Aberikola
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Bata drums that have not been consecrated. |
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Babalawos
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The Rules of Osha are intertwined with Orunmila, also known as Ifa. The babalawos have an additional consecration from Orunmila. They give the male initiates the “Hand” of Orula and for female initiates the “Ico-fa” of Orula. The male initiate who has the blessing or permission to pass into “Awo-faca” is consecrated by the babalawo. These gentlemen do not consecrate “Osha” to their godchildren. They unite in a council-like atmosphere, with the finality of presenting to the initiate, the predictions and advice of Orula that should be met in the course of their lifetime. |
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Spritual Shrine
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This is a shrine, generally designated in a separate room, where one pays tribute and homage to their ancestors and/or spiritual guides. It is comprised of various glasses of water, candles, cigars, firewater and any other offerings you may wish to place for them. |
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Cajon
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An instrument resembling a box, used to honor and pay homage to the Egguns or Spirit guides. Usually two or three of these instruments are used while accompanied by a bell or hoe in a rapid rhythm. Ochumare Ensemble is quite talented and accomplished for this task. |
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Consultations or Registros
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The sacred cowrie shells are part of the Orisha. They transmit the personalized prophecy through these shells which are translated through a numerical system. Each number symbolizes an “Oddun” or path in which many stories and histories are narrated to the individual seeking advice for any particular problem that they seek advice for. |
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Cleansing or Ebboses
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The formula or cleansing method that any Orisha prescribes for a particular person, to liberate them from evil or negative forces, that was forewarned or advised in a consultation albeit offerings, rogations and pleadings to the Orisha who is representing you. How is this liberation achieved? By following the advice given to you by the Orishas via the divination oracles as well as with faith and confidence.
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Eggun or Spiritual Ancestor Guide
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The initiates call upon Eggun (spiritual guides) or ancestral spirits. In the practice of the Lukumi religion, it is essential to render homage (tribute) to the dead or spiritual guides before commencing any type of religious ceremony.
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Guerreros or Warriors
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The primordial first group of Orishas an initiate receives when entering the Yoruba religion. They are Elegua, Ogun, Ochosi and Osun.
Elegua: Holds the key to your destiny. He is the owner of all the pathways and messenger of God. He has the privilege of being first in any ceremony of our religion.
Ogun: Owner of all metal works, strength and employment.
Ochosi: The judge of justice and hunter of excellence.
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Guiro
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Comprised of drums and gourds (shekeres), covered with a mesh intertwined with large beads. These instruments are ideal to formulate a contagious rhythm to share in festive occasions with the Orishas in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. |
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Ordainment or Consecration
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It is the most important ceremony in the Lukumi religion. It consists of an individual’s consecration of his “guardian angel” or tutelage Orisha. From that point on, the person who is consecrated with the Orisha is converted into an “Iyawo” (newborn) for a year and seven days. After completion of said time, the initiate is now known as an Olosha.
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Spiritual Mass
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A reunion of mediums circled around a spiritual shrine where certain prayers are made and songs are sung to spiritually decipher the past, the present and the future of the person seeking consultation. |
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Oba Oriate or High Rank Priest
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The highest ranking Osha priest who is in charge of conducting all of the Osha ceremonies before, during and after the consecrations. He is also the one who truly specializes in the divination of the cowrie shells. |
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Oloshas
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The consecrated person who seals a perpetual and profound pact with the Orishas. They are the priests and priestesses who are authorized to use the cowrie shells to establish a communication between the Orishas and the person seeking advice or consultation. |
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Osha
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The deities or superior energies that guide our destiny transcending our sensory faculties and are our intermediaries with God. |
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Fundamental Drum or Tambores de Fundamento
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They are the fundamental sacred drums that are used to render homage to the Orishas. To present you in front of those “Bata Drums” is totally sacred and serious. The three are known as:
Iya, Itotele and Okonkolo. |
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Herbalist
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Has the extreme knowledge of herbs and plants. They can easily identify its properties, purpose, power and proper use of every plant and herb as deemed necessary for whatever ceremony requires it. |
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