How Our Ancestors Prayed - Igbo Spirituality

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In this video I show how Igbo ancestors prayed in Omenala. This is one of many methods, each differing by person or based on the purpose of the prayer. Within this explanation I give insight on the fundamentals and explain the philosophy behind each step and practice highlighted. Subscribe for more!
#Ancestral
#Ancestor
#Odinala
#Prayer
#Omenala
#Igbo
#Traditional
#Tradition
#Africa
#Religion

[@TheMedicineShell]

I've launched www.kedu.me! If you want to learn how to speak Igbo by the end of this year. If you have children, nieces and nephews! there are also classes for them! Asụsụ Igbo ga-adi!

[@qutsiee]

Igbo is different depending which state you’re from and what area😢

[@lizdiloh332]

Thank you SO MUCH for this channel!! As an igbo girl born in europe I am determined to break away from western chains and to become align with my ancestors, to become align with my chi 😁😄

[@ifeanyiudegbe7385]

Very nice 👍, my sister is good work to do it will help when u greet ur chi but not in Europe u have to come down to igboland to do that don’t be discourage from what people will tell u about it , Igbo says if ignore ur chi ur chi will ignore you

[@tyaler9805]

@@ifeanyiudegbe7385 People still practice that?

[@oguebuanikosiso6817]

Wow I'm from igbo dear

[@clintonalimonu5513]

💯

[@uzomaokwara3889]

❤

[@calvinjbakerjr4164]

This is so refreshing for me. As an young African Descent of slaves brought to the United Starts during the Atlantic Slave Trade, I have been searching for ways to reconnect to my historical bloodline. After finding out that I descended from the Igbo people, it has been my goal to reconnect to the culture of my people.

[@TheMedicineShell]

Glad to be of help. What you've chosen to do is a difficult undertaking but I hope it's been rewarding so far. Jishie ike nwanne!

[@Madametonya]

Greetings! How did you find out? I am on a quest for my lineage clarity. Thanks.

[@ourredsoil]

Thank you for this video. When prayer has been root d in Christianity it can be difficult to break habits but I’m glad when watching this to find that some of the ways I was intuitively praying were described in the video. The chi is one.

[@the_jujuman5269]

I am African American and Afro Brazilian and many Nigerians and other Africans often thought I was Igbo when I would get my hair braided at my friend’s mom’s shop or in public. Also living in Houston with many Nigerians I could do a pretty comfortable convincing accent and after DNA test I found most of my ancestry to be Igbo and I chose a name in Igbo (w/Nsibidi) :Nwabueze Chioke Azubuike.. thank you much for these videos sir! It’s helped me restore what slavery and colonization sought to destroy. Coming together from around the world as Africans are how we preserve the cultures of the continent

[@TheMedicineShell]

I really appreciate this comment. Thanks for watching, hope you stay in touch

[@the_jujuman5269]

TheMedicineShell yes of course! I’m also an a college student in the US and I plan on making videogames animation etc and aid the portrayal of Africa. I will make Africa’s first AAA game studio and use this money to power education, STEM, agricultural, cultural, health and resource initiatives as well as create pop culture references and traditional references as well spreading into new sectors and markets creating wealth and jobs for the people and I am also developing a cryptocurrency to allow private purchasing and investing into projects rather than through governments. Say for instance a local school needs X $ to be built, I would have a space and platform that allows end to end encrypted purchasing and invest to this project or any product I’ll create as well as hopefully expanding it to other companies as well. I am also learning Igbo as I learn Nsibidi and follow the rites you’ve been discussing in your page. Ịmeela nke ukwu ọkà mmụta 😃

[@ComptonWar]

Jordan Williams much love brother. I love this so much. I am excited to see the work that you do. Please stay inspired. Hopefully we can connect in this lifetime. I am on a mission to inspire critical thinking and a cultural (r)evolution of media and arts.

