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Year of my Ori…

William Ross 1 Comment Uncategorized

Coconut water drips down my face and cools more than my flesh…. it cools my mind.

I am immersed in the fragrance of the land made fertile by the blood, sweat, and tears of my ancestors.

I inhale but am not simply breathing….

Rather, I am ingesting the energy that surrounds me.

I am not merely exhaling….

Rather, I am releasing the tension that has accumulated over the last year and scraping the walls of my mortality as to ensure that no residue is afforded the opportunity to build up and grow.

I will not allow the arteries of my soul to be clogged by the cholesterol of my mortality.

I will not allow the plaque of temporal drama to hinder the smile of my spirituality.

The music seduces my shell and reaffirms the fact that my physical presence is not the authority of my existence… rather it is a servant of it.

As the old year kisses my cheek before passing, the new one embraces me with its presentation.

I ask its name and it smiles.

“My name is your name”, it states.

Confused, I ask for clarification.

“My name is your name”, it repeats.

I take a moment to think about what I am being told and decide that it is not a simple misunderstanding that I am having. Rather, I must be missing something deeper.

I excuse myself and prepare to walk to my sacred space where communication with spirit thrives, but I am stopped by the new year who now stands before me again.

Suddenly this new year transforms into my reflection and repeats: “My name is your name”.

I beg for an explanation as tension attempts to seize the opportunity and creep back in.

With a flick of its finger, this new year brushes tension off my shoulder and moves closer to me.

Assuming that another embrace was to follow, I extend my arms. However, an embrace is not what I receive. Instead, this new year enters me.

My entire surrounding has become a mirror and my reflection makes itself known in every living thing I can lay my eyes on.

My lips begin to move and I realize that I am smiling.

I get it now….

The new year is named after me because the time has come for me to be all that I have worked on being. While growth and development are eternal processes, they are not without checkpoints of tangible accomplishments.

“So you get it now?”, the new year asks through my own mouth.

“Yes”, I say. “I get it. Your name is my name because this is the year of my Ori”

 

©Dr William Q Ross 2017

Prayer Requests….

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The trials and tribulations associated with our mortal existence often crash upon us with a force that not only threatens to knock us down, but also to keep us down. It is because of this that we must be ever vigilant against the tendencies to stay down. We must remember that we walk on the shoulders of those who came before us and as such our steps are strong. Though the walk of progression will not be kind to the souls of our feet, the journey itself will feed, fuel, and fortify the soul of our existence. In making the necessary sacrifices, we will find the sustenance that ensures our bodies stay hydrated with hope.

The power of prayer has always proven to be more potent than the portrayal presented by pessimists. With this said, Ashe International, Inc. invites all who are seeking prayer to contact us via a dedicated message line. This line will be available for all who seek to utilize it 24/7/365. With an explanation of just a few lines, we will be honored to infuse your petition with the energy of a candle lit for you (and yours) as well as a personalized prayer put together in your name (names).

There is no charge for this service as we welcome the opportunity to communicate with all that guides us on behalf of our communal brothers and sisters.

The dedicated message line is (520) 704-7410.

Luz, Amor, y Àşę.

*an aspect of Ministry Ashé, Inc.

O.S.H.U.N. Initiative…

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O.S.H.U.N. Initiative
(Our Spiritual Health is United with Nature)

We are making the call to all who represent the community of Orisha worship to remove the chains of complacency and comprehend that the greatest addimu we can offer the Orisha is respect for the natural elements that they call home. Through this initiative, we will be offering information on various individuals as well as organizations that are both initiating new efforts as well as sustaining proven efforts in the causes of our environment.

Regardless of how our lineage divides us, and what names we associate our existence with; we all have an obligation to Ile Ife and as such, we have a responsibility to the earth that was created from this holy spot.
For more information on how you can get involved in efforts to honor the Orisha by improving the environment and/or to share with us efforts that you are currently involved in, please email us at oshuninitiative@gmail.com.

Luz, Amor, y Àsę.

*an aspect of Ashé International, Inc.

