In this episode of Storytime with The Ashé Shop, we’re diving deep into the sacred mystery of Ori. The divine inner head that chooses our destiny long before we take our first breath. Through storytelling, reflection, and a touch of that Ashé Shop humor, Ashley guides you into the ancient wisdom behind why your path is uniquely yours… even when life feels messy, uncertain, or downright chaotic.

You’ll hear the pataki behind the proverb “A chosen Ori is irrevocable,” explore what it means to walk in alignment with your destiny, and learn how to honor the spiritual blueprint you agreed to before arriving on Earth.

This episode is here to uplift your spirit, affirm your purpose, and remind you that your Ori is always guiding you back to yourself.
Take a breath, settle in, and embrace the Ashé.

Storytime #46- How to Choose a Good Ori

When Orisanku (son of Ogun), Oritemere (son of Ija), and Afuwape (son of Orunmila) decide it's time for them to travel from Orun to Aye, they know that they must go to Ajala's workshop to choose their Ori. Do they make the right choice?

References:

• Cuoco, Alex. African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities
• Brown, David H. Patakin: Orisha Stories from the Odu of Ifá

In this episode of Storytime with The Ashé Shop, we dive into the powerful Yoruba pataki that reveals what happens before we are born, when each soul chooses its Ori—its personal divinity and destiny. This ancient story reminds us that while life may twist, turn, and hit unexpected detours, the Ori we select is final and unwavering. We can pray to the Orisha, call on our ancestors, and negotiate with the universe, but ultimately…

Ori decides.

Join Ashley as she shares this timeless tale with humor, heart, and insight—inviting you to reflect on your own destiny, alignment, and the sacred responsibility of following the path your Ori chose.

Take a breath. Settle in.
And embrace the Ashé.

What happened when Ode's wife continued to ask questions, despite his best efforts to give her the answers. She just kept asking. Does this story sound familiar?

References:

Brown, David H. Patakin: Orisha Stories from the Odu of Ifá

Cuoco, Alex. African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities

Lele,Ochani . Teachings of the Santería Gods: The Spirit of the Odu (p. 174). (Function). Kindle Edition

Oba and Shango had a few problems in their marriage. Can they solve this problem? Tell us what you thought about this story.

Reference: Brown, David H. Patakin: Orisha Stories from the Odu of Ifá

This story givesus insight into how nature began to take its course. You know the birds and the bees...

References:

Lele, Ochani . Teachings of the Santería Gods: The Spirit of the Odu. Kindle Edition.

They call us angry like it’s an insult. But in this episode, we reclaim that fire. These 60 affirmations are a sacred offering for every Black woman who’s been told she’s too loud, too bold, too emotional. You’ll hear powerful words rooted in ancestral wisdom and guided by the Orisha...Yemaya, Oshun, Oya, and Oba Nani.

This is not about silencing your rage...it’s about honoring it, healing through it, and remembering who you are. So press play, take a breath, and return to your power.

Because your anger isn’t the problem...your suppression is.

In this episode of Orisha University, we explore the mysterious and powerful Orisha Olokun — guardian of the ocean's depths and keeper of the subconscious mind. Discover how Olokun represents mental health, hidden truths, and emotional balance. Through story, symbolism, and spiritual insight, we unravel the lessons Olokun offers about ego, illusion, and inner healing.

References:

• Brown, David H. Patakin: Orisha Stories from the Odu of Ifá
• Correal, Tobe Melora. Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition (p. 9). Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
• Cuoco, Alex. African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities
• Jones, Nia - Morgan Oşun Yami. Merindilogun Folktales: Morals of Yoruba Odus Relating Today's Lifestyles
• Kumari, Ayele. Isese: Spirituality Workbook, The Ancestral Wisdom of the Ifa Orisa Tradition.
• Wiles Quinones, Ayoka. I Hear Olofi's Song: A Collection of Yoruba Spiritual Prayers for Egun and Orisa . Oshun Publishing.

Olokun had 5 daughters with Olosá and four daughters with Oloná. And another daughter named Aganá Erí.

With Olosá (Owner of Lagoons possible path of Nana Buruku)

Omí Losá Oruko

Omí Losá Lashé

Omí Losá Bokún

Omí Losá Orun

Omí Losá Foshé

With Oloná (ancient river Orisha)

Omí Loná Oruku

Omí Loná Lashé

Omí Loná Bokún

Omí Loná Orun

Reference:

Brown,David H. Patakin: Orisha Stories from the Odu of Ifá

Ever wonder why practitioners greet each other by saying Iboru, Iboye, Ibosise? Well this pataki gives some insight into the saying and meaning!

