_*IBEJI* - Concept and Manifesto
*IBEJI is actually a spiritual entity, which originally manifested itself in human form as twins, within the indegenous traditions of the Yoruba tribe. 'IBEJI' is infact the Yoruba word for 'TWINS'.
1. The Ibeji Mandate: -
To partner with fellow projects, enterprises, individuals and groups of like-mind for our joint co-operation and mutual benefit.
2. The Ibeji Principle: -
Ibeji is based on the principle that the sum of the whole, is greater than its individual components.
3a. Ibeji Main themes:-
PARTNERSHIP, BALANCE, MUTUALITY, AGREEMENT, COOPERATION, INTEGRATION, HARMONY.
3b. IBEJI Definitions:-
BIOLOGICAL: A twin is....
i. one of two offspring produced in the same pregnancy.
either of two children or animals brought forth at a birth.
ii. Either of two persons or things closely related to or closely resembling each other.
iii. Being one of a pair; identical: a twin bracelet; a twin peak.
iv. Consisting of two similar parts or elements joined or connected: a twin vase.
being two persons or things closely related to or closely resembling each other.
being one of a pair; identical: a twin bracelet; a twin peak.
consisting of two similar parts or elements joined or connected: a twin vase.
v. a verb:
-to bring together in close relationship.
-to furnish a counterpart to or a replica of; match.
-to divide or convert into two, parts, similar items, ie.The old movie palace will be twinned,
making two smaller theaters.
-to link or combine with; ie.The new grocery store is twinned with a restaurant.
-to be paired or coupled.
vi. The constellation Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac. (More info below)
4. RESEARCH on Twins in World Mythology - The magical power of twins ie GEMINI - Various traditions - Yoruba - Orisha Ibeji
Twins appear in the mythologies of many cultures around the world. In some they are seen as ominous and in others they are seen as fortuitous. Twins in mythology are often cast as two halves of the same whole, sharing a bond deeper than that of ordinary siblings, or otherwise shown as fierce rivals. Twins can represents some "other" aspect of the Self, a doppelgänger or a shadow. Often the twin is the "evil twin"[citation needed], or one may be human and one semi-divine. The twin may be a brother, or a soul-mate, such as the "civilized" Gilgamesh and the "wild" Enkidu.
Many cultures have mythic or folkloric explanations for how twins are conceived. In Greek mythology, some twins were conceived when a woman slept with both a mortal and a god on the same day. One of her offspring thereafter had godlike qualities, and the other was an ordinary mortal, such as Heracles and his twin brother Iphicles. In several Native American cultures women avoided eating twin fruits like double almonds and bananas because it was thought to increase the likelihood of twins. In other cultures, twins were attributed to superior virility of the father.
Twins can represent the dualistic nature of the universe. In Greek mythology, Apollo and Artemis are twins, and Apollo was adopted as the sun god with Artemis as the moon goddess. In Xingu mythology of Brazil, the twin brothers Kuat and Iae forced the evil king Urubutsin to give light to the world, and Kuat became the sun with Iae as the moon. In one version of the Egyptian creation myth, the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut were twins. In Zoroastrian mythology, the twins Ahriman and Ahura Mazda represent the spirits of evil and good respectively. Cultures with rival twin heroes often follow this pattern of split moral forces. In a myth of several northeastern Native American tribes, Gluskap, the creator god and cultural hero, has to defeat Malsum, his evil twin, who was the ruler of the demons.
Twins can also be shown as having special powers and deep bonds. In Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux share a bond so strong that when Castor dies, Pollux gives up half of his immortality to be with his brother. This etiologically explains why their constellation, the Discoursi or Gemeni, is only seen half the year, as the twins split their time between the underworld and Mount Olympus. In an aboriginal tale, the same constellation represents the twin lizards who created the plants and animals and saved women from evil spirits. To the Dogon of Mali in West Africa, twinship represents completeness and perfection, symbolized by the deity Nummo. Nummo is actually a set of twins, male and female, and because the creation of the world required a sacrifice, humans can only be one half of the whole, male or female. In many Native American stories, twins are often partners on adventures such as quests.
