Nana Baakan Agyiriwah - Cultural/Spiritual Bio

I have been extensively involved in my own spiritual development for over 30 years. I have also assisted in the spiritual and  mental development of a number of clients as part of the work that I do. Anything that I may teach has been applied to my personal life with great results. I am an ordained minister as well as an initiated Priestess of the Akan Spiritual Tradition of Ghana West Africa.

I began my journey when I was born into this incarnation and have done much study in spirituality through my journey through Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, the Tao and various African Traditions, i.e., Yoruba, Voodoo, Kemetic and Akan. I am presently giving workshops/discussion called.. "Entering the Mystic Realms" where we discuss Dream Interpretations and Metaphysics.

I am a Mental Health Professional, an Educator, Entrepreneur and Healer. My varied travels and studies through: Education, Spirituality, Health & Wellness has allowed me to be able access and be accessible to people from a variety of backgrounds and persuasions. As a business owner I have acquired various skills in Business Management, Marketing and Information Systems related to the business.

I am a performing artist, Managing Director/Founder of The "Voices Of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble. . As a performing artists, I have acquired skills in the West African Arts, Cultural and Traditional/Non-Traditional Music.  I have used my skills as a Seamstress/Tailor to outfit the Entire Ensemble.

There are many facets to who I am on this plane, in short, I consider myself a Metaphysician.

I wish to facilitate the expansion of each person's awareness, allowing their own soul inclinations to come forth and answer some questions for them that may be puzzling to them. The path towards Spiritual Consciousness and Awareness is full of many turns, ups and downs. So I am there to comfort them and bring as much understanding as I can to them with the help of the Most High.

ON THE I CHING

All Praises to the Most High that Dwells within all of us!

Studying the I Ching, really helps to put a perspective on the yin-yang principle. 3d reality on all 3d planets are challenged with finding that middle ground between duality. Once we can meet and maintain that middle ground.. we can ascend to the 4th and then on to the 5th dimension.

The I Ching says, take not gain or loss to heart. It tells us to express the same emotion/feelings when things are good and when things are not so good. It stresses the middle of the road mentality, knowing we are very emotional as human beings.

It teaches us that after every fall is a climb and after every climb there is a fall. It cautions us against extremes and tells us that we experience these ups and downs because we have tipped our own scale towards one extreme or the other. It is a very, very useful tool, I must say:)

Believe it or not, I have more I Ching students/clients than I ever had Akan godchildren. Each day, I understand more and more why because it was really getting to me at one point.

I realize that it is more important to teach people about balance and the need to remain centered than it is to go on and on about this protocol or that protocol, this ritual or that ritual. Too often we get caught up in the display and lose sight of the meaning, the I Ching talks about that too.

It takes a lot of studying over years to grasp just what the I Ching is talking about. I been at it for 30+ years and I still have a ways to go. It peaks your intuition and that's a really good thing, you know.

BTW, if you wish to get an I Ching reading, feel free to contact me. I prefer doing them in person, but we can work out the distance issue if you cannot get to me. No worries:)

The I Ching on Wikipedia
The I Ching has been used for more than 5000 years
Free I Ching Readings at Tarot.com

What is my mission?

 

Nana Baakan Agyiriwah, Metaphysician/Akan Priestess 

1. What is your mission and is it spelled out clearly? 

My mission is to bring to the masses the messages I have received from my study internal and external study, about the Metaphysical world and how a conscious access to the Mystical/Spiritual world can improve the individuals understanding of what is going on in and around their world.

2. Secondly, why would anyone be interested in your mission?

Anyone would be interested if they feel drawn to the topics we discuss and want to learn/share more. I believe the Universe has received my intention and will provide an opportunity for this expression in this plane/dimension.

3. I for one don't have a clue as to what the Mystic Realm is.

The term Mystic Realm is an overall title for the gatherings. A title designed to be inclusive of various spiritual approaches to understanding the workings of the Spirit World.