[@the_jujuman5269]

Ikenga's Revenge wow same here it’s nice too see and collab with like minded ppl and uses OUR talents for OUR OWN advancement and build our continent. Things were done that can’t be undone so why not move forward which includes developing along side our family across the world

[@templekanu6740]

@@the_jujuman5269 wow, such tall plans for the people. May God bring it to pass

[@ugochukwuudokwu8206]

I'm blessed to have found this channel

[@livsaturn4894]

Yes

[@maaziagu]

We need an Odinani book of common prayer.

[@OmenUnusual]

No! We don’t!!

[@c21_28]

@@OmenUnusual why not?

[@uchelion5521]

Because Christ is the only way

[@RBG1st]

​@uchelion5521 If christ is the only way, then that religion is not a religion of humanity. europeonism has definitely brainwashed you.

[@oluomaobi4716]

I have goosebumps. It feels as if I have always had this information, history, and connection in front of me and I just couldn't see it. I'm so glad you made this channel.

[@gloriabassey6406]

Indeed!

[@Notafantbhm8]

Well yeah, in a library or online

[@ncokeke1958]

I legitimately just cried tears of joy. Thank you for this.

[@ladiluck88]

This was so beautiful. You have no idea how important your work is to so many of us. Again, I am so glad to have found your channel! Thank you, thank you!!

[@THERECOVERY90]

You know you are providing people the information and tools to find peace in this world and beyond. Thank you.

[@theveganrose7889]

Thank you for sharing this information. I am new to connecting with my ancestors. I was raised a Christian and now trying to seek real truth. Blessings. 🙏

[@IntuitiveTiff]

My ancestors led me to you and this channel and man am I happy they did. I'm starting to figure it out and I am more connected than ever.

[@Alchemist944]

Just found your couple days back..I give thanks..so much to learn

[@ijele4319]

Thank you for this man am just 19 and for years now I have been drawn to the old ways, I have always gone by the name ENYI and in recent year given the name IJELE

[@myagraham111]

Your presentations regarding African spirituality are absolutely wonderful and informative. They resonate with my soul and it “feels” right. For years, I have been seeking spirituality in the wrong places. When the famous African American historian John Henrik Clarke said that he was an adherent of African spirituality, that’s what initiated my curiosity into a path of enlightenment. The information being presented here has fully placed my sites on to these universal truths. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing them!

[@TheMedicineShell]

I love Dr. Clarke's work, thank you for watching and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your growth story, daalu.

[@GwladysK111]

Thank You. I am not Igbo, but this resonates in me. Thanks

[@Fragrance_Queen]

I’m so happy to come across this channel I just aligned with my chi and Ancestors and really want to embrace who I’m

[@abundantbutterfly8498]

I'm happy to have found you

[@ebereblessing5944]

You're just amazing. Thank you so much for video. I laughed when I heard the full Igbo sentence 🤣🤣🤣.

[@TheMedicineShell]

lol biko, gini na tu ochi?

[@maryobiekwu8041]

Your teaching is a confirmation of what I do thank you so much,we will be connected for more.

[@peterchidozie]

How come I never knew this all this while. Thanks for sharing

[@tinaalumonah3536]

Wow! Thank you o and remain blessed. I thought these knowledge are lost,may chukwu Okike be praised. Pls teach about reconciliation with one's Chi.thank you again

[@gladysadebola2059]

Absolutely invaluable!

[@ama1069]

So thankful for this channel, growing, changing, thinking differently. I was meant to be here ♥️

[@laela6289]

I’m so happy your channel exists

[@SweetEbuka-zr7ov]

I wish you know how happy I am right now crossing part with ur channel am so happy knowing how to pray to God in igbo tradition

[@livsaturn4894]

Thank you I'm a young person and I'm so glad that i can learn about my truth Thank you for this

[@cheche5385]

And thank you for being a fount and source of enlightenment and empowerment for those of us who have awakened and been drawn back to the essence of our true selves.

[@Greatestman]

I feel blessed and privileged to hear this. Thank you

[@Leftyhanded9]

Thank you brother. Timeless videos.