GEMINI
Gemini in Astrology
Zodiac Symbol: Twins
Duration: (Tropical, Western) 21 May – 21 June (2011, UTC)
Constellation: Gemini
Zodiac Element: Air
Zodiac Quality: Mutable
Sign ruler: Mercury
Detriment: Jupiter
Exaltation: no planet (some say North node)
Fall: no planet (some say South node
Gemini is the third astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the Zodiac between the 60th and 89th degree of celestial longitude. Generally, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between May 21 to June 20 each year (sometimes the dates vary slightly). Individuals born during these dates, whilst the Sun is within this sign, are called Geminians.
Because the Sun's transit through the sign of Gemini concludes at the moment of the summer solstice, the sign is seasonally associated with the transition from spring to summer. Because its period indicates a change of season, it is known as a 'mutable sign', describing an impulse towards change and versatility, and an easy ability to adapt to the demands of the environment.
The sign is governed by Mercury, a planet noted for swift movement and symbolically associated with the interchange of ideas and fluid responses to circumstances. Gemini is also linked with the 'element of air' which represents the mental and social realms, the ability to formulate abstract ideas and to effectively interpret symbols, imagined concepts and communicative signals. As the mutable air sign, governed by a planet which is astrologically given to the principle of transmutation and communication, the symbolic focus of the sign falls upon movement, quick-thinking, free-flowing expression, gesticulation, and spontaneous reaction. The sign is symbolised by 'the twins', which also presents duality: the ability to relate to opposing visions simultaneously, to possess dexterity and a talent for multi-tasking.
Correspondingly, Geminians are said to be curious and to enjoy mental exploration, to be almost always at ease in social situations, to have a talent for writing and reporting, and to enjoy all forms of 'talk', from gossip to political debate. On the negative, they are reputed to have "butterfly minds" which become easily bored, and to shift their allegiances in a way that lacks commitment or loyalty.They are also said to experience discomfort with the expression of deep emotion. For this reason, though praised for being quick and clever, Geminians are also criticised for being elusive, fickle and ill-at-ease with emotional commitment.
GEMINI/TWINS - positively symbolisms:-
brotherhood, communicativeness, detachedness, agility, dexterity, adaptability.
Definitions and Associations, Glyph meaning:
The two vertical and horizontal lines symbolise the duality of the Twins
Quality Masculine: outwardly expressive, extrovert.
Element Air: thought, intellect, ideas, interaction.
Mode (quadruplicity) Mutable: the element in its most fluid form - associated with change and the dissemination of energy
Body part : Shoulders, arms, hands.
Direction: West by south
Bi-corporeal (double-bodied) - all the mutable signs are double-bodied -
Gemini: two twins; Virgo: maiden and bird; Sagittarius: man and horse; Pisces: two fishes.
*They represent the months that join the seasons and signify a dualistic nature that is easily adaptable and can be one thing or another. For this reason the mutable signs are referred to as 'common' signs in traditional terminology.
The ancient Babylonians referred to the constellation as Mastabba Galgal, the 'Great Twins', and commemorated within it the mythical friendship of the demi-god Gilgamesh and his mortal friend Enkidu, who fought against the gods in twelve adventures. Stricken by grief at Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh pursued a quest to ensure his own immortality.
Classical mythology developed this ancient myth into the tale of the egg-born brothers Castor and Pollux, born to their mother Leda after she was seduced by Zeus in the guise of a swan. Their consummation, on the same night as Leda lay with her husband, Sparta's King Tyndareus resulted in the birth of immortal Pollux, who possessed great physical strength, and mortal Castor who possessed great ingenuity. Upon Castor's death Pollux begged Zeus to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together and they were transformed into the Gemini constellation.
The classical myth is said to demonstrate the mutual reliance of conscious reasoning and unconscious belief to indicate "acute polarisation of the spiritual and material, alternation between the extremes of rational logic and instinctive belief, and the quest to reconcile all contradictions in a central threshold where reason and belief, intellect and emotion, masculinity and femininity, merge into one". Juan Eduardo Cirlot also reports that the Gemini motif is essentially a symbol of opposites, inversions and alternating contradictions between life and death and positives and negatives. Cirlot points out that a study of the Gemini-myth in megalithic culture shows that it has two tendencies: "one white and the other black; one creates, the other destroys; both these characteristics are indicated by the arms of each of the Twins, which in landscape symbolism are identical with the river of youth and the river of death".
5. BIBLICAL - Jacob and Esau, other twins in the bible:-
Esau and Jacob - 'And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb'.(Genesis 25:24 )
There's also Perez and Zerah in Genesis 38, the twins produced by Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar. What a family-
'When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.'(Genesis 38:27-30)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:-
'Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.'
