The Atheneum at Deep Waters Sanctuary
There is no shortage of spiritual teachers. But there is a shortage of teachers who will equip you to think, discern, and practice for yourself.
The Athenaeum exists for those who are ready to build a real spiritual practice, one grounded in ancestral traditions, practical knowledge, and your own direct access to the guidance that has always been available to you. Whether you are just beginning or rebuilding after an experience that left you more confused than clear, this is a place where you will be taught, not just held.
Currently The Athenaeum's curriculum is rooted in four foundational pillars of spiritual practice, with more to come as the body of work grows.
Ancestor Reverence Practice
The foundation of any ATR/DTR is the relationship with your ancestors. Before any other spiritual work can be done effectively, this relationship must be established, honored, and maintained.
In this pillar students learn how to build or strengthen their ancestral practice from the ground up — from creating a dedicated altar space, to prayer and communication, to working with ancestors on specific needs and requests.
*This is the recommended starting point for all students and the foundation everything else builds on.
Personal Divination
A priest's guidance is valuable. But you should never be able to verify the validity of the messages given to ensure they apply to you.
In this pillar students develop personal divination fluency using multiple tools — Obi Abata, coconut, cowrie shells, pendulums, and even tarot — with enough skill to verify messages received from priests, confirm what resonates, and protect themselves from manipulation.
The Four Pillars of Learning
Spirit Discernment
Not all spirits that present themselves to you are yours.
In this pillar students learn to identify their genuine spirit guides, distinguish them from spirits that arrive uninvited or with harmful intent, establish a boveda or spiritual table, and build a working relationship with the spirits that truly walk with them.
Connection to your Higher Self
Every tool and every practice ultimately points back to one place — you.
In this pillar students are introduced to the concept of Ori, your personal divinity within the Ifá tradition, and learn to identify, listen to, and trust their intuition as a distinct guidance system separate from feelings and logic. This is the culmination of the foundational curriculum and the foundation of a self directed spiritual life.
Join the Waitlist
Express your interest in our upcoming sessions and receive early access to the school's enrollment information.
Get in Touch
Deep Waters Sanctuary
IyaOrigbemi@deepwatersanctuary.com
+1 (216) 925-0455
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to enroll?
No prior experience is required. The Athenaeum welcomes students who are completely new to this work as well as those who have some background but are looking for grounded, legitimate instruction to build on.
Can I take individual pillars or do I have to take all four?
Individual pillars are available as standalone courses. If you feel called to a specific area of practice you are welcome to enroll in that pillar alone. Full program enrollment is also available for students who want to move through the complete foundational curriculum.
How do I know which pillar to start with?
Trust what you are most drawn to. If you are completely new to this work Ancestral Reverence Practice is the recommended starting point as it forms the foundation everything else builds on. If you enroll in another pillar and it becomes clear that ancestral foundation work is needed first, you will be guided to complete that pillar before continuing.
How are classes delivered?
The Athenaeum combines live weekly group sessions on Zenler with self paced recorded materials and reading resources. Live sessions are where the bulk of instruction and discussion happens.
What if I miss a live session?
All live sessions are recorded and made available to enrolled students. Life happens — you will not fall behind if you miss a class.
Are payment plans available?
Payment plan options will be available for full program enrollment. Details will be shared when enrollment opens. Join the waitlist to be the first to know.