[@MoeSkirllz]

Appreciate your videos brother

[@true4585]

This is deep. I have to rewatch over and over. THANK YOUUUUUUUUUU 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 I appreciate this so so much.

[@ifeanyiikeh840]

I feel blessed to watch this

[@tinas5760]

Thanks my dear I am learning a lot about our culture from your program. Chikuwe gozi gi

[@jasminemichaels5630]

These videos are amazing amazing amazing. I am igbo, practicing my traditional spirituality. Thank you for this wealth of wisdom :)

[@ukamakaobiora]

Thank you so much for this video. It's very explanatory I'm blessed to have come across your channel.

[@terrootti]

1) I want to commend you for you page 2) I would like to thank you for the work you put into your videos 3) where do you find all this information? Thank you for your time

[@TheMedicineShell]

Thank you, I will make that clear soon. Hope you've subscribed

[@terrootti]

TheMedicineShell of course! N ebe a na Twitter

[@TheMedicineShell]

@@terrootti Aga'm eti oyoyo-youtube gbasara ya.

[@kelvinokogwu2775]

Good stuff !

[@MyNatasha73]

Man thank you so muçh for this!

[@anselemjoseph2595]

Nice video...but try to correct the aspect of drawing the Nzu backward instead of forward....

[@nnaemekaiwuchukwu8100]

Keep the videos coming

[@roxsspint1057]

Thanks for this. Hello Community. I look forward to learning more.

[@SaltandCulture]

Very well done ❤❤

[@okiemutepatrick9231]

Beautiful!!!

[@imaanbeauvais]

Thank you

[@simp1eone]

I don't know any igbo that prays harder than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He can pray for hours non stop. I'm Ghanaian and Ive been tuned to his broadcast since 2014 just cos of his prayer section of his broadcast. I've learned so much from that man #FreeMaziNnamdiKanu

[@TheMedicineShell]

He's very gifted, udo

[@richhy-zionfrancis910]

My spirit man is refreshinning to my ancient tradition

[@earnesthudson4343]

Imeeela O nwannne m nwoke! Aham bu Nwokorie na I am a Diasporic Igbo just learning. These videos are a blessing. I wish to study Odinani as I had the pleasure of studying Ifa. Can you direct me? Daalu in advance.

[@TheMedicineShell]

I'll be launching courses for my patrons soon, patreon.com/shellmedicine. Stay tuned and thanks for watching

[@promiseogbonna2129]

As u preach a about the gods Of my land they will always bless you brother as they are doing to me

[@TheMedicineShell]

yagazie, i ga-adi!

[@adibekosy4816]

I have been longing to pray this way but have no one to guide me but in you I have seen one. My name is KOSISOCHUKWU (As it pleases God) making me his servant

[@bcinnamonclark8301]

Ty so very much

[@mariehylton6293]

Greetings I want to know more about our ancestors prayer I would like to practice it myself

[@ashedrickmus.5479]

Hello brother Derrick, I hope I have your name correct. So, let me give thanks for your time and attention to detail when sharing this wonderful content of knowledge. I am watching your videos this afternoon back to back as a educational, spiritual culture study. The information is so refreshing. I would like to know what is the name of your videos that gives the names and definitions of the CREATOR and the Spiritual authorities? Thank you for your work! 🙏

[@_malcolm]

Can you please do a video on the MMANWU ogbaru masquerades?

[@TheMedicineShell]

Just uploaded it, thanks for watching. Here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4qZlZl9bKmlm68

[@synoviaridley3229]

Thank you for your guidance in prayer. I am listening over and over in order for understanding or over standing. I do have a question probably followed by many more. My question is, the four days you talked about, which four days are you referring to because in my mind there is seven days, so I am unclear about the four days. I thank our ancestors for your understanding or over standing.🙏🏾

[@amaralandu6863]

I don’t know if you’ve gotten your answer by now but in Igbo tradition, there are four days in a “week”. He mentions their names in the video :)

[@BedIntruder2107]

This is amazing. I would love to have access to the sources for this (I am Igbo myself, diaspora)

[@TheMedicineShell]

It's all available on TheMedicineShell patreon, Patreon.com/themedicineshell. We also have a live group study to compliment it. Thanks for watching

[@immortal_longings]

Hi! Do you hv an Igbo calendar w/ moon dates for the yr?

