Were the Good Old Days Really Better?
Ifá Teachings on Tradition, History, and Moving Forward
Dear readers,
How often do we hear someone say, "Back in the day, things were better"? This longing for the so-called "good old times" echoes not only at family gatherings but also within our sacred traditions. Especially in the Afro-Diasporic spiritual paths—be it Ifá, Candomblé, Santería, or Vodou—there is a strong and heartfelt movement to return to the roots, to honor the ways of the ancestors.
But let us pause for a moment and ask: Was the past truly as golden as we imagine?
Between Memory and Myth: Understanding the Past with Clear Eyes
In the sacred Odu Ifá, Òsá Òtúrá reminds us:
“Àkúnlẹ̀yàn kò ní jù bí a ṣe ń rò”—
“Chosen destiny is never as simple as we think.”
This proverb teaches us that the reality of any situation—including history—is often more complex than memory allows.
When we speak of returning to the roots, it is important to recognize which roots we mean. Many of the practices in today’s Diaspora traditions reflect not one single culture, but a mosaic formed between the 1600s and 1800s, shaped by countless African ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Fon, Kongo, and many others. These traditions were born from survival, adaptation, and creativity in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Yes, there is deep wisdom in honoring ancestral ways. But we must also acknowledge the full truth of history: In pre-colonial Africa, war, conquest, and enslavement existed among African peoples themselves. Rituals once included human sacrifice. These are historical realities we should face—not to judge the past, but to understand it fully.
Honoring Principles, Not Just Practices
Ifá teaches balance. The Odu Ìwòrì Méjì says:
“Àìmọ̀ ò ṣọ́ ọ́; ìmọ̀ ló ń tọ́ ọ́”—
"Ignorance does not guide; knowledge does."
A true return to the roots is not about copying the past blindly. It is about returning to the principles that have guided our ancestors: respect for Àṣẹ (sacred life force), the honoring of destiny (ìpín), the search for balance (ìwà pẹ̀lẹ̀), and the recognition of community (àjọṣe).
The beauty of our traditions is their ability to adapt and remain alive. The Diaspora has birthed its own unique expressions of Orisha devotion, not lesser versions, but vibrant continuations of the sacred dialogue between human beings and the divine.
The Present and the Future Are Also Sacred
Not everything from the past was good. Not everything from today is bad. And not everything that will come is doomed. Spiritual growth asks us to hold these truths at once.
The Odu Ògúndá Méjì tells us:
"When the world changes, wise people adjust their steps."
This does not mean abandoning the old ways—but neither does it mean clinging to them uncritically.
A Thoughtful Return to the Roots
As we deepen our practice and look to the ancestors, may we remember: We are not here to recreate the past. We are here to honor its lessons and carry forward its wisdom into a future where justice, compassion, and balance can flourish.
Let us be guided by the heart of Ifá: Òrúnmìlà, who sees all and knows that the truth is never one-sided.
Stay blessed, and may the light of Ìwà pẹ̀lẹ̀—gentle character—always lead your path.
Modúpẹ́ o! Aṣẹ!
Babá Tilo de Àjàgùnnà
DAILY IFÁ
Next on DAILY IFA: Who Owns the Orisha?