Spirits Come from Water: An Introduction to Ancestral Veneration and Reclaiming African Spiritual Practices

by Ehime Ora

For those who wish to decolonize their minds, particularly Black women, comes a thoughtful guide to ancestral veneration, with a focus on the importance of reclaiming African Spiritual practices as an act of liberation.

In today's world, there's a notable resurgence in spiritual exploration that diverges from the mainstream New Age culture. People are seeking clarity that aligns with their own ancestral lineage, and ancestral veneration has emerged as a powerful avenue to navigate life's complexities. For Black communities, this resurgence represents a reclamation of hope for the diaspora.

In this book, Ifa and Orisa priestess Ehime Ora shares the importance of connection to the ancestors, and to one’s spiritual roots. There’s a certain type of radical healing that takes place when we reconnect to our ancestral veneration and follow through with their wisdom.

Providing healing through the written word, Ehime walks you though the reclamation of African Spiritual practices, discussing the spiritual renaissance occurring in the African community, and includes interviews with elders of the rich traditions. She also provides tangible spiritual tools so that you can incorporate ancestral veneration in your how to properly set up and work with an ancestral altar, the importance of spiritual hygiene, and bringing forth the concept of the ori, or the higher self.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great way for one to start their own exploration of Spirit work. Ancestral veneration and reverence is a way to connect to your lineage and form a relationship that can assist you as you navigate life. She is not telling you that you MUST do thus and so, but simply providing you instructions on some steps to take to open your own path. I have incorporated some of suggestions in my own routine and her words on self doubt and anxious concerns about connecting with one’s ancestors were and are extremely helpful to me and I’m sure will be the same for all readers. A plain read and I say that most respectfully, she doesn’t attempt to go above the readers’s head, but keeps it simple and easy to understand and therefore most likely to lead to some level of implementation. So, indeed it is an introduction and such a wonderful way to begin.

[Khadi A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read from Ehime Ora and the second time one of her books has empowered me to fulfill my own destiny and further connect with my ancestors.

Recovering from co-dependency I was hesitant to learn about African spirituality and ancestral veneration. I didn't want it to become another "thing" I used to escape my reality. I wanted to stand on my own two feet; however through Spirits Come From Water I now understand that I have never really stood on my own (or alone), because Spirit has always been attached to my hip and my ancestors have always lived within my toe.

And given the grace and miracles I have experienced, I believe it.

Spirits Come From Water is gentle yet impactful. What I appreciate the most about the book is the consideration Ehime has for readers like me. Ehime affirms that we don't have to rush our connection with our ancestors and jump into some of the more popular practices, like creating an alter, right away. She stresses that our ancestors are patient and understanding, and shares stories of her own ancestors displaying these traits.

In addition to her personal experiences and among other things, in Spirits Come From Water, Ehime shares with us recipes for spiritual baths, pre-colonial history, alter suggestions, cultural stories, prayers for our ori, introductions to various divination tools, information on herbs and botanical arrangements, and ethereal poems to transition us to the next chapter.

I could go on and on about Spirits Come From Water but I'll end this review with my appreciation. I appreciate Ehime and am grateful that she continues to share her understanding and knowledge with us. I can't wait to incorporate some of the practices from the book into my daily life and nurture my relationship with my ancestors.

[Bete Boe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very soothing and light read

[Greyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️I enjoyed this book. I respect the lore-drops of a few of the Orishas. The poetic aspects if this spoke to my heart deeply. I loved it. The poet in me had a good time feeling her poetry. I liked how easy and simple the setup was in the formatting of the book. It was easy to follow and used some simple terminology to explain a complex subject. The rituals listed out were good and the fact that the main concept is that your ancestors want to know you in your most comfortable state.

[Xania P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spirits Come From Water" by Ehime Ora is a profound and enlightening read that deserves every bit of this five-star rating. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that flows through each page. Her ability to weave intricate concepts of Ifa into accessible language makes this book a treasure for both seasoned practitioners and those just beginning their journey into ancestral veneration.

The prayers included are nothing short of potent, resonating deeply and inviting readers to connect with their spiritual roots. I particularly appreciated the tone of the book; it strikes a perfect balance of warmth and guidance, making it an inviting resource for newcomers who may feel overwhelmed by the depth of the subject matter.

What truly stood out to me was the vulnerability that she shared throughout the book. Ehime’s openness fostered a sense of trust and connection for me personally, and allowed me to feel less alone in my spiritual explorations. The practical yet powerful advice offered is both actionable and inspiring, providing a solid foundation for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves, their ancestors and spirituality in general.

In summary, "Spirits Come From Water" is a beautifully crafted guide that not only educates but also empowers. Ehime Ora has created a valuable resource that I will return to time and again. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to enrich their spiritual journey!

[Royal Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Iya Ehime and have done a couple of her workshops! This is the perfect book on ancestral veneration and I think it covers all the bases about not only how to properly pray and build an altar for the ancestors, but also addresses any misgivings you might have about working with your ancestral line. There is a terrific section on spiritual baths and also an overview of working with one's Ori. Terrific as always!

[Keitumetse Taunyane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it through Audible...so I had to get the paper back too!
Even though it is set in Nigerian culture/spirituality. It seems to apply universally.
The way Ehime explains the need* for certain things was just what I needed! This book was just what I needed ❤️ 😍 [exhale].

[Aaron Kahlil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ehime does a good job of being both informative and deeply poetic. For me, this served as a great reintroduction to the practice of ancestral veneration while also supplying new and necessary context surrounding the history of IFA. I also appreciated the inclusion of her own personal poetry at the end of each chapter to tie together some of the themes found throughout the book. Definitely one of them ones on my shelf that i'll continue to refer back to.

[passionerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you come from culture with disconnect to ancestral veneration, it is really difficult to find a good book on this topic but Ehime Ora breaks it down very gently for a beginner who is just starting their journey to get familiar with their ancestral work.

[veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book so badly. Returning to self is hard but worth it! A must read for anyone who practices ATRs or is looking to adhere to their indigenous spiritual practices.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who wants to understand how to communicate to with their ancestors this book is perfect.

[Zaftig Dollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like all the poems but thats a personal preference not actual critique

[Malebo Sephodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful, generous read for those in their budding curiosity on spirituality.

[Imani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time reading this book and I am 100% certain that I will pick it up again some time in the future.

[Josephine Darko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a soul healing book especially for an individual like me with anxiety and overthinking

[Alexa Esperanza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy pub day! 💕 This book was really beautifully written and I absolutely recommend it to anyone of the African Diaspora who wants to know more about indigenous Yoruba religious concepts. Spirits come from Water is part memoir, part poetry, part prayer and so much more!

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like coming home. It’s beautifully written and feel like a hug.