The Iyawo Chronicles

On October 10, 2009 I was initiated into the Orisa Tradition as an iyawo (Yoruba word for “bride”) of the orisa Oshun, the orisa the sweet rivers, harmony, relatedness, and attraction.  My journey into Iyawo-dom was a relatively short one: I had only had my elekes (pronounced ay-lay-kays;  these are the sacred necklaces that mark you as a follower of the orisa tradition) for 11 months before I was initiated.  But it truly felt like coming home to myself, my ancestors, to where I was always meant to be.

After the initiation ceremony there is a bembe (pronounced bem-bay) the next day.  People from the community come to see the new iyawo and many of the orisas come down on their priests to also witness the event.  I had a ball even though I wasn’t allowed to move around much.   From my point of view, I looked gorgeous.  ( I wasn’t allowed to look in the mirror but I could tell by the faces of the people as they walked into the room.)
An iyawo has many rules that must be followed during this year.  Here are some of them, with an explanation of why these rules exist.
One major rule is that the iyawo must wear white for the entire year, including underclothes, and sheets, towels, and washcloth (and shower puff!).  White is the one color that reflects all other colors.  The fact that it does not absorb color waves is symbolic of its ability to protect from negative energy.  Because the initiation ceremony is considered to have opened  one up spiritually, the white acts as a shield.
The iyawo must not wear anything that is scented; soaps, lotions, deodorants, and detergents must be unscented.   I think this similar to the all-white rule; smells also attract energy so no perfumes means no attraction of anything unnecessary.  I also think that this is also to keep the iyawo focused on the internal growth that should happen this year instead of focusing on the external.
The iyawo must not wear makeup (a difficult thing for this Oshun!).   I think this is again about moving away from focusing on the external.
The iyawo must not look in the mirror for the first three months.  Again, focusing on the internal.
The iyawo must avoid touching and hugging people as much as possible.  This is about protection from other people’s energy.  Exceptions are one’s biological and spiritual familes, including one’s partner.
The iyawo must keep her/his head covered.  This is about protection, as the head is a major part of the ceremony.
The iyawo must only eat out of her/his designated bowl, with her/his designated spoon and drink out of her/his designated cup.  This is for protection as well.  Only eating with a spoon symbolizes infanthood, as the iyawo is considered a baby.
The iyawo is not allowed to take pictures during the year.  I think this is to keep one from vanity as well as to protect the soul.  Ever hear the saying that taking a picture is like capturing one’s soul?  Not sure what I think of that but I think this has something to do with that.
For the first three months the iyawo eats on a mat on the floor.  This is symbolic of infanthood as well as humilty.

This page highlights my journey since my initiation, month by month.  Hopefully this will being more insight into the orisa tradition, as well as assist any up-and-coming iyawos.
Peace!
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Month 1
Going out into an iyawo after two weeks of isolation was certainly interesting.  I am bracing myself for the myriad of questions that I am sure I will be asked about my all white attire.  My students commented that I look like an angel, which is nice but I hate having attention like that.  I definitely spent most of this month feel self-conscious, which I know is NOT what this year is about.  I want to think about inner things, not my appearance, you know?  I also miss my make-up!  I miss my foundation and mascara and eyeshadow and lip gloss.  But I’m trying.  I’m learning the mojoba and reading about the orisas and really meditating on this huge step I just took!
I actually do not get the strange looks I was expecting.  People actually compliment and tell me how nice I look, which is a very pleasant surprise.
Month 2
I feel as though I am finally settling into being an iyawo.  I am no longer stunned to see this short ghost-like figure when I happen to catch my reflection, lol.  I must admit that it is liberating to not worry about my appearance.  Getting dressed in the morning is easy and it feels nice to not obsess over my clothes.  My bag is so much lighter without my make-up, lol I am already enjoying the peacefulness I feel in my white clothing.  It really does feel like a shield around me.  I also notice that I no longer worry about little things.  Like at work, I used to get really stressed out about things, especially when people don’t do their job.  I felt like I needed to overcompensate for their lack of work.  Now, not only do I notice that I don’t get stressed but I refuse to do anybody’s work.  I know that may sound basic for some, but for me that is HUGE!!
Speaking of work, the questions I get there are funny.  When I explained to someone who asked why I was wearing white, he asked, “Well aren’t you keeping positive energy from you too?” to which I responded, “I got all the good energy I needed at my ceremony!”  I feel like my Iya (godmother) would have been proud at this response.

Month 3
So I begin my third month with my phone getting stolen right off my desk at work!  The irritating thing was that my office door was locked but a co-worker went into my office for a file and did not lock the door behind him.  Thankfully my phone was insured so I was able to get a new one the next day.
So we’re in a new year!  Our ile (pronounced “ee-lay”, it means “house” in Yoruba and designates my religious family) got our reading for the year and it was quite interesting!  Ogun’s energy is going to be really strong this year for us!  Ogun (pronounced “oh-goon” is the orisa of war so don’t mess with us!  At least not in 2010!

Ogun, orisa of war

I’ve felt a definite shift within myself.  For the last few months, I’ve been feeling really restless, like I wanted to move, get away, and just start fresh somewhere else on this planet.  This often made me feel somewhat negative about the things I already have.  However, the new year brought with it an energy that makes me feel content and blessed with my life and I’m so thankful for it!
I had a dream about my hair!  I realize how much I miss her… In my dream, I had a gorgeous twist out and was looking in the mirror at it (I was definitely not an iyawo in my dream!) and could even feel the weight of it!  I have no regrets about my ceremony but I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss my hair.  But I know it will grow back.
This year I am committed to losing weight and taking my health more seriously.  And guess what?!  I lost 12 pounds this month!
Month 4
My fourth month has been a reflective and productive one.  I have been consciously developing my relationship with my egun (ancestors) and my spiritual gifts, as well as celebrating the cycle of the moon.  I have been doing this on and off for a number of years but recently these have become more concrete fixtures in my life.  I cannot even explain why that is, except that it truly must be the energy of the orisas.
I feel like Oshun has recently blessed me with the courage and strength to follow my dreams.  I often find myself getting stuck into rigid ways of thinking (another thing that I have found has eased up during this year), deciding that I cannot do something until the right circumstances have come into my life, which of course would amount to a lifetime of waiting.
Well, Oshun has said no more of that, which is why I am launching Twelfth Moon Wellness a lifestyle company committed to holistic health and the development of self-awareness and creativity.  I am so excited about this and Oshun’s blessings on this endeavor are already apparent.

I have been reading Osun Across the Waters a collection of essays about Oshun.  I am so amazed at her power and her strength, two attributes of hers that are often forgotten as people like to refer to her as the “sex and love goddess.”  Osun is considered the mother of all of the odu, or the energies of Olodumare.  Without her, the odu cannot exist or properly function.  She is also the mother of Esu, the orisa who maintains balance between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Maferefun Oshun!