Odunde 2010

"However far a stream flows, it never forgets its source." - Yoruba Proverb

Every June children of the descendents of Africa and lovers of the culture alike converge upon the city of Philadelphia for their annual Odunde Festival.  There is a large processional where celebrants bring offering for the Orisa Osun, to be deposited (legally) into the Schuylkill river.  Afterward, a festival begins with performances, vendors and all types of lovely feasts for the senses to partake.  Last years festival was cut short (at least for us who traveled from MD) because of a huge rainstorm that began shortly after the procession was finished.  I managed to capture some lovely pictures of the river ritual before the rain began.

Participants young and old gather for the procession

Participants walk to the river, to bring their offerings and prayers to Osun.

The procession lead by the Agan (Ancestral Masquerade) and Drummers stops at the crossroads to give offerings to Baba Esu

 

 

A participant wears the brass bangles of Osun Worshippers

As worshipers arrive at the river prayers and various offerings are given

As we return from the river, I notice Esu's offerings still awating at the crossroads even after the police escort and fanfare ended.  ORE ESU !

 

Baltimore Olokun Celebration

"The eyes that have seen the ocean cannot be satisfied by a mere lagoon" - African Proverb

The shrine of Olokun (owner of the big waters)

In July 2010, Olokun came to Baltimore via Chief Dayo and Baba Sangowuyi to bring healing to the community.  Olokun is a mysterious divinity in the Yoruba tradition.  In some parts of Africa Olokun is represented at as female divinity sometimes associated with Mama Wata in the traditions of Benin.  Just as the ocean is vast and wide, so is the power of Olokun.  It has been told to me that Olokun is one of the patron spirits of African-Americans.  This is in part, due to the journey that our Ancestors survived as they were transported across the big waters.

This celebration was like no other.  Being hosted in Sango's home, the great Oba came to bless us all.  The energy was electrifying.

 

Many of the members of the Baltimore Rite's of Passage community were present...so it was no surprise when Baba Ogun their patron Orisa made his debut.

 After a discussion  by Chief Dayo on the Odu Ifa and Olokun we headed to the water.

Setting our intentions and prayers in the water!

Inside every man resides the heart of a young boy

As the day comes to a close we head back to find a special gift on the road for Baba Oscar from Sango!

  While Olokun is still quite mysterious to me, the energy of this moment was extremely vibrant and bigger than life.  Her energy was tangible and her presence undeniable.  She brought us together today as friends but left as family connected by this very special experience.

IBA OLOKUN OMO RE WA SE FUN OYI O
I PRAISE THE SPIRIT OF THE OCEAN THAT IS BEYOND UNDERSTANDING

IBA OLOKUN FE MI LO RE
I PRAISE THE SPIRIT OF THE VAST OCEAN

B' EMI TA' ATI
LET THERE BE PEACE IN THE OCEAN

ASE

SO BE IT! 

Osun Festival - 8/21/2010

"When you stand with the blessings of your mother and God, it matters not who stands against you." - Yoruba Proverb

This picture is from this years Osun festival.  Osun (Oh-shoon) is a divinity in the Yoruba pantheon who is very close to my heart.  Not only is she the spirit that rules my life path at this time - but she is also a fierce protector of mine.  This embrace reminds me of how Osun manifests in my life.  She is a confident, friend, lover, protector and supporter- like no other.  She is the mother that raises her daughters to be good and confident women - who know how to claim their place in life.  She is loving yet strong, beautiful yet intense, comforting and empowering.  I owe her my life and she has taken it to places I never could have imagined.  ORE YEYE OSUN!!!

Participants dance and sing in celebration of Osun