The annual predictions and recommendations known as “Letter of the Year” were released by the Cuban Council of Elder Priests of Ifa (Yoruba religion), and the “Miguel Febles Padrón” Letter of the Year Organizing Committee.
Under events of social interest, this year’s reading foresees migration waves, increased foreign investment, new agreements and talks between countries, and social unrest fuelled by despair.
Three diseases were singled out as particularly dangerous for the year, namely, digestive tract diseases, specifically pancreatic problems; neurological conditions; and epidemics and mass poisoning.
Recommendations for 2016 were mainly focused on pollution, migration, health, and the economy.
The priests stressed the need to avoid environmental pollution, guarantee garbage collection and health services in poor neighbourhoods, adopt health measures that avoid the proliferation of epidemics, and be careful when manipulating, preparing and distributing food products.
They also highlighted the need to reach agreements to improve migration policies, and preserve the ethical and moral values of religious people. Dialogue was named as an important tool when solving conflicts.
The list touched on the need to reach a balance between wages and the cost of essential items, and it also warned against poor control of the management of the economy.
Respect should prevail in family and social environments, according to the document, and families are encouraged to procreate, guaranteeing the wellbeing of children.
The reading also foresees an increase of terrorist attacks.
Some of the proverbs to bear in mind for the year were: “Patience will make you a king,” “Money we find in the world, and in the world it stays,” and “The arrogant pond gets away from the creek, as if they weren’t united by water.”
Ruling Sign for 2016: Ogbeyono
Ruling Deity: OGGUN
Accompanying Deity: OSHUN
Flag for the year: Green with yellow borders
