Obatala

I am an Obatala Babalawo. I am well connected to the energies. I find that connecting with my own energy is something I have to work on surprisingly so, or one may think.
Some energies, like Oya just seem to jump out and grab me. Most of them in fact.
I need to spend more time with Obatala. Not meditate, more like contemplate. I suppose that is the essence and purpose of Obatala's energy. The Obatala energy brings a calm warm feeling to me.
But as an Obatala, it is very easy for me to become heated at times. Grouchy and impatient, which seem to be opposites of the energy.
A good coconut or other offerings do wonders in getting me connected.
Of course, when we think of strong and tough energies, we think of Ogun and others right away.
But Obatala's energy can be even more powerful in a sense with the strong mental aspects it brings to the table.
Also, we Obatala's feel a little cheated in a sense. I love spicy food, but I know it will catch up to me.
Drinking is not wise for us, etc.
But my life has change dramatically for the better and I credit Obatala for most of that.

[Vassa]

Being married to an Obatala for 22 years now - I have noticed and had to work with and around many things. I see a great strength but also a great fragileness. I always look at the cotton plants blooms that I have. There is tenancity but fragility. The cotton has strength but can be pulled apart. I notice with my Oluwo here - that he can work with great ferocity but for a loooong period of time. When we do the workshops or the initiation week - he has big output and then he must (underline MUST) have a break from people and putting out. His batteries need charging more regularly than mine. Ogun's are more the everready type. He is always in his head. (his office) He is calculating and contemplating. He is a researcher and studier.
He loves to be with his family first and foremost. Does not feel comfortable in a crowd. And loves to be at home with his number 1 tool - his computer. So if there are any of you out there in a relationship with an Obatala type - be prepared to respect this dynamic energy. Let them have the space, the quiet, the regenerating time, the time to go inside and get some more wisdom out for us to enjoy learning from. Knowing whose energy you are dealing with is so so important. If you do not you could be pushing things in a wrong direction and causing unnecessary chaos. So work with it. Not against. There is a lot more on this - so jump in and contribute. I was nervous about writing on the Ifa College site because all of my other emails got read only by the one person I was writing and then this College site started and it took me a bit to warm up to feeling like I could write something that would be acceptable for alot of people to read. Now I am over the fear as you may have noticed. So please participate. We can learn so much from one anothers triangulations and experiences. Get over your fears. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Sanya316]

Hello and Blessings As of recently i've got a reading pointing out my guardian Orisha Obatala and it really was an eye opener. It was quite amazing to see how i had been manifesting this energy all through my life. Obatala energy from what i've observed in my life has been to see things clearly and to have a compassion for life and for diversity. Through working with Obatala i hope to bring an even greater open outlook into my life.
Blessings
Reggie

[OBALETI]

I was read as an obatala child,and ahave crawn or iniciated on obatala 5 years ago,even so all my bad experence,after I have going ifa college,an I have learn a lot and I have read about this oricha I feel identified with it,I thanks, for the oportunity of joing this forum.
Blessing Lula

Bendicion,
I'm a Santero of Obatala-Ayaguna.And have been within Lukumi for 13yrs.Prior to that I spent 20yrs in what is known as Ceremonial Magic and in time became a Priest& teacher within the clandistine temple of Denashin which taught Nature& the Universe in the old and ancient ways of that form.e.g.Kabbala etc.Names change not the forces,and one needs to know how to vibrate in balance with them.
It is very true as Iya Vassa mentioned in her post,that one must understand the energies they are dealing with..especially in relationships that we live with or work.I myself have lived/spent many years with a omo/child & Priestess of Yemaya and raised a daughter of Ochun as a single parent.
All of us have energies that have an ebb and flow(Nature&Man),finding that balance is a major Key to your personal evolution with anyone or natural force.
This can not be found totally in books(books being in someways, sign-posts/guides on a path)you have to experience it...not only read it(or you only become Echos of others),and that takes time,patience and respect for those wise elders who have come before us and are accomplished.Also not all gut feelings are correct,as many have found out including myself at an earlier stage of my progression.You must have proper methods that are tried and true.
This is why it's very important to understand the energies you are involved with as well as your Padrinos/Madrinas etc..Other-wise it's what I term the "Lemming Effect"in a humorous way,(the blind leading the blind).This is not as a judgement call,this is a reality that I and many have experienced.Mainly because good intention only goes so far without true experience when comes to Nature&Universal energies.
Many people have good intentions and want to help/teach before actually assimilating the forces they are dealing with, to walk or run before crawling doesn't work with Natures powerful energies (ORISHAS).Without initiations done correctly and thier teachers having High Ethics the process/experience may become rougher than it needs to be."Patience being a Virtue".I do not state this to make anyone fearful,just aware.Everything is always in a constant flux.Nothing stands still"CHANGE is SABILITY".And unless looking through rose-coloured glasses,Evolution/learning has it's pitfalls if one is not true to themselves and the energies they invoke or participate in.
Because in some situations that I have been called upon individuals have actually caused major problems for themsevles and loved ones(though rare in most cases)It can be like trying to blow-out a flare,if one is looking for Power instead of Wisdom/Knowledge of their inner energies and trying to put them in balance.
We all need time for our ORI/head,not just children of Obatala,for I have seen almost every path of the Orishas become intense and bogged down with-out having time to reflect.Respecting others no matter what level they are is a must.My Orishas have taught me(among many other things)HUMILITY&COMPASSION and to reject self-importance.It is best in person to talk with someone rather than at them.We can always learn more...being limited only to our imagination.
Also many opinions of Orishas paths are stereotypical because of just reading books,e.g..Obatala-Ayaguna,being always a radical and a fighting path,( mostly only when unaware of it's energies/force & positive possibilities does that happen.When some individuals can't comprehend certain subject matter they try to change it to their way of thinking ,which in the long-run doesn't work.
I'm new to this forum and have always till now spoke in private,but I feel that this is a useful way to reach those who are searching for answers and don't have a current Padrino or Madrina and seek balance within our Religion.I hope this was helpful to some.
Bendicion,
Oduara

As a Priestest of Obatala for the past 33 years, I must say that you have put a great deal of time and consideration into this message. Omo Obatala must have time to themselves, so for those that choose to share a life with us, I would suggest you educate yourselves on this tremendous entity, and energy. We can be the most calm of people, but at the same time, just as there are two sides to a piece of coconut, or a cowry shell, that when they fall, have totally different meanings. For Omo Obatala peace, clarity, tranquility, and family, are imperative!