Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Awo Yoruba El Lenguaje de Ifa - Falokun Fatumbi PDF
Awo Yoruba El Lenguaje de Ifa - Falokun Fatumbi PDF
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
USED IN IFÁ DIVINATION
resonance used to access the power of Spirit. Physics teaches the idea
that all power in the universe is part of a sign wave which is the full
color and pitch. The tonal quality of words used in liturgical Yoruba
liturgical Yoruba is that the words used for invocation also carry
meaning that reveals the inner essense of the Spiritual Force itself.
Nature science calls white light. Ifa teaches that everything in the
universe has some form of consciousness (ori). Saying the word Obatala
white light. It does while telling us something about the quality of white
of expansion or male energy ie; Baba) ota (stone) ala (light). The word
Obatala in the context of Odu Ifa (Yoruba Scripture) means; the Spirit of
the expansive quality of light that comes from the eternal stone of
Olatunde Sproye in his book Yoruba without Tears states there are
ba be be bi bo bo bu da de de di do do du fa fe fe fi fo
ha he he hi ho ho hu ja je je ji jo jo ju ka ke ke ki ko ko
ku la le le li lo lo lu ma me me mi mo mo mo mu na ne
ne ni no no nu pa pe pe pi po po pu ra re re ri ro ro ru
sa se se si so so su ta te te ti to to tu wa we we wi wo
wo wu ya ye ye yi yo yo yu
Doubling a word refers to its source or parent, for example Dada (Spirit
used as the basis for Yoruba language we get two hundred and fifty-two
hundred and fifty six fundamental principles. The first four principles
represent the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. These four principles
support the rest of Creation. The rest of Creation comes into being
through the manifestation of two hundred and fifty two Forces in Nature.
mysteries preserved in the Yoruba language. When Ifa and Orisa spread
language.
ascenscion of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. I believe the word
(earth), meaning; the wisdom of the fathers and mothers found on earth.
This glossary is a preliminary attempt to understand Ifa theology
from Odu Ifa as it is recited in Ile Ife and most of the vocabulary reflects
point of departure for theological linquistic analysis. Bit by bit we eat the
Ase o
Awo Fa’lokun Fatunmbi
A
a Him, her, we and it, depending on context.
ààbò Half.
àáké Ax.
Àáyán - awo - inú - igbó Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny
(Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Ayan Tree is the Mystery of the Inner Sanctum of
the Sacred Grove."
ààyè Life.
abá Mat. The mat is used to create sacred space in Ifá and Òrìsà ritual
and divination.
àba Ladder. The ladder is sacred to the Spirit of the Divine Messenger
(Èsù)
abádà Eternal, something that comes directly from the Source of
Creation (Olórún).
abanijé Detractor.
àbáse Cooperation.
Abata Mud. Mud is sacred to the female aspect of the Spirit of White
Cloth (Oduduwa/Yemo).
abèbe Fan, used to cool mediums in ritual, sacred to the Spirit of the
River (Òsun).
Abélà Candle.
abéré Needle.
àbètélè Bribe.
abi I or you.
àbí Or.
abigba Four chains with nuts attached, used in some regions of Nigeria
to perform divination. Each chain has four nuts representing one leg of
the marks used to represent the verses (Odù) of Ifá scripture. When the
abigba is thrown two complete verses (Odù) of Ifá scripture are marked.
àbíku A child who dies at a young age and reincarnates through the
same mother. The word refers to the spiritual cause behind a sequence
of deaths among children in the same family. When this occurs, Ifá can
perform rituals that will induce the spirit of the child to remain on Earth
to become an adult.
abo Female.
àbo Expression used to greet someone who has returned to the place of
their departure.
Abògán Those who worship the ant hill, the ant hill represents the
Spirit of hard work and cooperation.
abókulò One who works with the spirit of ancestors (Egún) to invoke
transformation.
Abomalè Those who worship the ancestors and the deified ancestors
(Egúngún).
Abuku Disgrace
abúra One who takes an oath during an initiation, the person who
makes a pledge.
