Ala- Igbo Earth Mother Goddess
Ala is the Igbo Fertility Goddess of the earth.
The Igbo people of Nigeria call her the mother of all things, but she is both the fertile earth and the empty field after the harvest. She is present at the beginning of the cycle of life, making children grow in their mother’s womb, and she is there at the end of the cycle, to receive the souls of the dead into her own womb. Ala also gives laws to the people, emphasizing the importance of honesty and respect. Temples to Ala called mbari are built in the center of villages, and contain a mud statue of Ala which is then painted in bright colors. These statues usually show Ala with a long torso and long thick neck, which are considered to be signs of beauty among the Ibo. She is joined by other deities and animals. Ala is also known as Ale, Alla, and Ane. She is the most important Alusi in the Igbo pantheon. In Odinani, Ala rules over the underworld which holds the deceased ancestors in her womb. Her name literally translates to ‘Ground’ in the Igbo language, denoting her powers over the earth and her status as the ground itself. Ala is considered the highest Alusi in the Igbo pantheon and was the first Alusi created by Chukwu, God almighty. Ala’s husband is Amadioha, the sky god.
As the goddess of morality, Ala is involved in judging human actions and is in charge of Igbo law and customs known as ‘Omenala’. Taboos and crimes among Igbo communities that are against the standard of Ala are called nsọ Ala. All ground is considered ‘Holy land’ as it is Ala herself. With human fertility, Ala is credited for the productivity of land. Ala’s messenger and living agent on earth is the python (Igbo: éké), it is and animal especially revered in many Igbo communities. In Odinani art, Ala’s image is mostly depicted in clay Mbari temples.
Ala is still worshipped by the Igbo of Nigeria and is annually paid homage to during the Yam festival.
Gratitude
- For my son Tyler, his love and belief in my inner beauty.
- For Lisa owner of Heaven meets Earth yoga studio. For her visions and generosity.
- For my nuclear family. For Their Love and support.
- And especially for Martie and our walks and talks together.
- For Juan, who helps me light my inner flame, and connects me to the spirit world by opening my eyes with the wonder of a child.
- For Trilogy, for restoring me gradually to sanity.
- Thank you mom for raising and releasing me.
- For the moon tonight, for its brillance, power and tranquility.
- For Joni when we walk and talk together.
- For Andy, for his endless stream of help.
- For Father Hernon and his openmindedness especially during Yoga.
- For Lady GaGa, for radiating her inner strength to me.
- For Sharon who always keeps in touch with me despite her ordeal w/ cancer.
- For Erica, Sue, and Casey. For their steadfast love and support.
- For Corey, who told me today about a book I can buy Tyler for Christmas.
- For a healthy dinner followed by a cup of my favorite chocolate ice cream.
- For the salesclerk @ Barnes and Noble who helped me find the books Sarah wants for Christmas.
Been looking at lots of O’Keefe lately, I put a print of her’s up in my son’s bathroom this week. Her pieces fill me with nostalgia - I’m mystified and intrigued by them.
I love how prolific Marc Chagall is - he has been one of my favorite artists since my adolescence.
Horn of Africa Crisis: By the Numbers
Graphic by Rich Clabaugh/Monitor staff
(Source: csmonitor.com, via )
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Snatam Kaur - Long Time Sun
Be still, close your eyes, and listen.
