Photo by Aaron Burden
Today is the December Solstice. Seasons Greetings to one and all.
In simple terms today the earth tilted away from the sun. This has given rise to the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere and the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. All winter festivals to some extent, are related to this movement in the heavens. Remember to always look up, as our ancestors did to know what time it is.
Be Well
If you live on earth this post will be of interest.
Along our continuing journey into nature spirituality, and after a challenging couple of years for one and all, we decided to have our annual gathering to honour the change of season, to remember our bloodline ancestors, and to treat ourselves to a coastal staycation on the south east coast. We were looking forward to the event and to inviting members of Blue Water Family to join us to conduct an ocean front ceremony. This was before the ancestors and the spirits of nature decided to show us another way of honouring them. For example, this happened in stages:
The first stage was the scorching heat, which although we welcomed for all the associated health benefits, we became aware that there were a number of water management challenges which have since been highlighted, here in the UK.
The second stage was the realization, that the South East coast line has been particularly negatively impacted, by water management issues and beach pollution, not just this year, but as an ongoing issue.
The third stage was that although the location we chose to honour Orisa Olokun during the September Equinox, is on the list of locations which have been highlighted by the UK Environmental Agencies for mismanagement of sewage disposal on the coast, we now have an opportunity to become aware of concerns, which are usually associated with developing countries, with limited resources. The UK is not a developing country. The resources are not limited. What is happening on our coastline here in the UK is avoidable. We are shocked and horrified at the level of mismanagement which is taking place.
The forth stage is that we have an opportunity to do something about this environmental disaster. When you know better you can do better! And to this end we contacted a number of like minded groups and will be participating in the the regular clean up initiatives across the country here in the UK.
The fifth stage is to invite you to join us on this endevour to protect our planet with the various clean up activities that are available. Click on the link to find out more. You will be directed to Beach Cleans: Million Mile Clean Up Campaign
If you are interested in learning more about what we do at Blue Water Family, send us a message by clicking on this link which will take you to the Blue Water Family Academy Contact Page: Blue Water Family Academy Contact Us
CULTURAL RETENTION refers to the traditions, practices, beliefs and taboos of a nation. Those nations who are fortunate enough to be able to view their family tree for several decades and centuries will have a secure sense of who they are, in relation to their heritage.
LOSS OF TRADITIONS FEAR AND NEGATIVE REACTIONS:People of African heritage, especially those in the diaspora, on the whole do not have the advantage of knowing what their direct linage might be. There are programs available in some locations, to support what is known as ‘Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome’. The interrupted journey of several generations of Africans have had a devastating impact on all who have been affected. The generation whose ancestors were the enslavers, are fearful of those whose ancestors were enslaved. There is resentment and fear and mistrust and in some cases an unwillingness to acknowledge what has happened and how it affects all of us now, in all areas of life. It is a mess!
A COMING TOGETHER THROUGH AFRICAN TRADITIONS: We can not change the past, but we can do what we can, to mitigate the pain and suffering, which has carried on through genetic memory and other channels. Cultural retention is one sure way to reclaim what has been lost. African Traditional Religions are well established in Africa and the Americas. There is now a growing interest in Europe, Asia and Oceana.
IFA ORISA ON THE RISE: For example, in 1981, Professor Wande Abimbola founder of Orisa World Foundation claimed that 100 million people from individual and institutional organisations in over 50 countries adhere to Ifa Orisa culture and traditions.
BLUE WATER FAMILY ACADEMY can be added to the growing trend of forums providing access to knowledge of African Traditional Religions. To this end, we have created access to a practice based forum for those who are new to nature spirituality and specifically, those who want to learn more about Ifa Orisa spirituality. This will be helpful, especially to those who are searching for a way to connect to something bigger than themselves. If you are so inclined take action and gain access to the practice based training courses, which are now available.
Gain access to the training courses by clicking on this link:
During these interesting and challenging times, do you need a reason to celebrate? If so, there are four times a year when the earth rocks back and forth in relation to the sun. These movements defines the seasons. Have a listen to the podcast on the Orange Feather Podcast series, focusing on the Sun of the middle. Find out why knowledge of self and the universe is an important aspect of your survival. When you decide that you are ready to learn more, click on this link and visit Blue Water Family Academy
The 11th of September is Ethiopian New Year. And as we know, the way we choose to mark time is not set in stone. Time can be marked using the configurations of lunar, stella and solar movements across the heavens. When we acknowledge that Africa is the cradle of humanity, culture and civilisation, it will not take a stretch of the imagination to accept that Africans across the continent found rudimentary and more complex ways to mark time.
For example, the Ishango bone was carved in the Congo c23,000 BCE and is widely accepted as the oldest mathematical tool, possibly used in a number of ways including a lunar device to measure the female menstrual cycle. The Julian calendar which is used by the Ethiopians, was commissioned by Emperor Julius Caesar and was written by mathematician and astronomers Sosigenes of Alexandria, a native East African of the Nile Valley in 45 BCE.