[@collinscollins1897]

You can it on google play store or apple store

[@immortal_longings]

@@collinscollins1897 I see the market days. But I don't see the moon days.

[@OdinakaEzeokoli]

Man dude you really hit on some shit right here. Dalu Nwanne!

[@rasaroots]

Just in time, nwannem. 🙏🏿

[@TheMedicineShell]

Sânsáu Tchímna!

[@rasaroots]

@@TheMedicineShell É!

[@apex.radiooo]

Chinua Achebe's things fall apart is a recommended read.

[@spoiltchild79]

I just came across this fascinating series. Well done! 👍🏾 But it’s important to point out that kola nut is ‘oji’ NOT ‘orji’. They may sound similar but they are two different words with different spellings but equally very important items associated with the Igbos. Ọjị - kola nut Ọji - Iroko The spelling of Ọjị (kola nut) can only be anglicised to Oji. Ọji (Iroko tree) is the Igbo national tree (the giant of the forest). The spelling is sometimes anglicised to Orji. It is also a common Igbo name in reference to the Iroko Tree. For instance, Mr. Orji is not Mr. Kola Nut but Mr. Iroko (the giant of the forest)

[@nnanyelugotc3083]

I really love your teaching more grace to you. Please I want to ask must one's spiritual crew be represented with an image before they can be active?

[@qutsiee]

I am a young Igbo girl only 18, I have a incubus demon who sucks my energy everyday. Raised in Christ pianists Jesus never helped me. I want to call my ancestors it’s only today I realised I have to call them in my Igbo tongue and all the points you named in the video. I don’t know where to start or call my ancestors as I don’t know their names. I love the video though our language is so beautiful

[@chidinque]

Your videos are highly appreciated. Now how do I ever find a man lik you who's not religious yet still know you are God personified. How?

[@emmanuelchukwuchendo3263]

Nne, men like us exist.

[@chidinque]

@@emmanuelchukwuchendo3263 hmmm where? Another thi s age...

[@emmanuelchukwuchendo3263]

@@chidinque men like us are seeking for upright women that ain't religious.

[@chidinque]

@@emmanuelchukwuchendo3263 oya na..

[@roseeze166]

So how does one begin to study this in total

[@Femi-]

Also can you help me , ever since I put up pictures of my ancestors I've been sing number 1's everywhere

[@TheMedicineShell]

reach out to me on twitter @shellmedicine. Let me know if you don't have an account.

[@adan.869]

1s are a sign of Spiritual Awareness and Awakening. When we search they come. I hope your journey is going well.

[@senoradelvita]

Hmm, I have always wondered why I am inclined to pray while looking at the sun. I still really don't know where the inclination comes from. The first time I did it I was just 14years old. My mind still goes back to that day wondering "Where did I learn to do that??", Because nobody around me at the time ever prayed like that.

[@kodilichukwuchinemelu4277]

Thank youuu for this!!!! Do you buy any chance know how many times they prayed in a day?

[@TheMedicineShell]

As many (or as little) as you want. Typically one in the morning before the day is normal.

[@ohr19167]

Do you think that if you fulfill your destiny and if you reincarnate you will meet those blood ancestors who are of your frequency, because I am starting to wonder do we settle with ancestors who we resonate with and depending on how we Evolve and when we Transition and ascend do we connect with those other ancestors who frequency you now share or do we reconnect exactly with those who we are with now is it a recycle affect? I hope I am being clear

[@joeblack4105]

KNOW YOUR ANCESTORS, KNOW THYSELF. 💯

[@Ayete61]

Spectacluar!!!!!

[@WolvvMusic]

Daalu rie Nne Nwannem 💖✨✊🏿

[@thecommunityofpeace6905]

This information is awesome, BUT as an Diaspora African, I don't know my ancient ancestors. Is it possible for me to call them without knowing their names?

