Practiced among the Yoruba, Ifa divination relies on a complex system of signs, compiled in a literary corpus, that are interpreted by a diviner to guide important personal or collective decisions. The literary corpus is a treasury of knowledge concerning Yoruba history, philosophy, medicine and mythology.
In contrast to other forms of divination in the region that employ spirit mediumship, Ifa divination does not rely on a person having oracular powers but rather on a system of signs that are interpreted by a diviner, the Ifa priest or Babalawo, literally “the priest’s father”. The Ifa divination system is applied whenever an important individual or collective decision has to be made.
The Ifa literary corpus, called odu, consists of 256 parts subdivided into verses called ese, whose exact number is unknown as they are constantly increasing (there are around 800 ese per odu). Each of the 256 odu has its specific divination signature, which is determined by the babalawo using sacred palm-nuts and a divination chain. The ese, considered the most important part of Ifa divination, are chanted by the priests in poetic language. The ese reflect Yoruba history, language, beliefs, cosmovision and contemporary social issues. The knowledge of Ifa has been preserved within Yoruba communities and transmitted among Ifa priests.
Under the influence of colonial rule and religious pressures, traditional beliefs and practices were discriminated against.The Ifa priests, most of whom are quite old, have only modest means to maintain the tradition, transmit their complex knowledge and train future practitioners. As a result, the youth and the Yoruba people are losing interest in practising and consulting Ifa divination, which goes hand-in-hand with growing intolerance towards traditional divination systems in general.
Source:
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00146
In contrast to other forms of divination in the region that employ spirit mediumship, Ifa divination does not rely on a person having oracular powers but rather on a system of signs that are interpreted by a diviner, the Ifa priest or Babalawo, literally “the priest’s father”. The Ifa divination system is applied whenever an important individual or collective decision has to be made.
The Ifa literary corpus, called odu, consists of 256 parts subdivided into verses called ese, whose exact number is unknown as they are constantly increasing (there are around 800 ese per odu). Each of the 256 odu has its specific divination signature, which is determined by the babalawo using sacred palm-nuts and a divination chain. The ese, considered the most important part of Ifa divination, are chanted by the priests in poetic language. The ese reflect Yoruba history, language, beliefs, cosmovision and contemporary social issues. The knowledge of Ifa has been preserved within Yoruba communities and transmitted among Ifa priests.
Under the influence of colonial rule and religious pressures, traditional beliefs and practices were discriminated against.The Ifa priests, most of whom are quite old, have only modest means to maintain the tradition, transmit their complex knowledge and train future practitioners. As a result, the youth and the Yoruba people are losing interest in practising and consulting Ifa divination, which goes hand-in-hand with growing intolerance towards traditional divination systems in general.
Source:
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00146
Ose-Irete
Ose Irete means using your will and words to bury your good fortune at the crossroads (investing). It is the process of building material, social and spiritual wealth. Ifa says that this will be a great year for New relationships, new business prospects, etc. Be careful of greed. Greed will cause loss of prosperity.
This energy, however, comes Ibi or off path as indicated by Otura Meji. In this position, Otura meji says Ifa also says that we should be very careful to not be so arrogant s to think that our opinion is the only one that matters. We must remember to respect and honor our elders. If we show arrogance or disrespect, so shall the same energy be directed back toward us. If we are respectful and humble as Ifa suggests, we will be successful. Ifa also says that we should know our limits so as not to overextend ourselves. Also that we should not show off. If we are show offs and are in the presence of enemies, they will become jealous and work to destroy us.
To maximize this year’s reading toward the best possible outcome, Ifa says that we must a) Realize that the hard times are only temporary and very soon things will get better with God’s blessing; and b) never make snap decisions. Take a measure twice cut once approach to all decisions concerning relationships, finances, new business ventures, etc.
Now let us look at what Ifa says about specific areas of life over the next year.
This energy, however, comes Ibi or off path as indicated by Otura Meji. In this position, Otura meji says Ifa also says that we should be very careful to not be so arrogant s to think that our opinion is the only one that matters. We must remember to respect and honor our elders. If we show arrogance or disrespect, so shall the same energy be directed back toward us. If we are respectful and humble as Ifa suggests, we will be successful. Ifa also says that we should know our limits so as not to overextend ourselves. Also that we should not show off. If we are show offs and are in the presence of enemies, they will become jealous and work to destroy us.
To maximize this year’s reading toward the best possible outcome, Ifa says that we must a) Realize that the hard times are only temporary and very soon things will get better with God’s blessing; and b) never make snap decisions. Take a measure twice cut once approach to all decisions concerning relationships, finances, new business ventures, etc.
Now let us look at what Ifa says about specific areas of life over the next year.
Destiny
Do NOT keep conflicts internal. Keeping conflicts secret will cause major disruption. Focus on the wisdom of your ancestral beliefs to help resolve conflicts.
Health
Be wary of genetic predispositions to ailments. Monitor closely and adhere to any medical taboos which may be present.
Success
A reminder to be on our best behavior to ensure success. Always show good character in our thoughts and deeds.
Relationships
Here Ifa warns of difficulty finding balance in our relationships. We must work to achieve balance or risk relationships coming to an end.
Family
Here Ifa says that we must not let fear of doing the wrong thing push us into doing nothing at all! This will have negative consequences. Have the courage to step up and make needed change.
Victory
Showing good character is important in preventing us from being overwhelmed by enemies and being the victim of false accusations.
Endnotes
This can be a very good year or a very bad year depending completely on our own actions and attitudes. The ebbo anyone can do is coconut to Oshun. For those who are initiated, The ebbo is two pigeons. One for Ose (oshun) and One for Irete.
Why Coconut? The overall message from Ifa for this years is to keep our thoughts and deeds in good order..to keep calm and cool....be very thoughtful in our decision making......the coconut represents the head.....more specifically a cool head.....we give that which we hope to recieve in return. To give Oshun coconut can be done in several ways. For example, you can go to the river and either give a whole coconut to them river or sprinkle shredded coconut into the river.
Think of Odu as portals to metaphysical principals and primal forces......each time Ifa is cast...one of these portals opens. When an Odu comes off path it means the energy is not balanced. If the energy of the portal is balanced it is said to be Ire...or on path....all good.....the energy which will Isssue forth from the opened portal will bring blessings. If the energy of the portal is Ibi....this is imbalance......the energy which comes through the portal can bring chaos and upheaval......the purpose of the Ebbo combined with the advice of ifa....is to counter the Ibi of the portal to bring its energy back into balance.
Why Coconut? The overall message from Ifa for this years is to keep our thoughts and deeds in good order..to keep calm and cool....be very thoughtful in our decision making......the coconut represents the head.....more specifically a cool head.....we give that which we hope to recieve in return. To give Oshun coconut can be done in several ways. For example, you can go to the river and either give a whole coconut to them river or sprinkle shredded coconut into the river.
Think of Odu as portals to metaphysical principals and primal forces......each time Ifa is cast...one of these portals opens. When an Odu comes off path it means the energy is not balanced. If the energy of the portal is balanced it is said to be Ire...or on path....all good.....the energy which will Isssue forth from the opened portal will bring blessings. If the energy of the portal is Ibi....this is imbalance......the energy which comes through the portal can bring chaos and upheaval......the purpose of the Ebbo combined with the advice of ifa....is to counter the Ibi of the portal to bring its energy back into balance.