Blog Intro + October’s Elemental Medicine
Who am I?
Great question, thank you for asking! My name is Iya Omidele Ogunsina, I am a Baltimore-based Osun Priestess, initiated in August of 2021. You may also know me by my business name, The Lavender Iya, or maybe you follow me on Twitter, or perhaps Instagram. I am a diviner, bath maker, oil maker, and all around witch bitch. To give you a little back story on where my business name came from, lavender was the first herb I ever worked with and it is often known as the herb of compassion. At the time (end of 2017 - early 2018), my life was getting the fuck BLENDT. I remember learning about lavender and thinking, “Even if I cannot be compassionate to myself, maybe I can wash my floors with lavender water, so at least my space is compassionate.” I honestly wasn’t sure if what I was doing was right, I just went with it. In March of that year (2018), I had my first reading with my now godmother (Iyanifa Oyadele Ogunsina “Olori”) and I began my ancestral practice. It was literally just vibes, lol. I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I prayed from my heart and asked my Egun (benevolent ancestors) to help me. That’s it. I became an Isese devotee officially in November of 2018. I’d say that I began my journey into spirituality in 2016 (moon rituals, affirmations, etc) and joined an official practice when I became an aborisha in 2018. As an Osun Priestess, I carry the asé of my crowned Orisa, Osun. In our practice, initiation means I am the human vessel for her spirit; I carry her with me everywhere I go.
Why this space?
Above all, I’d like this space to be one where you, the reader, are equipped with the tools to navigate your spiritual journey. I am a teacher, first and foremost, and I think it is worthwhile for there to be more accessible resources for spiritual information. I am not your guru, your boss, or your avatar though. I seek to represent my godparents, Osun, my Orisa and my Egun (benevolent ancestors) in a way that is sincere and honorable. I know from personal experience that when you are in distress, or simply in a season of seeking, it can be easy to hand over your spiritual life to another person. Although I am here to provide guidance and answer questions, ultimately you are driving the boat of this one precious life. So consider this a space where you will be able to learn about things that can support you in your journey. I hope that you will feel empowered to flex your spiritual muscles (I promise you have them!). Everyone isn’t called to be a public facing practitioner like myself. That doesn’t mean that you cannot still work your own magic in a way that is safe and tapped in.
More to know
I was born in Nigeria (Yorubaddie dey) and grew up in Texas. I am a clinical scientist with a Masters Degree in Public Health. Why does this matter? I stand firmly at the intersection of Spirit and Science. I take Lexapro to manage my mental health and none of that diminishes me, or my gifts. It is important for spiritualists to share that above all, we are human beings, having a human experience. You are not less than for needing meds, support, or anything else. Lastly? I take my work seriously, I take my walk seriously and that is about it, lol. If there is a Chief Silly Goose, it is me!. I love to laugh and I hope as you read my work, you find yourself laughing too. Welcome!
What is this Elemental Medicine business?
Thank you for asking me that question! Elemental Medicine is a revamped offering of mine, it is an oracle card forecast that seeks to answer the question, “What medicine do I need to navigate the month ahead?” The Elemental part of the medicine speaks to the various zodiac signs (Earth, Water, Fire, and Air). Each month, I’ll be pulling a card for each of the four elements and channeling a message for them. If you’re subscribed to my mailing list, you already have this in your inbox right now! I do offer a more detailed Monthly Medicine for all 12 (tropical) zodiac signs for $5. You can get your pdf of that here. All members of my private group, The Lavender Field, get the Monthly Medicine as part of their membership. You can join the Lavender Field here.
If you’d rather read the Elemental Medicine on the blog, that works too, as I’ll be uploading the message on the blog each month. Now, on to the important stuff!
Deck Used: The Citadel Fantasy Oracle
Air Signs (Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini)
The Aspirant
Welcome to October, dear Air signs! This month your Elemental Medicine comes in the form of the Aspirant in the upright position. The Aspirant seeks to remind you that life is made up of our daily steps, not just the finish line. When we focus too much on the end goal, we neglect the pitfalls right at our feet! Remember, don’t be so focused on whatever you’re trying to manifest that you ignore the fact that redirections are simply part of life. Encountering problems on our path is a fact of life. Remember this month that challenges will come, as sure as the sun rises. Just hold tight to the knowledge that you will overcome those obstacles however, so try not to get too frazzled.
Water Signs (Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer)
The Priest
Welcome to October, dear Water signs! This month your Elemental Medicine comes in the form of the Priest in the upright position. The Priest speaks to perseverance and faith. This month, the Priest says that you’ve survived a difficult challenge, congratulations! In the wake of that challenge is the hope of something new and beautiful. It can be exhausting, being resilient. Trust me, if no one else understands, I do. You are being asked to sift out the lesson for your past challenge and remain hopeful that the good times are on the way, because they are. So if you find that your hands are too tired to be upheld in prayer, ask your Egun and Spirits to hold you up. Sometimes we must remain faithful in spite of ourselves. Perseverance is rarely easy, so if you find it a challenge this month, I see you. Your faith will be rewarded though, so hold fast to it.
Fire Signs (Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo)
The Mascareri + The Hound
Welcome to October, dear Fire signs! This month two cards flipped out, so your Elemental Medicine comes in the form of the Mascareri and the Hound in the upright position. I’ll tell you right now, this is gonna be a bit of a drag, lmfao. The Mascareri is literally about wearing masks, and who is served when we hide our true selves to fit in. Plainly put, you are being asked to stop being worried about fitting in and instead think through who you actually are, and stand ten toes on it. Yeah, y’all love being the center of attention but are you worried about what people would say or do, if you didn’t perform all the time? Time for a self audit. Make sure who you are inside aligns with the mask you wear. Or better yet, take the mask off completely. The Hound talks about loyalty, chains, and promises. Loyalty is good, my beloved fire signs but loyalty to self is most important. Just as the Mascareri calls you to audit yourself, the Hound calls you to audit your relationships. Are you remaining loyal to old things because of some outdated commitment? Keeping your word is good, but if you’re being taken advantage of in the process? Dead that. Let October be the month where you are honest with yourself about who you are and what contracts around you need to be revised.
Earth Signs (Virgo, Capricorn, and Taurus)
The Sentinel
Welcome to October, dear Earth signs! This month your card flipped out; your Elemental Medicine comes in the form of the Sentinel. The Sentinel speaks to determination and certainty, it represents extreme focus and the security in knowing your position and purpose in the world. Water signs are being asked to keep faith, while you, dear Earth signs, are being asked to remember who you are (Beyoncé told us), and hold the line. Sometimes it feels like you are in the midst of a Nollywood movie and everyone is conspiring against you, this month you are being reminded not to be swayed. Distractions are bound to make their way into your field of vision, but you need to stay calm and focused. If anxiety makes that hard, consider using a white soap, or taking a white bath. However you opt to go about it, remember that focus and commitment is the name of the game this month.
With much love and in the Spirit of further, faster, stronger, and sillier:
Iya Omidele