Ile Ogunda OSE
" Building Health, Wealth and Unified Communities all over the world. "
Ile Ogundase started in 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. Immediately from its inception Chief Alaje and his members began serving and healing the community of Atlanta by holding weekly classes, hosting spiritual and cultural events, feeding the homeless and taking people back to Africa to reclaim their roots. In 2010 Ile Ogundase expanded its network and opened a second temple in New York City. In addition to servicing two cities, Ile Ogundase travels to major cities throughout the United States providing education and healing to people within the community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Founder
CHIEF AWOSANMI OSUNTOGUN SEKOU ALAJE
the Onilu Awoedu of Osogbo, YorubaLand West Africa
Chief Alájé is the founder of Ifa Temple The Ogundáse and the Osun Temple Ile Osunfikayo. His approach and methodology is based on spiritual training he has under gone in various places including Africa, Asia, South America, United States and The Caribbean. His diverse experiences give him a well-rounded and holistic approach to spiritual health.
Chief Alájé comes from a rich ancestral lineage of healers, root workers, sacred musicians and African priests. Chief Alájé is an initiated priest in several systems including Ifa, Osun, Ayan and Aña. He is also a coronated Chief in Osogbo, Yoruba Land, Nigeria. During his coronation he was given the title Onilu Awoedu of Osogbo meaning "A Master Drummer of the Ancient Mystery Systems of Ifa and Orisa." Chief Alaje is one of the few African Americans that has been coronated as a Chief in Yoruba Land. Chief Alaje uses his platform to unify communities in the United States, the Caribbean, South America and Africa. He also teaches and mentors people of all ages in schools, universities and within his Ifa and Orisa temple as well. Chief Alaje’s family legacy is dedicated to the preservation of African Spirituality. His Apetebi, Iyalode Osunsina Ifatooke Alaje is a Senior Osun Priest, initiated and trained in Osogbo as well.
Testimonials
"Ábọrú Àbọyè Àbọṣíṣẹ*. I give thanks to Olódùmarè *, the Almighty Creator, for allowing me to wake well today. I am a Babaláwo* and Onisango*. Ifa explains everything. Geography, psychology, sociology...everything. Ifa*, the codified will of Olódùmarè*, spoken through Òrúnmìlà*, continue to help direct me on the path of my destiny. Ifa* has saved my life. Literally. Ifa* has given me new appreciation of family, of life, of love, and of the potential that we possess in us. The Òrìṣà*, the primordial forces of nature, continue to assist me in achieving my destiny and life's purpose. I continue to be blessed with all of the good things in life, and I take pleasure in watching this tradition fix my life, my family's life, and the lives of the community."
- Dr. Falolou Sangosegun Sonyika
Atlanta, Ga
"It's hard to put into words how much Ifa* and Òrìṣà* worship has meant to my life. I've been a practitioner for almost 20 years, and in that time, I've received invaluable benefits to my personal life, my family, and my career path. In the past year, I've established a formal relationship with Chief Sékou Alájé as my Olùwo* (personal Ifa diviner). When I came to Chief Alájé, I was unemployed and at a low point in my life journey. Shortly after beginning spiritual work with him, I was offered a great job which has been extremely fulfilling. But not only that, Chief Alájé has helped me to deepen my practice in profound ways. He has taught me that Òrìṣà* worship is not just a religion but a total philosophy and way of life. He teaches in a way that is easy to understand and he knows and respects all branches of Yoruba* tradition. This has been extremely important to me as my practice of Òrìṣà* worship has been primarily through the Lukumi (Afro-Cuban) tradition. I cannot recommend him highly enough!"
- Dr. Steven Allwood, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
"Everything has changed for the better since 2011. After meeting Baba* Sékou Alájé, I found something that was already deep within and he has been a great help in bringing that to the forefront of my life. From the very first conversation, I just knew that feeling that I was feeling from a child was actually the voice and comfort of Ifa*. I will be honest, I didnt know right away how strong it was. But, I knew it was always there. I'm still learning and I'm content with my pace, because that is what Ifa* says it should be. With the help of a great man and spiritual advisor, I have faith from within that the path I am on is a great one. Not controlled and not judged. The love and understanding makes me feel free to know that what I truly desire out of life is only in asking Ifa*, and the blueprint is there. Thank you, Baba*. In how many ways I can say thank you? You will always be blessed because of how you give without condition. May Ifa* bless you and your family in abundance."
