Afrikan Concept of Family

August 12, 2004

Family is all important in African society, and so it is integral to our development as devotees in traditional african religions (spiritual systems). As westerners that practice these traditions we must learn to temper our desire to be individuals and ask the question, "how does my individuality and unique talents benefit those around me?" We must begin to patronize businesses owned by aborisa more frequently. We must begin to gather not only for spiritual ritual, but also social good times. We must learn to forgive and forget.

More importantly we must remember that individuality is merely a tool by which the Orisa challenge to remember that we are truly one that is birthed into many manifestations. Your growth as a person is dependent on seeing yourself in everyone you meet. You must hold no person higher or lower than yourself if [in doing so you find yourself believing] that you are two instead of one. Your individuality is only a tool to cultivate many talents for one cause, one family, one community.

This idea of family extends past your own spouse and children, even past your own temple or Ile, and outward to your spiritual lineage, further towards others that worship the Orisa, then to others that practice earth-centered traditions, and even to those that exist outside of our world view. The obnoxious rock star on television is your kin, the preacher that says you are damned is your kin, the young thug on the corner is your kin - you are family. You are one. What can we do to be more closer to one another as humans, but maintain our cultural integrity? What can we do to be more respectful of one another even when we do not approve of one another's lifestyles? What makes us more alike than different? What conduct is necessary if we want to keep some kind of channels open for the future? What will be our fate if we refuse to see one another as a part of the same divine source?