Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Olodu Ifa
Olodu Ifa
Introduction
In 1989 I traveled to Ode Remo and was blessed with initiation into
the society of traditional diviners called Ifa. At the time of my first visit to
Africa, I considered myself something of an authority on Ifa because I
read every book I could find on the subject in English. Because I am a
product of western education, I falsely assumed that because I was well
read in a particular area, I must have had a good grasp of the subject. I
was shocked and humbled on my first day in Ode Remo. It soon became
very apparent to me the children of the village knew far more about Ifa
than I all the books Id read combined. This meant the wisdom of the
elders was way past my ability to even evaluate, let alone understand.
Some westerners go to Africa, get initiated, come back to the
United States and assume their ritual experience made them experts on
the subject. It is clear to me that the primary function of Ifa initiation is
to receive permission to seriously study traditional Yoruba ritual. This
study involves both learning the mechanics of the system and receiving
guidance from my teachers on the development of good character.
Ifa is an oral tradition. It was apparent to me that the method of
teaching used in an oral tradition is for the six year olds to teach the four
year olds, for the eight year olds to teach the six year olds and so.
Training for Ifa in a traditional Yoruba family usually begins at the age of
seven. Even though I was over forty years old at the time, I understood
the only way I could be taken seriously was to begin to study with the
children.
students of Ifa can avoid the mistake I made of believing the vast depth
of Ifa has been captured by the written word and begin the true process
of learning that only comes through embracing an oral discipline.
Every time I have spoken to a diviner in Nigeria and asked a
question, the answered to the question was always prefaced by a
quotation from the wisdom of the ancestors. This is the key element in
the process of making eternal truth relevant to the present moment.
The commentary sections are my attempts to interpret the verses.
They are not a part of the material that is traditionally memorized. The
suggested materials for making offerings can be modified depending on
the specific circumstances of the divination.
divination is the ability to see clearly the objective and to move towards
that objective with all the resources available to the diviner.
Ase o.
Awo Falokun Fatunmbi
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JIOGB
There - is - no - place - on - earth - I - can - go - where - I - will not - meet - happiness cast If for dnkn (Sweet Potato) on the day he
was going to make the journey to the land of Isu (Yam) and Agbd
(corn). If advised dnkn to make ebo so his life will be sweeter than
Isu and Agbb. Isu and Agbd were tasted by the people of earth and
they were not as sweet as dnkn.
danced and sang for joy saying he would do the ebo over and over again.
If advised
and danced in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised If, while If
praised Olodumare. When dnkn started to sing s put a song in
dnkn's mouth. dnkn started singing;
Commentary:
If says this person is about to go on a journey. If says there will
be a blessing of long life, abundance and children. If says this person's
star will shine above all others who are met on the journey. If says this
person should eat sweet potatoes as medicine for good fortune.
Etutu (offering); 4 eiyel (pigeon), 4 akuko (rooster), 1 epo (bottle of
palm oil), 1 white plate, 4 eko (corn meal cakes), dn (corn floor mixed
with oil), plus many sweet things (honey, sugar, candy) and 25 nira
(money), offered to Obtl and gn.
rnml was
very happy, he started to sing and dance in praise of the Awo, while the
Commentary:
If says the Immortals insist on justice. If says this person will
receive a blessing of abundance. If says there are many people saying
slanderous things about this person both at home and at work. If says
this person will rise above their enemies. If says this person should
worship If.
Etutu (offering): 3 eiyel (pigeons), 1 epo (bottle of palm oil), 3 eko
(corn mealcakes) 16 nira (money), offered to Obtl and gn.
w (taboo): ground nuts, mushrooms and black cloths.
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YEK MJ
yy ke wa yo fun mi o.
yy ke wa yo fun mi o.
A mi y nil, a mi yo lj.
yy Aye e, yy.
Commentary:
If says this person will receive a blessing of joy. If says whatever
joy is in this person's life will be doubled. If says the blessing of joy
includes abundance and children. If says things have not being going
well for this person prior to making ebo. If says this person's life has
been going in a zig zag pattern from good fortune to bad fortune. If says
this person has troubled accepting joy in their life and this attitude must
change.