4. Who are you to offer lessons on the Mystic Realm? I mean you might know what your all about but who else does? 

First off, I have been extensively involved in my own spiritual development for over 30 years. Anything that I may teach has been applied to my personal life with great results. I am an ordained minister as well as an initiated Priestess of the Akan Spiritual Tradition of Ghana West Africa. Anyone who knows me, knows that much about me. There are many facets to who I am on this plane, and for sure there is certainly many who do not know my many facets, no matter how close to me they may feel they are. The path that I am on, is not to be broadcast in its entirety to everyone for most folks would not even understand what I am talking about. In these discussions, I only wish to facilitate the expansion of each person's awareness, allowing their own soul inclinations to come forth and answer some questions for them that may be puzzling to them. The path towards Spiritual Consciousness and Awareness is full of many turns, ups and downs. So I am there to comfort them and bring as much understanding as I can to them with the help of the Most High. I am also a Mental Health professional, in the business for 20 years, and a pretty good one at that.

5. Why would I want to give you money? 

In the Spirit world, to give is to receive, so anyone who gives will be blessed with a gift in return. In reality, we live in a 3rd dimensional world, we pay for college, education, books, access to knowledge from a variety of sources. While we may be discussing the Unseen World, the Unseen World has a major impact on the seen world. Understanding that; we manipulate reality to manage and take care of our basic needs in this physicality. Also, I have to pay for the venue I am using for these talks, sir!

6. Why would I want to know about the mystic realm in the first place?

You, may or may not want to know. That is your choice. There is on obligation for you to come and learn. You have the free will to reject or accept it. This is not a business in the commercial sense. This is an apparatus, one of many, for spiritual growth and development. An apparatus to understand the Law of One and the meaning of why we are all here. It will bring some clarity to the Earth Changes we are experiencing and the dynamic spiritual times we are in. It is not a church, temple or place of worship. It is a sacred space based upon the idea of wanting to heal, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is an effort to unite with others in Oneness, Understanding, Wisdom and Knowledge about who we each are as individuals, where we come from and discovering our mission here on this planet.

7. These are not personal questions of mine. These are marketing questions for anyone who wants to start a business or is requesting money.

I have written several business plans in my day. I have been running my own business for many, many years.. I am aware of the need to have certain things in place, especially if you are asking for money. But this is not a commercial capitalistic business. In fact, this is simply the business of giving to others who may feel the need to know. It is a divine Mission that is and has been a part of my reality since the day I was born. It is a manifestation of my will/commitment to do what I have been asked to do by the Most High.

Definitions - What is Metaphysics

Definition Of Metaphysics

 

The word metaphysics, or metaphysic, was coined by the ancient Greeks, “meta” meaning “beyond or after” and “physic” meaning “physical,” therefore metaphysics meant to the Greeks “beyond or after the physical.”

According to Webster’s Dictionary, Banner Press, NY, 1978, metaphysics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the origin and structure of the universe.

According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard College Dictionary, Funk & Wagnalls, NY, 1973 metaphysics is: The branch of philosophy that investigates principles of reality transcending those of any particular science, traditionally including cosmology, ontology, and speculative philosophy.

Ontology: The branch of metaphysics dealing with the philosophical theory of reality, including consideration of the universal and necessary characteristics of all existence, also, a particular theory of reality.

Cosmology: The general philosophy of the universe considered as a totality of parts and phenomena subject to laws.

A Kwanza Gift - Universal Perspective by Nana Baakan Agyiriwah

I offer this Gift in the Spirit of Kuumba, Creativity,the 6th Principle of Kwanzaa.

This Page is dedicated to:

My Family: Spiritual & Biological

My Friends: Close & Far

My Loved Ones: Old & New

I pray for guidance from my inner divinity to express on this page, words that reach your heart, mind and spirit, in a way that uplifts, enriches and mobilizes you towards positive growth and change. I pray that as this expression develops for you in your righteous personal and interpersonal pursuits, that the Wheel of Karma will turn your blessings over and over again and that these blessings will extend into the Universe and back again, touching me as I am giving thanks for you. I pray that it is understood that this wish goes out to you no matter your race, creed, ethnicity, nation of origin, financial status, etc. I pray that it is understood that this wish is extended to you because you have come under the umbrella of my life and have changed me for the better in uncountable ways.

