Yeerrr - Iyanifa Diaries

I had doubts about calling this the Iyanifa Diaries, thinking maybe “Iyanifa in Training” was more appropriate.

Seen as though I’ve gone through the rites of passage in Osogbo, Nigeria, have spiritual gifts that support how I be knowing, and have been intentional about practicing the art of the Iya, I consulted Spirit about not only the name, but the intention behind this blog series.

I think about how I’ve shown up on the mat, how I’ve shown up in my family, in my community spaces - the Iyanifa Diaries is a space in which I'm being vulnerable to be seen trying. You won't get all the chisme because we believe in sacred rights round here, gatekeeping, and there being levels to this shit.

AND there is community needed for those actively returning to their ancestor’s traditions. There are those of us who are choosing to acknowledge the dreams, the synchronicities, the deep, internal calling to connect with our ancestral spiritual woo woo gifts without the shame. As someone who was raised Christian and no known connection to their West African roots, it was hard actively (and consistently) choosing a path that went against everything that I had been taught to know to be true.

So, we’re done with the shame.

Done with the respectability politics we were taught to adhere to when it comes TO OUR ORI, and how we choose to engage with spirit.

These paths that we’re on - there’s literally no blueprint for them, but we're in this together and not afraid to be seen trying.