Everything in the universe is imbued with its own individual, unique and specific vibration. The ancient ones realized this as fact. They also understood, to a much greater degree than they are given credit for, much of the mechanics involved in changing the rates of vibration.

Molecules of water moving at one rate of vibration may appear as still water sitting in a pot. By increasing the rate of vibration of this same water fast enough and long enough, it becomes transformed into steam. Thus, although in its ESSENCE it remains a water molecule, changing its rate of vibration has changed its NATURE.

The ancient ones understood that since all Creation emanates from a single source then the ESSENCE of all Creation is the same. Things appear to be different due to their varying rates of vibration. Indeed, they considered Creation to be a spectrum of infinitely varying rates of vibration. The slower vibrations manifesting a more physical or material nature; the higher vibrations manifesting a more spiritual or supernatural nature.

Different cultures have many ways in which they explain, understand, and work with these phenomena. From Lemuria and Atlantis, through Sumeria and ancient Kemit, to Tibetan Monks, Native American Shamans and Yoruba Babalawos, and those before and beyond, each possessed a level of understanding as well as ways and means of altering the rates of vibrations of creation to achieve a certain desired outcome. Yoruba cosmology affords us a very good example of how well a supposedly “primitive” people understood the complexities of creation.

The Yoruba name for Supreme Deity is OLU-AWO-ORUN (Master of the Masters of the Mysteries of Heaven) more commonly known as OLORUN. OLORUN is not involved directly in human affairs but the spiritual force, which originates from HIM/HER/IT, provides the basic ESSENCE for all of Creation. Similarly in effect to the Sun which provides life-giving energy to the Earth, OLORUN provides life-giving energy to Creation. Also, as is the case with the Sun, for OLORUN to come too close would result in the destruction of physical creation due to the power that is contained therein. Utilizing this same analogy, imagine OLORUN as the very core of the Sun; the same source of energy as the Sun. This is beyond description and comprehension. The same holds true for the concept of OLORUN.

Closely associated with OLORUN is OLU-AWO-ODE-ORUN (Master of the Masters of the Outer Courts of Heaven), also know as OFUN.

Next in the hierarchy, after OLORUN, is ELEDA. ELEDA is pure, dynamic, spiritual, energy, unconditioned even by the concept of matter. Imagine pure electrical energy moving independently without the need of wires for conduction and you will have come close to what ELEDA represents. Using the Sun analogy, ELEDA would be comparable to the rays of the Sun.

Closely associated with ELEDA is ORI. While ELEDA, like OLORUN, is too rarefied and potent to be directly involved in human affairs. ORI being much less rarefied and potent (in comparison to ELEDA) is intimately involved with humanity. ORI is ELEDA conditioned by matter.

Next to ELEDA is OLUDU-OMO-ARE (aka OLODUMARE) Vast & Mighty Being, Self-born, Self-existing. OLODUMARE is less rarified than OLORUN or ELEDA. Yet it is still neither matter nor conditioned by matter. OLODUMARE is the Source of that which eventually becomes matter and form. Using the sun analogy OLODUMARE would be the Sun itself.

OLORUN, ELEDA and OLODUMARE are three states of manifestation of that which is forever nameless, the “IT” from which the Supreme Diety OLORUN emerges. This “IT” is the substance from which all things are created. As we progress along the spectrum of Creation from the Supreme OLORUN to the lowest rock on the planet the essence remains the same. The only variable is the rate at which this “essence” is found to vibrate.

The ancient ones, possessing a greater understanding of this process developed ways in which to alter rates of vibration. This knowledge has been passed down through various cultures and societies. Each may explain it in a different way, may present it within the framework of their own unique cosmology, but the essence remains the same. Physical, Mental, and Spiritual are all merely different manifestations of the ESSENCE of “IT” along the same spectrum of Creation. They cannot and do not exist separately from one another because they all originate from the same Source.

The appearance of separateness is referred to as “Maya” in the Hindu tradition. Maya is the illusion of reality. There are many techniques and rituals with the purpose of moving one beyond this illusion to realize a state of “ONENESS” with the Source, the “IT”. This is the primary goal of the spiritual traditions of most indigenous cultures. Although their terminology and techniques may differ, their purpose is ultimately the same.

One of the means by which the Yoruba alter rates of vibration is called EBO (meaning Sacrifice or Offering). EBO are usually performed in ritual format. Performing the proper EBO to effect a desired result is of paramount importance within Yoruba faith and tradition. Discerning and prescribing EBO is achieved by the process of Divination (Dafa) usually performed by a Babalawo or Iyanifa (Father or Mother of the Mysteries).

