Yeerrr - The Holy Diaries Intro
I be having a lot to say sometimes.
I started a show called The Holy in Between, but talking unscripted on camera is very different from writing, which I feel more comfortable with when trying to get a point across. So this is the Holy Diaries, a written extension of the show.
As an eldest daughter, first-generation college graduate, entrepreneur, traveler, sixth-generation artist, once Christian Baptist, now initiated priest and olorisa through Ifa, etc., etc., I’ve frequently found myself on the road less traveled within my family and community.
At the same time though, in this age of folks waking up to (waves hands in the air) whatever all of this is, I also know I’m not the only one dancing to this so-called Balancing Act of my sanity, the goal of good character, and the beautiful gift of responsibility to carry on the legacy of my lineage. There’s so much juiciness in our ancestors’ archives that I get extremely excited and need space to verbally process all of it, hence the show and diaries lol.
These paths that we (the diaspora) are on, returning to our ancestral traditions — there’s literally no blueprint for this. Combining 21st-century technology, understanding, and resources with their understanding of life and all its mysteries is WILD, yet somehow there’s also nothing new under the sun? Either way, we're in this together.
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If a certain demographic took our oral knowledge and decided to write a heavily edited and inaccurate version of history, science, education, anatomy, astrology, religion, spirituality and beyond, then went on to make their written word law - I believe it is our responsibility to continue documenting our journey as we not only unlearn their bullshit, but tell the truth about our experience during this process to living whole and joy-filled lives.
All in all, I hope sharing whatever comes of this space inspires folks to go sit at the feet of their elders and learn their stories.
On a molecular level, the in between space is moving energy - atoms continuously moving because energy is neither created nor destroyed. So to keep the energy moving on a macro level within our worlds, you’ll hear me talk about our guiding points:
Ori, the deity that embodies our purpose and personal destiny, the study of our Ancestors, who we come from and their experiences, and then allowing their stories and lineages guide us to the Land associated with our specific ase, juju and magic.
Because you can’t claim to be your ancestor’s wildest dreams, whilst simultaneously calling them demonic and only praising Black excellence anctics that somehow further integrate you into yt bullshit.
Learn who you come from, allow it to give you permission to be yourself to the fullest extent, and let’s get to work.
Til next time,
Janiece Ifasooto