#asheintl #oshuninitiative #oshun #environment #maferefunoshun #osun #orisha

Maferefun Orisha Agayu 2017…

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Today, the energy of Orisha Agayu is celebrated throughout the world by practitioners of Orisha Worship. Commonly recognized as the Orisha who is represented by the power of volcanoes and the destructive as well as replenishing properties of their eruptions, it is imperative that we look deeper and see His ashe within the realm of our personal existence as well.

Within us all exists the nucleus of our souls. The very core of who and what we are is alive and erupting. Whether we allow this eruption to reach its full potential is a decision that we must make not once, or twice; but each and every day. No opportunity to grow from where we are to where we want to be should be ignored or overlooked. Such is the lesson that the powerful Orisha Agayu teaches us as he causes our chests to rise in anticipation of the next stage of our lives.

“Orisha Agayu, dueño del fuego que arde dentro de mí, te doy gracias. Thank you for filling me with the heat needed to melt away the freezing effects of regression and never allowing the chilling air of stagnation to thrive. On this day,I celebrate the anniversary of when I received the crown of He who is often recognized as your son and in doing so an eruption of emotion took place. This eruption was rooted in the depths of my soul and came to fruition with such force that its effects were evident on my physical being. Again, querido Agayo, I thank you; For it is this eruption that cleared the way for the beauty of àsę to reach each and every crevice of my being. Luz, Amor, y Àsę.”

Maferefun Orisha Agayu!

©Dr William Q Ross 2017

Ancestral Reverence….

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As time quickly goes by in our lives, we often forget the many blessings that are bestowed upon us. Too many times we drown in the trails and tribulations that come with existence in modern times. Probably the most powerful trails and tribulations are orchestrated by one single item…. Money.

The almighty dollar, as it is commonly referred to, can mask itself as the source of happiness as well as despair. It is very easy for us, in the capitalist society we live in, to believe that all can be solved with money and all that has failed, did so because there was a lack of money. Many find themselves overcome by a false sense of security and blessings when they have a dollar in their pocket. It is because of this, that I am compelled to remind you all that we are followers of a faith that came from slaves. A faith that was funded with sincerity, consistency, compassion, and heart. Salvation was not denied to any of the Nigerian slaves that were brought to the Caribbean during the slave trade, because they did not have the funds to pay the African priests.

In the present, there are many examples of Santeria, Ifa, and other indigenous faiths being exploited for financial gain. Many shops that promote instruments of these faiths do so with uneducated employees, who can only tell you the colors of the beads, and how much they cost. They are uneducated on the meanings of the colors, what they represent, what their purpose is, and the responsibility the wearer has to the Orishas when he/she wears them. This should in no way discourage any of you from entering a botanica, or religious shop as the materials we often need or usually found there and not all who are employed in one is not conscious of their responsibility.

What is most important is that we manage costs in this capitalistic world that we live in. We must understand that while there are legitimate expenses in our faith, there should never be an instance when we feel oppressed by cost. There is always a way to get things done with what we have.

One of the most important actions that we must take in our faith is the creation and maintenance of an altar for ancestral reverence. Not having this spiritual altar is detrimental to our success as practitioners of Santeria. We must always remember that there would be no Santos without Muertos. Our relationship with our Ancestors, those we know and those we do not know, is a relationship that guides us with passion.

In the equation of our lives, the Orishas and the Muertos are the values that add up to success, protection, guidance, and salvation.

Suggestion for setting up a simple altar for ancestral reverence:

Take a small table or stool and cover it with a white sheet.

Purchas a vase or bowl that attracts you, in the name of your Muertos (Eggun).

Place the vase or bowl on the table or stool that you have set up and fill it half way with cool water.

Surround the vase or bowl with any pictures of ancestors that you have. Be sure that the pictures do not contain the image of anyone who is still alive.

Change the water in the vase or bowl at least once a week.