*Ibeji in The Yoruba tradition
The Yoruba are a major African ethnic group; in their culture twins are traditionally very important beings. In the Yoruba language "ibeji" literally means "twins". In the Yoruba tradition there is a Spiritual Entity that represents twins called Orisha Ibeji or Orisa Ibeji.
Traditionally, when twins were born, the parents would visit a Babalawo, meaning, "father of mysteries", to find out their wishes. The first of the twins to be born is traditionally named Taiyewo or Tayewo, (which means 'the first to taste the world'); this is often shortened to Taiwo, Taiye, or Taye. Kehinde, "the last to come", is the name of the last-born twin. These are what could be called "celestial" Yoruba names; names due to birth circumstances. The child after the twins is called "Idowu" regardless of the sex, a boy or a girl. "Alaba" is the one after Idowu, either a boy or a girl, which is usually followed by Oni and Ola or "Idogbe", etc.
It is said that Kehinde sends Taiyewo to check out what life is like on earth and to tell him (or her) whether it is good. Therefore, Taiyewo goes as sent by Kehinde, and becomes the first child to be born. He then communicates to Kehinde spiritually (believed to be from the way he cries) whether life is going to be good or not. The reply determines if Kehinde will be born alive or stillborn. Both return to where they came from if the reply from Taiyewo is not good enough for both of them.
Taiyewo is believed to be mostly the quiet, calmer, and introverted of the twins, while Kehinde is mostly believed to be the extroverted one. The Yoruba believe that both twins share one soul.
1. The Ibeji Mandate: -
To partner with fellow projects, enterprises, individuals and groups of like-mind for our joint co-operation and mutual benefit.
2. The Ibeji Principle: -
Ibeji is based on the principle that the sum of the whole, is greater than its individual components.
3a. Ibeji Main themes:-
PARTNERSHIP, BALANCE, MUTUALITY, AGREEMENT, COOPERATION, INTEGRATION, HARMONY.
3b. IBEJI Definitions:-
BIOLOGICAL: A twin is....
i. one of two offspring produced in the same pregnancy.
either of two children or animals brought forth at a birth.
ii. Either of two persons or things closely related to or closely resembling each other.
iii. Being one of a pair; identical: a twin bracelet; a twin peak.
iv. Consisting of two similar parts or elements joined or connected: a twin vase.
being two persons or things closely related to or closely resembling each other.
being one of a pair; identical: a twin bracelet; a twin peak.
consisting of two similar parts or elements joined or connected: a twin vase.
v. a verb:
-to bring together in close relationship.
-to furnish a counterpart to or a replica of; match.
-to divide or convert into two, parts, similar items, ie.The old movie palace will be twinned,
making two smaller theaters.
-to link or combine with; ie.The new grocery store is twinned with a restaurant.
-to be paired or coupled.
vi. The constellation Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac. (More info below)
4. RESEARCH on Twins in World Mythology - The magical power of twins ie GEMINI - Various traditions - Yoruba - Orisha Ibeji
Twins appear in the mythologies of many cultures around the world. In some they are seen as ominous and in others they are seen as fortuitous. Twins in mythology are often cast as two halves of the same whole, sharing a bond deeper than that of ordinary siblings, or otherwise shown as fierce rivals. Twins can represents some "other" aspect of the Self, a doppelgänger or a shadow. Often the twin is the "evil twin"[citation needed], or one may be human and one semi-divine. The twin may be a brother, or a soul-mate, such as the "civilized" Gilgamesh and the "wild" Enkidu.
Many cultures have mythic or folkloric explanations for how twins are conceived. In Greek mythology, some twins were conceived when a woman slept with both a mortal and a god on the same day. One of her offspring thereafter had godlike qualities, and the other was an ordinary mortal, such as Heracles and his twin brother Iphicles. In several Native American cultures women avoided eating twin fruits like double almonds and bananas because it was thought to increase the likelihood of twins. In other cultures, twins were attributed to superior virility of the father.
Twins can represent the dualistic nature of the universe. In Greek mythology, Apollo and Artemis are twins, and Apollo was adopted as the sun god with Artemis as the moon goddess. In Xingu mythology of Brazil, the twin brothers Kuat and Iae forced the evil king Urubutsin to give light to the world, and Kuat became the sun with Iae as the moon. In one version of the Egyptian creation myth, the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut were twins. In Zoroastrian mythology, the twins Ahriman and Ahura Mazda represent the spirits of evil and good respectively. Cultures with rival twin heroes often follow this pattern of split moral forces. In a myth of several northeastern Native American tribes, Gluskap, the creator god and cultural hero, has to defeat Malsum, his evil twin, who was the ruler of the demons.
