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Note from the Mami Wata Healers Society Temple of Mawu: Wezolo! Aenouledoo. This article was written by Mama Zogbé and posted to Facebook on Saturday, April 22nd, 2017. It is our pleasure to add it to the archives here in the Society. Read and be encouraged by her carefully curated perspectives of African Tradition and Culture, viewed through an ATR lens. Akpeloo!
There are many who have proudly taken the paths of ATRs. However, in spite of this, there is still much acrimony, bitterness, divisions and even deep hatreds within your families. There appears to be a constant stream of personal and family misfortunes, in which many can’t seem to hold on to neither their property or their wealth or even to one another. Most believe that this is due exclusively to a system of institutionalized racism. However, that is only partially correct.
There are many, that in spite of being “conscious” politically and culturally, or have undergone numerous “initiations,” still secretly harbor feelings of a profound, gnawing void within their souls. . . They know that something is missing, but they don’t know what. Promising relationships fell, understanding is limited and conflict remains an inevitable outcome of nearly all that ones does.
All of these manifestations are indications that ones Ancestors might not be at peace; and the [numerous ]roads that you have taken has not led you properly to them. Understand that when ones Ancestors have no peace, neither will you or your families.
It is not a punishment against you, but rather a spiritual alarm that the foundation of your house is still on fire, esp in the aftermath of slavery. There is unfinished ancestral business that your Ancestors are demanding be done, so that they might be uplifted to take their critical position as the head, and begin the important work of helping heal and restore their families.
It is through your Ancestors that one is able to fix what has been broken [for some] even before slavery. Mend what has been torn. To reunite what has been divided, and to uplift what has been shattered within your family lineages.
If this isn’t done, no amount of “Reparations,” social and political justice, initiations etc., will heal, enrich and restore you; because the first victims [your Ancestors-foundation] have not been properly healed and uplifted. When you truly understand the above, only then will you begin to appreciate the critical function of the Amengansie, and why the re-establishment of the ANCESTRAL branch of these ATRs are vital to our individual and collective survival.
The true Ancestral roads of ATRs have never been about the acquisition of power, ego, arrogance etc.,. They are historically designed to reflect the life experiences, sufferings, tribulations, joys and redemption of the Ancestors and their gods.
The shrine of the Amengansie is one of their legitimate “doors of truth,” that they themselves have established, consecrated and bequeathed to their children. It is ones enslaved Ancestors who calls one to serve as Amengansie. Any Ancestor, whether recently crossed-over, or is 300 years old, whether king, nobleman or commoner, can be called-up by the Amengansie.
In America, there should be an Amengansie temple on every corner instead of a church. There should be almost an endless need for Mama Tchamba and Adé, because of the history of slavery, and so many unfortunate and tragic deaths. There should be numerous temples of Aholu, Da etc.,. In other words, the deities and temples should reflect the history of the African North American experience.
African people have been undergoing persecution for 2,000 years, yet still managed to build kingdoms and contribute significantly to other civilizations. Why? Because they still remained deeply connected to and guided by their Ancestors. It is impossible to build a [Diaspora] group foundation unless your own personal family foundation is strong. The “revolution” must first start at “home.”. . .
To succeed, you must be strong in heart, upright in character, serious and committed. More importantly, you must be the one legitimately called by your ancestors to take-up the mantle. Once you agree to take the "road," you do not have the luxury of hanging up your Adjanu (elekes) when you are tired. Once born on the road, there is no turning back.