àdá A large knife with a hook on the end used in farming, sacred to the
Spirit of Iron (Ògún) and the Spirit of the Farm (Òrìsà Oko).
adaba Dove, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
The dove is the Ifá symbol for peace and tranquility.
àdá - fàdákà Silver cutlass, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White
Cloth (Obàtálá).
Adáhunse A herbal doctor, one who works with the Spirit of herbs and
medicine (Òsányin).
adánri One who has shaved their head for religious reasons, usually in
preparation for initiation. Some diviners keep their head shaved as a
way of being in close alignment with the influence of the Forces of Nature
(Òrìsà).
adé Crown worn by Yorùbá Kings (Oba). The crown symbolizes the
spiritual transformation that occurs when the Kings (Oba) are installed
in office. The crown is also the seat of protection that is given by the
Spirit of the Mothers (Ìyáàmi).
adèbo One who prepares sacred food for a feast by slaughtering animals
according to the rules of religious sanction.
àdéhùn Agreement.
adibo Diviner.
Adógunsílè The chief warrior priest among those who worship the Spirit
of Iron (Ògún). Traditionally this is the person responsible for the
protection of a given town or village.
afá Bridge.
afárá Bridge.
Afefe A messenger of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), the gale wind.
Afefe - jeje The whirlwind, the sacred power of the Spirit of the Wind
(Oya) in its most intense manifestation.
afe - imojo The tail of a large rat that is used by Yorùbá Kings as a
symbol of their power of the word.
afémóju The early morning, one of the times considered sacred for
picking herbs.
Aferef e Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), the gentle aspect
of the wind, the breeze, meaning: "The Good Wind."
Aférifé légélégé Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya) , meaning:
"Mysterious Wind."
afi Unless.
afi - bi Unless.
afójú Blind person, protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
àfonífojì Valley.
aforíjì Forgiveness, also refers to a type of prayer used in Ifá for asking
Spirit to forgive the need to make a blood offering.
àfòse Magical incantations.
Afurùkèrèsayo Reference to the left half of the horizontal line that forms
the equal arm cross of a Ifá diviner's tray, meaning: "The one who has
the diviner's tapper and is happy."
aga Chair, low stool., in Ifá ritual the younger initiates will sit on a mat
while the elders sit on low stools.
agaro Shovel. The shovel is sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Orìsà Oko).
Agayu The Spirit of the Fire at the Center of the Earth, in some
versions of Ifá sacred
history, Agayu is the Father of the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
agbégbò Hen.
agbéledi One of the wrestling moves used in the marital art that is
sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
agbéró Charm used by those who practice the martial art of the Spirit of
Iron (Ògún), used to insure that the person remains standing during a
martial arts contest.
àgbé Short sword sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), farmer depending
on context.
Àgbìgbò Elemental spirit of the Forest that is know for causing trouble.
agbon Chin.
agbón Wasp.
àgbònrín Chin.
agére Stilt dancer who dances as part of the ceremonies that honor the
Spirit of the Ancestors (Egún).
agé Small drum that is sacred to the Spirit of the Farm (Òrìsà Oko).
agemo Chameleon.
aginiso Word for snail used by devotees of the Spirit of the River (Osun)
who have a taboo against using the word igbin.
agò Sacred cloth used by dancers who are mediums for the Spirit of the
Ancestors (Egún).
Agongo ogo Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù), meaning: "He
Who Carries a Club."
Àguala The planet Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). It is
also known as the companion of the Moon or the dog of the Moon. The
Spirit of Venus.
Agunmola The planet Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun). It
is also known as the companion of the Moon or the dog of the Moon. The
Spirit of Venus.
àgùtàn Sheep.
ahun Miser.
aibi One who has no children, a form of bad fortune in Ifá divination.
aigbo - àiyé Tranquility, being at peace in the world, the sign of one
who has developed inner certainty.
áike Ax, the double headed ax is sacred to the the Spirit of Lightning
(Sàngó).
àiláiyà Coward.
àiléso Barren, without children, one of the forms of bad fortune in Ifá
divination.
aile Evening.
ailébi One who has not experienced misfortune, an indication of
someone who is of good character.
