We would like to introduce you to the new Ifa College. The College was created to provide an advanced learning center for Ifa Foundation initiates. It will also, as time unfolds, become a valuable source of learning and growth for all Orisa followers.

After almost a quarter of a century of studying and teaching Ifa, it became increasingly clear that there were two major obstacles standing in the way of this ancient African philosophy becoming a major world force.

First, was the necessity of restoring the ancient truths and wisdom to their initial living state. To halt the processes of freeze framing these energies into the same static modality as the Christian, Muslim and Jewish “Word.” In essence to break the chains and paralysis of the insidious Western approach, which turned living, dynamic and ever changing energies into anthropomorphic caricatures locked in a static state forever by the virtue of civilizations printing press!

Second, was the imperative of educating initiates into the philosophy in a long term and meaningful way. Unlike the African model, where an individual might apprentice for five or ten years before initiation, and where, during that process a firm foundation of knowledge and experience were acquired, here in the West you come for a week and “poof” you’re a priest. Well, the actions, judgment and character of too many that have been produced from that paradigm point clearly to its failure.

So, the Ifa College was created as an adjunct to the Ifa Foundation of North America, Inc. The College will offer continual on-line learning in all aspects of the philosophy in order to help create wiser and more skilled practicing priests. The subtleties, observations and methods of divination, ceremonies, healings, initiations etc. will be part of both Classroom settings and group discussions by the Ifa Scholars of the College.

The Ifa Scholars represent the Faculty of the Ifa College. This group of men and women, reflecting a diversity of nationality, gender, background, experience and sexual orientation, will offer the sum of their entire experience to initiates who wish to learn more. In the process, by inter-relating with each other, they will continue to maintain the basic African concept of further growth through sharing of knowledge.

While much of the Ifa College will not be open to, or available, to the public, a considerable portion will be available. Most important will be an open Forum where the Public may ask any Orisa/Ifa question they seek an answer to…and the answer will come from not one, but a number of our on-campus Scholars.

You are invited to enter and learn.

 
Blessings

Philip Neimark
Oluwo