The Hand of Ifá or Isefá is a powerful spiritual ceremony that has been used for centuries to bring blessings, guidance, and protection to those who receive it. The ceremony is performed by a trained Ifa priest and is often sought out by those who are looking for a new beginning or who are facing difficult challenges in their lives.
This ancient ritual is said to promote good health, wealth, and happiness in the lives of those who participate in it. If you are interested in learning more about the Hand of Ifá, or if you would like to schedule a ceremony for yourself or someone else, please keep reading!
What is the Hand of Ifá and what does it do?
Isefá is a powerful blessing that is said to bring good luck, health, and prosperity. It is an ancient ceremony that has been practiced for centuries by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The benefits of receiving the hand of Ifa are many and include good health, wealth, protection, and spiritual guidance.
According to Oba Ifagbemi Faseye Efunsola, “Isefá is called one Hand of Ifá because it is a precursor step to full Ifa Initiation (Tefa), where one would receive the second and subsequent “Hands” (sets) of Ifa. A “Hand” of Ifa is a complete set of Ikin (sacred palm seeds) making up the consecrated Ifa. In other lineages and cultures that practice Ifa, it can be known as Awofakan, Kofa, Icofa/Ikofa, Mano de Orula, or other names…
Who performs the Hand of Ifá ceremony and why do they do it?
The hand of Ifa is performed by a Babalawo, or priest, who has been initiated into the religion of Ifa. The Babalawo uses special tools to divine the will of the gods and to offer guidance and protection to those who seek it.
What are some of the benefits of receiving the Hand of Ifá ceremony?
The benefits of receiving Isefá include spiritual growth, increased wisdom, and better health. The ceremony is also said to bring good luck and fortune to the individual. Many people who have received the Hand of Ifá say that it has changed their lives for the better.
If you are seeking guidance or protection, or if you simply want to experience a unique and powerful ceremony, then the Hand of Ifa is something you should consider. No matter what your reason for seeking out the Hand of Ifa is, you can be sure that it will be a life-changing experience.
How can you schedule a Hand of Ifá ceremony for yourself or someone else?
If you are considering having the Hand of Ifá performed, be sure to do your research and find a reputable priest who can perform the ceremony correctly. It is also important to make sure that you are prepared for the financial cost of the ceremony.
What is the cost of a Hand of Ifá ceremony?
The cost of the ceremony varies depending on the location and the qualifications of the priest performing it, but it is generally not inexpensive. In some cases, it can be as low as a few hundred dollars, while in others it may cost several thousand.
How long is the Isefá Ceremony?
The Isefa ceremony oftentimes takes 1-to-3 days to complete, depending upon the lineage and its respective priests. In our Temple, this ceremony takes 3 days to complete.
Following is a high-level overview of the activities of each day.
Day One
The first day is dedicated to:
- Propitiating your blood ancestors.
- Feeding Esu (whether receiving him or not).
- Appeasing and venerating Egbe (the deity and matrix dealing with your astral mates or spiritual companions).
- Washing and feeding your Ori (known as Ori Bibo).
- Consecrating your Ifá.
- Performing other rituals according to your individual needs as directed by divination.
Day Two
The second day is dedicated to:
- Resting.
- Introducing obi divination or other important material.
- Completion of any ceremonial rituals that were unable to be completed on the first day.
Day Three
The third day is dedicated to:
- Consulting Ifá to reveal the Odu that will give you a detailed look into the energies and spirits at work in your life, and some clues as to your destiny.
- Additionally, the eleke and ide (necklace and bracelet in green and brown) of Ifa will be given to you.
If you are considering having the Hand of Ifá performed, be sure to do your research and find a reputable priest who can perform the ceremony correctly. It is also important to make sure that you are prepared for the financial cost of the ceremony.
If you are interested in learning more about this ancient ritual or scheduling a Hand of Ifá ceremony for yourself or someone else, please book an Introduction Call, or send me an email!
