The Power of a Hurricane

Last week we experienced an upheaval that affected a huge number of people. I’d like to explore the two Orisa energies that came together to create the “Frankenstorm” Sandy.

My heart and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by this natural catastrophe. I, along with many Ifa priests, aligned with the energies involved to ask them to minimize the impact that this powerful event would have on the loss of human life. The Orisa, however, see a bigger picture than we can.

Two powerful, protective, and sometimes violent energies came together. They are Oya, the energy of the wind, bringer of sudden change, and Yemonja/Olokun the twin Orisas of the sea, stern nurturers. The ferocity of the wind and the temper of the sea can be awesome. They have sent us a clear message about the shifts we are creating in our climate.

Yemonja/Olokun are the energies of stern nurturing. They are caring. They provide wealth. They feed us with the bounty of the ocean. Their generosity comes at a price. Like any good parent, they expect us to behave with good character, to learn to care for ourselves and others. We need to grow. We need to appreciate the gifts that they give us by honouring the ocean and its creatures.

Oya is about change. About embracing what has happened, its impact on you, its affect on people you know and love. We each need to ask ourselves what needs to change. How can you flow with what has happened? What do you need to shift for the future?

We also need to look at the bigger picture. How can we humans come into balance with nature. What part can you play? Start by connecting with these energies. Thanking them for the shifts and awareness that they have created.

We are told by climate scientists that this is just the beginning. Human activity has created these extreme events. We will continue to suffer from more and more devastation until we change.

When the shock is over, the grieving done, it is time to work together to find the balance. How has the storm affected you personally? Has it impacted the way that you see nature? I’d love to know why, or why not.

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