The Gregorian calendar which is currently the dominant mode of time keeping internationally, is 7 years ahead of the Julian calendar, which is the one followed by the Orthodox Christian Community, led by Ethiopia. Ethiopia has the oldest religious books of the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). Ethiopia was once seen as one of the most religiously tolerant nations. Ethiopia was not colonised by Europeans because ordinary men and women came together to defend their way of life and their freedom to live in peace. Ethiopia is the seat of the African Union. Ethiopia is a symbol of unity for Africans internationally.
BLUE WATER FAMILY IS A GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE FORUM SHARING KNOWLEDGE OF SELF AND THE UNIVERSE: What does this actually mean? The ancients reminded us to get to know ourselves, not just at a superficial level with how we look, or how we feel, but who we are in the wider scheme of things. Most indigenous knowledge systems teach this aspect of life, as a fundamental part of their spiritual practice: and it is up to the individual to make an effort to know these things, if they are so inclined.
WHAT IS NATURE SAYING TO US? Over the years, months and most recently, we are seeing anomalies in nature, such as an increase in floods, forest fires, toxic algae blooms rising to the surface and causing deaths and more. A distressing state of affairs and a reminder that we do not know all that there is to know about our planet. All who are experiencing hardship at this time we send our condolences and blessings.
ANOTHER CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: For this new moon reflection be reminded that It’s always good to wipe the slate clean during this lunar phase. What’s next for you? What lessons are you learning about yourself, about others, about your planet and your place within the universe? Reflect on this in your quiet time.
HUMANITY AND THE CYCLE OF LIFE: Be reminded that we are part of the natural world. The more we show respect to each other and the natural world, the more we will be living in harmony with our purpose. Ask yourself if this is happening in your world and the world around you. You may have more control about what you choose to do, but be reminded that you do not have control over what others are doing. Neither should you seek to interfere in the destiny of others. We can lead a human to knowledge but we can not make them think. This is just one of the ways to travel light.
NEW TRAINING ALERT: A series of nature spirituality training courses will be available soon, for those who want to deepen their knowledge about Ifa Orisa and how to work with the spirits of nature for themselves, for others and for the planet. Click on the link below and add yourself to the waiting list to be alerted when enrollment begins.
Here is a link Rebirth into Ifa Orisa Spirituality for beginners
Be well and look after yourselves.
Happy first of the month. The word February comes from the Roman word februum meaning purification and februa, referring to rituals used to be performed to clear the way for fertility of the land and of the people. February was seen as an important time to prepare for the coming of spring in Rome and other parts of the northern hemisphere. What is the date where you are? Marking time is not set in stone. There are many variations about the days, the months, the years, even the conception of day and night. This is just one of the topics to be covered in the Orange Feather Podcast Series. If you are interested in knowledge of self and the universe, to enhance your personal development and your spiritual growth, then you have found your kindred community.
Become a VIP Member to be featured on THE ORANGE FEATHER PODCAST SERIES. Click on this link:
Listen to the trailers for the official launch in a few days time. Click on this link
Looking forward to interacting with you, should you be so inclined. Be Well.
The Full Moon signifies the completion of the lunar cycle. As above so below. January 2021 has been a challenge to many, who would usually be full of optimism. And as we always say, the safest place to be in a quantum hurricane season, is in the safety of your wise mind. How can you access this place? Be in tune with your inner spirit. How can you do this? The Orange Feather Podcast Series will show you how. Listen and chill or become a VIP member to actively engage with interviewing opportunities.
Happy January Full Moon.
As an Independent Researcher into indigenous nature spirituality in general and African indigenous knowledge in particular, I am grateful for all that I continue to learn, from the gentle power of the natural world. If the past 12 months have taught us anything at all, it is the importance of self reflection. Developing your power of thought, is the most important exercise you could engage in at this time. Remember if you don’t use it, it will atrophy.
Whilst doing one of my time and space reconnaissance, it occurred to me that, its the simple things in life, that will help us to navigate to dry land, during this quantum hurricane season. And the safest place to be right now, is in the safety of your wise-mind. The free webinar is no longer available.
Gain access to a training course, on ways to show gratitude for your life and make meaningful plans for the future. Click on this link.
The video above is part of a playlist selection of supporters who have reviewed my Fables Series. I would like to say a big thank you to my fellow content creators. Mutual respect and Infinite abundance.
Did I mention that my favourite past time is writing? I wrote my first unpublished story at aged 12. I keep a daily journal, and I encourage you to do the same. By the time I was in my mid 20’s I was a published author, as part of a writers’ collective. When I arrived at the gates of higher learning, a few years later, the books had sold over 5000 copies, mainly in the UK. All this happened during the pre smart phone era. As you can perhaps imagine, this was a big deal amongst members of my network, as well as my new friends at university. Did it go to my head? Well perhaps a little (smile). For those of you who have had the opportunity to engage in deep reflections, about life and the universe, you will realise how important this is for your personal development and your spiritual growth. It is not a requirement for you to attend university for this to happen. If you have not found your kindred spirits yet, search them out and make a connection. You will be glad that you did. Continue reading
I read and run a lot, this is where I talk about it.
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Adventures in collecting "modern jazz": the classical music of America from the Fifties and Sixties, and a little Seventies, on original vinyl, on a budget, from England. And writing about it, since 2011. Travelling a little more widely nowadays, and at lower cost
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