Ancestors

Standing on the Shoulders

Many Africans believe that those who go before us make us who we are. As we walk on the Earth, we stand on the shoulders of bodies which have been committed to the soil, the water, and the wind. Our Ancestors influence us through heredity and human culture. Yet, there is a deeper connection to the Ancestors as spirits who continue to influence our lives. We honor them with altars, music and prayer. They in turn offer us guidance, protection and prosperity. Luisah Teish

Orisha

Celebrate and Worship

Like the rays of the sun, the orisa are the particular rays of the One Creator as manifested through the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
As humans, we can begin to understand creation through these forces of nature. Ifa says there are 401 Orisa; the "1" being the possibility of one more yet unnamed spiritual force in the unfoldment of creation. We honor, celebrate, and study the Orisa primarily associated with the African Diaspora.

Knowledge

Growing in Knowledge

Ifa is a system of Knowledge. It is an understanding of the constitution of, and the relationships between humans, nature, and spiritual forces preserved in oracular scriptures. Ifa says this knowledge is attainable. It is, in fact, the destiny of human beings to attain the "knowledge of all things" and to know our true nature. In addition to celebrating and worshipping the Ancestors and Orisha, we are committed to a path of Knowledge and Understanding.

Alignment

Staying in Alignment

According to Ifa, we choose our Destiny before making the journey into this incarnation. We hug the Tree of Forgetfulness before traveling down the birth canal and we relinquish the memory of our agreement with Creation. One purpose of family, spiritual elders, and community is to help us remember and manifest our destiny. Divination, ceremony, counseling and dreamwork are a few tools that can be utilized to help us stay spiritually aligned and unfold the memory of our life's purpose.

Tools

Sacred Art

Photo

The path of Iwa Pele (gentle character) is a journey of elevation requiring personal growth and education. This is a creative process. As Orisha people who are writers, artists, and healers we make the tools to support and enrich our practice of Orisha spirituality; to draw us closer to our true path. We receive direction and inspiration from Orisha and Egun (ancestors) for creating unique artworks and ritual objects. Our Marketplace will feature sacred objects, teachings and writings.

In our Marketplace you will find Books, CD’s, DVD’s and Ritual Supplies, some related to the teachings and assignments in our Temple Services, workshops and online classes, as well as unique artworks and sacred objects for gifts and celebration.

Main Menu

About Us

Ile Orunmila Oshun (House of Orunmila and Oshun) is a twenty year old spiritual center founded by Iyanifa Fajembola Fatunmise (Luisah Teish) located in Oakland, CA. Members of the Ile practice the Ifa/Orisa tradition as preserved throughout the African Diaspora.

Ile Orunmila Oshun (IOO) is a house of learning and love. A 501c3 religious organization, IOO's expanded mission offers art, science, philosophy and the teachings of Ifa to a larger international community through public and private rituals, monthly temple services, divination, classes and community service.

Welcome to Ile Orunmila Oshun

Winter 2010 Teleseminar Series with Luisah Teish

Please join Luisah Teish for three winter teleseminars through Maestro Conferencing:

Single sessions are $25. Three session package is $60.

Session 1: Peaceful Living (Saturday, January 23, 2009)

Session 2: Earth and Spirit (Saturday, February 27, 2009)

Session 3: New Beginnings (Saturday, March 13, 2009)

Chief Bolu Fatunmise--King of Ife

It has been recently announced the Chief Bolu Fatunmise will assume that throne of the Oba in Ile Ife, Nigeria, the cradle of Ifa/Orisha worship. We have known Chief Bolu as Elder, Teacher, Spiritual godfather and one who has a university of knowledge contained within his being. We have had the great great fortune of being under his tutelage and send our love and congratulations. The date for his coronation will be released here as soon as it is determined. Hepa Orisa! Hepa Ifa!

Festival of the Bones: What is Remembered Lives

Coming soon!

What is Remembered Lives is a deeply personal collection of stories, poetry and narratives about specific and collective ancestors and about the experiences and transformations brought about by acts of remembering.

Available late February 2010

Quotes from the Book

Temple Service New Location and Time

Our monthly Temple Service is held the last Sunday of every month.

When: 11:00 am - Noon, Last Sunday of each month

Location:

The Sacred Well

536 Grand Avenue, Oakland

Festival of the Bones: Celebrating the Ancestors

Hot off the Press! Available today.

Our first volume of Festival of the Bones is a collection of instructive articles by initiated priests to guide individuals in building a sacred relationship with one's ancestors.

Orders will ship in three to five business days.

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