Omi Lasa is a nationally recognized speaker and offers a variety of workshops and lectures. Topics include Regla de Ocha (Santeria), the Orishas, Ancestor reverence, Shamanism, and Working with the Spirits, such as Psychic development and Mediumship, and the Spirits Mass (Misa). Workshops can be scheduled anywhere from sixty minute sessions to all day events. To schedule a workshop in your area or at an event, please email santerajoy@yahoo.com or call Omi Lasa at 330 273 6260.

Regla de Ocha and Orisha

Regla de Ocha- What is Santeria

This is an overview of the Lucumi Tradition of Ifa, commonly referred to as Santeria. It will cover the basic beliefs (including ancestor reverence), the Gods, the forces of nature (Orisha), how the religion is practiced on a daily basis, and the Initiations. There will be time set aside for questions and answers.

Manifestations of the Orisha

This workshop focuses on bringing to those that have not been initiated into the traditions of Ifa an understanding and respect of these Forces of Nature known as the Orisha.

We will discuss the manifestations of the Orisha in our daily life. Recognizing and working with the power of these Forces of Nature can bring growth and power to those that learn to see the Orisha in others, in the powers of the mother earth, in herbs and plants, and in relationship to each other. It will cover the creation of alters used for devotion, prayers for personal use, and cleansing and healing baths as they relate to the qualities of each Orisha.

Orisha Wisdom Stories

The Orisha are known as the pantheon of Gods of the Yoruba traditions. Their stories are the basis for teaching the tradition and are used as examples of how one should live their life in this world. Through stories we will experience the Orisha as forces of nature, as creators, as warriors, and as humans struggling with their own emotions and the problems of being alive. Some lesser known Orisha will be presented and some of the more uncommon Orisha stories will be told.

Ancestor Reverence

Ancestor and Shaman

Journey through the roles of the Shaman and gain an understanding of the wisdom teachings behind the Shamanic way of life. Rediscover that which the ancient cultures knew--- our ancestral connections bring about the fulfillment of our destiny and the path to healing. This workshop includes guided imagery and suggestions for creating ancestral alters.

This workshop will cover the following topics---

A definition of the Shaman based on the wisdom of indigenous peoples.

*Our relationship to the world of the spirits.

*Working with the ancestors.

*The role of the Shaman in rituals for healing and for the growth of the people.

*Living a Shamans life.

Shamanism

Drum Making--Shamans Peace Drum--15" hoop

Indigenous people around the world have used Hoop Drums to commune with spirit and bring healing and wholeness to the self and the community. Journey with others on this sacred path and create your own deer rawhide drum from start to finish along with a leather covered beater. We will begin with a ceremony to remind us of our connection to the deer spirit and to the universal rhythms of life and conclude with a blessing ceremony to honor the Drum.

Please call for information on other hoop sizes that are available.

Please note: This is a two day workshop, four hours each day.

Check out all the drums that are offered at www.earthrhythm.com.

Ancestor and Shaman

This workshop will cover the following topics---

*A definition of the Shaman based on the wisdom of indigenous peoples.

*Our relationship to the world of the spirits.

*Working with the ancestors.

*The role of the Shaman in rituals for healing and for the growth of the people

*Living a Shamans life.

Working with the Spirits

Psychic Communication

Developing and using mediumship abilities are one way to create and maintain strong connections to our ancestors. Our ancestral connections bring about the fulfillment of our destiny and the path to healing. This workshop will cover the following topics:

*Our connection to the world of the spirits;

*Séances, development circles and Spirit Mass;

*How to create your own spiritual development circle.

*The different skills of a psychic medium such as clairvoyance and psychometry.

There will be opportunities in class to practices some of the mediumship skills learned in the workshop.

The Art of Possession-- Deity, Demon or Departed?

This workshop is based on Joy’s work as a medium, diviner and healer and on her personal Shamanic experiences. It will cover the different manifestations of spirit possession and give insight into the following topics:

* How to establish strong connections to Spirit.

* How to create a space for possession that utilizes safe settings, safe practice, and safe people.

* How to recognize the different levels of possession.

* Is it a Deity, a Demon or a Departed Spirit?

* How to tell what it is and if it is what you want.

* Is it time for the Spirit to go and it is not leaving on it’s own?

Learn safe depossession techniques used by practicing Mediums.

The Spirit Union Mass

Based on the Spiritist teachings of Allen Kardec, the Spirits Mass evolved as a way for people to pray for and receive messages from their ancestors, or from others that have crossed over, aspects of nature, various spirit guides, and to receive healing. While Christianity influenced the first Spiritists, over time the Spirit Circles evolved and combined with the traditions of Ifa. The modern Spirit Mass is no longer centered on one culture. It can now be adapted to embrace the ethnically diverse global community. Today's Spirit Mass is a vibrant and innovative channel for spirit communication.

Non mediums and mediums alike are invited to attend, as all are welcome to give the messages they receive at the service.

Note: Please wear light colored clothing and something to cover your head. Bring a snack to share with the each other following the Spirit Circle Mass.

This Spirit Union Mass may be scheduled at events or at your own home. It's purpose is to bring light and progression to your own spiritual court, to help you discover your main spirit guides, to take care of "hauntings", bring peace to the spirits and ancestors and to help people that may be troubled by the spirits around them. When possible and/or necessary, other mediums and I work together to create this workshop/ ritual. I am fortunate to be able to offer, The Spirit Union Mass with other fine mediums, including my friend Lillith 3feathers.

There is a limited amount of people that may attend this at one time. Usually 10 to 25 people may participate depending on how many mediums are available to attend. Contact Omi Lasa at santerajoy@yahoo.com or 330. 273. 6260 if you have questions or to schedule a Mass.

Elevation of Spirits and Depossession of People, Places and Objects

Healing people, places, and things through the elevation and and depossesion of Spirits has been practiced through out the world since the beginning of time. We need to learn to identify and differentiate between:

*Voluntary and involuntary possession

*Ancestors, Spirit Guides and Protectors

*Spirits of the Light

*Discarnate beings

*Mind and/or soul fragments

*"Deceiver", "Sorcerer", and other dark entities

*Nested entities

*Lesser and Greater Demons

*Voluntary and involuntary possession

Preventive practices, the "elevation" of spirits, protection rituals and meditations, the basic steps of depossession, and concepts to use for personal depossession will be covered. This workshop is based on Joy's personal experiences as a medium and shamanic healer and on researched material.

This workshop will be available as a book soon!