Twins can also be shown as having special powers and deep bonds. In Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux share a bond so strong that when Castor dies, Pollux gives up half of his immortality to be with his brother. This etiologically explains why their constellation, the Discoursi or Gemeni, is only seen half the year, as the twins split their time between the underworld and Mount Olympus. In an aboriginal tale, the same constellation represents the twin lizards who created the plants and animals and saved women from evil spirits. To the Dogon of Mali in West Africa, twinship represents completeness and perfection, symbolized by the deity Nummo. Nummo is actually a set of twins, male and female, and because the creation of the world required a sacrifice, humans can only be one half of the whole, male or female. In many Native American stories, twins are often partners on adventures such as quests.
GEMINI
Gemini in Astrology
Zodiac Symbol: Twins
Duration: (Tropical, Western) 21 May – 21 June (2011, UTC)
Constellation: Gemini
Zodiac Element: Air
Zodiac Quality: Mutable
Sign ruler: Mercury
Detriment: Jupiter
Exaltation: no planet (some say North node)
Fall: no planet (some say South node
Gemini is the third astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the Zodiac between the 60th and 89th degree of celestial longitude. Generally, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between May 21 to June 20 each year (sometimes the dates vary slightly). Individuals born during these dates, whilst the Sun is within this sign, are called Geminians.
Because the Sun's transit through the sign of Gemini concludes at the moment of the summer solstice, the sign is seasonally associated with the transition from spring to summer. Because its period indicates a change of season, it is known as a 'mutable sign', describing an impulse towards change and versatility, and an easy ability to adapt to the demands of the environment.
The sign is governed by Mercury, a planet noted for swift movement and symbolically associated with the interchange of ideas and fluid responses to circumstances. Gemini is also linked with the 'element of air' which represents the mental and social realms, the ability to formulate abstract ideas and to effectively interpret symbols, imagined concepts and communicative signals. As the mutable air sign, governed by a planet which is astrologically given to the principle of transmutation and communication, the symbolic focus of the sign falls upon movement, quick-thinking, free-flowing expression, gesticulation, and spontaneous reaction. The sign is symbolised by 'the twins', which also presents duality: the ability to relate to opposing visions simultaneously, to possess dexterity and a talent for multi-tasking.
Correspondingly, Geminians are said to be curious and to enjoy mental exploration, to be almost always at ease in social situations, to have a talent for writing and reporting, and to enjoy all forms of 'talk', from gossip to political debate. On the negative, they are reputed to have "butterfly minds" which become easily bored, and to shift their allegiances in a way that lacks commitment or loyalty.They are also said to experience discomfort with the expression of deep emotion. For this reason, though praised for being quick and clever, Geminians are also criticised for being elusive, fickle and ill-at-ease with emotional commitment.
GEMINI/TWINS - positively symbolisms:-
brotherhood, communicativeness, detachedness, agility, dexterity, adaptability.
Definitions and Associations, Glyph meaning:
The two vertical and horizontal lines symbolise the duality of the Twins
Quality Masculine: outwardly expressive, extrovert.
Element Air: thought, intellect, ideas, interaction.
Mode (quadruplicity) Mutable: the element in its most fluid form - associated with change and the dissemination of energy
Body part : Shoulders, arms, hands.
Direction: West by south
Bi-corporeal (double-bodied) - all the mutable signs are double-bodied -
Gemini: two twins; Virgo: maiden and bird; Sagittarius: man and horse; Pisces: two fishes.
*They represent the months that join the seasons and signify a dualistic nature that is easily adaptable and can be one thing or another. For this reason the mutable signs are referred to as 'common' signs in traditional terminology.
The ancient Babylonians referred to the constellation as Mastabba Galgal, the 'Great Twins', and commemorated within it the mythical friendship of the demi-god Gilgamesh and his mortal friend Enkidu, who fought against the gods in twelve adventures. Stricken by grief at Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh pursued a quest to ensure his own immortality.