Reference:

Jones,Nia - Morgan Oşun Yami. Merindilogun Folktales: Morals of yoruba Odus Relating Today's Lifestyles Volume 1- Ogunda Meji

Orunmila Decides to create something important before leaving to learn to divine. After greeting him warmly and showing him great hospitality will they acceot when he has to leave behind. Let me know what you think about this story!

Reference:

Jones, Nia - Morgan Oşun Yami. Merindilogun Folktales: Morals of yoruba Odus Relating Today's Lifestyles Volume 1

Ashe ashe ashe! We're back and transformed. Welcome to Season 2 of the Orisha University Podcast—formerly known as the Ashe Shop Podcast.

In this kickoff episode, Ashley, your Orisha Storyteller and spiritual guide, reintroduces the podcast with a new name, renewed energy, and a deeper intention. Orisha University is your weekly study hall for spiritual growth, ancestral wisdom, and cultural connection. Together, we’ll explore stories of the Orisha, the power they hold, and the lessons they offer us in today’s world.

This season, we’re diving even deeper—discussing Orisha like Logunede, Oba Nani, Nana Buruku, and Olokun. You’ll hear reflections on finding elders, embracing initiation, connecting with ancestors, and soothing the soul with affirmations rooted in African spirituality.

Light your candles. Open your journals. Let’s remember who we are and walk this sacred path together.

This episode takes a deep dive into the Orisha Oya Yansan, lets discuss her relationship with the cemetery, transformation, and the other Orisha.

References

• Oní Yemayá, Mariela Albán; Oni Shango, R.E. Avendano. ORISHAS, Yoruba Kings in the Lucumi Tradition
• Cuoco, Alex. African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities
• Mason. John. Orisa: New World Black Gods

In this episode, we offer healing affirmations designed to guide you through grief and depression with compassion and hope. These affirmations are crafted to help you reconnect with your inner strength, honor your emotions, and embrace the journey of healing. Whether you're navigating loss, heavy emotions, or seeking peace, let these words remind you that transformation is possible, and you’re never alone in your journey. Take a deep breath, press play, and allow these affirmations to be a soothing balm for your soul.

This story Never gets old. Does this story sound familiar to you?

I understand a little jealousy between sisters, but did Oshun take it too far?

Oshun as a river deity, fertility deity, African Venus These ethnocentric and reductive views fail to reflect the centrality and authority of Oshun in Yoruba religious thought and practice. Neither do they convey the multidimensionality of her power: political, economic, divinatory, maternal, natural, therapeutic. This episode we will seek to gain an understanding of the Orisha Oshun.

• Barnes, Sandra T.. Africa's Ogun: Old World and New (p. 39). Indiana University Press.
• Baez Oñi Adde, Asiel. Expansion of the Igbodun: Orisha in the Diaspora
• Brown, David H. Patakin: Orisha Stories from the Odu of Ifá
• Correal, Tobe Melora. Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa: A West African Spiritual Tradition (p. 9). Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
• Cuoco, Alex. African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities
• Karade, Oloye. The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts . Red Wheel Weiser.
• Kumari, Ayele. Isese: Spirituality Workbook, The Ancestral Wisdom of the Ifa Orisa Tradiotion.
• Mason. John. Orisa: New World Black Gods
• Prandi, Reginaldo. Mitologia dos orixás (Portuguese Edition) (pp. 130-131). Companhia das Letras.
• Wiles Quinones, Ayoka. I Hear Olofi's Song: A Collection of Yoruba Spiritual Prayers for Egun and Orisa . Oshun Publishing.

Wippler ,  Migene Gonzalez-. Santeria: The Religion : Faith, Rites, Magic (p. 45). UNKNOWN. Kindle Edition.

This timeless tale never really felt complete to me. When Ogun refuses to return to the world, only Oshun could save us. But what happens after? I hope you enjoy these stories!

References: Cuoco, Alex, African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits, and other Deities.

If you are having some doubts, know that it's okay. I made this episode for you.

Spirit guided me to try something new! affirmations to motivate you to meditate, take a breath, and be grateful for the blessings that surround you! Let me know what you think!!