At the Ifa Foundation, we have begun to re-examine the purpose, rituals and rationale behind Orisa initiation in our culture. This profound doorway into empowering our lives behavior has, too often, turned into a turnstile leading down a slippery path to backyard initiation mills. And, even when it is done with sincerity and "good heart", the rationale often seems more Western than spiritual. Using initiation as a "thing," that solves a particular problem, is peculiarly Western. Using initiation to begin to lay the foundation of a complex energy matrix that will guide and strengthen both our character and behavior is more consistent to our African roots.

For too many, the path to initiation began with a reading that warned of imminent disaster, and/or death, unless they received their warriors, or Olukun, or became initiated! In each and every instance, the motivating factor was neither wisdom, nor growth, or personal fulfillment. It was fear. And, the people falling prey to this malicious motivation, did so because their previous life and religious experiences had been motivated by the same emotion. It did not matter if it was Castor's threats of killing or imprisoning those who disagreed, or the Catholic Church wielding the threat of excommunication and Hell, both had trained generation after generation of Westerner's that fear was a primary motivation in their lives. So, when confronted by a Priest who warned of imminent disaster unless they moved blindly ahead on the path, they were conditioned to accept.rather than think.

Ifa is about the absence of fear!

Life should, for the most part, be happy, loving and fulfilling. It is not that life is without difficulties or challenges. It is that we were given the tools for coping with, and overcoming, them. Our worldview understands that Oludumare did not create us to suffer. He did not give us reason so that it should be ignored. He did not create an illogical or inimicable universe for us to live in. Perhaps most important, is that through our understanding of our own energy, and the energies (Orisa) of the world He created, we were giving the roadmap for health and happiness. For loving relationships and family. For success and fulfillment in our work. That roadmap is Orisa... and the instructions are provided through initiation.

Let us examine the process.

We have tried carefully to analyze the following questions:

Who should be initiated?

How should the initiations be conducted?

What follow-up, training and consistency are needed?

Originally, we had felt strongly that only those with a calling, a special gift, or those who could give back at least as much as they received from the Orisa, should be initiated. After careful reflection, we feel this is artificially limiting. The previous criteria are pointed towards active priests, initiates who will be involved in the daily practice of Orisa worship and ritual. Yet, what of the individual who has no desire to actively practice their Priesthood? The individual whose only desire is to achieve greater personal growth, fulfillment and happiness in their life? Should this individual be prohibited, or discouraged, from initiation? The answer is clearly " no." And the reason, is that Orisa worship and initiation is not exclusively designed to be part of some hierarchic governing body of active practitioners. It was designed to provide an individual with the energy matrix, and instructions; necessary for integrating with their family, community and the planet they live on. So, there is no reason that anyone of good character should not be initiated. Indeed, there may be every reason that all people of good character do so. For, with initiation comes an inexorable growth of understanding and wisdom that cannot help but make this world a better place to live in.

Next week we will conclude this examination with a look at the Process of Initiation as well as the Follow-up, Training and Consistency Initiation demands.