Open Heart Conversation at United Palace of Spiritual Arts

Introduction

• Host: Reverend Arda
• Missing: Reverend Jose (in Puerto Rico)
• Event includes a special guest: Reverend DeShannon Barnes Bowens
• Special water blessing libation by DeShannon

Libation Blessing

• Libation: A sacred water blessing in various traditions, including Orisha
• Purpose: To pay homage to ancestors and the Earth
• Performed in Yoruba, followed by English translation
• Closing with "Ashe," meaning "so it is"

Background of DeShannon Barnes Bowens

• Founder of Ilera Counseling and Education Services
• Roles: Psychotherapist, professional development trainer, spiritual counselor
• Education: Bachelor's in Psychology, Master's in Counseling
• Initiated Priestess in Orisha Ifa tradition
• Author of "Hush Hush: An African American Family Breaks Their Silence on Sexuality and Sexual Abuse"
• Award recipient and scholar, involved in presentations and publications

Overview of Orisha Tradition

• An indigenous, earth-centered African spiritual tradition of the Yoruba people
• Focus on good character, humility, family, and community
• Different from Abrahamic faiths: looks from 'down to up'
• Estimated followers: 70 million Orisha practitioners worldwide

Orisha Religion and Practices

• Orisha: Forces of nature, deities in the Ifa tradition
• Key deities: Oshun (fresh water, love), Yemaya (ocean/mothering energy)
• Divination: Spiritual consultations to connect individuals with an Orisha
• Importance of community in practice

Comparison with Abrahamic Faiths

• Abrahamic faiths: 'Up to down' approach vs. Indigenous 'down to up'
• Both involve personal experiences with the divine

Personal Journey of DeShannon

• Born into Baptist tradition, discovered African spirituality later
• Initial resistance to Orisha adoption, eventual initiation to Oshun
• Experience and transformation through spiritual practice

Themes in African Spirituality

• Ancestor reverence: Integral to practice, guiding force
• Connection with nature: Alignment with Orisha energies
• Personal character and Ori (divine aspect)
• Reincarnation beliefs: Ancestors returning within family line

Integration with Other Faiths

• Practitioners of African spirituality may also maintain ties to other faiths
• Encouragement to find personal connections, not exclusive

Q&A Session Highlights

• Importance of community in Orisha practices
• Intersection of spirituality with broader social movements
• Addressing misconceptions around practices like animal sacrifice

Conclusion

• Closing chant: "Ba da ba ra" to invoke empowerment
• Encouragement to connect with one's divine essence

Additional Information

• Available resources for further learning
• Gratitude and acknowledgements to speakers and organizers