Osupa, the Moon in Orisa Lifestyle

The Moon is a symbol of fertility, reflection and the energy of the night. Imagination, dreams and the divine feminine - both as the embodiment of women and the anima consciousness in men - are influenced by the phases of the moon. The phases from New Moon to Full Moon is called the Waxing Moon. From Full Moon to New Moon is called the Waning Moon. The entire passage from New Moon to Full Moon and back to New Moon takes approximately 30 days. This is a Lunar Month. In that time, the Moon will travel the 12 constellations of the zodiac. The apogee represents a 2-day period when the moon is farthest from the earth. Conversely, the perigee is the point 2-day period when the moon is closest to the earth. Both are times of rest and introspection. 

New Moon
The new moon is an optimal time to quiet the mind and focus the emotions. It is considered naturally beneficial to dedicate additional time to meditation and chanting on the day of the New Moon, as well as one before and one day after. Priests of Orisa Oko - the divinity of agriculture and fertility - will make offerings on this day. 

Waxing Moon
The bright half of the month - as the fullness of the moon increases -  corresponds to a gradual strengthening of the emotional and spiritual forces that promote growth and prosperity. Naturally then, there are spiritual exercises that promote growth for each of the 15 days of the waxing moon. This is the time to initiate, gather resources, and join forces with like-minded people. 

Full Moon
The fullness of the moon represents completion, abundance, and generosity. "Abundance is everywhere" is the Full Moon mantra! Therefore, the day of the full moon is considered an optimal time for prayer, ritual, ceremony and completing significant activities. 

Waning Moon
The dark half of the month - as the fullness of the moon decreases -  corresponds to a gradual weakening of beneficial emotional and spiritual forces. This is a time that corresponds with loss and constraint. Naturally then, there are spiritual exercises that prevent destruction for each of the 15 days of the waning moon. Now it is optimal to cut back detractors, uproot caustic relationships and ideas. 

About the phases of the moon, Ifa says this:

The New Moon appears
Turning its narrow edge to the universe
Exposing its other large side to the heavens
Ela Poroke
Ifa divination was performed for the New Moon, 
Offspring of Ajalorun
- Holy Odu OwonrinSindin

The Moon was once much closer to the Earth. The Moon wanted to be known throughout the universe and so he went to consult Ifa with the diviner named Ela Poroke. The Moon was told to sacrifice, not only for honor, but also for peace of mind. However, the Moon only sacrificed for honor, disregarding the offerings for peace. Consequently, Olodumare commanded that the Moon would be eternally restless; enjoying 15 days of growth and honor, and another 15 days of reduction. (Ifa, the Custodian of Destiny. Fayemi Elebuibon. Page 146)

In addition, Ifa also teaches us that the moon is representative of indispensability: 

200 needles are not enough to be called a hoe
200 stars are not enough to be called a moon
Cast divination for 200 stars wishing evil for the moon
What harm can you do to the moon?
The moon is indispensable in the usefulness of mankind
Don't you know that 200 stars can never be as bright as the moon. 
For those who envious of our position and wishing us evil, 
let Olodumare who creates the moon deal with them. 
- Holy Odu IreteOyeku

In other words, “Be a light, not a judge. Be model, not a critic.” It is one thing to have a keen eye for faults and imperfection. Progress depends upon your ability to define the problem. But it doesn't end there. Beyond showing people their faults, you have to show them the way to resolve those defects as well. Osupa, the moon is a deep symbol of humble, but effective leadership. This is so because she reflects the light of the sun without all the sun's harshness.  This is reflected in the teachings of the Holy Odu OgbeOgunda, which says: 



Anger amounts to nothing for one
Patience is the father of all good characters
An elder who is patient
He is blessed with all the good things of life
These were Ifa’s messages for Ina, the fire
Who wanted to be installed as Olonroro, the illuminator
He was advised to offer ebo
Anger amounts to nothing for one
Patience is the father of all good character
An elder who is patient
He is blessed with all the good things of life
These were Ifa’s messages to Oorun, the sun
Who wanted to be installed as Olonroro, the illuminator
He was advised to offer ebo
These were Ifa’s messages for Osupa Kirimu, the full moon
Who wanted to be installed as Olonroro, the illuminator
He was advised to offer ebo
Only Osupa complied with the advice of the Awo
We have installed Osupa and all Ire has arrived
We have installed Osupa as the Olonroro
We installed Osupa and the world has become peaceful
We have installed Osupa as the Olonroro
In vain was the competence of Ina
Ina has no good character
We have installed Osupa as the Olonroro
Of no purpose is the capacity of Oorun
Oorun is not endowed with good character
We have installed Osupa as the Olonroro
We have installed Osupa and all Ire has arrived
We have installed Osupa as the Olonroro
We installed Osupa and the world has become peaceful
We have installed Osupa as the Olonroro, the illuminator
- Holy Odu OgbeOgunda



Here, Ifa illustrates the importance of being a peaceful illuminator. That is, Orisa Lifestyle favors leaders who are adept at revealing truth and guiding the community gently, patiently and compassionately. In this regard, the moon is associated with spiritual discipline. The Orisa Lifestyle Academy offers five levels of guidance and instruction, designed to help you to cultivate the spiritual discipline necessary for you to live the medicine that will heal your life and heal the lives of those you are destined to serve:

1. Community Ose
2. OLA16 Member Site
3. Fundamentals of Orisa Lifestyle
4. OLA16 Annual Retreat
5. One on One Consultation with Obafemi Origunwa, MA