After learning to conjure the passion, power, and clarity of
purpose of the seven animals in the 7 Circles System, our students
move on to study and hopefully master The Way of The Orisa.
In Me'je Oruka, as in Ifa, there are 401 Orisa (sentient spiritual
forces). Of these, there are 7 plus 1 that have a central role
in the system.
First are the seven Major Orisa or Siete Potencias. Each of these
Orisa, in addition to there other attributes, is associated with
a force of nature. Or as we say in Ifa, each Orisa manifests its
characteristics and powers in the forces of nature. In Me'je Oruka,
it is not the animal natures we conjure, but the Forces of Nature
as expressed in our movements and intentions. In addition to Forces
of Nature, the Orisa are also expression of the structure of creation
and a connection with Orisa enhances ones intuition and awareness.
The word
Orisa is derived from its ancient Yoruba
roots,
ori (to see)
sha (to choose);
Orisa - to choose to see.
Orisa Eshu-Elegba
- Lord of the Crossroads, Orisa of Choice, Chance, and Change,
Guardian of the Gates of Fortune and Mis-fortune. Eshu's energy
brings both strategy and confusion into the Me'je Oruka System.
Orisa Obatala -
Lord of the White Cloth, Father of the Orisa, Most Powerful
Orisa, Androgenous Orisa, Lord of Peace, Purity, and Balance.
Obatala's energy brings pure intentions, balance, and mental
clarity to Me'je Oruka.
Orisa Ogun
- Lord of Iron, Most Powerful Warrior, Owner of the Earth, Defender
of the Way, Clearer of the Path. Ogun's energy brings strength,
courage, foundation, and purpose to the practice of Me'je Oruka.
Orisa Oshun
- Goddess of the River, Most Beautiful Orisa, Goddess of Magic.
Oshun's energy brings grace, flow, and versatility to Me'je
Oruka. She is calm persistence and pushing through.
Orisa Oya
- Goddess of the Wind, Greatest Female Warrior, Guardian of
the Cemetary, Force of the Tempest, Owner of the Mystery of
the Breath. Oya's energy brings the power of qi and the force
of the tornado to the practice of Me'je Oruka. She is speed,
force, power, and swirling winds.
Orisa Shango
- Lord of Thunder and Lightning, Wrath of God, Lord of Instant
Illumination, Lord of the Bata Drum, Executioner of Justice.
Shango's energy brings speed, resolve, awareness, rhythm, and
strategy to the practice of Me'je Oruka.
Orisa Yemoja/Olokun
- Queen of Mothers, Goddess of the Oceans and Seas, Mother of
the Orisa, Womb of All Creation, Source of Life, Lord of the
Depths. Yemoja/ Olokun's energy brings creativity, compassion,
diversity, and overwhelming force to the practice of Me'je Oruka.
