Who is an Afeisitá in Osha-Ifá? Guardian of sacred counsels

Today we are going to talk about the preservation of Yoruba tradition and wisdom, because the vital role of Afeisitá in the Osha-Ifá religion is of vital importance.

Not only is he a person who writes in the Itá (religious ceremony performed when becoming a saint), he is much more. I will tell you in this post about his sacred role in our religion.

In the religious practice of Osha-Ifá, the Afeisitá (secretary or scribe) plays a fundamental role in the preservation of our Yoruba tradition and in the transmission of advice and prohibitions from the Orishas.

However, the importance of this role is often overlooked.

The Vital Role of Afeisitá in the Osha-Ifá Religion

• An Afeisitá is like a Guardian of the Faith and Transmitter of Ancestral Wisdom
• Their job is to make an accurate record and correctly transmit the advice of the Orishas.

It is as important as choosing a good Oba because he is the one in charge of keeping our Itá notebook (notebook where the future advice and prohibitions of the Orishas are written).

At the moment of singing Itá (throwing the snail and giving advice to the Iyawó), it is normal for those present to be attentive, excited and nervous for the Iyawó (the initiate), because he is like a child who has just been born. Therefore, those present cannot retain all the information, advice and recommendations that come out in the ceremony, that is the mission of the notary, to record everything while the others are also attending to their religious work, so that it remains forever on paper. and the life of the initiate.

It is very sad, and I say this from my own experience, that as the years go by we do not know the advice and prohibitions of the Orishas because we do not have a good notary.

The importance of a competent shaver

The Afeisitá is not merely a scribe; He is the guardian of our faith, responsible for accurately recording every detail in the Saint's Notebook.

At each initiation, work closely with the godfather to ensure proper preparation and faithful recording of the rituals.

Requirements and responsibilities of the Afeisitá

The Afeisitá must be an Olosha (santero or santera) familiar with the Dilogún oracle and must have the trust of the religious community.

It is crucial that you understand the importance of not altering the meaning of interpretive dialogues, but rather recording them faithfully. Furthermore, they cannot be the godparents or oyugbona (second godmother or godfather).

The legacy of Afeisitá and its impact on the community

The Afeisitá's mission is to be the main witness of the Obá's conversations, accurately recording the oddun (letters or signs) given by each Orisha. It is essential that each Ilé Osha (holy house) has godchildren willing to assume this role, to guarantee the adequate transmission of wisdom to future generations.

Conclusion: The wise choice of Afeisitá

The careful selection of a competent Afeisitá is crucial for the future of our religious community. A well-written saint's notebook will not only protect us as Osha-Ifá practitioners in the future, but each religious person will be able to keep that advice as a guide on their life path in the present.

Let us choose well in each religious house and as godparents responsible for the future Iyawó a good Afeisitá, so that later they can be saved and have an accurate interpretation of the advice of the Orishas.

Thank you for accompanying me on this path of growth and learning!

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