[@TheMedicineShell]

I don't know your specific situation, but Eke Orie Afro Nkwo works for including unknown ancestors. But beyond 6-7 generations it's difficult for anyone to know - plus there's too many names (512 people at 7 gens back). Remember that parents, grandparents and great grandparents and their parents, as well as heroes in your community's past are all ancestors. It doesn't necessarily have to be a continental African. Nobody knows their ancient ancestors, unless they're monarchs.

[@thecommunityofpeace6905]

@@TheMedicineShell thank you so much for your reply!!! God bless you. I have a long journey ahead of me

[@Atublvck]

Please do we still have to pray like this or you will make a video on how to pray? What about those who doesn't have the Ofor to pray with , Pls guidelines is needed , I can only speak English also.......

[@TheMedicineShell]

most people don't have an ofo so it's not necessary. There's more than one way to pray, this video specifically shows 'communion' prayers. You speak to your ancestors in the language they spoke so if you speak english and your ancestors speak english, it's fine.

[@anthomurray]

Are there any books I can read more about this? I am of Igbo descent (from the Caribbean) and am trying to connect to the religion of my people.

[@TheMedicineShell]

Towards and Igbo Metaphysics, After God is Dibia 1 and 2, Odinani the Igbo Religion, Leopards of the Magical Dawn, Nri Concept of the Chi are all good starts. A few of them are free online, and all of them except After God is in my Patreon library (Patreon.com/TheMedicineShell)

[@PreciousDaniel-v9g]

Please is there any app that will help me follow Igbo astrology

[@TheMedicineShell]

We have a digital calendar on patreon. It tells you make days moons and observances

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

Just for clarification is saying *ise* , basically like saying Amen at the end of a prayer or affirmation?

[@TheMedicineShell]

It's comparable, more comparable to Ase in Ifa if you're familiar with that. So if you want to use Ise in that context it works

[@mariehylton6293]

Is there a study group that I can attend

[@TheMedicineShell]

Yes, we have one on our Patreon. Patreon.com/TheMedicineShell

[@suburbanburrito210]

I am Igbo from my mothers side but I don’t know if my father is Igbo or Yoruba can I still call an upon these ancestors? Or must I find my fathers ancestors

[@TheMedicineShell]

Yes, you can use your mother's. Udo

[@ifeanyiikeh840]

Plz nwanna. Can you include the person you reincarnated as your ancestors in prayers,Even if it your dads brother?

[@TheMedicineShell]

Yes you can, it's normal

[@Richi45862]

Is the prayer being done once in a month or is it done everyday??

[@TheMedicineShell]

As often as you want. if you're the head of the extended family (Okpara) and have the family Ofo, usually every morning on behalf of everyone which then makes it optional for everyone else. But even if this wasn't the case there's no 'compulsion'.

[@Richi45862]

@@TheMedicineShell thanks man

[@ikenganation]

Does this apply to women too? ...never mind. I watched it again and heard the references to women in there.

[@AliRoseVinifera]

Is Orji the kola nut?

[@TheMedicineShell]

yes it is, it can also be the alligator pepper or garden egg but I'm referring to the kola nut.

[@ijeomannagbo4608]

Do men and women pray differently? I learnt women don't break kölanuts or have Ikéngà/ọfọ?

[@TheMedicineShell]

Udo, women don't have the household/lineage ofo, but they do and can have an Ofo. Women don't typically have ikenga, but there are Ikenga for women (google Ikenga for women). While the Ikenga is male, the women's equivalent is Akwali Omumu. Male Ikengas are given to women who show exceptionally high masculine traits (social responsibility, diplomacy, achievement, strength, leadership). You can also get one made but as a woman I would advise the Akwali Omumu because that, not the Ikenga, is your seat of power. Women also break kola nuts but if it's in a meeting that's mixed gender the oldest man will break it. You can do anything in your own personal prayer, but when it's with and for a group, there are elements specific to gender and age.

