Ilé Dafa

Jaap Verduijn

Casting Four Cowries

There’s much more to Four Cowries or Obi divination than initially meets the
eye! You can make it either as simple, or as complex as you want. In fact, with
four cowries you can do the exact same as one can do with Opele or Ikin! But
that’s a bit beyond the scope of this page… right here we’ll explore some of the
simpler variations that, I emphasize it again, should not be underestimated!

Alafia

The basic essence of Alafia is “Yes” with some blessing attached. Many diviners
consider it necessary to ask again, but in my personal experience that’s not at
all a necessity. Alafia simply means “Yes” in a very happy way.

Okanran

Although Okanran often is considered to mean “No, but…”, I consider

Okanran a clear and straightforward “NO”.

Ejife

Ejife is a very clear “Yes”! Many diviners consider Ejife a firmer “yes” than
Alafia, but I don’t agree with that point of view. It’s “Yes”. Period.

Etawa

Although Etawa often is considered to mean “Yes, but…” I consider Etawa a

clear and straightforward “No”.

Oyeku

Some people are scared shitless of this pattern, considering it a very negative
 “No”. I don’t see it that way: in Oyeku the Ancestors (Egun) want to speak,
emphasizing the answer to the original question. So: ask that exact question
again, and don’t be surprised if Oyeku appears… again! If that happens ask the
question yet again, and when either Alafia or Ejife appears it means an
absolute, definite “Yes!”. When Etawa or Okanran appears, it means an
absolute, definite “No”. Ifa and the Ancestors have spoken.

Making arrangements with your cowries

There are a few things that I changed during my decades of practicing Ifa.
This is part of ones growth and development as a diviner. Making very clear
arrangements, almost “contracts” with whatever divination system you use, is
very important – in fact you literally tell the system how you want it to
cooperate with you. Bear in mind: although Ifa is always in control of the
answers, the wisdoms and the results, it’s you who must be in control of the
tools… otherwise the whole thing will get away from you so fast that you’ll
need days to recover and gather the courage to try again (amused grin)!
During the years of honing your divination skills, every now and then you will
get the gut feeling that you should change/improve something. Then get into
a dialogue with the Spirit behind your tools, and settle the “agreement” or
“arrangement” accordingly. Then stick to the new agreement and way of
working, until (if ever) the next occasion comes up. Is this an established,
traditional, generally approved way of doing things? I have no idea. Nor do I
care.

Reading underlying Odu Ifa

You can interpret all casts with four Cowries in a more expansive way, by
reading the “underlying” Odu Ifa, which is simply done by viewing them as a
vertical row. Now there are two results in Four Cowries that can only have
one Odu Ifa underneath, because all cowries are lying in the same position:
that’s Alafia with all four “mouths” up, and Oyeku with all four “bellies” up. In
other words: the underlying Odu Ifa in Alafia is always Ogbe, and in Oyeku
it’s always Oyeku… plain and simple. In Okanran, Ejife and Etawa however,
there are various possibilities, which I give below with a short interpretation
for each fall.

Alafia supported by Ogbe

Alafia can only be supported by one particular Odu Ifa: Ogbe. The blessing that
comes with Alafia is partly caused by Ogbe giving an impulse towards
expansion, evolution and elevation. Alafia/Ogbe kind of goes “beyond the
intellect”, Ogbe representing the perfect alignment between Ori or
Consciousness and Iponri AKA the Higher Self. In order to make the blessings
materialize, acting upon the “Yes!” answer should be done in a very ethical way
because Ogbe, though bringing good stuff, also warns against narcissism and
egotism. Although I’m not a great proponent of exaggerated humility which is
often no humility at all but simply a form of reversed arrogance, after seeing
Alafia/Ogbe it sometimes makes sense to pursue the line of questioning to
make sure if the client understands the need to avoid egotistical and narcissist
behavior. This having been said, in my practice I rarely if ever do such a follow-
up: generally speaking Alafia means a clear “Yes!” with a blessing.

