NEW COURSE ALERT!

THE TRADITION: INTRO TO YORUBA RELIGION(S) IN THE DIASPORA

We believe that all African Diasporan people have an intrinsic connection with our ancestors. Our easy-to-follow courses will help you make deeper connections by understanding the origins of our sacred beliefs and traditions.

Photo Credit: Fiona Compton | Costume Design: Melissa Simon-Hartman and Michelle Lucas

THAT OLD TIME RELIGION

MANY RELIGIONS ARE PROSELTYING INSTITUTIONS, WHERE PART OF THE ACT OF FAITH IS EVANGELIZING, SPREADING YOUR BELIEF TO OTHER PEOPLE. IS PROSELTYZING A PART OF THE YORÙBÁ TRADITION? NO. IT IS NOT A PART OF OUR OWN TRADITION. WE BELIEVE THAT NOBODY SHOULD BE FORCED OR CAJOLED INTO CHANGING THEIR WORLD VIEW... IF HOWEVER, WE FIND A PERSON WHO IS INTERESTED IN OUR WAY OF LIFE, WE CAN HELP THEM HAVE A FOOTHOLD IN THIS RELIGION.

– IFÁ WILL MEND OUR BROKEN WORLD BY WANDE AMIBOLA AND IVOR MILLER

NEW COURSE ALERT!

THE TRADITION

INTRO TO YORUBA RELIGION(S) IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

Designed for ATRS newbies and practitioners, this course will examine the history and cosmology of Yoruba people, map how their Religion and traditions spread during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, study the characteristics and personalities of the sacred gods and goddesses –– The Orisa, discuss nuances that exist between the various systems of Yoruba spirituality (specifically Santeria, Lucumi, Ifa, Isese, Sango Baptist and Candomble), fundamental principles that sit at the heart of Yoruba beliefs i.e. Ori and Iwa Pele. Lastly, we will discuss how Yoruba spirituality is a lifestyle not simply a dogmatic religion.

Instructor: Shantrelle P. Lewis

FEATURED COURSE

HOW DID ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST ANCIENT RELIGIONS SURVIVE THE HELLS OF SLAVERY?

Like other ATRS (African Traditional Religions), Yoruba spirituality was modified, syncretized and codified. Its ancient codes and texts, principles and culture were adapted and adopted in the African Diaspora. The survival and growth of Yoruba spirituality can be credited to the Africans who were brilliant enough to hide their religion in plain sight. Those who substituted certain natural elements with others and who made meaning of old beliefs in new contexts. We will discuss how Old gods of Yorubaland were worshipped in a New World. Most importantly, we'll discuss how they are worshipped today.

FEATURED COURSE

MAPPING THE SPREAD OF YORUBA IN THE DIASPORA

NUANCES OF YORUBA DENOMINATIONS

One of the primary objectives of THE TRADITION: INTRO TO YORUBA RELIGIONS(S) IN THE DIASPORA is to trace the spread of "The Tradition" in various places in the Diaspora, most specifically Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. "Metaphorically, the dynamics of the Slave Trade scattered Oduduwa's children far and wide like the mythical five-toed chicken that was instructed to scatter the earth." Today, millions of people practice several denominations. Over the course of four weeks, we'll unpack all of this and more!