Orisa Worship is Work & Service

Orisa is synonymous with productivity. Above and beyond their colors, prayers, songs, sacrifices and dances, the deities govern all the disciplines needed to sustain a community. Stated differently, Orisa Lifestyle is characterized by collective work and responsibility. Worship is community building through work and service. Here, let us consider what Ifa says:

Idisaawo baa je
Orunmila said: the owner of a child gave birth to a child
I said: the owner of a child gave birth to a child
Ogun said: I have given birth
Orunmila asked: what did you give birth to?
Ogun said: In front of me they put metal in the fire and beat it loudly so it shrieked: Ogun appeared!
Orunmila said: the owner of a child gave birth to a child
I said: the owner of a child gave birth to a child
Orunmila asked: what did the owner give birth to?
Obalufon said: I gave birth
Orunmila asked: what did you give birth to?
He said: In front of me, they put brass in a bowl to worship
Orunmila said: the owner of a child gave birth to a child
I said: the owner of a child gave birth to a child
Orunmila said: I am the only one that gave birth
He said: All the cool and verdant items they use to take care of me
Orunmila said that he has four eyes
Two on earth he uses to take care of people in this world
Two in heaven
To succor people in heaven

- Holy Odu IdiSa

While all the orisa are associated with vocations, Orunmila is most closely associated with care giving and support. He is the deity who even used care to become crowned the king of the orisa. This is essential to Orisa Lifestyle because it requires you to give serious thought to who you serve.

When you are certain about your natural gifts and talents, in conjunction with who you serve, you are poised to live the medicine that will heal your life and heal the lives of those you are destined to serve. Aboru aboye abosise.

Obafemi Origunwa, MA | www.ObafemiO.com