Okanran supported by Obara

Modesty is needed, take care that lessons taught by those who are older and
wiser have been well absorbed. There may be too high an opinion of oneself,
leading to a doubtful result. Overestimation of oneself leads to various
mistakes, like rash actions. Self-confidence is good, but when Okanran is
supported by Obara one should take care that it doesn’t become self-deception.
The answer, of course, is “No”.

Okanran supported by Okanran

Resistance from family or surroundings may be playing a role. If the one who
asks the question expects support from others, he might well find himself very
disappointed. The uncertainty in Okanran may be the result of this person not
fully understanding how big the opposition might be. This Odu speaks of a lone
prophet, who has the guts to go against the majority, especially in defense
against moral decay. Okanran/Okanran is not a final answer, the uncertainty
often referring to the client underestimating the amount of opposition he will
experience on the matter he is asking about. In my own practice I see the
strong influence of Oshoosi in Okanran, Oshoosi being the pathfinder and
tracker who guides us via the shortest route to our optimum destiny. The
answer, of course, is “No”.

Okanran supported by Ika

Unexpected illness may block a positive result. Gossip and self-doubt are also a
form of illness, it’s important to remember the power of the word: don’t use it
negatively because that’s a form of self-hexing! The uncertainty in Okanran
supported by Ika is often caused by gossip, self-doubt, or possibly as a result of
hexes, spells and curses from outside. The answer, of course, is “No”.

Okanran supported by Oturupon

Now this is a real pisser: Okanran supported by Oturupon often refers to the
distinct possibility of deliberate attempts by others to prevent a good outcome.
There may be need for psychic protection. Often silence is the best protection:
we don’t discuss our plans with everybody and his ancient mother. The answer
is “No”. When pursuing the line of questioning, it’s a good idea to include the
aspect of psychic protection, to avoid the risk of spiritual or psychological
damage.

Ejife supported by Iwori

Ejife in any form is a firm “Yes”! When the pattern is is supported by Iwori,
action as a follow-up to the question will have positive results for spiritual
transformation through blessings by Shango, or emotional transformation
through blessings by Aganyu. Fire, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, is
the key to transformation. The client will need to commit himself to positive
change, which is what the fire in this pattern suggests: the heat of passion to
make things change for the better! In my experience Ejife supported by Iwori
indicates that we are not yet on the brink of these positive changes, but that
we’re working steadily towards them

Ejife supported by Odi

Ejife supported by Odi is a firm “Yes” with the blessing of the birth of
something truly new… although in fact every birth is of course a rebirth, or a
form of regenerating and revitalizing. Blessing of Yemoja, in the form of a new
enterprise, a new idea, a new relationship or maybe even a new child. Ejife with
Odi underneath is a pattern of “birth”, in other words we are on the very brink
of good changes… that is, if with the help of the oracale we make them good!

Ejife supported by Irosun

Ejife supported by Irosun is a clear “Yes” with a blessing from the Egun and
Osun, the latter (not to be confused with Oshun!) being the Orisha who
protects the consciousness of those who search for spiritual transformation.
The client for whom this pattern falls tends to be aware of the spiritual aspects
that play a role here, has learned the lessons from the ancestors, and follows
the right path. There is a good foundation for learning how to let go of
ineffective thoughts about living in this world. The admonition by the Egun is
that this person should proceed carefully and cautiously in order to progress
through difficulties.

Ejife supported by Owonrin

Ejife supported by Owonrin means “Yes” with blessings from Eshu or the
Egun… or possibly both. Either way, the Ancestors look favorably upon the
subject of the question and on the client’s way of proceeding. Consult the
Ancestors to obtain additional depth and clarity, and be aware that the
intervention of Eshu can lead to unexpected changes in the circumstances that
led to the asking of this question. What Owonrin brings can get lost again quite
easily, so be alert and disciplined… because Owonrin is an unstable Odu!

