My journey began,

when I was ordained as a priestess of OBATALA.. in an initiation ceremony that took place in 1996.. a requirement for initiation was for 50 priest/priestess to witness this initiation that took place in Los Angeles California..

   This ceremony was presided over a 7 day period approximately.. led by an ordained lukumi priest with the title of “obba oriate” who is a highly qualified priest after years of rigorous training under other highly qualified priest..

   After this initiation I went through a rebirth period of one (1) year.. YAWO is the name given to a rebirth initiate of the yoruban lukumi tradition..which means.. new bride to the deity being initiated into.. 

    that consisted of wearing white and following specific ritual orders as prescribed in divination by all the deities that divined in the “mat” ceremony.. concluding the first 7 days ceremony..

  Other rules were implemented.. such as eating on a straw mat for 3 months.. on the floor.. you CANNOT see yourself in a mirror for 3 months.. until mirror ceremony is initiated.. eating on a table is allowed after 3 months as well.. after the table is offered to you   in a ceremony.. just like the mirror ceremony.. as well included is the scissor ceremony after 3 months.. which allows you to cut your hair and shave.. respectfully

Another part of the whole year of training was spent with your godparents.. learning the ancestry lineage of your tribe.. as well as specific Yoruban and lukumi songs and chants.. as required to do spiritual work and herbal work as needed.. you are NOT allowed to wear any perfume or scented soap or scented deodorant.. 

  ALL clothing must be WHITE and spiritual beads “ELEKES" are to be worn at all times.. exception: to sleep.. and during menstruation..

    Spiritual beads must be kissed upon wearing as well as when taken off.. you CANNOT wear spiritual beads for or during sex or doing drugs and or alcohol.. or wear them to clubs and bars.. 

  ELEKES are not “ornaments” to be toyed with.. they contain high frequency vibrations that represent elements in relation to the deity that are to walk this new journey with you.. as consulted in the “mat” ceremony..