Identidades in English No 1, February 2014 | Page 64

keeping, with that of the legendary and mythological figure Éjìogbè. The accuracy of this prediction depends
on the specific leader emulating exactly the conduct of this legendary figure. Ifá teaches us: “The Babalawo
[priest] should remind the person consulting him that he should do exactly as the legendary figure did under
simi
Recommendations:
1.- Have a dialogue and respect the opinions of others. This is the only way to avoid conflicts. Different leaders from different institutions and religious organizations need to dialogue respectfully, in order to arrive at a
common answer and validate rules of conduct like mutual respect and sufficient religious freedom.
2.-The educational system needs to receive attention and be modified regarding the ethical and moral formation of children.
3.-Social, political and economic organization to benefit the country and, in that way, increase foreign and
maritime commerce. Avoid employing inadequate vessels.
4.-Increase the investment of foreign capital and new work regulations for self-employment.
5.-Increase hygienic and sanitary measures to avoid the proliferation of epidemics.
6.-Continue working on the parallel restructuring of employment and adequate salaries for the same.
7.-Establish measures concerning respect and consideration for senior citizens.
8.-Work on the construction and reconstruction of housing.
9.-It is very important for the Odù Éjìogbè to happen in Cuba and the United States. This is a good, historical
moment in which to create new immigration agreements, as well as to initiate diplomatic conversations
through which to smooth out relations and leave old rancor behind, for the benefit of both parties and peoples.
Ifá offers the following legend regarding this matter:
The Pact between Earth and Death
Earth (Ilè) and Death (Ikú) made a pact because death did not have a place in which to bury the dead he ate
and those he snatched away from life, and the earth, who for her part, spent a great deal of time holding up
those who walked on her and distributing all the beings she produced. The earth said to death: “I will accept
your pact, but from now on everyone has to be pay me a tribute that will consist of offering me everything that
is eaten. You must collect this debt from whosoever does not do this. This explains why we first depend on the
earth, because everyone enjoys her fruits, despite the fact no one thinks about her. She is the one who produces
nourishment and wealth for everyone and is also the home of Olòfin, in which he rules and all his children
reside.” Death answered: “The pact must also include my sister, illness (Àrùn), that she would be the one to
watch out for our objectives because she ruled the atmosphere, together with the earth, to create earthquakes,
hurricanes and epidemics, regardless of whether the victim was rich or poor, royalty or humble, wise men or
prideful people, or anyone—they were all the same.”
“The road to death will never be closed to dogs on earth or vultures in the air.”
“When one’s head is one’s shoulders, and one’s thoughts on the horizon, and one’s feet in salt water, there is
no doubt that one is at the seashore.”
“The greatest error is to not learn from past errors.”
Éjìogbè.
Omolófaorò.

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