Help me better serve the Orishas, and serve you!
Hi Loves! This is your friendly neighborhood Orisha priest, rootworker, folklorist, and social justice activist & advocate who is working to do something pretty huge!
October brought a life-changing opportunity to not only uplift my conditions but to give me further ritual training, education, skills, and energy so I can be an even better priest, teacher, and advocate for my beloved community.
What's the Opportunity?
Based upon my dedication to community and service over the years, an invitation has been extended to travel to Nigeria in February with an esteemed elder and teacher, and to take the high priesthood initiation in IFA, the root of all Orisha religions. In addition to receiving this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual elevation, I will also train in traditional medicine making, and herbalism.
Who am I?
I'm Lou and I'm a magical guy! :-)
I'm deeply moved, inspired, and motivated by our innate connection to the life-giving force in all its forms. Over the years I have had the blessed opportunity, and amazing good fortune, to learn from indigenous healers, teachers, elders, artists, and activists in a variety of traditions and forms.
The IFA Tradition, born in Nigeria and transported throughout the world during the Middle Passage, is not only beautiful and awe-inspiring, but it has profoundly impacted the way I live in the world. The teachings view the cosmos as imbued with emanate life force and spiritual power which supports our individual journeys and evolutionary processes as we move towards the biggest versions of ourselves and our lives.
Where will I be and what will I be doing?
I will be traveling throughout Nigeria for twenty one days during the initiation and training process, but some of the highlights are:
-visiting Osogobo and meeting the Oshun River, temple, and community
-traveling to Ile Ife and Ekiti for ceremony
-going to one of the world's oldest witchcraft markets!
Expenses
-Passport, Visa, Flight, Immunization shots
-All activities, lodging, initiation costs, supplies, food, etc..
-Basic expenses stipend to cover my time away from work
All additional money earned will be donated to Orisha communities throughout Nigeria.
If I do not raise the entire funds I need to make this trip, the proceeds will be used for creating Orisha related events in Oakland and the Bay. But if you help me, I will surely be able to take this huge step in my spiritual life!
Your benefit
-Access to teachings, trainings, and medicine direct from Africa
-Cultural preservation, help support the survival of indigenous teachers, artists,and communities
-Statues, fabric, divination tools, and Orisha related items brought back for you!
-Supporting a working class, queer, man of color dedicated to anti-oppression work and the liberation of all!
Challenges
Time is a critical component in terms of fundraising for this trip. Due to the timing of these initiations, in terms of season, divination,& astrological influences as well as the schedule of the presiding priestesses and priests in these communities, these ceremonies and teachings are only being offered in February, 2015. This requires a large group of teachers who do not come together very frequently. So please, give today!
Other Ways You Can Help
- Please make some noise about what I'm doing by posting on your social networking sites, and sending some messages to people who you think might help!
- Please use the Indiegogo share tools to help link to my campaign!
- Please pray for my success in this endeavor for the benefit of all! Ashé!