- Catherine Bradwell
Tampa, Florida
Ifa* has truly enhanced my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. I live in fullness now "knowing" that my daughter and I are under the blanket of Ifa's protection, provision and permission to live FREE! My path is clearer, my wisdom is deeper and my heart is purer and all because I'm living in truth. Thank you, Baba*, for being a radiant light and opening yourself up to show us how to set ourselves FREE and live in true abundance!
- Jarrel Hamilton
New Orleans, La
"Words can only begin to explain the power and presence of Ifa* in my life. I've always been a spiritually engaged person, however since being introduced to Ifa*, I have found the foundation my spirit has been seeking. My family exposed me to many different sides of African culture and spirituality. However, coming under the guidance of Oloye* Alájé and my Ile Ogundase family has opened doors to my spiritual growth and development I've only dreamed were possible. The ability of Ifa* to give me the wisdom and guidance to successfully navigate through my life journey is unparalleled. These blessings have been extended not only to me, but also to my family. Mental health, financial stability, clarity of my destiny and life purpose are just a few milestones Ifa* has lead me to achieve. As African people in the Diaspora whose ancestors were forcibly removed from our culture and values, its been a miracle 500 years in the making to reconnect to the power and wisdom of African spirituality. My gratitude and appreciation flows abundantly and eternally!"
- Orishabukola Iminah Ahmad
Oakland, California
OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
- Asase Yaa Cultural Arts
- Osunfikayo
- Ogbe Sooto Temple
- Benefao Bonsufi
- The Fadara Group
- Yeye's Botanica
- The Golden Feather Gallery
Ancestral Worship
A very crucial aspect of engaging in African spirituality includes ancestor worship. Ancestors worship is the foundation of ones practice. Ancestors are the spirits of those who have come before us and have passed away; they are no longer here with us physically and have transitioned to the ancestral realm. Our ancestors want to see us thriving successfully and want to support us. However, they need our support as well. It is imperative we pay homage and honor our ancestors daily in order to keep their energy and spirits alive. We can do this in many different ways; feeding them, speaking their names, talking about them and speaking to other family members about them and learning more about them and how they interacted while here in this physical realm. Be sure to honor and fellowship with your ancestors daily and contact Chief Alaje about how you can begin this process.
Ifa Worship
Ifa is the Orisa of ones destiny. Ifa keeps us in alignment and on our path. When we decided to come to Earth we told the creator all that we were going to achieve and accomplish during our time here. Through the trip to descend here to this physical realm, we forgot the agreement and what we said we would do. In an effort to remember we receive guidance from Ifa Orunmila through a two step process; spiritual consultation( Ifa Dida) and prayer (Ebo) with a trained Babalawo. These messages from Ifa Dida tell us what we should and should not be doing and certain aspects of our lives that can be improved and what we should be working on or toward. Whether it be business, relationship career or spiritual development Ifa Orunmila guides us well on our path. Through the second aspect, Ebo, the trained babalawo prays about the messages and for fortification of the individual and against any negative forces. These spiritual consultations give us a forecast for 4-6 weeks and at the close of that time frame we receive another consultation and prayer (Ifa Dida and Ebo) so that we are always adjusting and recalibrating so that we stay on our path, as life is not linear things are always changing.
Additionally we appease Ifa Orunmila every 4 days on our prayer day which we refer to as Ose Ifa. Ifa hears our prayers and gives us messages on those days as well so that even on a weekly basis we remain on track and know what to work on. These weekly prayers and paying homage in this way also builds the rapport and relationship with the individual and Ifa; it strengthens the bond and allows one to connect to this spirit personally. It is important to understand that while Orisa and Ifa work together for our greatest good they are two separate practices and entities. So one must be engaged in both in order for optimum manifestation of prayers and walking fully in your destiny. To learn more about how you can begin building your relationship through spiritual consultation and weekly prayer contact Chief Alaje.