EBO will cause the nature of a thing or condition to be transformed. The degree of transformation will be dictated by the degree to which a particular vibration is increased or decreased. Keep in mind that transformation can occur on a physical, mental and/or spiritual level.

To take a raw egg and fry it is technically speaking, EBO. The rate of vibration of the raw egg has been changed transforming it into a more solid, fried egg. This is of course a very simplified example but the basic premise remains the same throughout Creation. “Change the Vibration and you Change the Manifestation."

Many times the vibration of a person or thing may be changed without any alteration in its outward form or appearance. The vessel that was purchased at the Flea Market can take on wholly different nature by means of an EBO of consecration. Its outward appearance may be the same but the energy that it emits after consecration is the result of an alteration in its rate of vibration. It may look the same but its very nature has been transformed. This can be confirmed by friends and visitors who when they come within close proximity to this vessel, “feel something”.

Alteration of vibration and form on a physical level is the type most familiar to most of us. As Creation progresses from the lower life forms (slower vibrations) to the higher, Divine life forms (higher vibrations) certain qualities and characteristics are observed. First, the lines of delineation between physical, mental, spiritual; matter and energy, become less distinct. They are interrelated and interdependent. One cannot be affected without affecting all the others to a greater or lesser extent. Change in the vibration of one will necessarily cause a change in the vibration of the others. These changes may cause “good” things to happen or may cause “bad” things to happen depending upon the perspective from which they are viewed.

Seen in a larger picture and taken as a whole, our lives would then seem to be a continuous sequence of EBO. We are altering vibrations on many different levels each moment of our Earthly existence. These alterations not only affect us as individuals. They affect communities, families, and nations. Indeed they reverberate throughout the whole of Creation. In so doing, we affect the NATURE of our existence, and more than we can imagine, create the shape and form of our own reality.

Considering all these things, which then are the most important of EBO? Which ones should we focus on to successfully fulfill our destiny and purpose? Which ones will provide a life with the most peace and tranquility? Which will open the way for us to fully connect with who and what we truly are?

EBO may take many different forms and formats but the most important EBO are those that affect and shape the character. In our quest for power, happiness, security, love and so forth, we will go to the Diviner in search of a “magic wand” solution to our problems. We call on the ORISA and EGUN to make our lives better. What is overlooked most often are the “smaller” daily EBO of SUURU (PATIENCE), IFARABALE (COMPOSURE), OGBON (WISDOM), ALAFIA (PEACE) and OTITO (TRUTH) that guide one toward the formation of IWA PELE (GENTLE DIVINE CHARACTER), comparable to “MAAT” in the Kemetic tradition.

These daily EBO are the truly difficult ones to perform. They cannot be done intermittently or according to whim. They are not just for certain people or situations. They are not just for special occasions and times. Although they may not seem as “powerful” or as elegant and complex as other more ritualized EBO ceremonies, our ancestors and ODU IFA tell us that they are the foundation of the means to escape the wheel of life. They are the keys to the doorway to becoming ORISA (A FORCE OF NATURE; AN ENERGY/CONSCIOUSNESS THAT IS FULLY SYNCHRONIZED WITH THE VIBRATION OF THE SOURCE OF CREATION).

The reason these EBO work is very simple. They accelerate your rate of vibration. By doing so, your rate of vibration becomes closer to the rate of the Source of Creation. When your rate matches that of the Source you will have become “One” with the Source. Other EBO mainly change the rate of vibration of things external to you. These will have an effect on your life to some extent but will change your personal rate of vibration only “small, small”, if at all.

As stated, on the surface these daily EBO may not seem powerful or profound. Actually, the principles they represent are quite simple. However, our ancestors, those Ancient Traditional Scientists who devised, during some 50,000+ years of observation and experimentation, the Science of EBO, our experts, have instructed us that these are the most important EBO. ODU IFA states that these are the most important EBO. They are the most important because they shape and form our character. Character determines destiny. Our ancestors and ODU IFA tell us that without the development of character we can never fulfill our destiny. In other words, we will never realize our true purpose for being. We will be lost. We will never know our real home and will wander aimlessly and without end. Our ancestors would consider this the worst fate that one could possibly endure and one to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, we have their guidance and wisdom to assist us in this regard. This is only of value to us, however, when we take it to heart and make it a part of our daily EBO.