Irosun Meji gets the rep of being a mostly negative odu, but it also stresses the potential for spiritual revelation and empowerment.
Traditionally Irosun Meji spoke on ones experience consisting of deceit, disappointment and loss (stealth, hidden attacks etc..). This Odu is affiliated with Osun, and the ancestors as well. Folks who got this Odu would generally be suggested to propitiate their ori and possibly dedicate their professional life to Ifá if possible, or to regularly feed/serve Ifá to keep life in balance.
Ifá however, focuses on ascending through revelation and spiritual development. Irosun meji’s marks in the upper half, the single “ I ” represent the free flowing, expansive energies. These are the easy blessings, we have. The lower marks with the “ I I “ represents the contractive energies that impose itself as an obstacle. This would tell us that the person at first has experienced blessings, and that the obstacles imposed come from a certain lack of gradual maturity. The ancestors come into play here. Irosun is a reference to the menstrual blood which is also affiliated with the ancestors. Maturity comes when we are connected to the ancestors, who are the collective experiences of our orí which expresses itself as the gut feeling/ intuition. The person who receives this Odu often needs to reflect and listen to their intuition. The issue with the person who receives this Odu is often that they are aware of their circumstances, but find it difficult to act accordingly. It’s possibly one of the most difficult of the principle 16 odu manage. The person who is given this Odu through a reading is someone who might find themselves feeling unlucky, or cursed, but in fact theres a super hero within them waiting to be let out. It makes for the type of person that can create the most positive of changes in their own lives.
(Everything I say on Odu, is my own, personal, *novice* take on it)
Às̩e̩ (pronounced Ah-shay) is a Yoruba word, with many meanings. Às̩e̩ is generally defined as a West African spiritual and philosophical concept, in which we perceive and conceive the power to create change. Sooo basically, às̩e̩ is the African equivalent to the words “magick” or “energy.”
And the idea of às̩e̩ is very much rooted in spiritual energy. Às̩e̩ refers to the soul, or spiritual life force given to all living things and possessed by the Orisha and man alike. Às̩e̩ refers to the actual energy of change, or magic that is worked throughout various traditions and cultures of Africa and the African Disapora.
Às̩e̩ is used in agreement, the way we would say “yes I agree”
Às̩e̩ is used in the same manner “amen” would be used to conclude a prayer.
Às̩e̩ is used in the same way a spell or rite would be concluded with “Let it be so” or “so mote it be”
Às̩e̩ is used to call upon, recognize, and honor our ancestors, as well as the power of the Orisha and the spirit of Africa itself.
So when you see me comment às̩e̩, recognize the power in the word.