Praises Be.

As I am sure we are all aware of, there are now dozens of web sites giving out information about Kwanzaa and its purpose in the African American community here in the US. Over the past few years I have sent out individual Kwanzaa greetings to acknowledge each day. This year I will take a bit of a departure and use this page to discuss each principle and what it means to me. I feel that it is important to talk about Kwanzaa. But for me there is a deeper recognition of the Kwanzaa principles that transcend the colloquial and give me the inclination that the Kwanzaa principles are universal principles that each and everyone of us can adopt in our lives. I no longer feel that it is a missionary vehicle to upgrade and uplift the African American , caught in the vestiges of the American society, but that rightly applied these principles can upgrade all of humanity who have fallen to what the contradiction of what these principles express. I believe that there is a global need to apply these principles to all conscionable human being who cares about the state of affairs of our world and who more importantly realizes their impact on every particle of existence.

So, I am duly inspired to extend an universal Kwanzaa Gift to Humanity,

ALL Of US!

What's The News?

Each day of Kwanzaa we ask this question.

The response is the principle of the day or one of the:

Seven Principles

Seven is esteemed as a powerful and sacred number. It tries to establish a philosophy by which to live and attempts to penetrate the mystery behind its existence. 7 ushers into the cycle of physical completion without apparent effort. Goals that have been long sought are now magically attained. It is used in many rituals throughout the world and holds major significance in its impact on the physical, spiritual and emotional body. As each day Kwanzaa of evolves, it is acknowledged as one of these power days, or power numbers. Each day of Kwanzaa is assigned a principle, which is supported with the eventuality that each principle well take root and be nourished due to its alignment with the number 7.

1. Umoja - Unity

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Let's reach all of humanity and understand the importance of unifying ourselves on the deepest level. Looking withing ourselves and finding shelter within the principle of oneness. A oneness that supersedes separation, one from our neighbor, but a oneness that acknowledges all of our reality as an extension of ourselves, the good, the bad and the ugly. Let's walk with what we can be proud of and learn from what may make us bow our heads in shame, in connecting with all and the few, as one, as the ultimate and eternal expression that condenses us to one dot in the Universe.
 

Left: Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church is proud to announce the 11th season of "Umoja," which runs April 23-25. "Umoja" is a culturally diverse stage play that celebrates the rich history of African-Americans through drama, music and dance. This year's theme invites everyone to "Catch the Spirit!"

2. Kujichagulia - Self Determination

To define, name, create for and speak for ourselves insted of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others.

It is the design of societal traditions and custome to impart and perpetuate itself so that it can remain in existence. But when one society defames another according to its own standards of right and wrong then the boundaries are crossed which threaten the societal fiber. Additionally, if a parent culture uses intimidation, coercion, defamation and slander to incriminate its members, it is at risk of destroying its fiber internally. Human beings will always reflect their parent culture. Responsible human beings will position themselves to embrace that which perpetuates and supports self-esteem and find viable ways to dismantle that which does not. In reaching out to all of Humanity, we cannot spew onto others the bite and the sting of that which brings about self hatred, lest we become the mouthpiece of the oppressors themselves.
Adinkra symbol - One head does not constitute a council, or, one head does not constitute a jury.





3. Ujima Collective Work and Responsibility

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and reace

The African Proverb states, "It takes a whole village to raise a child," has been repeated over and over again. There has been no limit to the universality of this proverb and its many implications. If humanity extended this effort as a force of collective work and responsibility, we can embrace our own, without guilt, but embrace others as well.  We are subsequently supported because we are in our rightful position to extend help and aid to other human beings, but we have more importantly taken on the responsibility of ourselves, to be the best human being that we can be. Then we have the right to do something for someone else and the corresponding responsibility to do it with honor, courage and integrity. We are empowered in our own right but profoundly capable of extending the rite of power to others.
Adinkra symbol: Akoko nan "Parental admonitions not intended to harm the child."

