WHAT IS ASE IRE?

Ase Ire is an Ifa-Orisa ile (lit. house, temple, worship center) and spiritual learning center where people of African descent are invited to learn, grow, and connect with spirit! We offer weekly Orisa Prayer and Meditation services, online and in-person classes and workshops, retreats to spiritual locales around the world, and more! Members of the Akeko Circle — our community of students who are monthly donors– get the most access to everything Ase Ire and Iya Funlayo have to offer. The goal is to share knowledge and genuine heart connection as we grow in our spiritual practices.

WHO IS IYA FUNLAYO?

Iya Funlayo is your favorite Ifa-Orisa scholar-priestess: a scholar specializing in African and Diasporic religions and cultures, and an initiated priestess of Ifa, Obatala, and Osun in the Ifa-Orisa tradition. She received her PhD from Harvard University in 2017, has been featured in documentaries for PBS and National Geographic, and had her writing published in both popular and academic outlets. More on her scholarly work at FunlayoPhD.com, more on her spiritual life here.

WHAT DOES ASE IRE OFFER?

Iya Funlayo & Ase Ire offer services for all occasions, for individuals and groups. Services include:

• Orisa Weekly Prayer and Meditation service 
• Obi divination and offering to orisa and Ifa
• Orisa-inspired tarot divination
• Ifa divination (provided by Chief Awo Ifakunle)
• Personal spiritual counseling and advisement
• Weddings, Naming Ceremonies, and Memorial Ceremonies
• Group bonding rituals and workshops
• Group spiritual travel
• More!

Book readings and spiritual counseling here. For all other services contact Iya Funlayo.

WHAT IS THE AKEKO CIRCLE?

The Akeko Circle is Ase Ire’s community of students who are monthly donors to the ile. In addition to providing vital financial support to the temple, Akeko participate in weekly prayer and meditation, get monthly book recommendations, get  discounted access to most print materials and online classes, discounted admission to live events, discounts on trips, and members-only meet-ups. Find out more and join here!

DO I HAVE TO BE INITIATED TO PARTICIPATE IN ASE IRE OR THE ILE?

No! In fact, much of what Ase Ire produces is specifically geared toward people just getting started in African spirituality. People at all levels are welcome to join the Akeko Circle and participate in everything we have to offer.

WHAT IF I’M WHITE OR OF ANOTHER ETHNICITY?

The lessons of Ifa and Orisa are applicable to all people and all are welcome to attend public events and learn with us. Ase Ire is, however, a decidedly Afrocentric, pro-Black, and a safe space for Black spiritual experience and expression. The perspectives, safety, and comfort of African-descended people will always be privileged here.

DOES JOINING ASE IRE MEAN THAT I’M IYA FUNLAYO’S GODCHILD OR THAT I HAVE BEEN INITIATED?

No. You cannot become anyone’s godchild online, as the spiritual ceremonies that would create such a bond must take place in person. Every ile (temple group) has multiple levels of membership, even if informally. There are:

• Alejo (aleyo), or “guests,” who support, participate in events, and receive services as they desire but who have not made any formal commitment to the ile or leader(s)
• Akeko, or “students,” who make a commitment to studying with, learning from and financially supporting the ile
• Omo, or “children/godchildren” of the shrine do all that Akeko do, and also make an even deeper commitment by receiving spiritual initiations that more deeply connect them to the temple and its leader(s)

You are invited to begin your journey with Ase Ire as an Alejo or an Akeko (recommended). Becoming an omo takes time and commitment; barring special circumstances, you must be an Akeko for at least 3 months before you can be considered to move to the next level as an omo.

I HAVE A QUESTION NOT ANSWERED HERE.

Please contact Iya Funlayo for any questions not answered here. Blessing