IFA - INITIATION
Initiation and wisdom are two separate experiences.
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In ancient times an individual began their career as an Ifa priest the same way they began any other career: By learning as apprentices from those older and expert in their craft. Only after years of learning did the act of actual initiation take place. By that time the apprentice had learned the mechanical process of Divination, as well as the knowledge of how ceremonies, healings and initiations, and sacred objects were created. In today’s Western World, the process has been reversed. Individuals begin by spending a week or less getting initiated, with little or no teaching either before or afterward. Tragically, once their money has been spent, those who initiated them seem to miraculously become uninterested, unavailable, or unwilling to continue the process. Perhaps it is because the financial incentive is gone. Perhaps it is because they were not really trained and so have little real knowledge to give. Regardless, it is not fair to the individual or Ifa!
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Realistically we are not going to roll back to the days of apprenticeship as it was practiced in ancient times. Equally, we should not allow this pattern to continue to place “Babalawo” or “ Iyanifa’s,” unable to meaningfully practice their craft and help themselves or others, out on the streets without genuine training.
The Ifa Foundation has constantly attempted to solve this situation. Our Ifa College provided not only endless information for the public but ongoing training for our initiates. Our initiates were offered the opportunity of ongoing Ifa training via the internet and by attending and working ceremonies at Ola Olu. Now, we have developed and are offering a unique program that goes far beyond anything offered elsewhere. A program that will allow the initiate to acquire the knowledge, personal support, and guidance to become the best Ifa Priest they are capable of.
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The Personal Mentor Program
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Each Mentor has been personally trained by Oluwo Philip Neimark or Nana Iya Vassa, founders of the Ifa Foundation of North & Latin America. The Ifa Foundation has a rich history of scholarly work such as co-author, with their original mentor, the late Afolabi Epega, a fifth-generation Ifa Priest, of The Sacred Ifa Oracle, and author of The Way of the Orisa – HarperCollins Publishing, among others.
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Following initiation and initial training, each initiate will be assigned a Personal Mentor. These Mentors will be available to teach in English or Spanish! They will teach, train and guide you in a carefully designed – step by step – a program for your individual needs and capacity.
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Each individual will e-mail their divinations to their mentor, using a form developed by the Ifa Foundation. The Mentor will analyze, comment, and expand on the divination based upon their years of experience. That analysis will be returned via a voice recording file that for you to study as well as save for future reference.
Additionally, twice a month your mentor will host a video class for in-depth analysis and learning of specific areas of expertise. (Initially, these will be available through using the no-cost virtual programming allowing for free video contact almost everywhere in the world)
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These twice-monthly individual 1-hour lessons will be offered for two years. Following that initial period, you will have the opportunity of continuing your education in our:
Advanced Ifa Training Program
Areas to be taught include:
Understanding and application of the Odu
Asking the right questions
Selecting the proper Orisa/Orisha for Ebbo
Understanding of, and working with, your Personal Ancestor
Selecting the best Ebbo
Creating Esu/Ellegua
Correct Life Path Readings
Doing an Itefa
Effective Ancestor Worship
Identifying Personal Ancestral Guardian
Asking the right questions the right way
Why Direct Readings are more effective
Plus much more!
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For additional information please contact Iyanifa Vassa by or reaching us 386-214-6489