no matter the culture they may be from, and the Heroes of Ancient Greece.
The God Agathos Daimon, brings good luck by causing a person to shed their karma and negative or useless traits. Things that don’t work anymore are driven out of your life as a reaping for you to gain good luck. So we just got through a Reaping and we’re going through a final one.

It was explained to me in the Soothsay session that this is similar to giving yourself a final rinse of water before finishing a bath. I was also told that there is a balance of both light and dark happening this day. And it’s ruled by Sango and Oya. Who I saw both glowing gold and pleased in this session when asked about this day.

March 30-31 : Final Blessings, Wisdom

The final two days are ruled by Obatala and company and IFA, Esu and company. We end on a high note with wisdom and clarity after the long reaping of this season. So those are my impressions about this month. Please forgive my weird little divination rants. They tend to come out when I am doing trance work.

I’ll probably read this after it’s posted and go : “What the Fuck?”

As always, take my predictions with a grain of salt. Based on a person’s energy, things could be very different.

Anyways, have a good week,
– M

Who rule the Months in IFA Calenders?

For those who don’t know, the IFA Calender is created by IFA Priests who divine who will rule each day of the Month. So the calender is not set. The Gods who rule each day are always different. My perceptions of these days are mine alone. Perhaps someone else with a different personality would view Sango/Oya days as prosperous all the time.

Or an O/O/O day as warlike. These are the following Orishas :

Sango or Shango

God of lightning and fire, masculine sexuality, and magic. He’s also a seer God. His Wife Oya, is the Goddess of the marketplace, storms, winds, change, and she’s the guide to the dead. She leads them to the front door of the Cemetery. So these are both powerful Deities.

And as both King and Queen they personify wealth.

Shango & Oya

So a day ruled by them may be prosperous or disastrous. Or both, it all depends on the nature of the day. Or how you choose to see it.

Ogun, Orisha Oko, Ochossi

Ex husband of Oya, and brother of Shango. The blacksmith of the Yoruba Orishas. A master of metal and weaponry, every blade made is usually owned by him. Unless he makes it for another God who is then gifted the blade. He also has a powerful responsibility as protector of nature.

Lord Ogun & his Altar of metal work

After losing his wife to Shango and the drunkenness which caused him to disrespect his family, he exiled himself into the jungles. There he grew to understand nature, appreciate, and love the animals. So, similar to Leshi (Ukrainian Green Man) he is a defender of nature. In Haitian Vodoun he is worshipped as a God of Revolution and Freedom. He is the Loa (Vodoun Deity) who inspired the Slaves and Free people of color to wage Rebellion.

He is acompanied by Orisha Oko and Ochossi. Orisha Oko or the God Oko, is the God of agricultural Prosperity. His altars are always outside of a house near grass or plants. He brings prosperity in the form of crops, food, and other necessary things. Ochossi is a master magician and shaman of the Gods as well as a hunter and enforcer of justice.

Ochossi, the Divine Hunter. Founder & owner of all prisons. Dispenser of justice. Mage & Shaman

Orisha Oko in the field. Often synchronized with St. Isidore

The thing all three have in common is nature and prosperity. I personally view a day ruled by them as prosperous. Because Ogun makes things, Orisha Oko grows crops, and Ochossi is a Shamanic Healer. An O/O/O day for me, is always good and actually chill. It’s a day to do whatever you want or to focus on nature and spirituality.

For me an S/O day is usually for major projects, visits to the cemetery, or breaking curses and bad luck (or casting curses).  There is prosperity in these days too but becareful.

Obatala, Egungun, Iyami, and Sanpanna

Obatala is the white robed king. Ruler of Heaven, second only to the Supreme Creator Deities. He’s the King of the Gods. Egungun is a child of Oya, Orisha of all the Dead. The collective dead.

This Deity is every dead person who has ever died or will ever die.

A man dressed as Egungun

The Iyami or “divine and mysterious mothers” are Goddesses of Ashe or divine energy. They are the guides of Olodumare (Mother Goddess) to all of us. They are the pure incarnation of the Aje or first energy. No one can directly make offerings to them. All offerings are done via Elegua.