Ejife supported by Oshe

Ejife supported by Oshe brings a “Yes” with the blessing of Oshun, in the form
of f’rinstance sensuality, erotics, abundance and fertility, depending on the
nature and subject of the question. In a life that is lived according to the
instructions of Ifa, that is: in harmony with nature and with the spiritual forces
that keep creation intact, Oshun can supply all these blessings.

Ejife supported by Ofun

When Ejife is supported by Ofun, the meaning is “Yes” with the blessing of
Obatala. The client should take good care to act according to ethical principles.
The blessings of Obatala come to those whose social behaviour and personal
actions are consciously directed towards the highest possible spiritual
standards and aspirations. There should be no excess of any kind. The client
should truly maintain spiritual, physical, and domestic cleanliness. Clean,
white, pure, ethical… those are the words that come to mind when Ejife falls
with Ofun as supporting Odu!

Etawa supported by Ogunda

Etawa supported by Ogunda is a “No”, but you’re probably not too far off,
although there are obsacles preventing you from getting a “Yes”. These
obstructions should be confronted and removed. In the Odu Ogunda, Orisha
Ogun spreaks very strongly, which is a good thing because he is the one who
moves obstacles out of the way! The obstructions can be external or internal,
implying the removal of physical circumstances that prevent improvement (a
change in circumstances), or the removal of ineffective thoughts and attitudes
(a change in consciousness). Courage is required, and the determination of
Ogun… the warrior spirit!

Etawa supported by Osa

Etawa supported by Osa is a “No”, but you’re probably not too far off. This
pattern brings the Winds of Change! What seems important now, can change
because of presently unknown causes that are in movement. Shape and content
of the present issue can suddenly change. Through the presence of Oya, who
controls the conversion or indeed the “twilight zone” between the living and
the dead, the Ancestors can cause sudden change. This partical form of Etawa
comes with a struggle, possibly as the result of a lack of preparation or the
absence of a “Plan B”.

Etawa supported by Otura

When Etawa is supported by Otura, it’s “No” but you’re probably not too far
off, possibly indicating the need for asking again with a slightly different
(spiritually more elevated) approach. The end result is acceptable, but possibly
there’s something not completely ethical in the way the person who asks this
question wants to reach that result. Otura is the Odu that makes or breaks
families, and depending on the situation either the one or the other is relevant.
Here is a strong reference to social responsibility. In case of continuing
confusion, Otura speaks of fasting and meditating in order to gain clarity.

Etawa supported by Irete

Etawa supported by Irete often indicates that the person who asks this
question has the unconscious tendency to sabotage his own efforts. The
meaning is “No”, although you’re not too far off. The point you may be “off”
may be an issue of insecurity and self-doubt that may stand in the way of a
good solution. Selfrespect and self-affirmation should be examined, and where
necessary encouraged. Asking a related question with a slightly different
approach often helps to bring more clarity.
Oyeku supported by Oyeku

Oyeku can only be supported by one particular Odu Ifa, also named Oyeku. For
me, Oyeku lets the Ancestors (Egun) speak very loudly! Usually, when Oyeku
falls, it turns out to be one or more (easily identifiable) Egun hammering at the
importance of the answer, saying: “Cast again, asking the same question! And
stick, stick, STICK to the answer! No shortcuts here, no tricks of the trade:
ask the question again and if the answer is either Alafia or Ejife it’s an absolute
“YES!!!”, when Okanran or Etawa appears it is an absolute “NO!!!”, and
when Oyeku falls again it either emphasizes the importance of the issue even
more (cast again with the same question!), or the Egun want to be consulted in
depth on the issue. Oyeku by itself never means disaster, and the paranoid
reaction of many diviners to its appearence (throwing water, doing
“gymnastics” and such) has no equivalent in Independent Practice. But it does
indicate a very important situation, usually illuminated by the Egun.