Case: Susanne, a 46 year old nurse from Korea

The names have been changed to respect the privacy of the individuals.

Susanne, a 46 year old nurse from Korea, had been a client of mine for several years. So, when she called to schedule a divination appointment, I wasn't surprised. Susanne usually came by once every month or so to make sure everything was flowing smoothly.

Usually, I do not inquire as to the clients reason for divination. I prefer to simply examine the energy of the Odu's that are cast, and through Orunmila's wisdom, offer solutions or clarity. Often, what is disturbing the client has is not the issue, but a result of the real issue, and I don't want to get side tracked. Nevertheless, when I greeted Susanne, and asked her how life was going, the cat was quickly out of the bag. " I want to have a baby," was her immediate answer to my question. Certainly, not an unusual request from a female client, but in this case there were some mitigating factors. First, Susanne was not married. Second, she had never had children. Third, she was approaching her 47th birthday.

"Are you sure that's what you want?" I asked. "Yes," she replied. "Would you like to tell me about it before I cast?"

The story that unfolded was of a relationship with a prominent ( and married ) physician at the hospital she worked in. He was considerably older than Susanne, happily married, but wanted to father a child with her. Susanne, with her biological clock winding down (if not already over) wanted to experience conception, birth and motherhood… even as a single woman. She had no aspirations about the Doctor marrying her, she wasn't even interested. She respected him as a person, and felt he would make a good father for her child. To date, their attempts to conceive had failed.

I remember saying to her: " well, we both know that by western standards and morality, as well as through common sense, it seems like a bad decision on your part...BUT, that's why I am a Babalawo…because I don't know everything. Orunmila does. So, let's see first if you could conceive at your age, and second if it's a good idea." I remember thinking I was sure Orunmila would agree with my disagreeing.

Well, the reading, expressing Orunmila's wisdom rather than mine, was positive for both Susanne's being able to conceive, as well as for it being a good idea for her and the child. The reading indicated that two things were necessary for her to conceive. First, was a conception ceremony with Osun. This would open the way for her conception. The only small glitch was the indication that while Susanne could conceive, that probably something medical would also have to be done to enable it to happen. That something turned was she needed to see her Gynecologist to check out a minor medical issue.

Susanne was quite happy, as she had wondered if she was too old to conceive. A subsequent visit to her Gynecologist revealed that a small operation needed to be performed. It was. This was followed a week later by the beautiful Conception Ceremony to Osun. Within two months this now 47-year-old woman conceived!

How does the story end?

Well, I remember the call from Susanne just prior to her child's birth. "I hope you won't mind," she timidly asked," but I would like to name the child Philip." I was flattered, but I did have to smile a bit at the thought of this Korean baby with a quite Korean last name, being called Philip.

Susanne called me the day after Philip was born and asked for me to do the Itefa, or life reading of the baby on its' third day of life. When she brought this little baby to my office I was struck with his full head of pitch black hair, and his already strong energy. Following placing his foot into the opon, it was determined that Philip was a child of Oya, and that Susanne would have her hands full!

It has all turned out to be true. Philip is a young man now. Susanne has been a loving and fulfilled mother. Philip's father visits, lends financial support, and is a strong positive influence on the boy. He has been a package to raise, as are most Oyas, but guided by her knowledge and understanding of his energy, she has weathered the storm.

It is one more example of how conventional wisdom, as opposed to Orunmila's wisdom, would have given the wrong results. Next week... two women with terminal cancer come for help.

Blessings!...
Philip Neimark
Oluwo