One of the Iyami Priestesses

And Sanpanna or Sakpata is the Lame footed Deity. The God who heals or causes disease. To me, Obatala and Egungun symbolize tranquillity. And the Iyami Goddesses symbolize knowledge. Sanpanna is a Deity who is normally relaxed with me.

Sanpanna, Sakpata, or in Santeria Babalu Aye

I am not afraid of him. Nor does his presence make me feel uncomfortable. So while others would find this to be a turbulent day, for me it is a day of blessings and wisdom. Comfort and an energy toward action of some sort.

IFA, Esu, Osun, Aje, Yemoja, and Olokun

IFA is the spiritual order created by the God Orula. Orula is the Orisha of magic and divination. A powerful sorcerer deity, he created IFA as a science and religion. The science of understanding Fa, Orisha of Destiny. Through sacrifices or Ebbos, it is possible to alter the course of someone’s destiny.

Blessings of IFA

Babalawos or “fathers of mysteries” are the high priests. They even remove Generational or Karmic Curses. And they have been called upon for the removal of evil spirits. They act as intermediaries with the Gods. Esu is also known as Elegua in Santeria and Yoruba practice.

Esu or by whatever name you call him by, is the God of the Crossroads. Messenger and Gatekeeper of the Gods. Protector of the home. Much like like Hestia or any other home protecting Deity, first and last offerings go to him in any ritual. So Esu is the opener of roads.

The one who makes the way clear. He’s also a master magician who has learned the secrets of every single Orisha. The Patakis or religious stories, tell us of how in his child form (he can be a young boy or a grown man) he cleansed the Creation Goddess Olodumare. When she asked him how he came to have this knowledge, the divine child simply answered that he followed the Orishas and learned their knowledge. From that day forward, the mighty Goddess made him the Keeper of the Crossroads.

Giving him a key necklace as a sign of his Kingship over the crossroads. That’s also how he became the messenger of the Gods. So Elegua is one of the most important Deities.

Osun or Oshun is Oya’s mother and one of Shango’s other wives. She is the Goddess of Love, Nature, Rivers, Prosperity, and a Witch Goddess as well. She actually has an incarnation named “Oshun Queen of Witches”. Some have likened her to Aphrodite. And she does have similar qualities.

Lady Oshun

 
But, she also carries deep associations with nature that liken her more unto Demeter. As a queen of nature, without Oshun, there could be no life on Earth. When the male Orishas laughed at her and told her she was “too girly” to help build the Earth, she fled. The result was that the Earth started falling apart under their too agressive influence. When they panicked, they went before Olodumare and Olofi (The Supreme Father God and Mother Goddess).

Olodumare quickly figured out why creation was falling apart : Oshun wasn’t there to bring balance. When the Goddess of creation ordered them to find her, they were surprised to see that she actually turned her small corner of the world into a paradise. And that it was functioning without any of them. With Oshun alone, her Ashe or cosmic life energy kept everything working smoothly. The power of the Gods manifest in everyone.

It’s the same energy as the Hebrew Ruach or the Egyptian Ekat.

Yemaya is the Queen Mother of the Ocean. Santeros often call her “the mother of the world”. Because without water, there can be no life. She is also a powerful Witch Deity.

Yemaya, worshipped as La Virgin De Regla (The Virgin of the Rule) in Cuban Catholicism

But more than that, she is a Mother Goddess. She watches over Mothers and Catholicism.

Olokun is the Priest (or Priestess) of Yemaya. Some have argued that Olokun is just another Camino (Path) or Avatar of Yemaya. Others say Olokun is a seperate Orisha.

Olokun Altar

And no one knows what gender Olokun is. Because Olokun no longer appears on land. When Olokun had, dogs chased him/her back into the sea. That legend states Olokun was a woman. But other legends describe Olokun as male.

We’ll never know. Though another school of thought states Olokun is transgender. No that isn’t meant to be a political statement. All Gods and spirits are shape shifters. And Gods in every culture have taken a male or female form. Even Shango has a female Camino/Avatar.

