Odu #1

"You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep."

Oromo proverb.

Ofo Ase

In the Yoruba Tradition, we have what we call “Ofo Ase” or Words of Power, in the Hindu tradition these are called Mantras. In other spiritual systems [words that carry spiritual and emotional weight] are called Incantations, and although the term is sometimes derogatory, you may even hear them called “spells”.

Ofo Ase are words that have been cultivated and perfected over many centuries to have the maximum effect up a person, event and period of time. While “thank you” may or may not have come spiritual shamans of various cultures, but more likely developed as a common community word, it has generated power over time because so many people use it and understand it as an honest expression of gratitude. All common phrases of courtesy generate positive forces around you, when used consistently. So now we know why the Kemetic (Egyptian) initiates said, “Speak Truth” and in the Yoruba tradition we say, “display Iwa-Pele” (Gentle Character, which begins with soft and careful speech). Watching what we say, think and do can and will affect not only you, but also other people and even the environment around you.

Read more at:

http://riverofhoney.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/ofo-ase/

P'TAH: THE LAWGIVER

Ptah was the main god of the city of Memphis. He had an anthropomorphic form, wearing a close-fitting garment (and thereby almost resembling a mummy), blue skullcap, straight beard and attributes such as a staff. As a result of Memphis being the royal capital, Ptah gained importance throughout Egypt. The god was not often represented in mythology, the Memphite region however being the exception. One belief was the creation of the world through the word of Ptah, mentioned in the Coffin Texts. Ptah was associated with artistic abilities and therefore especially venerated in places where arts and crafts were performed. In the Memphitic region Ptah was part of a divine family, with Sakhmet as his wife and Nefertem as his son. Ptah was associated with several other gods, for instance Sokar and Osiris, with whom he formed the trinity god of resurrection, Ptah-Sokar-Osiris.

MACHA TULAMA