Classical mythology developed this ancient myth into the tale of the egg-born brothers Castor and Pollux, born to their mother Leda after she was seduced by Zeus in the guise of a swan. Their consummation, on the same night as Leda lay with her husband, Sparta's King Tyndareus resulted in the birth of immortal Pollux, who possessed great physical strength, and mortal Castor who possessed great ingenuity. Upon Castor's death Pollux begged Zeus to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together and they were transformed into the Gemini constellation.
The classical myth is said to demonstrate the mutual reliance of conscious reasoning and unconscious belief to indicate "acute polarisation of the spiritual and material, alternation between the extremes of rational logic and instinctive belief, and the quest to reconcile all contradictions in a central threshold where reason and belief, intellect and emotion, masculinity and femininity, merge into one". Juan Eduardo Cirlot also reports that the Gemini motif is essentially a symbol of opposites, inversions and alternating contradictions between life and death and positives and negatives. Cirlot points out that a study of the Gemini-myth in megalithic culture shows that it has two tendencies: "one white and the other black; one creates, the other destroys; both these characteristics are indicated by the arms of each of the Twins, which in landscape symbolism are identical with the river of youth and the river of death".
5. BIBLICAL - Jacob and Esau, other twins in the bible:-
Esau and Jacob - 'And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb'.(Genesis 25:24 )
There's also Perez and Zerah in Genesis 38, the twins produced by Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar. What a family-
'When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.'(Genesis 38:27-30)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:-
'Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.'
*Ibeji in The Yoruba tradition
The Yoruba are a major African ethnic group; in their culture twins are traditionally very important beings. In the Yoruba language "ibeji" literally means "twins". In the Yoruba tradition there is a Spiritual Entity that represents twins called Orisha Ibeji or Orisa Ibeji.
Traditionally, when twins were born, the parents would visit a Babalawo, meaning, "father of mysteries", to find out their wishes. The first of the twins to be born is traditionally named Taiyewo or Tayewo, (which means 'the first to taste the world'); this is often shortened to Taiwo, Taiye, or Taye. Kehinde, "the last to come", is the name of the last-born twin. These are what could be called "celestial" Yoruba names; names due to birth circumstances. The child after the twins is called "Idowu" regardless of the sex, a boy or a girl. "Alaba" is the one after Idowu, either a boy or a girl, which is usually followed by Oni and Ola or "Idogbe", etc.
It is said that Kehinde sends Taiyewo to check out what life is like on earth and to tell him (or her) whether it is good. Therefore, Taiyewo goes as sent by Kehinde, and becomes the first child to be born. He then communicates to Kehinde spiritually (believed to be from the way he cries) whether life is going to be good or not. The reply determines if Kehinde will be born alive or stillborn. Both return to where they came from if the reply from Taiyewo is not good enough for both of them.
Taiyewo is believed to be mostly the quiet, calmer, and introverted of the twins, while Kehinde is mostly believed to be the extroverted one. The Yoruba believe that both twins share one soul.
_Yoruba Ibeji Twins -
_ Carved wooden figures (early
20th-century) in the permanent collection of The Children’s Museum of
Indianapolis.
These figures are called ere ibeji. Ibi means born, eji means two, and ere means sacred image. The figure remains as respected and as powerful as the person it represents.)
The Magical Powers Of Ibeji
It has been believed according to traditional Yoruba oracle that Ibeji were not ordinary children, but were possessed of great powers and were of divine origin. They would bring good fortune to those who were benevolent towards them, but if they were neglected or abused then such abusers would incur the wrath of the orisa-ibeji, a deity who protects twins. It has been believed that a set of twins brings great prosperity to the bearers, family and surrounding community.
Other West African Myths About Twins.
Twins: Liza and Mawu
Liza
Liza is a deity of the Fon people who live in Benin, West Africa. Liza is associated with the Sun, which is regarded by African people as fierce. Liza is depicted as male and inseparable from his partner, Mawu, who is associated with the Moon. Mawu and Liza were also regarded as twins. Their unity represented the order of the universe. Liza is said to dwell in the East, and Mawu in the West. Mawu and Liza were born from Nana Buluku, who created the world.
In a different legend, Mawu and Liza were the creators. They used their son, Gu, to shape the world. Gu, the divine tool, was in the shape of an iron sword. He taught the people the art of ironworking, so they could make their own tools and shelter. Unfortunately, Gu did not know humans would use their knowledge to make weapons. With the help of the cosmic serpent, Da, their ideas came to life.