Same with every male and female Deity. Oya can shape shift into a man to ride into battle beside her husband. That’s why she’s called “The Woman who puts on pants to go to War”. An I/E/O/A/Y/O day is a day that feels semi peaceful and semi conflictive. I say this because Yemaya and Oshun have a rivalry going on.

These are simply my impressions of the energy of those days. Tomorrow I will post my divinations on this month. 

The Orishas of the Yoruba Nation of Nigeria

• M

Fears for the Future

Sorry I’ve been gone friends. I have had my work cut out for me. I’ve been paying attention to events, divining, and making the appropriate offerings for protection. I’ve seen a lot of new agey sites talk about how “awesome” this year is going to be. And half the time I wonder what shrooms they’re on.

 I understand the whole glass half full mentality. But shit, sometimes you have to acknowledge that the water in the glass is lukewarm and disgusting. And so far that’s what I’ve noticed. I have reaped some amazing rewards however. By following the wisdom of the Gods and the spirits, and letting go of my stubbornness. 

I have found peace and temporary relief. But that’s personal improvement. At the moment I am watching this new coup in Venezuela and wondering just how badly it’s going to blow up in all our faces. The Western World is showing it’s corruption right now. The judgement being executed by Ogun/Ogum this year is coming. 

Western meddling in affairs that doesn’t concern them is going backfire. It doesn’t matter if you believe that Maduro has Venezuela’s best intentions or not. Because I guarantee you : Donald Trump really doesn’t have it’s best intentions. And now Marco Rubio, a local Miami politician is telling us openly and without shame, about how many great jobs Americans will have with Venezuela’s resources. When have you ever seen a thief so disgustingly honest about plans they have with another’s wealth? The main lesson of this year is that corruption will not be tolerated. We covered that in the Divination I posted.

 For the Gods shall punish corruption severly. We should instead seek repentance and enlightenment. But those who roll around in their own filth will suffer the consequences. And since my initial Divination on the feast of Haloa mentioned that people under their rulers will suffer with them, I am very, very worried that times even worse than what have already experienced are coming. What makes this worse, is that it isn’t just America that will reap sour rewards.

Western Nations who are backing this coup are putting us all in a nasty and precarious situation. This could very well usher in a World War III scenario. The last two World Wars damaged the world beyond measure. This time around may be worse. I’m sorry to sound so dire, but I have to be honest.

I wonder if we’re done for already. I’ve also meditated on Apocalyptic texts as of late. Most people think of the Book of Revelations. But I think of the book of Matthew chapter 24. 
It’s called “Signs of Christ’s Return”.

It reads as follows :

24 Jesus came out from the temple and was going away [a]when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him.2 And He said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the [b]end of the age?”

4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the[c]Christ,’ and will mislead many. 6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 Fornation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 At that time many will [d]fall away and will [e]betray one another and hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.12 Because lawlessness is increased, [f]most people’s love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole World as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Some frightening stuff there. And I had to cut it off there because it only gets worse. To me this is much scarier than Revelations because it sounds so much like our times. With Revelations at least we can pretend that it might not be real because of the surreal imagery in the writing. We can’t pretend here. 

Then we have the Seven Fires Prophecies of the Anishnabe-Ojibwe. This one is freakier still. Because almost the entire prophecy has come to pass. They even foretold the arrival of the European Colonists. Now this is a large reading so I only posted the part that directly relates to us.

The text that concerns us now is the following :
“The Seventh Prophet was younger than the others who had come and there was a glowing light from his eyes.  He said that there would come a time when the waters had been so poisoned that the animals and plants that lived there would fall sick and begin to die.  Much of the forests and prairies would be gone so the air would begin to lose the power of life. 

“The way of the mind brought to the red, black, and yellow nation by the white nation would bring danger to the whole earth.  In this time there will arise Osh-ki-bi-ma-di-zeeg, a new people who will emerge from the clouds of illusion.  They will retrace their steps to find the treasures that had been left by the trail.  The stories that had been lost will be returned to them.  They will remember the Original Instructions and find strength in the way of the circle. 

