Obatala

The Orisha Obatala, Father of The White Cloth, Calm, Tranquility, and Peace, has his warrior side as well.

This path or avatar of Obatala is known as Ayáguna (or Ajáguna). He is young, about 33 years of age. His temperament and attributes are similar to those of Shango. He wears a red sash over one shoulder, rides a white stallion, and wields a saber. This Obatala fights for and in the name of peace.

Sixteen Truths of Ifa

1. There is a single God.

2. There is no devil.

3. Except for the day you were born, and the day you are supposed to die, there is no single event in your life that cannot be forecasted and, when necessary, changed.

4. It is your birthright to happy, successful, and fulfilled.

5. You should grow and obtain wisdom during the process.

6. You are reborn through your blood relatives.

7. Heaven is "home" and Earth "the marketplace." We are in constant passage between the two.

8. You are part of the universe in a literal, not a figurative way.

9. You must never initiate harm to another human being.

10. You must never harm the universe of which you are a part.

11. Your temporal and spiritual capacities must work together.

12. You are born with a specific path. It is your goal to travel it. Divination is your road map.

13. Our ancestors exist and must be honored.

14. Sacrifice guarantees success.

15. The Orisa (Orisha) live within us.

16. You need have no fear.





*Taken from the book, "Way of The Orisa" by Phillip J. Neimark.

Yoruba Days of The Week and The Ruling Orisa (Orisha)

As well as the forces of nature, organs of the body, and behavior. The Orisha also govern the days of the week. Below are the days of the week along with the ruling Orisha. Now mind you this is the Ifa branch of "The Religion", whereas the Afro Cuban (or Lukumi) branch (my branch), is slightly different, and will be noted with an *.

Taken from the book, "Way of The Orisa" by Phillip J. Neimark. New York: Harper/Collins, copyright 1993.

Monday (Ojo Aje)
Day for Financial Success. Monday belongs to Yemonja/Olukun. A good day to initiate new business ventures. The best day to perform rituals for prosperity or financial success.

* In the Afro Cuban branch, Monday belongs to Eleggua (Eshu-Elegba)

Tuesday (Ojo Isegun)
Day of Victory. Tuesday belongs to Ogun. Rituals for overcoming enemies or conflicts are best performed on this day. Also beneficial for business and financial events.

Wednesday (Ojo Riru)
Day of Confusion. Wednesday belongs to Oya. A bad day for new undertakings or major projects of any kind. This day as well as Saturday, is inappropriate for most ritual sacrifice. The famous herbal black soap used to dispel evil is not used on these days out of respect for the aje (witches), who are said to hold meetings on Wednesday and Saturday. This is the proper day, however, for rituals to the witches.

Thursday (Ojo Bo)
Day of Fulfillment. Thursday belongs to Sango (Shango). A perfect day for marriage. For the beginning of any long-term project. For digging the foundation for your home. For any long-term goals one needs fulfilled.

Friday (Ojo Ete)
Day of Trouble. Friday belongs to Osun (Oshun). A particular bad day for travel or moving from one home or business location to another. A good day chiefs by virtue of their intention to remain in one location for a length of time.

* In the Afro Cuban branch, Friday belongs to Shango (Sango).

Saturday (Ojo Abameta)
Day of Evil Resolutions. Saturday belongs to Eshu-Elegba. Like Wednesday, a bad day to undertake major projects and for the use of most charms. Favorable on this day is preparation, as opposed to use, of amulets and protective charms. The second of the "witches days."

* In the Afro Cuban branch, Saturday belongs to Yemaya (Yemonja) and Oshun.

Sunday (Ojo Aiku)
Day of Long Life and Tranquillity. Sunday belongs to Obatala. The day for settling differences. Useful for long-range planning and the perfect day for the preparation of amulets and charms for longevity and good health.

Again this is the African Traditional Yoruba branch (Ifa). The Afro Cuban branch (Lukumi) as well as the Afro Brazilian branch (Candomble) are slightly different from one-another. This was due to the Africans that were enslaved in Cuba and Brazil masking the African Yoruba Orishas behind Catholic Saints worshiped by their slave masters. This was done in order for "The Religion" to survive.