Hindu Astrology & The Curious Babalawo

So, when I first started to pursue the mysteries, I was fortunate to enjoy the good company of some brothers who were Gnostic students. Of all the teachings I was exposed to,  Hindu astrology - jyotish - fascinated me because of the use of the moon and the deities. Today, I still find myself drawn to Hindu astrology from time to time. It's fun to find out new ways to see myself and try to understand my place in the universe.

It dawns on me that some people approach Orisa Lifestyle in a similar kind of way. They're curious. They want to window shop and browse. I get it. But if you've ever gone shopping in Yoruba land, you know that there is very little room for browsing. When you enter the fabric seller's stall, the assumption is that you're there for one purpose; to buy fabric. When you point out one you like, they ask how much you would like. If you waver or vacillate, the shop keeper might suck her teeth or furl her brow in disapproval.

I realize how my thinking has shifted. I find myself confused by people's ambiguity and penchant for dip and dabble Ifa. I disapprove of fence-sitting and indecision. In my mind, there seems to be a growing sense of conclusiveness that says, "you're here for a single purpose. Pick your path and stick with it." But my fascination with Hindu astrology reminds me that sometimes, people are just having a little fun. It doesn't mean they're not serious. They just want to satisfy their curiosity.