[@ijeomannagbo4608]

@@TheMedicineShell thank you so very much for the clarification.

[@ijeomannagbo4608]

@@TheMedicineShell do you have any videos that address/explain the roles of women and how they engage in Igbo spirituality?

[@michaelnewman655]

Can a person pray I'm English?

[@TheMedicineShell]

Yes, and if your ancestors spoke English, make praying in English a priority. Otherwise try to use and learn their language.

[@cheche5385]

Is it not so that orji only hears Igbo? I have never ever, in my entire lifetime, seen anyone break kola with English. As such it would follow that non-native speakers would be unable to use orji in prayer?

[@TheMedicineShell]

That's a good question. Orji is about connection to your ancestors, and so you speak the language your ancestors can hear. Orji is specific to Igbo ancestors so yes it does speak Igbo. A speech with orji goes back to ndi gbo (the first people). People can use it by learning Igbo, or going ahead with whichever language their ancestors speak but the words won't go back as far.

[@UGOEBENAJA]

ISE Is The 5D. BE CHI.

[@Femi-]

Ise is also used in the edo language in the same manner

[@TheMedicineShell]

The deeper you look, the most our differences blur. Thank for watching!

[@cliveanawana5289]

That's because the Benin empire used to be under the Nri religious/cultural sphere of influence. The ancient Eze Nris gave the Bini obas their authorities and ofor. Obviously Edo people still retain vestiges of that ancient association with Nri-Igbo people

[@Femi-]

@@cliveanawana5289 I don't think so ? During what time if you have an estimate please ?? Because we've always had our own cultural and religious influences deeply rooted in our own beliefs

[@kanayomuoweta9814]

@@cliveanawana5289 You are right here but please Note you are referring to the actual original Igodo{Igodomigodo people}Original indigenous people of the land before the coming of the Yoruba migrants that came and super imposed on the Igodo people who took their staff of office from NRI. IGBOS say ISEE. The Benis/Edos there today say ISEEH the pronunciation is different to IGBO ISEE.. So also is what ISEE represents for NDI IGBO and what ISEEH represents for the Ado/Edo there today.

[@cliveanawana5289]

@@Femi- Thanks for asking. The Umu-Nri people established Igodomigodo and provided the original Ogiso royal family. Portuguese explorers that visited Benin in the 1480s also recorded about the NRI people, when they wrote about the kingdom that was to the east of Benin that crowned Benin kings So basically NRI influence spilled over into the Eweka dynasty era. The Eweka dynasty is tangentially an Ogiso line via Oduduwa. Ezenri Obalike also confirmed to the British, that he authorised the crowning of Benin kings

[@ilovegagut]

Hello Igbo people

[@yenelle9536]

Ase'o

[@topnotch676]

Igbo unu ga adi ka echi Iseee

[@SonicScholar]

Daalu 👋🏽

[@hugo_loco]

Does Igbo mythology acknowledge the life, death and resurrection of Christ?

[@TheMedicineShell]

No

[@hugo_loco]

@@TheMedicineShell do you believe in Christ personally?

[@Jenny-hk6eg]

@@hugo_loco why don’t u go to a Christian channel? He’s teaching about his culture here 🙄

[@jaxthewolf4572]

Only Christian igbo believe in that. The igbo faith Odinala itself is it's own religion and got nothing to do with Jesus

[@lauraqueenf6786]

Can a woman have an ofo?

[@TheMedicineShell]

@lauraqueenf6786 yes, but the man of the house has the 'family ofo'. Women can have personal and career ofo

[@georgeasgard3712]

I'm crying right now 🥺😭 I thought my culture is full of evil, I had been misinformed.

[@yenelle9536]

Omi tu tu omi tu tu

[@Sweetdification]

IBA OBA Oludumare Yah OSHA Qedamawi King 👑 Of King's Lord Of Lord's Ist Conquering 🦁 Lion And Tribe of Judah Jesu

[@Itsogey]

Chukwu gozie gi

[@ikeokey5628]

Dalu soo