àìsàn Illness.
aiyé The surface of the Earth, in Ifá scripture it is the place where the
Realm of the Ancestors (Egún) meets the realm of humans.
ajá Dog, black dogs are sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
àjà Ceiling.
ajako Jackal.
Àjàláiyé The Winds of the Earth, an aspect of the Spirit of the Wind
(Oya).
Àjàlórun The Winds of the Realm of the Ancestors, an aspect of the
Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
Àjàlá - mòpin One of the Spirits who shapes the head and forms the
consciousness of each new born child.
Aja - Osun The planet Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun),
also known as the companion of the Moon or the dog of the Moon, the
Spirit of Venus.
Ajapa Tortoise, one of the animal totems or guides of the Spirit of the
Divine Messenger (Èsù), the tortoise is the Divine Messenger for the
Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó).
àjé The Spirit of a Bird used by women (Ìyáàmi) to invoke powers used
for abundance and justice. This same power is used to consecrate the
crown of the Yorùbá Kings. Also used as a reference to money or
abundance.
ajeji Forgiveness.
àjèjì Strange.
Ajiki Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olórun), meaning: "The
One Who is Praised First." It also may be used as a reference to the
personal Spirit of any given individual. In reference to the Spirit of the
Divine Messenger (Èsù) it is used to indicate that the Divine Messenger
(Èsù) is addressed first in most ritual.
àjò l'ayé Journey through the world, the entire spectrum of a person's
personal experience.
ajugu dunirín A pile of iron in or near a shrine used as an altar for the
Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
àkarà Bread cakes cooked in palm oil, sacred to the Spirit of the
Ancestors (Egún).
àkébàjé Over indulgent behavior, one of the sources of bad fortune in Ifá
divination.
A - kè - bí - àlà Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning, "Radiant White."
akere Frog.
akese Cotton. Cotton is sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
aki Bravery, also the word for refering to the martial art practiced by
the devotees of the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
Akiko Cock, male chicken. Male chickens are sacred to the Spirit of
most Warriors (Ibora).
Akódá One of the Prophet Òrúnmìlà's first two students, term also
used to identify a senior priest in a society of diviners.
akokoro Toothache.
akókò ti obinrin Female puberty rite, meaning: "season of becoming a
woman."
akóni Teacher.
ako - ojo Five day week that is used as the basis for the Ifá calender of
ritual events.
alá Owner.
àlà White cloth, dream, effective dreamer, one who has visions while
sleeping. In Ifá scripture white cloth is a symbolic reference to dreams
and mystic vision.
Aláàfin The traditional title for the King of Oyo, chief Priest of the
Council of elders (Ogboni).
aláàye Someone who is living, a person of the Earth, as opposed to
spirit or ancestor.
alábalàse Forever.
Alábalese Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "He Who Predicts the Future."
Alabalòtún The Spirit of the One who implements with the right, a
reference to the right side of the horizontal line on the diviner's tray
(òpón Ifá).
Aláféèri One who knows the secret to the charm that makes one
invisible. This medicine is commonly used to make a person invisible to
their enemies in the sense that they will not be bothered rather than
physically invisible. Some forms of this medicine can create
telaportation.
Alàgba Elder, also the title for the chief priest of the Society of Ancestor
Reverence in Ilè Ifé.
Alágemo Member of men's society in Ijebu region that honors the Spirit
of the Chameleon.
Alajìki Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù), meaning: "One who
is addressed first." This is a reference to the fact that The Divine
Messenger is usually addressed first during ritual.
alála One who is an effective dreamer, a person who has visions in their
sleep.
Alamorere Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "Owner of the best clay."
alangba Lizard.
alaromo One who wishes another harm or bad fortune, a person who
makes use of hexes.
Alaselòsì The Spirit of the One who implements with the left, a
reference to the left side of the horizontal line on the divining tray (òpón
Ifá), usually refers to that which is hidden or unrevealed.
aláya Husband.
àlàyé Explanation.
àle Leprosy.
alé Evening.
àlejò Visitor.
alubarika Property.
àmààní Opportunity.
amo Lizard.
Amodi Sickness.
amokisitekun Panther.
