INTRODUCTION TO CHAKRA IN IFÁ

Chakras are energy centers located in different parts of the body and are considered an interface between the physical and non-physical levels of a subtler anatomy of a human being. They cannot be seen with our physical eyes and they are not solid in structure but these centers have been widely documented by many seers and clairvoyant people who have the ability to see energy forms.
The english translation of the Sanskrit word Chakra means wheel this refers to the swirling wheels of energy moving through the body, it is vital force that animates us as human beings and all living things.
The Chakra Systems plays a very important role in the make up of our identites and our physical, mental and spiritual well-being. They are organizing centers for the reception, assimilation and transmission of life energies. From instinctual behaviour to consciously planned strategies, from emotions to artistic creations, the chakras are the master programs that govern our life, love, learning, and illumination. Understanding and aligning this mind-body energy system is essential for becomung the most vibrant, healthy and radiant version of one's self.
Since everything in the mind-body energy system is a swirling wheel, it’s essential that the chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there’s a blockage, the flow of energy is constricted like water forced to run through a narrow pipe. The key to unblock, move, and transform one's energy so that one can reach one's highest mental, physical, and spiritual potential is simply through the path of Iwapele.

Different cultures and spiritual paths which include Buddism, Sufism, Sankrit, Ifá, amongst others have developed some type of chakra mapping system used to tap onto the energy of the mind-body. Some spiritual path recognise over a dozen energy points in the body but 7 are majorly identified and accepted universally. In Ifá, chakras are regarded as the body's portal to the invincible realm of Orun. There are portals where human consciousness connects with various forms of orisa consciousness, by tapping into the energy centers were the seven Orisas preside. Not only does the orisas govern the various forces of nature, they also govern various body organs and spiritual functions leading the human to iwapele.


The seven major chakras in Ifá are:

1. Sango - Root Chakra located at the base of the spine; Sango is a warrior diety, divinity of thunder, fire, sky father, represents male power and sexuality. So it governs self confidence, courage and vitality

2. Osun - Reproductive Region (genitals) known as the sacral chakra is the sit of the divine mother, as divinity of rivers and waterfalls, love, feminine beauty, fertility, and art, also one of Sango's lovers and beloved of Ogun and Orunmila. As an energy center, she governs creativity, happiness, sexuality and sensuality

3. Oya - solar plexus chakra, she is an orisha of winds, lightning, and violent storms, death and rebirth. She governs ones ego identity, personal power and ambition.

4. Yemoja - Heart Chakra, she is the divine mother, divinity of the water and loving mother of mankind, daughter of Obatala and wife of Aganju. Her domain is all body of water but mostly an estuary, where the river meets the sea . She influences social identity, love and relationships.

5. Obatala - Throat Chakra- Orisha of peace. An arch-divinity, father of humankind, divinity of light, spiritual purity, and moral uprightness. He influences self experession, communication skills and integrity.

6. Orunmilla - Third Eye Chakra divinity of wisdom, divination, destiny, and foresight. Orunmila is the Orisa and Ifá is the divinatory system from which he talks through. He opens the doors to self reflection, intuition and clarity of vision

7. Ori- Crown Chakra Ruler of the head, refers to one's spiritual intuition and destiny. It governs one's self knowledge, spirituality and connection to the divine.

Essentially, this is too broad a topic to fill just one basket with, so we would be breaking them into a series of articles discussing each of the 7 energy points, thier influence in our lives, and how to open and tap into them. their symptoms, personality traits, and the deities that oversee them, to help us to understand better our day-to-day functions and behavoir patterns. Please stay tuned to this discussion by subscribing to get prompt notifications to our subsequent posts via email and please drop a thought in the comment box.