Liza was also the god of day, heat, work and strength. Mawu was the goddess of night, fertility, rest and motherhood. When there is an eclipse, it is said that Mawu and Liza were making love.
Mawu
Mawu is the supreme creator god according to the Fon people of Abomey (Republic of Benin). Mawu represented the Moon that brings the night and cooler temperature in the African world. Mawu is depicted as an old mother who dwells in the West. Coolness is an expression of wisdom and age for the Fon people.
Mawu has a partner called Liza that is associated with the Sun. Mawu and Liza are regarded as an unseparable unity at the basis of the universal order. Together they created the universe. They used their son Gu, the divine tool, to shape the world. They were also aided by the cosmic serpent, Da. Mawu and Liza were twins.
When there is an eclipse of the Sun or the Moon, the Fon people think that Mawu and Liza are making love. Mawu and Liza are the parents of seven pairs of twins. These twins are gods with different domains. Mawu is the goddess of fertility, joy and rest. Liza is the god of day, heat and strength.
Other Traditional World Myths About Twins
1.The story of the Hero Twins in the Popol Vuh is a tale of a battle between the forces of good and evil.
2. Greek: Castor and Pollux -Heroic Spartan brothers, who rescued their sister Helen from Theseus. The Hero Twins also sailed with the Argonauts. Castor was mortal while his brother Polydeuces qualified to be admitted to the godly congregation on Mount Olympus. They are eternally joined in the night sky as a constellation.
3. Greek: Artemis - The Virgin Goddess of the Moon and twin sister of Apollo.
4 .Native American - Navajo Twins and the Great Mother -The Twins free the earth from all sorts of monsters, creating order out of the prevalent chaos.
5. Rome: Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars and the Vestal Rhea Silvia, were the mythical founders of Rome.
6. Yin and yang -
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only exist in relation to each other. The concept lies at the origins of many branches of classical Chinese science and philosophy, as well as being a primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine, and a central principle of different forms of Chinese martial arts and exercise, such as baguazhang, taijiquan (tai chi), and qigong (Chi Kung) and of I Ching divination. Many natural dualities—e.g. dark and light, female and male, low and high, cold and hot— are thought of as manifestations of yin and yang (respectively). Yin yang are not opposing forces (dualities), butcomplementary opposites that interact within a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects as light cannot exist without darkness and vice-versa, but either of these aspects may manifest more strongly in particular objects, and may ebb or flow over time. The concept of yin and yang is often symbolized by various forms of the Taijitu symbol, for which it is probably best known in western cultures.
These figures are called ere ibeji. Ibi means born, eji means two, and ere means sacred image. The figure remains as respected and as powerful as the person it represents.)
The Magical Powers Of Ibeji
It has been believed according to traditional Yoruba oracle that Ibeji were not ordinary children, but were possessed of great powers and were of divine origin. They would bring good fortune to those who were benevolent towards them, but if they were neglected or abused then such abusers would incur the wrath of the orisa-ibeji, a deity who protects twins. It has been believed that a set of twins brings great prosperity to the bearers, family and surrounding community.
Other West African Myths About Twins.
Twins: Liza and Mawu
Liza
Liza is a deity of the Fon people who live in Benin, West Africa. Liza is associated with the Sun, which is regarded by African people as fierce. Liza is depicted as male and inseparable from his partner, Mawu, who is associated with the Moon. Mawu and Liza were also regarded as twins. Their unity represented the order of the universe. Liza is said to dwell in the East, and Mawu in the West. Mawu and Liza were born from Nana Buluku, who created the world.
In a different legend, Mawu and Liza were the creators. They used their son, Gu, to shape the world. Gu, the divine tool, was in the shape of an iron sword. He taught the people the art of ironworking, so they could make their own tools and shelter. Unfortunately, Gu did not know humans would use their knowledge to make weapons. With the help of the cosmic serpent, Da, their ideas came to life.
Liza was also the god of day, heat, work and strength. Mawu was the goddess of night, fertility, rest and motherhood. When there is an eclipse, it is said that Mawu and Liza were making love.
Mawu
Mawu is the supreme creator god according to the Fon people of Abomey (Republic of Benin). Mawu represented the Moon that brings the night and cooler temperature in the African world. Mawu is depicted as an old mother who dwells in the West. Coolness is an expression of wisdom and age for the Fon people.
