Who is getting involved?
Today, for the first time, that is changing. The percentage of individuals inquiring, interested and even initiating into the philosophy is ( in the Foundation's experience ) much more directed to an experience for empowering their lives within the society, rather than operating outside of it..
One of the most hopeful, and promising, new trends in Ifa, is the type of individual getting involved today. Twenty seven years ago, when I was first introduced to the philosophy through Santeria/Lucumi ( Ifa, in its' original African form was virtually unheard of in this country in the early 1970's ) those involved were, for the most part, alienated from our society. The Latin, primarily Cuban influx of the 60's, had brought with it its own culture, tastes and behaviors. While they sought to survive and prosper in our Country, they clung tenaciously to their own cultural bias. In so doing, their practice of Orisa worship tended to separate them even further from mainstream American Culture. In the 1990's, as Ifa came into prominence, tens of thousand of African Americans, equally estranged from our society as had been their Cuban counterparts, used Orisa worship in an attempt to re-capture their African roots. While both understandable, based on the prejudice and injustices American culture continued to heap upon them, and in the short term, beneficial, the ultimate result was once again further estrangement and disaffection from the culture as a whole.
Today, for the first time, that is changing. The percentage of individuals inquiring, interested and even initiating into the philosophy is (in the Foundation's experience) much more directed to an experience for empowering their lives within the society, rather than operating outside of it.
More and more we see thoughtful, often highly educated individuals, coming into Ifa as a way of making their Western lives, careers and relationships more successful, more fulfilling, healthier in every respect. No longer is everyone seeking to find a support system of like minded, like dressing, like nationality or skin color, to relate to.
Today's initiates, at least at the Ifa Foundation, are more likely to consist of Attorney's, PhD's, Psychologists, successful business men and women who understand the logic, beauty, and power these ancient truths can bring to their everyday lives. Rather than using the philosophy to stand apart, or distance themselves from our society, they use it to ensure their success, health and fulfillment in meaningful ways within the society. And ultimately, their lives teach others more about the possibilities of Ifa than all the books that have yet been written.
They do not flaunt their differences. They do not associate only with those who agree and practice the philosophy. Their friends and associates consist of people from all walks of life, all religions, all skin colors and nationalities. They, for the first time in this country, are expressing the basic truth of Ifa: We are part of a whole...not separate or superior from it. As that Truth applies to our living in a society, imperfect as it is in many ways, it is in living our Truth in an integrated way with good character that not only will our own lives improve, but so to may the world we live in.
The Psychologist using Ifa to help people grow and heal, the Computer scientist integrating the mathematical perfection of the Odu into his work, the attorney utilizing the world view of empowering abused children by setting up a Foundation and working with grants from within our system, the Professor integrating spirituality into rationality to help heal the gay, lesbian and trans gendered, all are profound and powerful statements of the effectiveness of Orisa within our culture.
To meet them on the street you would not necessarily know they are Priests...you would know, sense and feel they are powerful, balanced and worthwhile individuals. That is the direction we have finally embarked upon. May it continue and grow.
Ase!
Blessings,
Oluwo Philip Neimark
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