Etutu (offering): 4 euyel (pigeon), 4 abo ade (hen), 1 eku (rat), 1
Eja aro (black cat fish), 1 epo (bottle of palm oil), 1 white plate, money as
determined by the Awo, offered to bej. The Awo will mark this Odu with
iyerosun on five hoes to be kept in the house, and five hoes to be kept
outside.
My - right - hand - Oye - my - left - hand - Oye - two - Oyes become - true - in - front - of - the - tub - cast If for Ape with epo's head
and Alagoro Opero on the day the Ape did not want to loose all he had.
If advised Ape to made ebo.
things that belonged to him. From that day on, when the Ape swings
through the trees with his child on his back, the child does not fall. The
Ape was very happy, he started to sing and dance in praise of the Awo,
while the Awo praised If, while If praised Olodumare. When the Ape
started to sing, s put words in his mouth. The Ape sang;
Mo ru yn, mo ru yn o.
Il edun pa pj. Il edun pa pj.
Mo ru yn, mo ru yn o.
Il edun pa pj.
Commentary:
If says this person must make ebo to ensure they do not loose
what they already have gained. If says adimu offerings of pound yam
should be presented to this person's rs.
wrapped around the pot of this person's rs. If says prayers must be
offered to avert unexpected death and misfortune. If says this person
has struggled in the past and they will receive a blessing of peace.
Etutu (offering): 5 eiyel (pigeon), 4 abo ade (hen), 1 white plate, 1
epo (bottle of palm oil), iyan (pounded yam), amount of money
established by the Awo, offered to bej.
wo (taboo): grey rat, do not cover the head with leaves when it
rains.
II II
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WRI MJ
The - motar - that - we - use - to - pound - yam - is - not - used to - pierce - elu - an - aged - pot - covered - at - the - mouth - cast If for
Olu on the day he wanted to go Il Olkun (house of the Spirit of the
Ocean) and Il Olosa (house of the Spirit of the Lagoon). If advised Olu
to make ebo so the journey would be blessed with goodness. Olu made
the ebo. Olu arrived at the home of Olkun and beat him three times
Olu was
singing and dancing in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised If, while
If praised Olodumare. When Olu started to sing, s filled his mouth
with a song. Olu sang;
Commentary:
If says this person should make ebo to ask for the blessings they
seek. If says this person should become skilled in games of chance. If
says this person should offer a sheep to Eleda. If says this person will
find good fortune from a stranger.
Etutu (Offering): 1 eiyel (pigeon), 1 abo adie (hen), 1 white plate,
eko (corn meal cakes) and money to be determined by the diviner, offered
to Obtl.
What - you - like - I - don't - like - which - one - should - be among - us cast If for Onimuti Iwori children of those who ride horses
with arrogance in front of Olu on the day they were concerned about
being treated like they were dead. If advised the children to make ebo.
The children made ebo. The diviner said the image of a dead person is
never seen digging ground. From that day on the children were known to
be among the living.
Commentary:
If says this person should make ebo to avert death and disease.
If says that this person should make ebo so that the world will not treat
them as if they are either dead or worthless. If says this person should
receive two sets of bej, one set of female bej, and one set of male bej,
as part of their personal shrine. If says the bej will provide protection
from enemies, death and disease.
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ID MJ (D MJ)
If advised Onibode
Ejiejiemogun to make ebo so goodness would not pass him by. Onibode
Ejiejiemogun made ebo.
Commentary:
If says this person will receive blessings if ebo is made. If says
this person believes good fortune has passed them by. If says when
good fortune has come to this person in the past it has slipped through
their fingers. If says this person remains optimistic about the future
and they should offer prayers to the rs asking for support in the
Commentary:
If says this person must make ebo so the stones thrown by death
and disease will not reach them.
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ROSN MJ
Their - mouth - their - mouth cast If for Apeni on the day he was
being threatened by the mouth of the people of the world. If advised
Apeni to make ebo to avoid death and destruction from the mouth of the
people of the world.
