EL CÍRCULO — Celebration of the Two Waters: Spiritual Bath Making Ceremony

A collaboration between the Philosophical Research Society and El Cine, curated and led by Baba Lou Florez, EL CÍRCULO is an intentional space of transformation, where spirit work, activism, and artistic expression come together to empower and illuminate the world around us. Rooted in ancestral veneration and communal practice, these circles engage ritual as a tool for resistance, restoration, and renewal. Here, we sit with spirit, honor collective wisdom, and cultivate the power needed to enact change.

September's El Círculo:

CELEBRACIÓN DE LAS DOS AGUAS / CELEBRATION OF THE TWO WATERS: SPIRITUAL BATH MAKING CEREMONY TO YEMAYA AND OSHUN

Using water and herbs as sacred doorways to commune with the divine, our Community Circle is a spiritual bath and wash-making ceremony in honor of Las Dos Aguas, the Two Waters—Yemaya and Oshun. Yemaya is the great ocean, mother of all, whose depth carries our healing, our nurturing, and our return. Oshun is the river, the sweetness of joy, sensuality, and beauty, moving through our lives with grace and power. Together, they remind us that love can be expansive or intimate, fierce or tender, and that abundance flows through care and attention.

This gathering invites us to enter into relationship with the sacred waters of these Orishas—to restore connection, welcome sweetness, and call in fertility in all its forms. Whether tending to the body, nurturing creative energy, deepening spiritual devotion, or opening the path ahead, we work with the waters to soften, bless, and renew. Through the preparation of this ritual bath, we affirm that richness is not only material but spiritual, and that pleasure is a birthright, woven into the fabric of daily life.

Together, we will craft a powerful communal wash, a sacred preparation for bathing, cleansing, and cooling homes, businesses, and shared spaces. Through this offering, we call on Yemaya and Oshun to bless our waters, guide our way, and nourish all that we are ready to tend and grow.

Ceremonial Essentials To Bring:• A large bowl or basin• A container or mason jar with a lid• Consider wearing blue, white, yellow, or gold

Please Note: This event will take place in the upstairs PRS Lecture Room. The PRS Lecture Room is only accessible via stairs. PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

Tickets: $10 (In Person Event Only)

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ABOUT BABA LOU FLOREZ

As a Priest, spiritual adviser, and leader of an Orisha-centered community, Lou (Awo Ifadunsin) has served his temple, students, and clients with poignant care and profound generosity. Lou was initiated into Orisha priesthood (2007-2008) under his godmother Iyanifa Love Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti and received his Itefa (high priesthood) in Ile Ife, Nigeria (2016). Lou was elevated by his elders to the position of Co-presiding Priest for his spiritual congregation, Ile Ori Ogbe Egun (2021).

Lou is an author and creative who recently released his first book, The Modern Art of Brujería: A Beginner’s Guide to Spellcraft, Medicine Making, and Other Traditions of the Global South (2022, published by Ulysses Press and distributed by Simon and Schuster) and his essay “Craft of Witches,” has also been featured in the anthology Poetry as Spellcasting: Poems, Essays, and Prompts for Manifesting Liberation and Reclaiming Power (2023, North Atlantic Books). His work “When the Goddess is Brown: Towards a Hermeneutics of Reparations” from the anthology Bringing Race to the Table: An Exploration of Racism within the Pagan Community (2015) has been taught by scholars of race and spiritualism and cited in articles on spirituality, witchcraft, and brujeria. As a featured columnist, Lou has written for Remezcla, “‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’ Offers a Heartless Vision of Santa Muerte” (2020), and The Wild Hunt, “Conjured Bodies, Transgressive Witchcraft, and the Politics of Resistance” (2017). Lou was also a creative consultant for Katy Perry’s Dark Horse performance at the Grammy’s (2014).

ABOUT EL CINE

El Cine is a 501-c3 that provides free film education for the community through Latin-focused screenings and conversations. Visit their website for more info and upcoming events!

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the presenters are solely those of the presenter and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Presentations are intended for informational and entertainment purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society