Orisa Worship
In conjunction with staying on your path through the guidance of Ifa it is also important to recognize the Orisa. Orisa worship is connecting to the spiritual energy of a particular aspect of nature. For example Osun represents the spiritual energy of the river, Sango represents the spiritual energy of fire. When speaking about these forces of nature recognizing and paying homage to them opens the floor for them to communicate with you and build a relationship with you. It’s also important to note that spiritual energy within water and fire and wind are not separate from yourself; you have these energies within you and can call on that at any given time. Ways you can connect and pay homage include simply spending time in nature and meditating and also praying to these energies. This allows you to connect on a day to day basis and they can keep one on track in that way.
Ifa and Orisa Worship Days
An important concept of Ifa and Orisa practice is the cycle of worship days. In Yorubaland we follow a 4 day week or cycle. This allows for us to be constantly checking in with Ifa and Orisa on a weekly basis about how we are doing and what needs to be adjusted as we move on a weekly basis. The worship days are as follows:
Day 1: Ifa, Osun, Yemoja
Day 2: Ogun
Day 3: Shango/Oya
Day 4: Obatala
On these days it is important to sing songs, pray and venerate that Orisa and pray to them for your own personal fortification in the areas they govern. This cycle continues throughout the year.
What is your formula for Spiritual Health?
The Mind, Body, and Soul is an ancient trilogy that is the key to longevity and success. Many times, the Mind and Body are being well developed and nurtured. However, our spiritual health and well being are often neglected. Chief Alájé offers spiritual consultation and spiritual resolution services to nurture and maintain optimal spiritual health.
SPIRITUAL CONSULTATION (READING) & SPIRITUAL RESOLUTION (EBO)
A spiritual consultation session occurs in two parts:
Part I: The first part is a spiritual consultation (reading) with The Ifa* Oracle name Òrúnmìlà* regarding the most pertinent information necessary for one to achieve spiritual balance and harmony, which provides an optimal opportunity for success.
Part II: The second part is a prayer session. Utilizing all the information revealed by Òrúnmìlà in the spiritual consultation, Chief Alájé will perform an Ebo(Spiritual Resolution), calling upon the spiritual power of Òrúnmìlà, to dissolve the negative aspects revealed in the consultation and praying for the positive aspects to be fortified and dominant in one's life. These prayers are accompanied with offerings that have been specifically prescribed by Òrúnmìlà to bring atonement and balance in the universe attracting all blessings to manifest.
Services
Ogunda Ose provides the following individual and community services:
SPIRITUAL GROUNDING
Spiritual Advisement
Spiritual Detoxing
Spiritual Cleansing
Ifa Readings
Ebo
Ancestral Appeasements
Ifa Appeasements
Orisa Appeasements
Ori Appeasements
Rogation
Initiation
Ilekes
Hand of Ifa
BIRTH
Naming ceremony
Esen Taiye
Birth Readings
Spiritual consultations
Placenta medicine and tincture
DEATH
Masquerade
Stilt Dancing
Ancestral Readings
Spiritual consultations
Ebos
Ancestral Appeasements
Funerals
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Ifa Philosophy 101
Orisa 101
Orisa Drum Class
Orisa Dance Class
Bata, Bembe, Quiro, Arara, Vodoun
Orisa Song Class
Orisa Altar and Throne Building
Orisa Ileke Beading
Orisa Food Cooking
Egungun Food Cooking
APPOINTMENTS BY PHONE ONLY
You can make an appointment by calling (917)319-6863 between 10:00 am and 7:00pm
Ifa and Orisa Workshop lead By Chief Sekou Alájé. Workshops will be held via live stream only and participants are encouraged to log in beginning at 12:00pm and the workshop will begin at 12:30pm. This workshop provides the viewer a practical and hands on educational experience. Honoring Ifa and Orisa with obi, song, and dance. Culminating with an insightful lecture about Ifa and Orisa. Knowledge is Power!
