Contemplations on the Odu Okanran Meji

That which is seen by the eyes, is not always as it appears, but when viewed with an open heart, form takes shape . When we try and see the world for what it is, we often look but do not see. All actions and all people serve a purpose, even if it is not easily seen. -- marcos ifalola

Contemplation on the Odu Irosun Meji

What works for me, may not work for you. What works for you may not work me, said the mouse as he walked past the cat who eyed him with thoughts of play and perhaps food.  The mouse, realizing his peril, engaged the cat in conversation.

If you believe I am here just to serve as your play thing, said the mouse, then you have lost focus on the larger picture we all play.

The cat smiled and responded in kind, but you must realize, that although you sit here trying to distract me with thoughts and philosophical provocations, there is an inevitability that I, being larger, will make you my toy and eventually my meal. It's as simple as that.

Certainly I've given you pause though, to think about what role we serve in the greater eco system? I am not just a meal, and you are more than just the fur, flesh and fangs that make you a cat.

It is true, said the cat, but in the end, I will do as I was created to do, and fulfill my purpose. I will enjoy a few moments of chase, get bored as your wounded body slows, and consume you...

At that very moment the cat felt a sharp sticking pain as the world quickly blurred until everything became black. And then, the hiding snake moved towards its dinner and the mouse turned and quickly scurried away wondering what odd bits he might collect for dinner that night. -- Marcos Ifalola - Contemplations on the Odu Irosun Meji

Contemplation on the Odu Oshe Otura

Ifa can not be taught, it is revealed throughout our lives when, for the briefest of moments, the veil of truth is pierced and the light which escapes allow us to understand that which we did not before see.  It is not about money or markets, nor about love or war, nor is it about gaining an inch or a mile, it transcends worldly desires leading us into the place where all things past, present and future exist at any given moment. Ifa is possibility and chaos, constantly rearranging and realigning. Stop begging for a solution, and instead look for the shifting patterns that will allow you to navigate the waters and find safe harbor. Ifa told me to reinitiate myself, by myself, to find my beginning in my ending and to look inward so that I might see the world for what it is, what it can be, and not be blinded by my own veil of truth… - Marcos Ifalola

Contemplation on the Odu Irosun Meji

The hole that sometimes lives within our hearts can only be mended if we are willing to expose it to the elements for all to see. In hope that we might find a way to sew it up, with the help of others, who have loved and lost and lived to mend their own holes.  -- marcos ifalola

Contemplation on the Odu Iwori Ofun ( Iwori Wofun )

I am the breath
before you jump
I am the thought
before you land
I have not shape
nor form
but I can support the weight
of a people
I live in no house
but offer shelter
I can inspire greatness
and wreak
havoc
I stand
behind the unsuspecting
and wait for chance
to trip them
so I can
catch their fall
I am
faith

Further contemplations on the Odu Osa Meji

To see into the eyes of Ifa
is to look upon the suffering of mankind
a condition only understood
after having truly suffered.
To be an Awo
is to have suffered and
still believe in the capacity for good.
All the while
maintaining balance and clarity
so as to guide others with the wisdom
of the middle path. 

Further contemplation on the Odu Ofun Meji

Within all knowledge
there are hidden
truths
for without understanding
we believe the moon
rises and falls
upon the surface of a still lake and
its reflection shines upon the night sky