"Osha-Ifa rules for Santeros"
-Iyawo, Oloshas, Babaloshas and Iyaloshas-
Translator: Julio Valdés Jane
Authors: Ernesto Valdés Jane, Head Author.
Omar García Ruiz,
Micheal Hernández López,
Julio Valdés Jane
"To the memory of Olo Oshún Ibú Ikole Oshún De
Magin Luis Santamaria Hernanadez"
Opening Words
Osha Ifa Rules for Santeros; the divine
sayings from the letters (signs) of the Dilogún as well as those from the Odun
of Ifa; the Ethics Code of such Odun and the Moral Commandments of Ika Fun Odun
of Ifa are strongly related to a solid tradition and experience based on
religious practice of Olosha, Babalosha, Iyalosha, Oluwo Osain, Oba or Oriate
Babalawo and Oluo.
A whole corpus of ideas and performing principles related to the individual and
to Osha Ifa as a religious system derives from the divine sayings of the letters
of the Dilogun as well as those from the Odun of Ifa; the Ethics Code of such
Odun and the Moral Commandments of Ika Fun Odun of Ifa. This ensemble of
principles and ideas works as a moral guideline that governs the conduct and
relations between human beings who find in this religion a path to balance and
towards solutions of their problems in life. Also, they help believers to reach
their own goals during their humane existence in full connection with the
environment.
All these rules, principles and procedures create a predisposition in the
individual to reach the reasoning and reflections through the study and
interpretation of the myths; legends and ota(sacred stones) of Osha Ifa. Such
reasoning is designed to explain human existence on this earthly plane as well
as their behaviour.
The Osha Ifa Rules for Santeros are a full set of recommendations to be studied
and learnt by both the initiated in Osha and those initiated in Ifa. These rules
and the Yoko Osha Ita contribute to the individual’s achievement of harmony and
balance in his/her life which were the reasons why they were initiated in Osha
Ifa. Likewise, these rules are essential to reach a higher spiritual level; to
develop discipline and good behaviour and they become a means to regulate one’s
life.
The accomplishment of the Osha Ifa Rules for Santeros and the Yoko Osha Itá
constitute a key step towards the understanding of the Osha Ifa Principles
Putting into practice such rules, the Iyawo, Olosha, Babalosha, Iyalosha,
Babalawo, etc; can enjoy prestige in society for their social and religious
behaviour.
It is a big challenge to be initiated in Osha Ifa since the individual is
beholden to sacrifices, purification and character strengthening for which these
rules become an invaluable tool.
Go Top