Their search will take them to the elders and the new people will ask for guidance.  But many of the elders will have walked the Path of the Souls to the Star Web.  Many elders will have forgotten their wisdom and they will not be able to help.  Some of the elders will point in the wrong direction and others will remain silent because of their fear.  Some of the elders will be silent because no one has asked them for their wisdom.

“The task of the new people will not be easy.  If the New People will find trust in the way of all things, in the circle and remain strong in their quest, they will no longer need the selfish voice of the ego and they can begin to trust their inner voice.  The Waterdrum of the Midewiwin Lodge will again sound its voice. There will be a rebirth of the Anishinaabe nation and a rekindling of old flames. The Sacred Fire will again be lit. Wisdom will be once again be found in dreams of the night and of the day. 

“It is at this time that the light skinned race will be given a choice between two roads. If they choose the right road, then the seventh fire will light the eighth and final fire, an eternal fire of peace, love, brotherhood and sisterhood. If the light skinned race make the wrong choice of roads, then the destruction they brought with them in coming to this country will come back to them and cause much suffering and death to all the Earths people.”

You can read the full text of the Prophesies here :

http://theshamanictimes.com/anishinaabe-ojibwe-indigenous-prophecies-2012.html

What’s ironic is that these prophesies became popular in 2012. Do you remember? Back when we thought giant tidal waves were going to flood the Earth. Or that meteors would fall. Now we have a very real possibility in 2019 of a global war. And I don’t like what I’m seeing at all. 
I wonder just what it will take to wake everyone up.

To get people to stand up and say “No more”. How much more has to happen for everyone to see this rise in what I can only call an Orwellian society? I’m tired. I haven’t slept a wink most nights. My friends tell me “Don’t worry, it’s just another war. 
No problem,”

And I wonder,  what kind of people have I been associating with? How can anyone think such a thing. It’s easy for us in the West to not care about dying children and resources being stolen. We’re used to having all the weapons. But what happens when this radicalizes a new generation of militants? Or even terrorists who want blood for what happened to their countries? How many 9/11’s have to happen before people learn? I’m tired of it all. And I worry about when the next attack will happen. 

Is there anything we can really do? I hope so. There’s a new group called the Extinction Rebellion which is an ideologyless movement like Occupy Wallstreet. The group seems to encourage rebellion against all governments over pollution and global warming. They protested in Rockefeller Square the other day. They seem to have a back bone. 

And things like this, these new movements give me hope that maybe, just maybe, we can choose a new path and survive the final prophesy. 

From : https://www.deviantart.com/alexiuss

Ogum, Orixa Regente (ruling Orixa) of the year 2019 according to Brazilian traditions, with Co Rulers Obá and Oxaguiã

As you remember a day ago, I translated the Letra del Año from Cuba explaining who the reigning Orishas are. Like the Cubans, Brazil also has a major influx of Yoruba slaves as well. They’re religion is slightly different with some similarities. And of course, due to the Portugese language instead of Orisha, it is written as Orixa just as Ogun is Ogum.

To read the Letra go here :

https://miamimagus.wordpress.com/2019/01/02/the-letra-del-ano-ifa-letter-of-the-year-for-2019/

I have found a great article online explaining the roles of all three (with Ogum as the main Orixa in power). It’s interesting to me that Ogun/Ogum is in control this year in both faiths. It’s also interesting to me that in videos, I see practitioners of Ubamda also warning of confrontations and violence. This year has a definate theme of conflict. Without further adieu, the article :

http://espadadeogum.blogspot.com/2018/10/previsoes-2019-e-orixa-regente.html

The phone translated the article into English right away. If it doesn’t do that for you, let me know and I will try to provide a translation. – M

 

The Letra del Año (IFA letter of the year) for 2019

First my apologies, I have written this all on my phone. And wordpress doesn’t seem to like that.

The Yoruba people of Nigeria have a very interesting and complex religion. Among the many wonderful cultural gems they have, are the Priesthood of Babalawos (Fathers of the Mysteries). The Babalwos are members of the IFA order. Fa is the Orisha (Deity) of destiny. So IFA is the way that we understand our destinies and our place in the Universe.

IFA specializes in every aspect of destiny. I have seen them help to break generation and karmic curses. I have seen them correct people’s life paths. They have done wonders with their magics. They gain their powers from Orula, the Orisha of Divination and Magic amongst other things.