Amòlà Ifé Owòdáyé Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà),
meaning: "The Savior of Ifé from the early days."
amulu Combination.
Amúlù Odù The verses of Ifá scripture that follow the first sixteen verses
(Olu Odù).
amure Sash worn by men around the waist as a symbol of balance
between male and female Forces in Nature (Òrìsà).
Amúsan One of the children of the Spirit of the wind, the person who
holds a switch and walks in front of Egúngún during ancestral
ceremonies, acts as a guardian for the medium.
amòye Wise elder, one who is able to give good council and advice.
àná Yesterday.
àna In - law.
àníàní Doubt.
anife One who has no mate, being without love or affection, one of the
forms of bad fortune in Ifá divination.
anípé One who has abundance in all things, one who has fulfilled their
destiny.
apáko Bamboo.
àpárá Joke.
àpè Prayer.
àpò Bag often refers to bag used to carry medicine and tools associated
with ritual work, also refers to charms carried by worshippers of the
Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
àpótí Box.
ará Thunder, sacred to the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó) and the Spirit of
the Wind (Oya).
Àràbà A senior Ifá priest who is initiated into Mysteries that are
associated with protection from the Spirit of Infectious Disease
(Babaluaiyé).
arábìnrin Sister.
arákùnrin Brother.
arewa Beauty.
arigogo Hook.
Àríwá North, also refers to Spirits of the North.
ariwowo Hook.
aro Sadness.
aro Plant used in Ifá for protection from death (Crossopoteryx Febrifuga),
disabled person sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
aròn Worm.
Ar oni Spirit of the forest, elemental spirit with the body of a human
and the head of a dog.
Arúku Spirit who transforms and elevates the spirit of the ancestors.
asán Afternoon.
àsaro Meditation.
àsásí Hexing.
àse Spiritual Power, that which brings dynamic force into Being in the
Universe, the word is also used at the end of prayers meaning: "May it be
so." The phrase is intended to be an invocation rather than a request.
àsé Menstruation.
Àsedá One of the Prophet Òrúnmìlà first two students, term also used
to identify a
senior priest with a communal society of Ifá elders.
asejù Excess.
àsikò Time.
àsíse Mistake.
aso - ìbojú Viel used to cover the face of mediums in possession with
the Spirit of Forces in Nature (Orìsà).
aso pupa Red cloth, taboo for traditional Ifá /Òrìsà burial rituals.
ata Pepper.
àtakò Opposition.
Ata - mátàsé Praise name for the Spirit of the Tracker (Òsóòsì),
meaning: "The sharp shooter."
ataparako Thumb.
àtàrí Top of the head, also refers to the power center at the top of the
head.
àte Mat, the mat is used to establish sacred space for ritual and
divination.
até To spread.
àte - ìká Rafia mat used for sacred space during divination.
Àté - ìká - ení Reference to all of Creation, meaning: " the mat that
can't be rolled up."
àtò Seamen.
atòsí Gonorrhoea.
àtúnbi Born again, the Ifá word used for physical reincarnation.
àtúnwá Rebirth of character, the Ifá word used for reincarnation of the
soul.
Àwàlàwúlú Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Rugged
and Rough Spirit."
awò Color.
Awoni The society of Ifá priests who divine for the King (Òòni) of Ilé Ifè.
Àwònyè Òrìsà Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "The
enraged Spirit."
àwùjè Top of the head, refers to the power center at the crown of the
skull.
awun Miser.
awure Unassuming.
aya Wife.
ayani explanation.
àyànmó Destiny, the Ifá belief that each person comes to the world
having an agreement
with Creation regarding the fate that is to be experienced during a given
life time.
àyànmó - ìpín Destiny, the Ifá belief that each person comes to the
World having an agreement with Creation regarding the fate which is to
be experienced during a given life time.
Ayànràbàtá - awo - lè - ojà Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù),
aye Room.
ayé World.
ayebo Hen.
ayo Joy.
B
ba To join, should depending on context.
bà To see.