Apeni was
singing and dancing and praising the Awo, while the Awo praised If,
while If praised Olodumare. When Apeni started to sing s put a song
in his mouth. Apeni sang;
Commentary:
If says this person must make ebo for protection from enemies.
If says offerings should be made to the family Egungun.
Etutu (offering): 4 eiyel (pigeon), 4 abo adie (hen), 1 epo (bottle of
palm oil), akara (bean cakes), moin - moin (startch balls) and 16 nira
(money), offered to Or and Egungun.
everything he cooked.
praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised If, while If praised
Olodumare. As Okansus Irosu started to sing, s put a song in his
mouth. Okansus Irosu sang;
Commentary:
If says this person or someone close to them is looking for
children. If says making ebo will bring a blessing of children.
Etutu (offering): iyan (pounded yam), eba (soup), sweet things, 1
eiyel (pigeon), 1abo adie (hen), 1 white plate, 1 epo (bottle of palm oil)
and 35 nira. Offered to Or and Egungun.
wu (snake): snake, red cloths.
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Thief - but - not - a - thief - who - made - the - diviner - take - our things - in - our - presence cast If for Owon foliage on the day that he
wanted to bring the power of a chief from the sea. If advised Owon
foliage to make ebo so that he would receive the blessing of fame. Owon
foliage made ebo and became a chief. Owon foliage started to sing and
dance in praise of the Awo, while the Awo was praising If, while If was
praising Olodumare. When Owon foliage started to sing, s put a song
in his mouth. Owon foliage sang;
Owon m j, Owon m y.
Owon ti m ota oye b'od.
Owon m j, Owon m y.
Commentary:
If says this person must make ebo so they may receive an
important title or position. If says this person has the head of a leader.
If says this person must assume a position of responsibility within their
family. If says this person can help their family solve a problem.
Etutu (offering): 6 eiyel (pigeon), 6 abo adie (hen), 6 eku (small
rat), 6 eja aro (black cat fish), 1 white plate and 25 nira (money), offered
to Obtl and s.
It - is - a - big - tree - that - takes - a - brass - bell - brom - the little -palm - tree's - mouth - leaving - insult - behind - saying - that nobody - should - push - the - calabash - gradually - beside - them cast
If for Ologbo Jigolo (sluggish cat) on the day Ologbo Jigolo found himself
under attack by those who throw hexes.
make ebo. Ologbo Jigolo made ebo. From that day on Ologbo Jigolo
traveled without being harmed. Ologbo Jigolo started to dance and sing
in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised If, while If prasied
Olodumare. When Ologbo Jigolo started to sing, s put a song in his
mouth. Ologbo Jigolo sang;
Commentary:
If says if this person is planning to take a trip they should make
ebo in order to avoid being harmed by hexes. If says after ebo is made
this person should use Eyonu herbs to attrack good things while on the
journey.
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BR MJ
Washing - the - right - hand - with - the - left - hand - and washing - the - left - hand - with - the - right - hand cast If for Awun
(white wood) on the day he wanted to have his head cleaned. If advised
Awun to make ebo.
received a good head. Awun sang and danced in praise of the Awo, while
the Awo praised If, while If praised Olodumare. When Awun started to
sing, s put a song in his mouth. Awun sang;
Commentary:
If says this person should have their head cleaned so the hand of
the Awo will ease their burden. If says this person should worship If
so their burden may continue to be lifted.
Etutu (offering): 4 eiyel (pigeon), 4 abo adie (hen), 1 epo (bottle of
palm oil), 6 iyan funfun (white yam), 6 eko (corn meal cakes) and 50
nira (money), offered to s.
Abarere Awo Odn cast If for Odn on the day he was preparing
to re-establish himself. If advised Odn to make ebo so the area would
have shade. Odn made ebo. The area started having shade. Odn
started to sing and dance in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised If,
while If praised Olodumare. When Odn started to sing, s put a
song in his mouth. Odn sang;
Commentary:
If says it is a good time for this person to start a new project. If
says if this person wants to move the time is right. If says if this person
is about to enter a relationship, the relationship will be good. If says
this person will receive a blessing of abundance and a blessing of a good
relationship.