4. Ujamaa - Cooperative economics
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other business and to profit together.

Humanity is reported to have started off as an agrarian people. Agriculturally inclined they tilled and compliment the earth upon which they grew, was nurtured and supported. Somewhere along the line of what is called "evolution" human selfishness took over and no longer was it sharing equally or at least according to need, but the hoarding and coveting of goods and services. If we are to call ourselves civilized and evolved beings beyond that which our Ancestors were, then surely we can own and share, give and take, but not advantage of those less fortunate.Do we forgo our immediately desire to hoard our wealth to release our hold and share our wealth with those less fortunate? How inculcated are we that we propose to donate to a worthy cause, yet wondering and expecting our due returns? When do we give for the sake of giving, because it is needed and not because of the rewards promised? Selfishness has made our economy a hopeless competition bleeding into our everyday affairs of exchange. Let's open our hands and risking to let go, yet freeing ourselves to receive even more.

Igbo Harvest Mask

5. Nia- Purpose
To make a collective vocation the building and development of our community, in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

How is the traditional greatness of humanity identified? What determines what was great and who determines what needs to be restored? Is it not ture that at some point in the human history, some nation of people prevailed over another? In some cases, this dominance was to the point of oppressing others into slavery. Can greatness be defined through the power that is housed in bloody hands? Can the amassing of human property, chattel or material wealth determine human greatness? Are the traditional values of honor, courage, selflessness, humility, compassion, forgiveness, understanding and cooperation, worthy of being restored? Or are they simply primitive values long outdated and certainly irrelevant in our fast pace world? Let us restore our traditional greatness on the human level, with each human being reaching to collectively build and maintain a world community of human respect and dignity.

Sankofa - Adinkra Symbol. "It is not wrong to go back and fetch what was lost."






6. Kuumba - Creativity

To do always as much as we can in the way we can in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it.

Traditionally, it has been the responsibility of the women to sustain the creative culture in the society. Then it stands to reason that the creative expression is oppressed in direct relation to the oppression of women.  Admittedly, many of us tend to call the Earth, Mother Nature, expressing the womanly principle of design and creative organization.

We are also faced with the legacy upon our birth. A legacy of a planet that needs recuperation and regeneration. Surely our Mother Earth is suffering, parallels the suffering each of us has experience in our creative beings.  We have become apathetic and reach no more to design and create but to accept as genuine the trash that has been left behind. Let's not stifle our own genius, a genius that reflects the Earth upon which we depend. If we give credence to her purpose, we affirm ourselves, and our own creativity and that of others. What else can our Mother Earth do but revive herself, be fruitful and multiply/






7. Imani- Faith

To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents and our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

This principle seals the covenant of 7 days. This is the seal of completion, the symbol of resting after so much work.  We can now rest because we know that it is through the hard work of the other principles that the out come will be just what we desired. We have affirmed eternally that we have the ability to improve and enjoy our world from the inside out.  We are now endowed with the reward of reaping all the benefits of what we have done. And so we rest, rest in peace with renewed faith and assurance that our hard work will reap long lasting benefits for generations to come.
We will leave behind a legacy of cooperative change and progression that will sustain our name into antiquity. We are imbued with the faith that our past efforts will not go in vain but by the documented in the annals of time. We believe that we have in fact, given and and will see the profundity of our gift eventuate in humanity's future.

Tree of life

Pres. Barack Obama's Kwanzaa Greetings, 2010

Thank you for reading this blog and for sharing it. I really appreciate you.  Nana Baakan

Comments on USA Traditional Holidays and Akan Festivals

Re: Traditional Holidays

In Ghana, there are several clans and sub clans, families with various
rituals that are celebrated all around the country. With the influx
of Islam, Christianity and believe it or not, Rastafarian
spirituality, there has been an inculcation of various holidays that
were not typically home grown in Ghana.

