Ogbeyonu Temple Egungun Masquerades in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, Afrika Video By: IfáṢeyì Bamigbàlà IfaSeyi Bamigbala, Yoruba Priestess Ancestors Intervention in the Affairs of Mankind By: Baba Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon from his book: The Healing Power of Sacrifice The various roles played by our ancestors is a point to us to observe that in traditional settings, all would do well to have a strong connection with their ancestors and pay homage to them on a daily basis. It is the belief of the Yoruba and Africans in general that when ancestors are adequately honored and respected, the ancestors would be happy to use their celestial influence to bless those left behind abundantly and always guard them through their problems. That is why people say that there is an organic existence between both the dead and the living. It is a known fact that some ancestors actually appear to some people in either their vision or in their dreams. On such occasions, the ancestors deliver messages, offer prayers or give advice and guidance. Ancestors also speak to people during Ifa Divination. When ancestors instruct their people to make sacrifices/offerings/communion it should be stressed that such communions/sacrifices/offerings are what the ancestors use to deliver their living descendants from the evil machinations of undesirable forces-- By: Baba Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon; Edited By: IfáṢeyì Bamigbàlà Ancestor Homage is beneficial for everyone no matter what spirituality, religion or way of life a person lives. According the Yoruba spirituality of Ifa Egungun or Ancestors are the living dead. They are referenced as the living dead because they are still highly active and involved with the affairs of the living relatives they have left behind/alive (Elebuibon). They serve as our First Line of Defense (Efunbolade). They serve as our spiritual advisors, protection, healers, warriors and messengers. There are a multitude of ways to pay respect or homage to them. Among the various ways are: creating an alter/shrine; visiting their grave sites; talking to them (in heart, mind or verbally); praying to them; learning about them; pouring libations in their honor; making plates of their or your favorite meals and leaving it on your ancestor alter/shrine; singing songs to them; singing their favorite songs; remaining aware of your dreams and the messages encoded within them (Elebuibon); listening to your instincts; showing daily gratitude; giving respect to elders and spending time with them (especially the ones in your family); spending time in nature; living healthy lifestyles that will increase the longevity of your life; learning about Nature, Earth and the Universe; having celebrations/second lines/parades in their honor; doing your part to create peaceful relationships between yourself and living family members and teaching the children the importance of Ancestor Homage. -- IfáṢeyì Bamigbàlà, Yorùbá Priestess References: Efunbolade, Yeyefini; Elebuibon, Ifayemi; Mauge, Conrad; Odubela, Sangolana; Salami, Ayo (R.I.P.); Some, Malidoma https://youtube/watch?v=dKAZol6-rWc&feature=youtu.be
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 02:35:03 +0000
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