Every year Cuban Babalwos in Santeria engage in the the Letra del Año or letter of the year. They do special divinatory rites in which certain letters of IFA come out. Each letter has it’s own significance. The letters are tied to ancient stories known as a Pataki, which is our version of Biblical accounts. Our Legends. Our sacred texts.

The Babalawos will then interpret these stories in order to tell us the will of the Gods or sometimes the spirits around us. They do a letter of the year to tell us what we can expect to happen in the New Year. This begins with the name of the Reigning Orishas of the year (sometimes they can reign for two years). The colors of the Orishas put together in a flag. And of course the Ebbo or cleansing of the Year.

 This is a cleansing to ensure prosperity and good energy. Or to protect from negative energy and bad influences. Usually I see them in English posted on New Year’s Day. But from what I can see they’re only in Spanish now. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to translate them in English for all of you.

Some words translated aren’t Spanish at all. Because they’re in the language of the Yoruba people.

Here’s a small glossary of terms :

1) Otan

An idol made up of sacred stones in Santeria and in the older Yoruba faith. Essentially the stones are part of the representation of the Orisha being honored. They are ceremonially charged with magico-religious rituals and then become a living embodiment of the Deity. In other words, the Divine Spirit of that Deity dwells in the Otan and lives with the worshipper inside their home by means of the idol. This is not idolatry.

We know very well these are idols. We do not worship them. We venerate or respect them because they carry a spark of the Divine embued by the rituals.

2) Ebbos and Adimmus

A special set of offerings for an Orisha. Usually to achieve specific goals. There is a very good article on what these things are is or at least the various definitions given here:

https://soulmindbody.net/esu/2016/06/what-is-an-ebbo/

3) Sarayeye

A ceremonial cleansing either with herbs or by rubbing a living animal like a chicken over your body to remove negative influences.

4) Paraldo

This is a very complex ritual that can only be done by a Babalawo or high priest of Orula. It’s too complex to start talking about here. But needless to say it is more than just an herbal bath. It is transferring a dark spirit of the dead who causes harm, to an animal. There are other ingredients and things that must be observed.

I don’t think that there are any English sources on this. So I will translate as soon as I have the chance. And the animal, a chicken, has to have it’s face covered because if not, looking into it’s eyes will allow the entity to return to a person to cause harm. Do NOT attempt this on yourself because you need a high priest of Orula. And don’t go to just anyone because you’ll mess yourself up.

5) Palo Rompe Hueso (Bone Breaker Stick)

In Yoruba practice, the use of magic sticks is very common. This stick is called Bone Breaker because it causes Spiritists to enter such a trance, that sometimes in their hysteria they will hit walls or tables so hard that they break their own bones. The scientific name is Casearia sylvestris.

The original in Spanish version of this year’s Letra can be found here:

https://iworos.com/ifa/2019/01/6544/letra-del-ano-2019-de-la-sociedad-cultural-yoruba-de-cuba/

“The IFA Oracle leaves us the following,

Recommendations and warnings that should be followed throughout this year to manage to protect us from all obstacles. Babalawos of different religious branches of Cuba have returned to meet led by the Yoruba Cultural Society. And the Council of Senior priests of IFA, to make known their predictions for the year beginning this Tuesday January 1: The letter of the year 2019. The ceremony began this last December 31 and has been extended until this January 1. From the IFA Oracle the following recommendations and warnings come out that should be followed throughout this year to manage to save from all the obstacles.

The enlargement of the document will be released on Wednesday 2 January at one o’clock in the headquarters of the Yoruba Cultural Society of Cuba.

 Regent Sign: Oche Ogunda 1st.

Witness: Ika Ogunda

Second Witness: Osa Kuleya

Prophetic Prayer: Osorbo Iku intori Ogu.

Orula Onire: An Adimu (offering) of a yam, a coconut split into 2 halves, everything must be muddied or splashed with Coconut oil, his Coconut and his candles.

Otan Onishe Ara:

Sarayeye with a chicken which is then given to Oggun, with the other ingredients and a bath with herbs of Paraldo.

