In Igbo cosmology, Uga represents the great world ages, or stages of consciousness, that humanity evolves through. These cosmic ages offer mystical insight into human consciousness and its journey through time. There are four distinct Uga cycles in Igbo thought, each of them represent a unique stage in the spiritual and material development of humanity:

Uga Aka (The First Age)
Uga Chi (The Second Age)
Uga Anwu (The Third Age)
Uga Azi (The Fourth Age)

While we have explored these ages extensively in other posts, this particular post focuses on a critical question: How do the cycles of Uga move? Do they restart in a forward progression, or do they rewind and move backward? To answer this, we must first understand how time itself is perceived in Igbo cosmology.

Time Moves in Spirals, Not Straight Lines

In Igbo mysticism, time is not linear but circular and spiral. This spiral motion reflects the very fabric of existence, symbolized by Eke energy, the cosmic force that forms and sustains everything observable in the material world. The spiral is a sacred symbol of creation and movement, it symbolizes and energetically accounts for both the visible and the invisible, the tangible and the intangible.

This spiral motion of time is mirrored in the Igbo saying: “Egwu uwa wu egwu okoso”—the universe moves in the same way as the Okoso cosmological game. The Okoso game, which is popular in rural Igbo communities, mimics the universe’s cyclical, spiral motion. Just as the game involves strategic steps and circular movements, so too does the passage of time in Igbo thought.

This is why Uga, the cosmic ages of human consciousness, also move in spirals. Time flows forward (clockwise) during the initial unfolding of the ages and then begins to rewind (anti-clockwise) as the cycle nears completion. This dual movement—forward and backward—sees to it, as put in place by divine intelligence, that the cycle remains dynamic, giving humanity a chance to redeem and recalibrate ourselves.

The Duality of Time: Clockwise vs. Anti-Clockwise

In Odinani, which contains Igbo rituals and cosmology, the direction of motion has deep meanings:

Clockwise movements are associated with securing or binding something positive, such as blessings or intentions.
Anti-clockwise movements signify undoing, unraveling, or returning to the past to resolve or reset.

This duality applies to how Uga cycles move. Initially, the ages unfold in a forward, clockwise motion:

From Uga Aka (The Age of the First Being)
To Uga Chi (The Age of Spirit)
To Uga Anwu (The Age of Light)
To Uga Azi (The Age of Degradation).

At the end of Uga Azi, time reverses into an anti-clockwise motion, giving humanity an opportunity to retrace its steps and correct its trajectory.

Moving Backwards to Move Forward: Redemption Through Reversal

When the fourth age, Uga Azi, is complete, the cycle does not leap forward back to Uga Aka. Instead, humanity begins a gradual backward journey through the spiral of time:

From Uga Azi, marked by loss, corruption, and wickedness, the energy begins to shift as more souls from Uga Anwu (The Age of Light) rise again to bring liberation and healing.
From Uga Anwu, humanity reawakens its spiritual consciousness, moving toward Uga Chi, the age of spirit and collective unity.
If successful, humanity finally returns to Uga Aka, the age of pure consciousness and harmony, where all beings exist as one.

This process is a cosmic recalibration, allowing humanity to undo the degradation of the final age and slowly re-align with its original essence.

The anti-clockwise spiral symbolizes the past, while the clockwise spiral symbolizes the future. When they come together, they can signify the present. In ancient times, a seasoned Dibia might enter certain spaces backward and exit forward or even backwards, demonstrating that there is an energetic interaction taking place with forces rooted in the past, while maintaining balance and establishing themself as a figure rooted in the present. However, an in-depth discussion of that practice is beyond the scope of this post. Our focus is to make connections and demonstrate the dynamic interplay which reflects the cyclical movement of Uga—the Igbo cosmic ages—which initially progress clockwise and, upon completing the final age, reverse into an anti-clockwise motion, guiding humanity back through the cycles of consciousness.

The Cosmic Lessons of Uga Cycles

The cyclical nature of Uga teaches us that time is not a straight line but a rhythmic conscious movement of evolution. The spiral movement reminds us that nothing is ever truly lost. Even in Uga Azi, the darkest age, there is hope because the cycle begins to rewind, giving humanity the opportunity to rediscover its light and truth.

This idea also aligns with the Igbo proverb: “Egbe belu, ugo belu, nke si ibe ya ebena nku kwaa ya.” Let the eagle perch, let the kite perch, and if one denies the other, let its wings break.

This wisdom reflects the balance of duality in Igbo cosmology—light and dark, forward and backward, creation and destruction. Each force exists to maintain cosmic order and offer opportunities for renewal.

The Role of Eke Energy in Time’s Spiral

Eke energy is at the heart of this cyclical motion, the cosmic mother of creation. Eke is the force that sustains life, motion, and consciousness in Igbo reality. It is through the spiral of Eke that time moves, allowing humanity to experience growth, decline, and eventual renewal.

Every living being, as a manifestation of Eke energy, participates in this spiral dance of time. From birth to death and beyond, we are all subject to the rhythms of the ages, contributing to the collective consciousness of our people and the universe.

What Happens After Uga Azi?

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the degradation patterns established in Uga Azi, this is your answer: humanity begins the slow, steady journey back to its roots, back to its light, back to its true nature. This process is not instantaneous, nor is it guaranteed. It requires collective effort, spiritual awakening, and alignment with the cosmic forces that guide us.

Time does not move in a straight line. It is a spiral, always circling back to where it began. This truth reminds us that no matter how far we stray, we can always find our way back—if we choose to.

Closing Reflection

Understanding how Uga cycles move offers a very important perspective on the human journey. It is a story of rise and fall, of darkness and light, of forward motion and reversal. Most importantly, it is a story of hope.

As we navigate our lives within these cosmic rhythms, let us remember that the spiral of time is a gift. It teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we are never too far gone to return to the light. All we need to do is listen, reflect, and align ourselves with the eternal rhythm of the universe.

Time, like the spiral, always brings us home.