Etutu (offering): 4 eiyel (pigeon), 4 abo adie (hen), 1 epo (bottle of
palm oi)l, 1 white plate, 4 eko (corn meal cakes) and 100 nira (money)
offered to s.
wo (taboo): hunting small birds.
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KNRN MJ
The - hard - wood - of - the - forest - used - to - make - Osunsun staff - doesn't - give - juice - while - a - tree - used - to - make - Atori staff - will - draw - blood cast If for Sakoto on the day he was making a
Sakoto said he was making the journey to Owa. s told Sakoto the
people of Owa had been suffering for a long time without rain.
pointed to a patch of ado (small gordes used to carry medicine) and told
Sakoto to go among the ado. s said some of ado would say; "pluck
me," and others would remain silent. Sakoto was instructed to take one
of the ado that remained silent and cut off the top. s said as Sakoto
approached the entrance to Owa he should lift the ado up over his head
and announce he was bringing rain. Sakoto did as he was instructed
and entered the town saying; "People of Owa I bring rain." Immediately it
started to rain. The next day the Oba of Owa instructed the town crier to
tell the people of Owa he wanted to meet the stranger who said he had
brought the rain. Sakoto was brought to the Oba and the Oba divided all
his property and belongings giving half to Sakoto. It was on that day
Sakoto received the blessings he had been looking for. Sakoto started to
sing and dance in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised If, while If
If says this
person should make ebo so that the journey will bring fame and
abundance. If says when this person arrives at their destination they
will be able to solve a problem that will bring good fortune. If says this
person should offer bean cakes to s become making the journey. If
says when this person arrives at their destination they will have many
benefactors.
Etutu (offering): 4 eiyel (pigeon), 4 adie (fowl), 1epo (bottle of palm
oil), 1 white plate, 4 eko (corn meal cakes) and 20 nira (money) offered to
gn and s.
There - are - different - ways - found - the - land - of - the ancestors cast If for Igbegbe (rat) on the day he was doing to sell rat at
the market. If advised Igbegbe to make ebo so he would see things
clearly. Igbegbe made ebo and had clear vision.
Commentary:
If says this person is not seeing things clearly.
If says this
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GND MJ
Dried - palm - leaves cast If for tiger on the day that tiger was
going hunting. If advised tiger to make ebo so he would reap the fruit
of his efforts. Tiger was reluctant to make ebo. Tiger went on the hunt
and captured a deer he placed under a palm tree. As he was about to eat
the deer dried palm leaves fell from the tree and sacred him away. Tiger
continued the hunt and captured an antelope he placed next to an ant
hill. As he was about to eat the antelope it became covered with ants.
Tiger returned to the Awo and asked what should be done in order to
reap the fruit of his efforts. If advised tiger to make ebo. Tiger made
ebo. From that day on tiger eat all the game he captured on the hunt.
Commentary:
If says this person must make ebo to keep the fruit of their labor.
Etutu (offering): 4 eiyel (pigeon), 4 adie (fowl), 1 piece of leather,
1epo (botttle of palm oil), 1 white plate and 55 nira (money), offered to
gn and If.
Eluku - does - not - have - Oro - while - Oro - does - not - have - a
- metal - bell cast Ifa for the people of Idena - Magbon on the day the
entire town was weeping for good fortune. If advised the people of Idena
- Magbon to make ebo so they would receive the good fortune that would
put an end to their weeping. The people of Idena - Magbon made ebo. It
was on that day the people of Idena - Magbon received the blessing of
good fortune.
Commentary:
comes their way. If says many blessings are close but there is a risk
they will be lost if ebo is not made.
Etutu (offering): 2 agogo (metal bell), 2 eiyel (pigeon), 2 adie (fowl),
2 Osunsun (hard wood stick used to strike the bells) and money
determined by the diviner. Both bells are to be marked with iyerosun.
One bell is for the diviner and the other bell is for the person who has
received the Odu.
wu (taboo): carry money in a purse or wallet blessed for
protection.