Place a small white candle on the table (make sure that this is done safely and there is no danger present around the candle)

Place a small bouquet of white flowers on the table (occasionally)

Communicate with your Muertos (Eggun) in a personal manner as often as you like. While there are formal prayers that you can recite, I believe that it is imperative that a personal relationship, strengthened by personal communication be created.

Luz, Amor, y Àşę.

©Dr William Q Ross

#asheintl #reminder #muertos #ancestors #egungun #nsalamalecum #luz #oseegungun

Maferefun Orisha Ogun 2017…

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Today, countless practitioners of Orisha Worship have come together to celebrate the existence of the great Orisha Ogun.

The energy of focus, fortitude, and commitment; it is through the àsę of this Orisha that the notion of advancement comes into fruition. A wide range of offerings adorn altars dedicated to Orisha Ogun all over the world. The flickering of flames lit in His honor dance in celebration and we are all encouraged to not only bask in the energy, but also to draw from it so that we may move forward with our own spiritual growth and development.

“Maferefun Orisha Ogun. It is with sincerity, humility, and appreciation that I not only thank you for clearing my path of the obstacles that prevent my progress, but also for allowing your àsę to teach me how to personally invest in this clearing as well. With the concepts of focus, commitment, and dedication made tangible by the brilliance of your elekes, I understand that every tool provided to me is dependent on my personal investment into my progress. Again, I thank you.”

Luz, Amor, y Àsę.

 

©Dr William Q Ross 2017

 

 

#asheintl #orisa #orisha #ogun #maferefunogun

 

Personalized Prayer for Work Opportunities….

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Querido Orisha Ogun, I come to you first and foremost with appreciation for all the obstacles you have removed from my path thus far. I know that it is you with your tools of progress and advancement that have made it possible for me to continue onward. It is your ashe that removes the obstacles that present themselves to me and at times prove overwhelming and so I come to you today asking for the warmth of your ashe as in my mortal state, I am beginning to feel overwhelmed.
Orisha Ogun, I ask that your ashe fill my mind and allow my thoughts and vision to act as the caster and turn in any direction necessary to reach my ultimate goal. At this time, mi querido Orisha Ogun, I ask that you understand that my ultimate goal is to establish new employment. You, whose energy is the pinnacle of hard-work and focus are undoubtedly aware of my needs. I know that with Orisha Ochosi guiding your work and Orisha Eleggua opening the roads that need to be cleared, you will make visible the best path for me. However, it is in this moment of mortal need that I ask for your guidance in clearing the obstacles that are internal for me. I ask that you clear away any feelings of desperation for a new start as well as resentment to where I currently am. I ask that you clear away these feelings and replace them with new focus, new strength, and new understanding that all I need is within my grasp…. I just need to focus and reach for it. I understand that when in my grasp is the next opportunity, their is no greater tool to maximize this opportunity than the tool of commitment, consistency, and consciousness.
Orisha Ogun, I am not asking for the strength to jump into what I think I want; I am asking for the strength to identify what is most beneficial for me and subsequently accepting it into my path.
Orisha Ogun, I thank you. I thank you with all I am. I understand that as you work tirelessly to provide us all with the tools needed for growth, I will work tirelessly to always maximize these tools in my life.
Modupe Orisha Ogun.
Ase, Ase, Ase-O!
©Dr William Q Ross

Gracias Papa…

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“El Santo le quiere dar Claridad….Claridad, Claridad….El Santo le quiere dar…”
 
The drums beat strongly behind me. From a device that embodies many of the technological advances that have come to exist as social norms for the western world, traditional rhythms are created and my body responds with instinct. My fingers dance over the keyboard hitting each letter in sync with the count made by Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas’ track after track.
 
For a moment I close my eyes and it is in this moment that I can truly see. I accept that the trials and tribulations of my temporal existence must first hit up against the physical structure that is known as my body. Supporting this structure is my soul. Warmed by the fire of Shango (Kabieosile) and employed by the divination of Orunmila, I take a moment to feel my essence flow and ignite sensations in every nerve of my spine. My attention is called by the flickering of the flame that I have recently lit in honor of he who 19 years ago made the transition from embracing me physically to embracing me spiritually; My father.
 
