by Ayoka Wiles (Author)
I Hear Olofi's Song: A Collection of Yoruba Spiritual Prayers for Egun and Orisa, is a set of original prayers -- written in English -- primarily dedicated to the practitioners of the Yoruba tradition; a religion and spirituality which originated in the Southwestern part of Nigeria and brought to the Americas in slavery via Cuba. Though a monotheistic (belief in one God) religion, the Yoruba have a pantheon of deities called Orisa. Each deity has dominion of certain earth forces and emotions: i.e. Obatala is the deity of peace and leadership, Oshun is the deity of love and female sexuality, Ogun is the deity of war and work. In addition, the Yoruba also pay homage to their ancestors, Egun; believing that respect has to be paid not only to the living elders who are still with us here on earth, but those whose have already passed and have paved our way. This set of prayers is intended to become a standard for those wanting to communicate with Egun and Orisa.
Ayoka Wiles is African-American and was born and raised in Yoruba tradition, and is a priestess of Obatala. Known since childhood for her devotion to Orisa and Egun, she has written this set of prayers which is certain to become a standard for those wanting to communicate with Egun and Orisa.