Also, the predominate religions are Christianity and Islam, so along
with these influences comes the various holidays that are celebrated
by these two religions. More and more the "fetish" rituals are moving
into the background, primarily because the prevalent religions of
Christianity and Islam frown upon the rituals, practices, talismans,
etc. of the native people.

Many Ghanaians would be found doing all or at least two of them. That
is, you may find a "Fetish" priest, going to church on Sunday. The
idea is that if it works then why not incorporate it into the daily
routine. So, upon visiting Ghana, you will find various expressions
of these influences from holidays, to names, to churches and mosques.

It is curious to many Ghanaians that American born people would be
that interested in the traditional spiritual culture of the Akan
people. While they do find some pride in our attempt to learn their
way of life, they also wonder what would "possess" us to come from
"our great world" to do something that is mostly considered primitive
and outdated.

I am sure you all know that Kwanzaa is not an African holiday, while
it does contain the Kiswahili terms and definitions. And in some
respects, if you are not aware of this, and you present the concepts
to a native African, from any part of the continent, you may get a
puzzled look. Kwanzaa was designed for the African American here in
this country. We certainly need to embrace the seven prinicples or
Nguso Saaba, wholeheartedly. But these principles are part and parcel
of the every day life of most native born Africans, therefore, no real
need for a holiday celebration of these principles.

Throughout Ghana, you will see many different celebrations, often
known as festivals. There are also several ethnic groups with the
Akan being the largest group. The Akan include the Akuapem, the
Fante, the Asante, the Ga, the Ewe and so on. The Asante is the
largest sub group of the larger group, Akan.

One thing that is somewhat consistent is the festival called,
Akwasidae (Holy Sunday), that is celebrated every six weeks. But
there are many many others, i.e., the Yam festivals, the Grand Durbur,
along with weddings, funerals, births and puberty rites being treated
as great holidays.

Depending on the geographic location of a particular people there may
also be festivals to acknowledge the changes in the season, nature,
national heroes, etc.

On the other hand, do not be surprised to see the average Ghanaian
participating in Christmas and New Years. Typically, these holidays
tend to fall around the time of the year when the Ghanaian is involved
in a "tribal ritual" anyway. Therefore the inclusion of these two
holidays is quite prevalent.

For those holidays that have nothing to do with religion, i.e.,
Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc., you would find little
or no evidence of these practices among the Akan.

The Akan are a proud people. Whatever will make them stand on higher
ground, higher in social status and higher in economic conditions,
they are apt to explore its relevance and then consequently add it to
their list of days to celebrate. Drumming, dancing, prayers and
fasting are some of the best known ways that you would see these
people celebrating these events.

Additionally, they would also celebrate their own indigenous national
holidays, i.e., liberation day, Kwame Nkruma's birthday, or any such
event that is held in high esteem by the nation as a whole. The
Ghanaian person in relations to his/her culture is not much different
than any other person in relation to their culture. What is proven as
significant or important to the community as a whole would be embraced
and celebrated in some way.

As part of the Adade Kofi Bosomfie Sankofa, you are able to observe
whatever US holidays you so desire. Being born into this society, we
have all been exposed to them, and many of us use these holidays as an
opportunity to gather with our extended family members.

On a personal level, I strongly encourage everyone to seek knowledge
and understanding about the holidays and determine if they are
appropriate for your spiritual development. Because the Shrine work
we do, does not overtly include Christianity or Islam, it does not
condemn it either. That being said, I personally, try to stay away
from as many of these holidays as I can, because of my own research
study and exploration. But if any one feels that they must be
involved with them, there is no taboo saying that you should not.
Keep your eyes open for knowledge and information and understanding
concerning these practices, find a way to integrate it into your
spiritual journey and move on from there.