Mawu has a partner called Liza that is associated with the Sun. Mawu and Liza are regarded as an unseparable unity at the basis of the universal order. Together they created the universe. They used their son Gu, the divine tool, to shape the world. They were also aided by the cosmic serpent, Da. Mawu and Liza were twins.
When there is an eclipse of the Sun or the Moon, the Fon people think that Mawu and Liza are making love. Mawu and Liza are the parents of seven pairs of twins. These twins are gods with different domains. Mawu is the goddess of fertility, joy and rest. Liza is the god of day, heat and strength.
Other Traditional World Myths About Twins
1.The story of the Hero Twins in the Popol Vuh is a tale of a battle between the forces of good and evil.
2. Greek: Castor and Pollux -Heroic Spartan brothers, who rescued their sister Helen from Theseus. The Hero Twins also sailed with the Argonauts. Castor was mortal while his brother Polydeuces qualified to be admitted to the godly congregation on Mount Olympus. They are eternally joined in the night sky as a constellation.
3. Greek: Artemis - The Virgin Goddess of the Moon and twin sister of Apollo.
4 .Native American - Navajo Twins and the Great Mother -The Twins free the earth from all sorts of monsters, creating order out of the prevalent chaos.
5. Rome: Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars and the Vestal Rhea Silvia, were the mythical founders of Rome.
6. Yin and yang -
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only exist in relation to each other. The concept lies at the origins of many branches of classical Chinese science and philosophy, as well as being a primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine, and a central principle of different forms of Chinese martial arts and exercise, such as baguazhang, taijiquan (tai chi), and qigong (Chi Kung) and of I Ching divination. Many natural dualities—e.g. dark and light, female and male, low and high, cold and hot— are thought of as manifestations of yin and yang (respectively). Yin yang are not opposing forces (dualities), butcomplementary opposites that interact within a greater whole, as part of a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects as light cannot exist without darkness and vice-versa, but either of these aspects may manifest more strongly in particular objects, and may ebb or flow over time. The concept of yin and yang is often symbolized by various forms of the Taijitu symbol, for which it is probably best known in western cultures.
_ The Yin Yang symbol
_There is a perception
(especially in the West) that yin and yang correspond to evil and good.
However, Taoist philosophy generally discounts good/bad distinctions and
other dichotomous moral judgments, in preference to the idea of
balance. Confucianism (most notably the philosophy of Dong Zhongshu, c.
the 2nd century BCE) did attach a moral dimension to the idea of yin and
yang, but the modern sense of the term largely stems from Buddhist
adaptations of Taoist philosophy.
In Taoist philosophy, shade and light (?) yin and yang, arrives in the dàodéji-ng (???) at Chapter 42.[9] It becomes sensible from an initial quiescence or emptiness (wuji, sometimes symbolized by an empty circle), and continues moving until quiescence is reached again. For instance, dropping a stone in a calm pool of water will simultaneously raise waves and lower troughs between them, and this alternation of high and low points in the water will radiate outward until the movement dissipates and the pool is calm once more. Yin and yang thus are always opposite and equal qualities. Further, whenever one quality reaches its peak, it will naturally begin to transform into the opposite quality: for example, grain that reaches its full height in summer (fully yang) will produce seeds and die back in winter (fully yin) in an endless cycle.
It is impossible to talk about yin or yang without some reference to the opposite, since yin and yang are bound together as parts of a mutual whole (i.e. you cannot have the back of a hand without the front). A way to illustrate this idea is to postulate the notion of a race with only men or only women; this race would disappear in a single generation. Yet, men and women together create new generations that allow the race they mutually create (and mutually come from) to survive. The interaction of the two gives birth to things. Yin and yang transform each other: like an undertow in the ocean, every advance is complemented by a retreat, and every rise transforms into a fall. Thus, a seed will sprout from the earth and grow upwards towards the sky – an intrinsically yang movement. Then, when it reaches its full potential height, it will fall.
Yin YANG Symbol and its importance in relation to IBEJI
Yin is the black side with the white dot on it and yang is the white side with the black dot on it. The relationship between yin and yang is often described in terms of sunlight playing over a mountain and in the valley. Yin (literally the 'shady place' or 'north slope') is the dark area occluded by the mountain's bulk, while yang (literally the 'sunny place' or 'south slope') is the brightly lit portion. As the sun moves across the sky, yin and yang gradually trade places with each other, revealing what was obscured and obscuring what was revealed.
