Santeria vs Ifa – The REAL Truth
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Ifa Blog Posts
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- Maria Ramos on The 1st Step in Ifa
- lee on Ifa allows you to change your health
- Bro. Ralim El on The Mathematics of how Ifa works…or should
- Max Bedoya on The 1st Step in Ifa
- joseph posada on The 1st Step in Ifa
The Ifa Foundation Websites
I applaud your thoughts, which were clearly and logically expressed. I have never heard them expressed so eloquently before and I agree with you 100% that if it is not logical it cannot be true or cannot be IFA. Bravo and Blessings.
Alafia Oluo
It is with pride and admiration that I hear your worlds of wisdom, Ifa is about love , logic and understanding
thank you for your hospitality, Olga and I will cherish your freindship and gidance in our path of understanding .
The Ori ceremoni was wonderfull and we look forward to a wonderful grouth expeciance, Iya Vassa is amazing and we appreciate and honor her.
Iboru Iboya Ibochiche
Here in my country- Brazil, as at Caribbean area, there are a lot of Santeria’s places and I confess I have been on many. I can tell you that when you are at Santeria you live under fear, under discrimination, you can not think by yourself, you can not have brains; you can not be a woman. If you have all the characteristics above, you will be discriminated and they say that is because you do not deserve “orisas information” yet. I know that because I have been there for 15 years. Then, Olodumare just take me to the right place and my world became colorful- I got initiated in Ifa… My intelligence start to be appreciated, I begin to get answers, and I begin to grow on spiritual, intellectual and material ways… I found respect! That, I think, is the main difference between both Ifa is about character, is about respect, it is about spiritual growing… Ifa is love, is calmness, and is comfort… Ifa is positive energy; and it is about learning and studying… Unfortunately, a lot of people still looking for a reason to be unhappy more than half reason to be happy… According my personal experience at Santeria’s you always have something bad going on at your life… At Ifa, it is the entire contrary; you are always learning how to bring more and more joy into your life. I am glad I have found ifa and I have been initiated on it, because I am happier every day, and if some day I am not, Ifa and orunmila reminds me that my life is a perfect matrix and I can be whatever I want to be. Thank you for that – Lots of love and Ase – Otito
In response to your comment, wouldn’t you say that finding balance and peace is aided by what is right for you as an individual? I do not believe, if you talk about Iwapele then you can not discredit a philosophy/religion on the basis of what charlatans you came across or how you were not respected (at the hands of Man). In any religion/philosophy you are to take what you need for your life from it and manifest what your Ori guides for your life. That is all. We all have lots to learn on our individual roads. Whatever situations you have gone through were simply tests to be learned from and humbled by. Just because you have “found” Ifa more suited to your character does not mean that other ATRs are better or worse. It is only the interpretation and teachings of Men that lends itself to how any one philosophy ios practiced or taught along with each man’s shortcomings and lack of spiritual elevation.
I really didn’t know the differernce until I read the last comment by Otito. That was a lovely explanation and I will keep that in mind. In this new energy we have to keep thinking positive, dwelling on what we are grateful for not on what is wrong. Living with joy is the key.
I believe in my orishas, I have my counsel on my altar and have recieved Ellegua…however I don’t have quick-time and so I can’t get some of the info you are offering on this site. I do enjoy the comments though.
I also have similar views about the IFA/Santeria experience. The relation between the Catholic church and Santeria can be a great hinderance to fully accepting the true essence and beliefs of Santeria. While it can be a hinderance, it has also proven a essential tool to conversion. True Santeria is non biased, open and purely good. Bestow evil, to include discrimination, upon another is absolutely inconceivable according to our standards and laws. Openness of mind, body, and spirit are required. As individuals further their understanding of our principles they will soon let go of their connection with the saints of Catholicism and find that the Orishas are who they are independently. Your knowledge and insight are a great asset to this community. I would like to thank you for your input and website. Ashe
This is wonderful!!! Thank you for standing up for the empowerment of women!!!! How can ANY religion discriminate against those who birth humanity? As one who was raised Roman Catholic and had a brief experience with Lucumi/Santeria, I can say that they don’t follow the logic of the logic of nature. Great feedback. Keep it coming!
I just would like to say it isnt all that fair to set put the Lucumi/Santeria culture out there like that. Because there are many lands in Nigeria where they also do not agree or beleive in the Iyaneefa.
But i do enjoy Listening to your blogs
The Yoruba created Ifa. Theree is no dispute anywhere in Yorubaland regarding the initiation of women into Ifa. Do not confuse other tribes within what is now Nigeria with the Yoruba. They may have similar practices but different cultural views. The Yoruba, and the portion of Nigeria that represents their homeland, is totally coistent with their views on Iyanifas.