Testimonials
"Ábọrú Àbọyè Àbọṣíṣẹ*. I give thanks to Olódùmarè *, the Almighty Creator, for allowing me to wake well today. I am a Babaláwo* and Onisango*. Ifa explains everything. Geography, psychology, sociology...everything. Ifa*, the codified will of Olódùmarè*, spoken through Òrúnmìlà*, continue to help direct me on the path of my destiny. Ifa* has saved my life. Literally. Ifa* has given me new appreciation of family, of life, of love, and of the potential that we possess in us. The Òrìṣà*, the primordial forces of nature, continue to assist me in achieving my destiny and life's purpose. I continue to be blessed with all of the good things in life, and I take pleasure in watching this tradition fix my life, my family's life, and the lives of the community."
- Dr. Falolou Sangosegun Sonyika
Atlanta, Ga
"It's hard to put into words how much Ifa* and Òrìṣà* worship has meant to my life. I've been a practitioner for almost 20 years, and in that time, I've received invaluable benefits to my personal life, my family, and my career path. In the past year, I've established a formal relationship with Chief Sékou Alájé as my Olùwo* (personal Ifa diviner). When I came to Chief Alájé, I was unemployed and at a low point in my life journey. Shortly after beginning spiritual work with him, I was offered a great job which has been extremely fulfilling. But not only that, Chief Alájé has helped me to deepen my practice in profound ways. He has taught me that Òrìṣà* worship is not just a religion but a total philosophy and way of life. He teaches in a way that is easy to understand and he knows and respects all branches of Yoruba* tradition. This has been extremely important to me as my practice of Òrìṣà* worship has been primarily through the Lukumi (Afro-Cuban) tradition. I cannot recommend him highly enough!"
- Dr. Steven Allwood, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
"Everything has changed for the better since 2011. After meeting Baba* Sékou Alájé, I found something that was already deep within and he has been a great help in bringing that to the forefront of my life. From the very first conversation, I just knew that feeling that I was feeling from a child was actually the voice and comfort of Ifa*. I will be honest, I didnt know right away how strong it was. But, I knew it was always there. I'm still learning and I'm content with my pace, because that is what Ifa* says it should be. With the help of a great man and spiritual advisor, I have faith from within that the path I am on is a great one. Not controlled and not judged. The love and understanding makes me feel free to know that what I truly desire out of life is only in asking Ifa*, and the blueprint is there. Thank you, Baba*. In how many ways I can say thank you? You will always be blessed because of how you give without condition. May Ifa* bless you and your family in abundance."
- Catherine Bradwell
Tampa, Florida
Ifa* has truly enhanced my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. I live in fullness now "knowing" that my daughter and I are under the blanket of Ifa's protection, provision and permission to live FREE! My path is clearer, my wisdom is deeper and my heart is purer and all because I'm living in truth. Thank you, Baba*, for being a radiant light and opening yourself up to show us how to set ourselves FREE and live in true abundance!
- Jarrel Hamilton
New Orleans, La
"Words can only begin to explain the power and presence of Ifa* in my life. I've always been a spiritually engaged person, however since being introduced to Ifa*, I have found the foundation my spirit has been seeking. My family exposed me to many different sides of African culture and spirituality. However, coming under the guidance of Oloye* Alájé and my Ile Ogundase family has opened doors to my spiritual growth and development I've only dreamed were possible. The ability of Ifa* to give me the wisdom and guidance to successfully navigate through my life journey is unparalleled. These blessings have been extended not only to me, but also to my family. Mental health, financial stability, clarity of my destiny and life purpose are just a few milestones Ifa* has lead me to achieve. As African people in the Diaspora whose ancestors were forcibly removed from our culture and values, its been a miracle 500 years in the making to reconnect to the power and wisdom of African spirituality. My gratitude and appreciation flows abundantly and eternally!"
- Orishabukola Iminah Ahmad
Oakland, California
Contact Us
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