Ọnwa Alọm Chi: What to Reflect on the Seventh Month of the Igbo Lunar Calendar

OdinaniIgbo CalendarIgbo CosmologyReflective

Aug 8

Written By Oma

As we enter the seventh moon of the Igbo lunar calendar, Ọnwa Alọm Chi, we are reminded of the multidimensional connection we share with our Chi—the elemental energy that shapes our existence and guides our path. This month, marked by deep reflection and spiritual reverence, invites us to reconnect with the essence of our being and honor the forces that brought us into this world.

Chi Lolu Uwa: Who is Your Reincarnator?

In Igbo cosmology, the concept of Chi lolu uwa (reincarnator) is central to understanding one's place in the universe. Your Chi, your life force or guardian spirit, is believed to have brought you into the world, and it carries with it the wisdom and experiences of your past lives. As we move through Ọnwa Alọm Chi, it is a time to reflect on the identity of your Chi—who or what is the force that serves as your reincarnator? This reflection is both about acknowledging a spiritual connection and understanding the continuum of life that your Chi represents.

Revering and Acknowledging Your Chi

Ọnwa Alọm Chi is an auspicious time to feed, revere, and acknowledge your Chi—your Onye uwa. Each Igbo person is encouraged to connect with their Chi in ways that resonate with their personal and cultural practices. It coule be through prayer, meditation, offerings, or other rituals, this is a season to nurture that connection, to reaffirm the bond between the individual and their divine guide.

Ilo Chi: The Cycle of Reincarnation

The Igbo belief and idea of Ilo Chi implies that we are children of the sun. It speaks to the belief that all souls must undergo the cycle of reincarnation, and pass through the purification of anwu (the sun) to live again. This month is a reminder that life is cyclical, and that we are all part of a grand process of rebirth and renewal. As the sun rises and sets, so too do we journey through lifetimes, continually evolving and returning to the source from which we came.

The Balance of Chi na Eke (Masculine and Feminine Energies)

In Igbo cosmology, everything in existence is composed of both masculine and feminine energies—Chi na Eke. This duality is present in every being and every element of the universe. During Ọnwa Alọm Chi, we are called to recognize and honor this balance within ourselves and the world around us. It is a time to seek harmony between these forces, to remember that neither can exist without the other.

The First Name: A Reflection of Chi

The first name automatically taken by an Igbo child, before a proper naming ceremony, is traditionally linked to the market day they were born on—Eke, Orie, Afọ, or Nkwo. These names are a reflection of an aspect of the Chi that brought the child into the world. It is a spiritual marker, a key that Afa divination uses to identify the person's path and purpose. The name is a constant reminder of the child’s origins and the energy that guides their life journey.

The Sacred Connection to Ana: Returning the Ichi

When an Igbo child's ichi (umbilical cord or placenta) falls off, normally it is buried in the earth—ana—the sacred soil of Igbo land. This act is a powerful ritual that ensures the child remains connected to their roots and their homeland. The practice symbolizes the deep bond between the individual and the earth, it reinforces the Igbo idea that we are all products of the land and will one day return to it. This ritual anchors the child spiritually, grounding them in their culture and heritage no matter where they go in the world.

Know Thyself: The Core Message of Ọnwa Alọm Chi

All these actions and ways of being serve one fundamental purpose: to make it easier for an Igbo child to know themselves from childhood. Ị mara onwe gị—"Know thyself"—is the most important message of this moon. As Igbo people, understanding who we are, where we come from, and the forces that shape our existence is key to living a fulfilled and purposeful life. Ọnwa Alọm Chi encourages us to dig deep into our identities, to reconnect with our Chi, and to walk our paths with clarity and intention.

The Connection to Source Energy (Chi-Ukwu)

Alọm Chi reminds us that the Igbo way of being is intricately connected to the source energy that gives life to all things. In Igbo reality, everything is connected with Chi and should be approached consciously as such. This month is a time to remember that we are all part of a greater whole, a vast network of life and energy that is constantly in motion.

Returning to Where We Came From

Finally, this month serves as a reminder that everyone's Chi came from somewhere, and when the time is right, it returns to where it came from. This cyclical journey is a core belief in Igbo spirituality. Ọnwa Alọm Chi is not just about honoring our current existence but also about acknowledging the eternal nature of our souls and the paths they have traveled.

As we move through Ọnwa Alọm Chi, let us take time to reflect on these teachings, to honor our Chi, and to live with the understanding that we are all part of a grand, interconnected universe. This month, more than any other, calls us to reconnect with our roots, to know ourselves deeply, and to walk our path with purpose and reverence.

Yagazie!