Baba Father, used to describe any male adult old enough to have
children. In Yorùbá culture it is impolite to call someone who is older by
their proper name, instead they are called by their title or called by the
word that indicates their relative age within the extended family.
Babaláwo Father of the Secrets, male initiate into the Mysteries of Ifá.
The term Babaláwo is generally reserved for the elder Ifá initiates in a
given community, especially those who are adept at Ifá divination.
Babal'órìsà Father of the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), male initiate into the
Mysteries of Nature (Awo Òrìsà).
bájà To fight.
bala Spotted.
bámúbámú Full.
banújé To be sad.
Bara A Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsù), a reference to the
Divine Messenger's strength.
bàta Foot.
bàtà Shoe.
bèbè To implore.
beleje Slender.
be - ni This is.
bere To ask.
bèrèsí To begin.
bikita Show.
bínú To be angry, to be mad.
bò To cover.
bo To enter.
bò To arrive.
bó To escape.
boro Narrow
bòròkìnní Gentleman, well behaved person.
bu Dip.
bú To cut.
dá To create, to cause.
dabi To resemble.
dabò To stop.
Dada The Spirit of Vegetables, also the guardian Spirit new born
children with large tufts of hair.
dáfá The process of divination used by Ifá priests that makes use of
either sixteen ikin (Sacred palm nuts) or an opèlé (Sacred chain with
eight nuts attached).
dáke To be silent.
dákeroro To be calm.
dámòràn To advise.
danindanin Important.
dárò To be sympathetic.
dé To cover, to arrive.
déédéé Exactly.
de To trap.
dekun To stop.
dèngé Porridge, also pap used as the foundation for Ifá medicine.
dì Ti tie.
dí To block , to obstruct.
dídàgbà Growth.
dídara Good.
didé To arrive.
díè Some.
dípò To replace.
do - do Far.
dógba To be equal.
dojúko To confront.
dójúso To look at.
doyi To spin.
dùbúlè To lie down.
du - du Big.
dúdu Black, also refers to the mystery of that which cannot be seen.
dúró To stand.
E
ebe Yams, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
ebi Hunger.
eburú Elemental spirits that work with the Spirit of Infectious disease
(Babaluàiyé).
èdè Language.
Efufu - lege - lege An aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning:
"The Spirit of the Gentle Breeze."
egbe Loss.
egbin Antelope.
egiri Ifá medicine used as protection from the Spirit of Death (Iku).
egbò Sore.
ègbodò Yams.
egbòogi Medicine.
egungun Silk cotton tree (Ceila pentandra ) also known as the Araba
Iroko tree.
egurè Village.
eji Rain.
Èjìlá Seborà Name of verse (Odù) used in cowrie divination
(mérìndínlógún).
ejò Snake.
ekeji Second.
ekó Ifá charm used for protection for female Ifá worshippers.
eko - dide Red parrot tail feather, essential sacred symbol used in Ifá
and Òrìsà initiation.
ékú Rat, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) and the Divine
Messenger (Èsù).
ekúté Mouse
èkùlù Deer.
èle Violence.
elénìní Elemental spirits that block human growth, they are usually
generated by interalized fear.
eléré The Spirit of a child who dies young and reincarnates with the
same destiny, same as àbikú.
Elésù One who worships the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù)
elu Stranger.
eluju Field.
emini Dampness.
enìní Enemy.
enini Slanderer.
èrè Gain.
eré Spontaneity.
erin Elephant, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
erú Load.
erupe Dirt.
èsè Dye.
èsì Reply.
Èsú The Spirit of the Divine Messenger, who also as a role as the Spirit
of the Divine Trickster and the Spirit of the Divine Enforcer.
eti Ear.
etutu Atonement.
ewé Leaf.
ewu Danger.
eyi This.
èbí Family.
èbádó The bank of the river, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
ebe Request.
ebùn Gift.
eda Creature.
Èdán A rod or a staff, also the name of the male aspect of the Spirit of
the Earth (Onile).
èfóri Headache.
efun White chalk, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth
(Obàtálá) and the Spirit of the Ocean (Olókun).
egbe Companion.
egede Medicine used for protection against the Spirit of Death (Iku)
egbón Elder.
ehin Back.
eiye Bird.
eja Fish.
eketa Third.
ekun Tears.