Yin is often characterized as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, and passive; and is associated with water, earth, the moon, femininity and nighttime.
Yang, by contrast, is fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, and aggressive; and is associated with fire, sky, the sun, masculinity and daytime.
The Taijitu symbol shown above, is one of the oldest and best-known life symbols in the world, but few understand its full meaning. It represents one of the most fundamental and profound theories of ancient Taoist philosophy. At its heart are the two poles of existence, which are opposite but complementary. The light, white Yang moving up blends into the dark, black Yin moving down. Yin and Yang are dependent opposing forces that flow in a natural cycle, always seeking balance. Though they are opposing, they are not in opposition to one another. As part of the Tao, they are merely two aspects of a single reality. Each contains the seed of the other, which is why we see a black spot of Yin in the white Yang and vice versa. They do not merely replace each other but actually become each other through the constant flow of the universe.
Conclusion
The above information highlights the basic premise of IBEJI.
Ibeji is therefore not merely an ideology, but a vibrant and practical force.
Ibeji is an emanation of the direct manifestation of the dual opposites of nature
in their most complementary, interdependent and balancing aspects.
Ibeji is therefore the celestial expression, of a sacred trust.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researched and Compiled by Rev.Bola for: *IBEJI* Worldwide Partnerships
In Taoist philosophy, shade and light (?) yin and yang, arrives in the dàodéji-ng (???) at Chapter 42.[9] It becomes sensible from an initial quiescence or emptiness (wuji, sometimes symbolized by an empty circle), and continues moving until quiescence is reached again. For instance, dropping a stone in a calm pool of water will simultaneously raise waves and lower troughs between them, and this alternation of high and low points in the water will radiate outward until the movement dissipates and the pool is calm once more. Yin and yang thus are always opposite and equal qualities. Further, whenever one quality reaches its peak, it will naturally begin to transform into the opposite quality: for example, grain that reaches its full height in summer (fully yang) will produce seeds and die back in winter (fully yin) in an endless cycle.
It is impossible to talk about yin or yang without some reference to the opposite, since yin and yang are bound together as parts of a mutual whole (i.e. you cannot have the back of a hand without the front). A way to illustrate this idea is to postulate the notion of a race with only men or only women; this race would disappear in a single generation. Yet, men and women together create new generations that allow the race they mutually create (and mutually come from) to survive. The interaction of the two gives birth to things. Yin and yang transform each other: like an undertow in the ocean, every advance is complemented by a retreat, and every rise transforms into a fall. Thus, a seed will sprout from the earth and grow upwards towards the sky – an intrinsically yang movement. Then, when it reaches its full potential height, it will fall.
Yin YANG Symbol and its importance in relation to IBEJI
Yin is the black side with the white dot on it and yang is the white side with the black dot on it. The relationship between yin and yang is often described in terms of sunlight playing over a mountain and in the valley. Yin (literally the 'shady place' or 'north slope') is the dark area occluded by the mountain's bulk, while yang (literally the 'sunny place' or 'south slope') is the brightly lit portion. As the sun moves across the sky, yin and yang gradually trade places with each other, revealing what was obscured and obscuring what was revealed.
Yin is often characterized as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, and passive; and is associated with water, earth, the moon, femininity and nighttime.
Yang, by contrast, is fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, and aggressive; and is associated with fire, sky, the sun, masculinity and daytime.
The Taijitu symbol shown above, is one of the oldest and best-known life symbols in the world, but few understand its full meaning. It represents one of the most fundamental and profound theories of ancient Taoist philosophy. At its heart are the two poles of existence, which are opposite but complementary. The light, white Yang moving up blends into the dark, black Yin moving down. Yin and Yang are dependent opposing forces that flow in a natural cycle, always seeking balance. Though they are opposing, they are not in opposition to one another. As part of the Tao, they are merely two aspects of a single reality. Each contains the seed of the other, which is why we see a black spot of Yin in the white Yang and vice versa. They do not merely replace each other but actually become each other through the constant flow of the universe.
Conclusion
The above information highlights the basic premise of IBEJI.
Ibeji is therefore not merely an ideology, but a vibrant and practical force.
Ibeji is an emanation of the direct manifestation of the dual opposites of nature
in their most complementary, interdependent and balancing aspects.
Ibeji is therefore the celestial expression, of a sacred trust.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Researched and Compiled by Rev.Bola for: *IBEJI* Worldwide Partnerships