The Wisdom of Ifá: An Ancient Paradigm for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond(The Black Atlantic Cultural Series: Revisioning Artistic, Historical, Literary, Psychological, and Sociological Perspectives)

Edited by Eric M. Bridges, Sheila Smith McKoy, and LaJuan Simpson-Wilkey, The Wisdom of Ifá: An Ancient Paradigm for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond explores Yoruba spirituality and the complex ways in which the acknowledgement of Ifá as a wisdom source can be used to address the needs of humanity in the twenty-first century and beyond. Through rituals and practices that honor nature's rhythms, the contributors explore how Ifá guides us towards sustainable coexistence with our environment, recognizing that our well-being is intricately linked to the health of the planet. The contributors also show how, in the realm of environmental stewardship, Ifá offers a holistic worldview that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life forms. This book offers discussions on environmentalism, gender, and politics that connect across the bounds of time, through the history, mythology, and lived realities of the tradition. As an ancient wisdom tradition that has enriched West African cultures, Ifá offers a roadmap for modern civilization to charter new paths for humanity and the challenges that we face.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Introduction by Eric M. Bridges, Sheila Smith McKoy and LaJuan Simpson Wilkey Chapter 1: An Interview with Dr. Wándé Abímbólá by Eric M. Bridges and Stephen Agyemang-Koehler Chapter 2: Ori and Ifá: Navigating a Contentious World by Eric Adewusi Mason Chapter 3: The Earth Itself is Sacred: Nature’s Personification in the Ifa/Orisha Religion by Raisa Parnell Chapter 4: Place, Space, and Identity Formation at Oyotunji Village by Kenja McCray and Antionette B. Brown-Waithe Chapter 5: “To Harness my Own Power: Ifa, Gender, and Healing by Sheila Smith-McKoy Chapter 6: The Osun Effect: Beyonce, Ifa, and the Complexities of Black Women’s Empowerment by Funlayo E. Wood Chapter 7: Looking Back to Look Forward: Applying Akan and Yoruba Science in Sankofa Afrofuturist Pedagogy (SAP) and Practice by Khalilah Ali Chapter 8: Describing Inexplicable Aché by Vanessa Navarro Maza Chapter 9: Christianity and Ifa: African Spirituality in an American Context by LaJuan Simpson Wilkey and Stephen Agyemang-Koehler Chapter 10: When Mouths Can No Longer Fight and Breasts That Swing Like Ifá: The Wisdom of Ifá on Preventing World Hunger, War, and the Life Sustaining Virtues of The Female Breasts! by Jo Anna Hunter, priest name Ìyánifá Omótinúwé Chapter 11: “A Bastard People… Singing and Crying in the Wilderness! Ifá and the Chance at Legitimacy for Diasporic Africans in America by Michael Lindsay Conclusion by Sheila Smith McKoy About the Contributors

About the Author :
Eric M. Bridges is professor of psychology at Clayton State University. Sheila Smith McKoy is the president of Smith McKoy & Associates and has also served as a tenure faculty member and a senior academic leader, most recently at the University of San Francisco. LaJuan Simpson-Wilkey is associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of University College at the University of North Georgia.

Review :
The Wisdom of Ifá: An Ancient Paradigm for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond is a brilliant work of scholarship that illuminates the enduring relevance of the Ifá divination system as both a body of knowledge and spiritual resource. The contributing scholars draw on robust research to explore and reimagine howIfá addresses and is shaped by the challenges of modern society. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in African religion and what ancient philosophies, like Ifá, can teach us about our place in this world. The Wisdom of Ifá is an important journey through the profound and poetic depths of Yoruba spirituality. This vibrant collection delves into global politics, media influences, sacred landscapes, divine power, and gender dynamics with tremendous care. Rich in insight and narrative, this book is a must-read for anyone wishing to explore ancient wisdom to inspire meaningful change in today's world.