Èlà The Spirit of Purity, the First Reincarnation of the Spirit of Destiny
(Òrúnmìlà). It is also the name given to the ceremony that celebrates the
first harvest of yams. This ceremony is an important aspect of the Ifá
calender of seasonal celebrations.
Elédà Creator, associated with the power center between the eyes.
elédè Pig.
Elégára The aspect of the Divine Messenger (Èsú) associated with the
Spirit of the Trickster.
eléri Witness.
Elérìn - ìpin Praise name of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning;
"Witness to Creation."
Emesè Society of Ifá priests who say prayers on a daily basis for the
Yorùbá Nation.
eni Person, also the name given to a mat used for divination.
enu Mouth.
enyin You.
epa Peanut.
èpa Small jars of medicine.
epere Better.
eran - ebo The animal used for a life force offering to Forces in Nature
(Òrìsà) or to the spirit of the ancestors (Egún).
eri River.
erin Laughter.
Erinla Cow.
erù Load.
èrù Fear.
erun Tree used for making charcoal. Ifá uses characoal as medicine for
spiritual elevation and for physical healing.
ese Breaking.
ètè Leprosy.
etù Guinea hen, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) and the
Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
ewà Beauty.
èwà Beans.
èwè Also.
èwòn Chain.
eyin Egg.
F
fa To pull.
fá To wipe, or to clean.
fà To pull.
farabalè To be calm.
farapamó To be calm.
fe A long time.
fèrè Flute.
fé To love.
féniyawo To marry.
fijì To forgive.
filà Cap.
fiatíla Lamp, traditional Ifá lamps are made from pottery, they burn
palm oil with a cotton wick.
fò To wash.
fó To break.
fójú Blind.
fun For.
funfun White.
fúù The sound made by the wind, the voice of the Spirit of the Wind
(Oya).
fúye Light.
G
gáàn Identical, exactly
ga Excellent, elevated.
gala Deer.
gelete At ease.
gere Trail.
góòlù Gold.
gò To be stupid.
goloto Stupid.
gun To climb.
gùn To be tall.
gunnugun Vulture, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
GB
gba The sound of wood breaking, this implies that something is
happening quickly.
gbabe To forget.
gbádùn To enjoy.
gbàdúrà To pray.
gbagbo To believe.
gbaguda Cassava.
gbajumo Gentleman.
gbàni to possess.
gbànja Kola nut with two halves, generally not used for divination.
gbarada Immense.
gbé To lift.
gbédè To act in an intelligent manner.
gbe li gbo The center point of the Ifá diving tray, a symbolic reference to
being in perfect alignment with personal destiny.
gbérè Congratulations.
gbèrò To intend.
gbese Debt.
gbéyàwó To marry.
gbede Wet.
gbigbon Shaking.
gbó To be old.
gbóju Brave.
gbóná To be hot.
gbórín Large.
gbodo Must.
gbúròó To hear.
H
hà Expression of amazement.
halè To threaten.
hàn To be obvious.
he To pick up.
hen Yes, expression used by Ifá priests to confirm that someone has
accurately recited portions of oral scripture (Odù).
hó To boil.
hun To weave.
hùwà To behave.
I
I Him, her, it.
iba Should.
ìbàjé Spoiled.
ibè There
ìbéta Triplet, also the Spirit of Triplets sacred to the Spirit of the
Ancestors (Egún).
ìbèrù Fear.
ìbínú Anger.
ibití Where.
ibòòji Shade.
ibu Breadth.
ibuyin Respect.
idà Sword.
idabo Iyerosun marked with the symbols of Ifá scripture (Odù) on an Ifá
divination tray for the purpose of making a blessing.
ìdánwò Examination.
idási Comments.
ide Beads worn by elders on the left wrist to indicate that they have
been through some form of initiation.
idi Waist.
ìdúró Standing.
Ifá awo kokó Bowl used to hold the palm nuts (ikin) used for Ifá
divination.
ìfarun A piece of iron looped over the fingers to protect the fingers when
drawing a bow.
