Join us for a workshop exploring the Ori or head with Siana Orun-Walker, shamanistic songstress and emotional intelligence facilitator. In traditional Yoruba belief, the Ori is the site of one’s consciousness, individuality, and spiritual intuition. All divinities and humans have both a visible Ori (Ori-ode) and an inner spiritual Ori (Ori-Inu). Ori-Inu is closely associated with the fulfillment of one’s destiny and caring for it is central to Yoruba and Yoruba-inspired religions. Orun-Walker will lead participants through several exercises to tap into Ori-Inu, in order to find their purpose in life and propel themselves towards their destiny, and to learn how, as a community, people can support each other in order to move forward together. About the artist Siana Orun-Walker (“Xiana”) is a mediumistic artist and shamanistic songstress who blends ancient chants and modern music to create a sound that uplifts the spirit and inspires the soul. As a student at Marina Abramovic Institute, Xiana was challenged to push past her limits with long durational exercises that helped unlock the true essence of her artistry. Xiana facilitates monthly healing circles and workshops in Los Angeles, Xiana is an initiated Ifa and Osun priestess in the Yoruba spiritual system Ifa and received her title—Adetutu Yeyeodo—in Lagos, Nigeria, from Chief Solagbade Popoola. She has trained with priests in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Brazil, and Nigeria, and completed courses and holds certifications in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and negotiation. As a spiritualist Xiana uses different forms of divination including tarot, oracle cards, xenomancy, clairvoyance, and mediumship. With these skills she empowers her clients to remove unwanted energy from their energetic field, and helps them discover their purpose, inner truth, and highest states of bliss.. Community Conversations are co-curated with artist and abolitionist Patrisse Cullors to commemorate the exhibition The House Was Too Small. These dialogues bring together community partners, leaders, artists, and Ifa practitioners to explore themes celebrating the orisha divinities found in our everyday life.

This program is co-sponsored by the Center for Religion and Cities at Morgan State University, supported by the Henry Luce Foundation. Parking available in UCLA Lot 4, 198 Westwood Plaza, directly off Sunset Blvd; $3/hr or max $15/day. Rideshare drop-off at 305 Royce Dr.

Sponsor(s): Fowler Museum at UCLA