These articles are written by Members of AFSANI to share with you their views on various topics concerning Akan culture and spirituality. The topics will include those aspects of the culture and spirituality which had a great or the greatest impact in their everyday lifestyles (hair, attire, names, family, etc.). Therefore, there is no right or wrong answers to the questions or comments which you might have since these are very personal experiences and perspectives on the topics of their choice. We encourage you to visit this page often as it will change as members write their stories. Enjoy the page and leave us your comment.

SPIRITUAL BLUEPRINTS
By Okomfo Afua Nsia Korantemah

In October 2002, during a spiritual development class, I heard two of the most powerful words to explain what I had been feeling for a vast majority of my life. During this class, Nana Kyerewaa discussed “Spiritual Blueprints.” I want to take a moment to share the experiences that led me to this point of revelation and connection to my path and my mission in life, or rather my “Spiritual Blueprint.”

In my early years, I was raised, baptized, and significantly involved in the Baptist church. Even though I was a member of the Usher Board, Financial Secretary of the Youth Board, and held numerous other positions, my spirit was still unsettled about the spiritual path that I was currently following. My soul cried out for more. I began to feel a spiritual emptiness and felt that something was missing in my life. I carried this emptiness with me from the time that I left home to go to college and throughout my undergraduate college years. I was in what I called a "Religious Limbo." Please don't mistake the fact that I still felt that I was a spiritual person and firmly believed in God, yet there was something that I was searching for that I felt would bring everything together for me.

I found during this time in my life that there were close family members and friends that sometimes had a hard time swallowing what I had to say about religion, which was the fact that I felt that there was not one specific religion for everyone. I firmly believed that there were different paths for different people and different belief systems for varying individuals. Given this stance, no person had the right to tell another that they were wrong for what they are doing.

So, I was at the point were I was verbalizing to others what had been forming inside of me that I couldn't find the words to explain. I was expressing my thoughts and feelings and finding myself in some heated arguments drenched with emotions. Around this time, I began exploring various belief systems on a surface level, such as Buddhism, Muslim, and Seventh Day Adventist. Of these various experiences, I never felt spiritually connected. During this period of my life, I had an interview with a classmate/friend that sparked my spiritual and cultural attention. It was during this review of Akan spirituality and culture, that I discovered something that I felt resignated with me.

So, as it goes, it never worked out for me to make it to visit my friend's shrine house, but I had another profound experience that exposed me yet again to this culture and religion known as Akan. I attended a Kwanza program/celebration where I recognized that there was an individual whom I was able to associate with being in Akan priest training (an Okomfowaa.) By her African attire, marks, various spiritual ahennes (beads), and other sacred implements, I was able to identify her status. At this point, I felt driven by a force other than my own. She informed me that her shrine house (AFSANI - Asomdwee Fie Shrine of the Abosom and Nsamanfo Inc.) was having a course within the next month titled, “Introduction to Akan Spirituality…” What “perfect” timing this was and by no chance was it just a “coincidence.” I was so thrilled to now have possible connection with this religion that I felt was resignating within me. So I moved forward, setting aside my shyness and insecurities, and attended this class to learn more information.

As mentioned previously, each person has a spiritual blueprint. Prior to a spirit being born, there is a specific mission for them to complete , which is determined by Nyame (God.) Our Ancestors (Nsamanfo) have, and are, working to pave the path leading to the fullfillment of one’s mission. We have choices throughout life to follow our path, or not. For individuals that choose not to move forward with their mission, they will be reincarnated to come back and complete their mission.

One’s spiritual blueprint can be determined by having a spiritual reading. During this time, one can inquire about what their spirit is here to accomplish. A reading offers one an opportunity to get clarity on events leading to their current status and what steps, or choices, to take to fulfill their life’s mission.

Although I had not fully realized it, I had always been on track with my path in life. Taking this Akan spirituality class was a catalyst to my mission as a priest. This brings me to two major points in my life - a Spiritual Development class in October 2002, which discussed “Spiritual Blueprints,” and my initiation as an Adadi Kofi priest. This is a point where I am sharing my story in the midst of the last stages of my training, which is a minimum of 3 years, and embarking upon the next stage of my mission in life, which is to be a priest. I had a spiritual reading and was provided clarity about my spirit’s mission. In 2002, I was initiated to priesthood to the Obosom Adadi Kofi. Shortly after, I attended the aforementioned spiritual development class, which offered clarity to many events in my life. I had a revelation of the path that my Ancestors set for me. My experiences in life developed my character to that of an individual concerned about others and always offering a helping hand. Prior to priest training, I entered the helping profession and became a mental health therapist to assist others with their daily challenges. Now as a priest in training, I am able to see how my educational and career choices compliment my spiritual mission of serving the Abosom to help individuals with their concerns, challenges, and problems.

As I previously mentioned, Akan may not be a part of your path. But for me, I trusted my fate and made choices that led me to where I am today - fulfilled and moving forward with my mission in life. My ancestors have paved the way for me to be at this point in my life and my work as a priest has been set way before I even realized it. I firmly believe that all the things that I have shared in this forum are aspects my spiritual blueprint that were meant to happen.

My ancestors spoke to me and opened the way for me. I had to just listen and make the right choices.

What I want to leave with you is the following: “Trust the spiritual inner voice and make the choices to follow the path laid before you by your ancestors.”

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