Ifá Olokún Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà) meaning;
"Diviner of the Sea."
ìfé Love.
ìféhinti Patron.
ìfeseji Forgiveness.
ìfòiyà Alarm.
igbà Time.
ìgbà History.
igbado Corn, sacred to the Divine Messenger (Èsú) and to the Spirit of
the Guardian of the head (Osun).
igbe Punishment.
ígbe Shout.
igbèsè Debt.
ìgbé Forest.
ìgbín Snail, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth (Obàtálá).
igbo Coward.
igbó Forest.
Igbódù Òrìsà Sacred place used to initiate a person into the mysteries of
a particular Forces in Nature (Òrìsà).
ìgèdè Ifá incantation, also Ifá medicine for providing protection against
the Spirit of Death (Iku).
igò Bottle.
iherehere Bit by bit. (First word in Ifá scripture ie: "Bit by bit we eat
the head of the rat."
ihò Hole.
ija Fight.
ìjànbòn Trouble.
ijanwon Scraps.
iji Fear, also a reference to thunder storms, the voice of the Spirit of the
Wind (Oya).
ìjó Dance.
ìjo - ara - eni - lójú The concept of self, the conscious self
ìjòyè Chief.
ìjoú Jealousy.
ìkan One.
ike Ivory, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
iké Deformity in the spine, those who suffer this condition are
protected by the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
ikeyika Circumcision.
ikoko Pot.
ikò Messenger.
ikoko Corner.
Ikoriko Hyena.
ikùn Stomach.
ilaji Middle.
ilé House.
ile ati ona House and road, a reference to all the property that a person
owns.
Ilé Ifè The Spiritual capitol of traditional Yorúbà culture, also refers to
a Spiritual City in the Realm of the Ancestors (Ìkòlè Òrun).
ilè Ground.
ilé aiyé The earth, usually refers to the surface of the earth.
ìlekè Bead.
ilèmó Dawn.
Ilè Ògéré Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé) meaning:
"House of Perfection."
ilé omo House of the child, meaning the womb.
ìpètì Rope.
ilèsú Night.
ìlú City.
ìlù Drum.
imó Knowledge.
imó'lòrun Theology.
ìmótótó Cleanliness.
iná Fire.
ìní To possess.
ìpàdé Meeting.
ìpàkó Base of the skull, the back of the neck, also refers to the
spiritual power center that links the head and the heart, or mind and
emotions.
ìpete Yams cooked in palm oil, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
ipin Guardian.
ipo Position.
ìpónjú Distress.
Ìpònrí Higher self, described in Ifá scripture as a person's spiritual
double that lives in the Realm of the Ancestors (Ìkòlè Òrun).
Ipò - okú Ancestral home of the a person's spiritual shadow (ojiji), place
where the spirit of the deceased lingers if it does not receive proper
elevation.
ìpòrí The Spirit of the Big Toe, in Ifá Ancestor reverence the big toe is
the place where personal consciousness (Orí) forms a link with Ancestral
consciousness (Orí Egún).
irankoro Crawling.
ìràwò Stars.
Ìrawo - àguala Venus, the Spirit of Venus, sacred to the Spirit of the
River (Osun).
Ìràwòalé The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius refered to as the canoe star
in Ifá scripture.
Ìràwò Oke The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius, refered to as the canoe
star in Ifá scripture.
ìrésì Rice, sacred to the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá).
ireti Expectation.
iro Height.
iro - fá Tapper used by Ifá diviners to tap the side of the divining tray as
part of the invocation process.
ìròhìn News.
ìrònú Thoughtful.
iru Tail.
irun Hair.
isansan Root.
ise Work.
isele Disaster.
ìsimi Rest.
isinkú Funeral.
ìsu Yam.
itan Finish.
(Òrìsà).
ìté Throne.
ito Urine.
ìtúmò Meaning.
iwájú Forehead.
Iwin Ghost.
iwòfà Servant.
ìwo You.
ìwòn About.
iwóòrò Gold.
iwosan Healing.
iwowo Bead.
iwu Grey hair, sign of respect.
