Bumped into my friend, Tobe Correal, about 2 months ago.
She’s the author of the book, Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa. If you haven’t read her work yet, check it out. You might enjoy it like I did. Here’s the link: Finding Soul On The Path of Orisa
Anyway, Tobe was at my neighbor’s 40th birthday party. Turns out they’re cousins.
It was great to see Tobe and to catch up again. She’s very philosophical.
We spoke about the wisdom of going slow. Not being in such a rush all the time, having the understanding that things happen in divine ways and in divine timing. Nature, for sure, is not in a rush.
Love it…
I love it because American culture seems to hate the word slow. Every Everything in this culture is expected to happen fast. So naturally, folks are on a fast track even though things that are meaningful and lasting and powerful rarely happen fast.
Everyone thinks they should be somewhere else, that life somehow is passing them by.
Hey, I understand. I really do.
But I’ve learned to appreciate going slow. I had no choice. One of the biggest challenges for me over the years has been delays with the funding of my film, Across The King’s River.
On the other hand, the biggest blessing has been the very same thing: delays with funding for my film. Did I like it at the time? No! Hell No!
I am grateful for the delays because I know for a fact that if my film had been funded years ago, I couldn’t have made the best possible film. Sure, I could have made a film, ut not the best one.
The delays worked in my favor because I have more insights now, more wisdom, and more clarity about what the film should be. I know what I want. I know who I want; I know what to do.
Armed with these insights, we are planning a major shoot for the film in early 2017. Looking back at all the ups and downs over the years, going slow was the best thing that could have happened for me.
What about you?
Are things moving along the way you like? If so great. If not, maybe it’s a blessing. You cannot miss what has been destined for you. It is written by Spirit, sanctioned by the ancestors.
Either way, I would love to hear what you’ve been up to and/or what you’re working on these days. Would also like to hear what you’ve been struggling with and/or what you need help with.
I miss you. I think of you, and I truly wish you peace and success in all that you do.
Let’s talk soon!
Blessings,
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River
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My body is in Cuba, but my soul is in Africa. It is the African soul that nurtures my body here in Cuba. Our people who were taken away have found their home again.”
– They Are We, a documentary film by Emma Christopher
I first learned about the film They Are We during a recent trip home to St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
They Are We resonates with me for several reasons and each one leads me back to my ancestors. The quest to learn more about them and myself while embracing the notion and/or the reality that the ancient ones still live through me.
My body is in Oakland, C.A, yet my soul also dwells in the Caribbean and in West Africa.
Where does your soul dwell? Why?
Despite centuries of oppression and cultural devastation, They Are We is a compelling reminder that profound connections can still be made to the Motherland in our times.
James Weeks
Producer, Across The King’s River.
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I’m excited about all the possibilities and I hope you are too.
I believe 2015 can be your year if you’re willing to take risks and try new things.
There’s no reason to think that things must remain the same…
Hell No!
You are NOT destined to struggle all your life in a job that you hate, nor stay in a relationship you’ve outgrown, nor remain in any crippling, emotional, spiritual, physical or financial state that has been holding you back.
It’s time for a new script! A new you!
Here are some tips to help ensure 2015 is your year!
Let it go! Stop beating yourself up for the mistakes of 2014. News Flash. It’s not 2014. Every minute that you spend dwelling in the past robs you from seeing all the opportunities and blessings in the present that are trying to come your way.
Stop putting things off. Stop thinking you have all the time in the world to pursue your dreams. You don’t! A close friend, who is ill, recently learned he may only have a few weeks left to live. Every second counts. So write that book; build that business; mentor that child; take that vacation; pick up the phone and heal that relationship. Do what you’ve been meaning to do, but haven’t gotten around to it.
Know who you can count on! That was one of the big lessons for me in 2014. What an eye-opener! You need to know who really has your back, and who’s just talk and no action! The truth may surprise you, but it can also set you free.
Move closer to Spirit. Hugely important! We live in a world where we’re expected to pursue all things except our own connection with Spirit and the innate wisdom that flows every day within for free. Take time out for prayer, meditation, silence, ritual, yoga, journaling, exercise or any activity that lifts your spirit and helps you forge that connection to the divine.
I would love to hear about your dreams for 2015, so shoot me an email at james@acrossthekingsriver.com and let me know what’s up.
Or let me know what’s not up in 2015…
You’ll get a personal response from me, and you can count on my support.
May the ancestors bless you from the north, the south, the east and the west!.
Love,
James Weeks
P.S. Unleash the Power of 2015 With a Powerful Spiritual Reading Today!
No! Not Western medicine! African ritual medicine!
As a professional Ifa diviner based in Oakland, California, I sometimes struggle when it comes time to explain the importance of ritual (ebo) to both new and old clients.
Luckily, my Yoruba friend, Olushola, recently helped me out.
“Just tell them that it’s like going to the doctor and getting medicine,” he said.
I love that analogy because it’s simple…
But in reality it’s way more complex than that, as anyone in the orisa community will tell you.
For starters, in most cases you’re not actually ingesting ritual medicine. Secondly, in many African traditions, you don’t have to be physically present when ritual work is being done.
In the Yoruba tradition, you’ll know if you need “ebo” because it will be revealed during a divination session with a trained Ifa priest/diviner.
Besides health issues, here are other common reasons for why ritual might be needed:
1. Help with financial issues.
2. Help with relationship issues.
3. Ward off spiritual attacks from enemies.
4. For optimum emotional and physical health.
5. To fight witchcraft or sorcery.
Are you in need of some kind of ritual medicine now?
Based on what I know about life and the work that I do with my elders, I have to say yes.
Why?
Because 1. There are things that are going on in your life right now that you are not aware of but should be addressed spiritually. 2. Because it’s a mistake to assume that things are well just because all seems well now. 3. Because ritual can give you the spiritual and competitive advantage you need to move forward in life.
In some cases, ritual (ebo) is a matter of life vs death…
Don’t assume that tomorrow will be like today! It’s important to pay attention to things that you cannot see and address them spiritually, if necessary.
I shudder to think what my life would look like without the help of my elders and all the powerful rituals that have been done on behalf of my family over the years.
I know one thing! It wouldn’t look pretty!
In Nigeria, ritual work can go on for days or even weeks. The elders I work closely with in Ile Ife, Nigeria spend an average of 2 to 3 weeks working on a ritual. It’s a team effort. As many as 5-7 Ifa priests might work together just to complete one ritual for a client. And they might spend 4 to 5 hours a day working on the ritual.
“Ise t’o l’agbara,” (it’s hard work, they say)
How long does it take to see results or changes? It varies. Sometimes you’ll notice the effects right away, but in other cases it can take weeks, or even months, so it’s hella important to be patient.
Also, some situations might call for more than one ritual treatment, (just like a medical patient might need to have more than one surgery or might require ongoing physical or emotional therapy over a period of time.)
What experiences have you had with indigenous rituals or African rituals? I would love to hear about them so be sure to leave a comment.
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It’s a new day; a new time; a new year!