IFA 101

2024 Dates TBA

Ifa 101 is a bi-monthly workshop facilitated by Babas Fasanmi & Fabolasi; 2 initiated priests of Ifa through the lineage of O.I.D.S.I. (Obafemi Institute for the Devine Study of Ifa // www.obafemi.org) In partnership with Gathering Roots Retreat and Wellness & Minka Brooklyn

This workshop is for anyone ages 13 to 99 interested in the basic foundation and living practice of the sacred science of Ifa (the wisdom of nature) as a transformative, holistic educational wellness practice.

Participants will explore the ancient African foundations and universal modern-day healing application and practice of Ifa as a spiritual tool to know thyself, the universe, and God.

This is a bi-monthly workshop facilitated by 2 initiated priests of Ifa.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the ancient African traditional foundations and universal modern-day healing applications of Ifa; the wisdom of nature. As with most indigenous practices ancestral wisdom and veneration will be at the center.
Obi and Odu divination systems, Orisha (personification of forces of nature) and basics of numerology, and the historical and present-day applications of this wisdom.

Supported by suggested readings and various handout, there will be 8 modules over the course of 3 months. With guest teachers and additional sessions to support the core ideas and build an authentic learning community.

Class Structure

Session #1 & #2

Introduction and overview

16 truths of ifa, O.I.D.S.I Healing constitution, 7 Universal laws, Destiny, Ori, Ancestral reverence, Iwa Pele, Respec, Prayer, Ritual, Sacrifice, Signs, and Symbols, Odu, Divination, etc

Session #3

Culture, Rites & Character

Ancient and modern rituals and practices, the value of relationships and ancestors, and the ongoing development of character in spiritual development goal.

Session #4

Consciousness and Reflections in Nature: 

Ori and the Language of 

Spirit 

The anatomy of human consciousness. The cosmology and technologies to define and develop connections with spirit in relation to the natural world.

Session #5

NUMBERS & the Science of Nature + Other Forces of Nature

the metaphysical, energetic, and historic language numbers

Session #6

Orisha Dance culture as a healing modality

The wholistic and energetic embodiment of spiritual dialogue through Orisha dance and culture.

FAQ

Suppose you are on the fence about taking the class, how would someone need to be convinced?

Often it is our ancestors, higher selves, and spirit guides that nudge us to move in the direction of learning more about ourselves. We recommend that you sit with your ancestors to find your way off the proverbial "fence". If you are curious about the nature of Ifa; the wisdom of nature and its universal application or if you are a practitioner and wish to re-ground yourself, this is the space for you.

What hurdles (if any) does one need to jump over to decide if they want to take the class?

We ask that you come with an open mind that is willing to learn from a decolonized lens.

Does this interfere with one's religious beliefs?

No, this offering will not interfere with religious beliefs. The goal of this class is to educate all attendees about the modern use of ancient spiritual technologies and practices of the 'Wisdom of Nature"/Ifa.

I'm intimidated by the idea of sacrifice. Can you explain the concept? Is this something I have to do?

Sacrifice is often defined as an offering or giving of something. For example, the time sacrificed to read this or to take a class can result in learning new information. There is an element of sacrifice in all things. this is how nature is also kept balanced. We will not be asking or sanctioning anyone in our workshop to make any animal sacrifices.

Is Ifa a religious or spiritual practice?

Ifa, by universal definition and as we teach and share it is a spiritual practice. Designed to support individuals, families, and communities in knowing themselves. The communal practice of ritual culture is often interpreted as "religious".

Recommended books?

Spirit of Intimacy' by Sobonfu Some // Of Water and the Spirit by Patrice Melanoma Some // The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer // Animal Speaks by Ted Andrews // The Fundamentals of Odu By Chief Oluwo baba Femi Fayemi // Who is Sambo: A journey of Lessons By Stephen Mackey

Anything I need to do to prep for this?

Keep an open mind and have drinking water nearby.

In what way will this be beneficial to my work and family life? How do I apply this to my life?

We as facilitators as taught to us by our elders; are primarily interested in the practical application of Ifa. Thus, we have designed this workshop to support participants in enhancing their relationship with the spirit that is all around us and supports healthy relationships and living in purpose.

Does learning Ifa help me connect to my ancestors?

Absolutely, Ifa's foundation is in the honoring and veneration of ancestral knowledge and wisdom.

What does it mean when someone is a child of an Orisha? Will this class teach me how to work with Orisha? What does it mean when someone says "Beyonce is the daughter of Oshun?"

Orishas are understood as personifications of forces of nature. Within our lineage, each person's highest self is supported by guardian Orisha. In the case of Beyonce she publicly and through her creative works, identifies her guardian Orisha to be Osun. Thus, "a daughter of Osun?

How is it relevant for me to learn Ifa if I or my family practice Santeria, Candomble, etc?

Most Afro-Indigenous spiritual practices throughout the diaspora share a similar philosophical root. Ifa by universal definition and practice, has been identified as a strong root of a lot of the practices that our ancestors carried with them from the West and Central Africa.

Is this course for certification or initiation?

No, this course is neither certification nor initiation. Only sharing of love and information.

I don't identify as a black person. Would this class be relevant for my growth? Will there be space for me to take the class as a non-black identifying person? What kind of mindset do I need to bring to take part in this class?

We ask only that you bring an open mind to ensure growth through your workshop experience. It's so important to have a clear understanding and acceptance that this workshop does and will not center whiteness as a supremacist construct nor promote internalized racial inferiority through western Eurocentric colonial thoughts, believes, or practices.