Quite frankly, we are the descendants of our Ancestors, and with that,
our Ancestors did observe these Holidays in many cases. In
acknowledging our Ancestors we can make a special effort to give them
homage on these holidays; particularly Christmas, and New Years.

How to Cope with Nightmares

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Nightmares are the result of the subconscious dealing with your hidden anxiety. Not pleasant, but you can calm yourself.

Steps

1. If you wake up directly after the nightmare, take a deep breath, look at your surroundings, and assure yourself that the nightmare you saw wasn't real.
   
2. If you share a bed with someone and they are awake due to sudden movements you made, tell them you had a nightmare. They will probably offer you a hug or even wake up enough to ask what it was about. Recounting it right away can help you get over the shock. If the person beside you is still asleep, cuddle up with them carefully in order to not disturb them. It may help to lay your ear on their chest, if possible, as the sound of their heartbeat will calm you. Only wake them up if you are truly terrified. They will most likely understand.
   
3. Write about your nightmare in detail. Sometimes, writing can give you insights into what is happening or at least offer a sense of closure.
   
4. Tell someone else about your nightmare. While they may not understand, a sympathetic ear can always help.
   
5. Look up the theme of your nightmare in a dream dictionary. You can find them online or in a bookstore. While not always accurate, dream dictionaries can get you thinking about what your subconscious may be trying to tell you.
   
6. If you are a religious person, seek your God and pray.
   
7. Play soft quiet music to help you return to sleep.
   
8. Read a peaceful book or listen to calming music before going to bed.
   
9. Think of pleasant thoughts as you go to sleep.
   
10. If it fits into your religious beliefs, go to a Pagan or Occult shop and buy a small piece of amethyst, it is a purple colored gemstone that promotes rest, place it on the headboard of your bed, or under your pillow or buy an uncut piece of rose quartz which is said to prevent nightmares.
    
11. Try not to be in fear and look at the bright side of how imaginative it was, maybe draw a scene of it on paper.
    

Tips

• Remember it's just a dream and nothing that happens in the dream is real.
  
• Avoid scary movies near your bedtime. These images stay in your mind and reoccur in your sleep. Try to do something that will keep your mind off the scary movie before sleeping if possible.
  
• Survival horror games can have the same effect as scary movies. Choose your gaming times carefully.
  
• Take time to calm yourself before bedtime.
  
• If you want to try to sleep in while having a nightmare, at the part when you die (if you die in the nightmare), you will wake up automatically and feel refreshed.
  
• If you need to get back to sleep after a nightmare, the best advice is to make your room completely dark, because any light can cast terrifying shadows if you just had a nightmare. Don't sleep with the light on! It will make everything look scary! Even things like a computer can be a horrible ghost if you are half asleep!
  
• Often after a nightmare, the nightmare may be preying on your mind. Try to block it out immediately, which may prevent you from remembering it too clearly. To get it out, try to think happy thoughts, such as your favorite vacation spot. It gets the nightmare thoughts out. If you are unable to do this, see Warnings.
  
• Avoid telling yourself that lingering bits of fear from nightmares are irrational or silly. It won't make you feel any better if you're lying in bed thinking about how stupid you are for being scared. If you have seen something scary or disturbing in your nightmare, you have a right to be scared of it.
  

Warnings

• If you "see" things after the nightmare, it's time to consult a doctor. This may be a sign of more serious conditions. Sometimes, if the dream is VERY scary you tend to "see" the scary thing.
  
• "Seeing" things goes with "feeling" objects from your dream, regardless of in the nightmare or not. If you "feel" anything, that may also be a more serious condition.
  
• Contrary to popular belief, nightmares and simply just bad dreams have a difference. Nightmares are often warning you about something that is going on in your life, where as bad dreams simply come and go.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Get a Good Night's Sleep when Your Imagination Runs Wild at Night
  
• How to Have a Lucid Dream
  
• How to Cope With Sleep Paralysis
  
• How to Interpret Your Dreams
  
• How to Remember Dreams
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Cope with Nightmares. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.