No longer are the tears that flow down my face only serving as messengers of pain. Now they serve as reminders of the fact that I need only look at my reflection to see him. The world promised to up the ante and he vowed to support me in ways that would never fail. As is the case with every growing pain, going from the ability to physically hug my father externally to the place where these embraces could only take place internally was initially paralyzing. It has not been until recent years that I realized when I thought my legs could not hold me anymore, it was because they were being reconstructed to hold me as well as empower me to hold others.
 
I remind all who have mortally lost a loved one that until they are accepting of the growth that is inevitably taking place, they will not only be fully embraced by their loved ones nor will they be able to fully embrace them in return.
 
Never underestimate the potency of your soul for it is the very essence of who we are. Never allow yourself to be fooled by the shenanigans of the shell we occupy. Our Ori is, and always will be, greater than it.
 
We walk on the shoulders of all who came before us and our steps are cushioned by love and guidance. To allow our stride to be anything less than proud, grateful, and progressive is to cause pain on those we love and who love us.
 
Gracias papa… te quiero, te agradezco, te siento.
 
©Dr William Q Ross 2017
 
#asheintl #papa #nsalamalecum #fathersday2017

Happy Father’s Day 2017….

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Today, while society sets the stage for Fathers to be recognized, I encourage you all to go further by recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the paternal energy that exists in your life. There are many whose life circumstance has left them without the tangible representation of their biological father; however, they are most definitely not without paternal energy in the matrix that guides them.

First and foremost, let us recognize the men who have not only stepped to the plate of fatherhood, but who have lasted longer than one inning. These brothers understand that the responsibility associated with fatherhood is not a game and should not be taken as such on any level.

Next, let us recognize the countless mothers who have accepted the responsibility of being both parents, for they two are being guided and reinforced by the energy that surrounds us all. To my own mother: I thank you and I love you.

Next, let us recognize that the paternal energy that has embraced us with love and commitment from the moment of our conception comes from the the Eggun and the Orisha. Their unwavering love, guidance, and again, commitment, is profoundly powerful and has been instrumental in keeping us up…even when we thought we were alone and falling down.

Today, and every day, let us make the time to reflect on the guidance that we receive and remember that we also contribute to it.

To my own Father: I thank you. I thank you for the embrace that you provide me with daily. It is now that I understand that the loss of your physical presence during my adolescence was not the end. Rather it was the beginning of your spiritual presence in my life as a force that would never be further away from me than a look in the mirror.
I love you, Dad.

Luz, Amor, y Àşę.

©Dr William Q Ross 2017

#asheintl
#happyfathersday
#family
#paternalenergy

Regarding Trump’s Announcement on Cuba…

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Luz, Amor, y Àşę. 

As the President’s announcement regarding Cuba has been made, our Spiritual Tours to Cuba remain unaffected. We will continue to provide this service to all who are looking to experience the potency and feel the impact of the Cuban people, their warmth, their culture, their traditions, and their land. Ashé International, Inc. is proud to have received confirmation from the United States Treasury Department that the documentation we provide all who participate in our tours, as well as the structure of the tours themselves, are in accordance with the regulations that have been in place pre the former president’s changes and subsequently post the current president’s changes. 
For those who have already made travel plans, we remind you that as per OFAC, your travel plans are not at risk of being cancelled as long as they were made in accordance with the requirements that existed as of today. This includes, but is not limited to, the maintenance of all documentation outlining your itinerary and activities on the island for five years. 
For those wishing to travel to Cuba, such is still very much an option. 
The fever with which Cuba and the policies surrounding it are discussed give the impression that travel to Cuba is new for Americans. Such could not be further from the truth. 
We are proud to have been traveling to Cuba for the past two decades. 
Many travel to Cuba to talk ABOUT the Cuban People. 
Ashé International, Inc. travels to Cuba to talk WITH the Cuban People. 
To Cuba With Ashé,
*An aspect of Ashé International, Inc.