Otan governing Deity: Oshun

Accompanying Deity: Oggun Otan

Flag: Yellow with green edgings

Ebbo: 1 goat (for Elegba) 5 Güiritos, to which they are given indigo, honey, Palm oil butter, Palo Rompe Hueso, and blood of goat and hanged on the door, and the other ingredients. (1)

(Note : Güiro is a type of plant. Güiritos or “little Güiros” are the fruit of the plant which is super hard. Almost like a rock.)

Sayings of the Letter

“The Knife itself does not achieve,”

(Sort of a rough translation)

“One does not receive the arrow without first going to the Battleground,”

“What is left behind is not picked up again,”

Diseases that shall increase this year:

* Stomach and Intestine Diseases

* An increase in STD’s

* Men becoming impotent early in life due to Prostate Issues

*  Malignant conditions of the colon and rectum

Events of social interest:

* Continued problems in agricultural production due to issues with the fertilization of the soil. This will of course effect production and sales in these areas.

* The Sea will enter the land which will lead to flooding and collapse of buildings or infustrature.

* Rise in the conflict over immigration

*  The dangers of natural catastrophes in all it’s forms will continue.

Recommendations (as well as warnings):

* Be aware of the dangers of wasting money or resources. Needless wasting in other words.

* Avoid of the ill uses of chemical products in agricultural production.

* Be careful of epidemics and disease

* Beware of confrontations and brawls

* Maintain an appropriate religious ethic

* We must find resources and help between all of us to achieve a common goal.

* Respect the Elders and find a religious orientation.

* Avoid troubles with the law

* Venereal diseases due to sexual debauchery

* Better use the Agricultural resources we have

* Equality in all orders

* It is recommended to reinforce your Oggun (go to your Godfathers for this)

(Note: Oggun is a Warrior Orisha who is also a master of magic and protector of nature. This means any idol of Oggun would need a reinforcement ritual done by a Santero’s Godfather for extra protection. If you follow another tradition and you have any protective idols or charms, going to your own religious authority for a reinforcement of protection would be a good idea for this year.)

* Parents must beware of spoiling their children or giving them too much

* Parents must give careful attention to the care of their children’s education

* It is prohibited to self medicate oneself.

We thank these outlets of mass communication which make it possible for these predictions to reach all the corners of the world and wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous 2019!”

When I have time, I’m doing to do some serious reflections on this Letra. And I will point out the common patterns as well as things that seem to align. Although if we’re going to be honest, this has been the most straight forward and simple divination in a while. The common themes seem to be with balance and curtailing our more destructive qualities which seem to be coming out in mass this year. It seems the darker side of our natures is going to be coming out this year.

This makes sense since Oggun is one of the reigning Deities. However,  Oshun is the main Deity and she helps to bring balance to his warlike energies. Oshun is the Goddess of Love, Nature, Witchcraft, Prosperity, and many other things. So it goes down to how we react to adversity this year. Yin and Yang can fight each other, or one can learn to work with both.

You can read similar things in the Umbanda religion from Brazil. Ogum (Ogun) rules this year in their faith. Here is the report on that

https://miamimagus.wordpress.com/2019/01/03/ogum-orixa-regente-ruling-orixa-of-the-year-2019-according-to-brazilian-traditions-with-co-rulers-oba-and-oxaguia/

It’s up to us. Until next time,

– M

(1) Now, No I do not engage in Ceremonial sacrifices. I try to get creative with my offerings to the Gods. They know I love animals very much. So they normally allow me to use replacement offerings instead. I check with my Godparents in Santeria for this.

There are times when my Godparents insist due to tradition. They however do it for me. I have the Eleke of Inle, the Orisha of Medicine. Because both Inle and my guides prevent me from the use of blood shed. It’s hypocritical to love animals and yet have sacrfices done.

My sacrifice is only for my Elegua and my Godfather will cook the poor Chicken to at least be dinner instead of just killed. I also intend to bury the bones in order to honor his spirit. But after that I don’t intend to do such things again. I’m going to ask my Godparents what offerings I am to give in replacement of some of these.