Why do people get initiated?

[ifayemi]

Why do people want to get initiated?
Some of the reasons might be:
Ego
Quest for knowledge
Power
Greed
Dominance or control over others
Money
Helping others;assisting humanity
Paying off a family debt/curse
Curiosity
Wisdom
Spiritual development

[Knowledge Seed]

As far as initiation goes, I've heard that the initiate has to wear white, as well as never look in the mirror, never eat with a fork or knife, and never let anyone touch them. From what I read, this all takes place during the first year of initiation. Is these things true?

Here's the source where I got this information: http://www.orishanet.org/iyawo.html

Thanks in advance

[ifayemi]

Ogbo Ato Knowledge seed,

Blessings. That is indeed true in the diaspora but not true in the traditional form of worshipping. It depends which form of worship you would like to follow, that ressonates with you.
It is like Christianity; you have Catholics, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah Witness, New Born Christians, Seven Day Adventists etc.,etc.
They all call themselves Christians, but all worship God in different ways.
The same is said for the Traditional way and the way of worshipping IFA and the Orisas and Ancestors the diasporan (Lukumi) way.