The road of the Root Worker is more then just spells, and dusts and magic, it is a lifestyle one must live. Not all who follow the orisha have to follow it, but those who dedicate their lives to the spirits; those of us who are healers, teachers, shamans and priests. We must remember we are a vessel for the divine to work through, so we must prepare our earthen selves accordingly
Obatala when he molded the clay of humanity, he molded us into different shapes and sizes and thoughts. We must remember that Obatala and Olodumare blessed all with unique gifts, talents, and strengths. We are not all perfect, just created by perfection. We have flaws and imperfections which make us beautiful and unique, a rainbow kaleidoscope for the divine.
1 Understand that no one is perfect, honor and cherish what the orisha have given you, and look to find the spark that the orisha have placed in others.
Talking with a Candomble Priestess in Brazil, she said "I am not wealthy but I live a rich life". The life of a Root Worker should be a simple life, look at every day as fresh new beginning. The gift of spirit is one of simplicity, when you complicate it it creates a barrier between you and the path way of the spirits Live life as an adult, but through the eye's of a child. Nurture your gift as a new present every day, the wealth of spirit comes in the hands of those who honor it
2 Live the simple life allowing the divine to open the path ways. Watch Ochosi arrow soar and follow Elegba's pathways
Love is one of the most important qualities a Root Worker must posses, he must have the gift of the three loves Philios, Eros, and Agape. The Love of the Brother, The Love of a Lover and the Love of God. A Root Worker wears three rings. The first ring is that of humanity, loving and caring for your brothers and sisters. If someone needs a home, nourishment or warmth, it is our duty to extend and arm or a hand for help. This teaches us love of care, to emotionally put yourself out for your brothers and sisters. The Love of a Lover is also a mighty gift, be it man or woman or multiples, it teaches us to be intimate and how to love with the body. The act of orgasm brings our bodies closer to understanding the ecstasy of the divine, and giving someone orgasm helps us to bring someone closer to their understanding of spirit. The love of god comes in many components both of care and intimacy. You must love god with all you heart, body, mind and spirit, creating a connection to the divine. Dedicating yourself to the spirit as you would a lover and a brother, feeding it caring for it as it cares for you; even becoming intimate with ones spirit, self pleasuring oneself and climaxing fulfilling a need for closeness with the divine.
3 Oshun teaches us the gift of Love, trust and honor this gift and use it to the best of your abilities.
As a divine vessel we also have to keep to the sacred art of prayer, we have the ability to have a less fettered connection with the divine; with this gift allow yourself to help others when they need divine intervention. Prayer should be done not only for help, but out of respect and love for ones spirits. We feed the spirit by opening our thoughts and devotion to them, giving the connection between our heartline to the heavens. Our soul connects with a glow that opens up a celestial communion with the divine creating an un-fettered pathway of spirit.
4 Prayer, the art of communion and feeding ones soul. Olokun has one small ear that can hear the smallest of words.
Sacrifice is also the art of a holy one, the ascended ones need to be fed. As the orisha were once alive and must be sup on the gifts of the living. This also falls under shrine care, the spirits should be offered food. Offering them their favorite foods and their favorite drink, shows respect and honor to the orisha; it also allows them to shower you with unrequited blessings. You should never ask for something, if you can not give something in return. The spirit does not ask for much, just what you can give.
5 Sacrifice the art of giving unto the spirit and feeding the spirit with respect.
Finally, but not lastly is charity; giving aid to ones community. It is a dog eat dog world, and as children of the divine we must act accordingly. We are given a special gift and with this gift comes responsibility, we are responsible for the well being of our community as a whole. Children of ifa need to be the constant caregivers, giving with ones soul and body. We need to remember to help the poor, and the sick and those who struggle to help themselves. Always remember to help the sick, dying and dead, and also those who are in love and those who are crossing through a new door in their lives. It is our responsibility to help those people in need to ease transition and calm their soul's strife.
6 Charity, give of yourself
These are the 6 vows of on ifa Root Worker, remember we are vessels of clay but we are adorned with special gifts and talents from the spirit. Do not fetter yourself with anger and sorrow, this only divides the body from the soul. Live a life of an ordained vessel, one that is gilded in gold and filled with vibrant colors; a humble yet mystical present cherished by the orisha.
Lovely thoughts!
ReplyDeleteIt is a kind of sad world, but a lot of people (even those of Pagan persuasion) seem to approach religion from a "what can it do for me" type of attitude. It's not all about you, sometimes it is about what you can do for others. But more than that, I think that if you only practice your faith when you want or need something, if every prayer is a demand for a blessing in your life, then you are denying yourself the deeper fulfillment that exists for each of us.
I especially agree that we are all individuals, and we are all lovely in our own way. I definitely follow the 'know thyself' adage, and I think a big part of that is recognizing and acknowledging the parts of me that might not be quite as shiny. Some are things that are mutable, and so I go about doing what I can to improve, and some are things that are not, and it is those that are the hardest to live with and truly embrace. (Also, embracing the flaws in others around us can be a challenge at times...especially for strangers....just don't think about it as something you do for them, more something you do for you)