Diversity is at the core of the name of our creator – Olodumare; which means Rainbow. Consider this for a few minutes; all those beautiful and visible colors of the spectrum represent us all, and those colors which our eyes cannot see represent the spirit world. Without this diversity of cultures and traditions; our forefathers would have had little chance of preserving what little information each was able to bring to the “New World”. It is therefore, important to understand that Ifa plays a significant role in the lives of Orisa priests and devotees no matter where they come from or the color of their skin.We have all been created by Olodumare, and Ifa is our means of knowing the will and advice of our creator.

It is important for Awo (Ifa priest in training) and Babalawo (Ifa priests) to know a great deal about the work of Awoloorisa (Orisa priests), especially Owo Merindilogun. And it is imperative for Awoloorisa to become educated in the tasks and deliberations of the Ifa priesthood, especially Ifa Divination. A degree of mutual awareness, knowledge, and understanding is absolutely critical to the development and progression of Yoruba Traditional Culture in this and future Centuries. Read the rest of this entry

Imori is a divination ritual performed for children or adults seeking further spiritual and material advancement via initiation into the mysteries of a particular deity, secret society, or religious path.

Esen’taye identifies and reports one’s genetic composition, while Imori provides further analysis of the esoteric spiritual dimensions of an individual’s genetic composition.

Imori focuses on revealing the specific earth spirits, deified ancestors, deities, and religious practices that a person must follow in order to enjoy a prosperous life on earth and in the afterlife. Imori emphasizes the messages, desires, and needs of a person’s astral (Ori), ethereal (Emi) and physical (Ara) identities. Read the rest of this entry

Esen’taye is a divination ritual and naming ceremony for newborns

By means of Esen’taye, newborns are given their formal names. These names reflect the newborn’s hereditary characteristics, predestined future, and metaphysical relationships with guardian or patron earth spirits, deified ancestors, and/ or deities.

For example, the male name Ogundiipe literally means “one who grants support.” It can also be transliterated to mean “one who has taken on the burden of providing relief to the grieved and afflicted.” An infant with the name Ogundiipe signifies, among other things, that the child will be a hot-tempered, deep-thinking, and physically strong male who is blessed with the special patronage of the god of iron called Ogun. To attain happiness and prosperity, Ogundiipe should lead a meditative, contemplative life. This child must live in a remote rural or suburban area and practice the solitary professions of blacksmith, sculptor, or metallic jewelry designer in adulthood. Read the rest of this entry

People come to sit on my mat from near and afar, and in their heart the question they eagerly seek an answer to is how to take revenge of someone who has done them wrong. Getting even with one who has done you wrong is not the advice you will get from Ifa. Those whom have done you wrong have, by their own actions, brought unto themselves repercussions you can only dream about imposing on them.

On this Ifa has a few Odús which covers this situation.

We shall start with Ogbe Osa, alson know as Ogbe’Sa and Ogbe Rikusa, and Ogbe Sooto. Read the rest of this entry

On Saturday/Sunday June 4/5 the Annual Agbonniregun Ifa Festival was held at Oke Itase Orunmila Temple, Ile Ife. During Ifa consultation, Obara Ogunda was revealed.

Ifa foresees Ire Gbogbo (All Ire of life). Ifa says that ebo will enable all the ire to manifest.

By virtue of this Odu, and in cognizance of the fact that Ifa foresees ire, there is the need for all Ifa devotees the world over to propitiate their Ifa with two kolanuts, four bitterkolas, one hen and money each. In addition to this, all those born by this Odu are expected to specifically ask Ifa what Ifa will take from them in order for all the Ire in their Odu to manifest in this year. Read the rest of this entry

What does an Ifa initiation endow you with? I often get similar questions regarding the various initiations of our way of life, but for the most part what they are really asking is what kind of good fortune will the initiation bring to their life.

One does not go to Ifa with hands extended; folded like a bowl, in supplication of good fortune. To the contrary, one goes to Ifa offering one-self as an offering. It is in this spirit of giving that we receive. However, the biggest misunderstanding is in what Ifa is all about. To this, I want to share a few thoughts. Read the rest of this entry

The reading of the year 2011 was conducted by Senior Ifa Priest Awodele Ifayemi. The Sacred Odu Ogbe Irete, also known as Ogbe Ate, and Ogbe Seete, was revealed to our Egbe located in Denver Colorado.

Each Ifa family conducts this ritual in order to receive guidance regarding the mayor “Theme” of the year. This reading prepares us for what is to come during the new year, and how to manage our affairs in order to receive the most benefit from the year. Challenges and opportunities are revealed so that we can make a conscious decision regarding our personal affairs.

As children of Olodumare the single most important gift given on to us is our Freedom Of Choice. We stand tall and or fall as a result of the choices we make in life. Knowing that the road ahead is full of obstacles we can’t live with, helps those who listen to council chose a different path they can handle. The reading of the year gives us an overview of the “prevailing winds of change” ahead of us. Ultimately it is our choice to follow council or not. Read the rest of this entry

Keyphrases: Testing Faith – Controlled or Restricted Growth and Expenditure