The wisdom of primordial mothers Iyami Osoronga

Join us for a powerful and insightful class exploring the sacred and ancestral mysteries of Iyami Osoronga, guided by Yeye Alaragbo Oodua. In this foundational teaching, participants will be introduced to the nature and power of Iyami—who they are, why they are deeply respected within Yoruba and Orisa cosmology, and how their presence influences the balance of life and community.

Together we will explore the basics of understanding Iyami, their role within the spiritual universe, and the ways they affect our everyday lives. This class will also discuss when and why Iyami should be honored or appeased, and how practitioners can begin to approach this sacred force with reverence, awareness, and responsibility.

This is an opportunity to deepen your spiritual understanding, connect with ancestral wisdom, and learn directly from a respected lineage holder and priestess. Whether you are new to these teachings or looking to strengthen your foundation, this class offers a respectful and informative introduction to one of the most profound forces within Orisa tradition.

Iyami Osoronga (often called Ìyámi Òṣòròngà in Yoruba) refers to a powerful and sacred collective of primordial feminine spiritual forces within Yoruba and Orisa cosmology. The word Iyami means “My Mothers,” a term of deep reverence used to acknowledge the spiritual authority of powerful ancestral feminine beings. They are associated with the creative, protective, and sometimes destructive forces of nature, representing the immense spiritual power of womanhood, motherhood, and the mysteries of creation.

In traditional understanding, Iyami are not simply “spirits” or individuals, but a collective spiritual authority connected to the oldest mothers of creation—those who hold the power of life, fertility, destiny, and transformation. They are deeply linked to the night, birds, the womb, and the hidden forces of the universe, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and the balance of cosmic order. Because of their immense power, they are approached with great respect, humility, and caution in spiritual practice.

Within Orisa cosmology, Iyami are recognized as a force that even the Orisa must respect. Their role is often understood as maintaining balance in the world—rewarding harmony and correcting imbalance. They are also connected to ancestral mothers and the spiritual authority of elder women, representing the generative power that sustains communities and lineages.

Because these teachings are sacred and often transmitted through initiated priests, elders, and lineage holders, deeper knowledge about Iyami Osoronga is traditionally shared within proper spiritual contexts and guidance. What is most important is understanding that they represent the profound and ancient power of the Divine Feminine in Yoruba cosmology, deserving reverence, careful study, and respect. ✨

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Host or Publisher Manos Morenas Cultural Center