ìwu Erotic love, the realm of the Spirit of the River (Osun).
iwùjè Forehead.
Ìyá Mother.
Ìyá - àgan Senior female elder within the society of Ancestral mediums
(Egúngun).
iyànénu Surprise.
Iyansan Praise name for the Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya)
meaning: "Mother of the Child of Nine."
ìyanu Wonder.
iyawo Junior wife, also refers to those who are recently initiated into
the Mysteries of Forces of Nature (Òrìsà).
Iyawo ale Evening star, Spirit of the Evening Star.
iyi Glory.
ìyí This.
iyin Praise.
iyo. Rejoice.
jà To fight, to struggle.
jádi To attack.
jáfáfá To be active.
jagunjagun Warrior.
Jàkúta To fight with stones, also the Spirit of the Stone Thrower.
jàmbá Accident.
je To eat.
jé To allow.
jege Softly.
jeun To eat.
jéwó To confess.
jé To wake.
jìbàtàjibata Soaking.
jije To eat.
jikelewi To pounce.
jìnnà To be far.
jóná To be on fire.
jo To be similar.
jojú
ju Surpass, to excel.
jugbáàna Assistant.
K
kà To read, to count, to be placed on depending on context.
ká To reap, to pluck.
kábà Dress.
kàdárà Destiny.
kaka Instead.
kan To touch.
kán One.
kánjú To be in a hurry.
kánkan Any.
kaná To be on fire.
kànàkànà Catapult.
kangere Feeble.
kári To go around.
kàwe To read.
ké To cut.
kedere Clear.
kékeré Small.
kéré To be small.
kéréwú Cotton seeds, sacred to the Spirit of the King of the White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
Kéhìndé The second twin to be born, the oldest child among twins is
believed to come last so that the younger child can test the new
environment. All second born twins in traditional Yoruba culture have
this name whether they are male or female.
kíákíá Quickly.
kijikiji Shaking.
kíkún Mortal.
koro To go.
kini First.
kínìdí What causes.
kiniun Lion.
kó To gather.
kókó Lump.
kòkó Coca.
koriko Grass.
Korí Spirit who creates the calabash of the inner self. Usually
worshipped by small children.
Kórira To hate.
korò To be bitter.
kò To reject.
kó To hang up.
koja To pass.
kònkò Bullfrog.
korin To sing.
kósórí To memorize.
ku To die.
kukunduku Yam.
kúkúrú Short.
kún To be full.
kunrin To sing.
kúrú To be short.
kurúkurú Fog.
L
là To appear.
lá To dream.
láàyè To be alive.
labalábá Butterfly.
lábelè Secretly.
lágbára To be strong.
lágidigba Black beads made from palm nut shells worn around the
waist by women for fertility.
làí - làí The beginning of time, also refers to a mystical state in which
the person experiences a connection with the Source of Being
(Olódùmarè).
láí - láí All that would be, meaning forever into the future.
láiópin Infinite.
làkúègbé Rheumatism.
lálá To dream.
làlóju To enlighten.
láná Yesterday, in the recent past.
lati From.
le To be hard
lé To be on.
léraléra Repeatedly.
lésèkésè Immediately.
léwà To be beautiful.
lò To use
lódè Outside.
lode Resides.
lójoojúmó Daily.
lókè Soft.
lókun Strong.
lóni Today.
lórí On.
ló Indirect.
lodon The southern leg of the cross marked on the Ifá divination tray.
lókan Brave.
lówolówo Recently.
lù To strike.
lukoun Penis.
M
ma Indeed.
máà I will.
májèlé Poison.
másé Do not.
méjì Two.
mérin Four.
meta Three.
méwà Ten.
mi To swallow, to breathe.
míràn Another.
mo I.
mojú To know.
mo To build.
mó Again, against, any more.
molara To feel.
molé To build.
mòràn To know.
mu To drink.
mupa Remote.
N
náà The same.
ná First of all.
nba Joining.
nfe To want.
nfe Loving.
nje Well.
níbè There.
níbí Here.
nígbàgbogbo Always.
nígbànáà Then
nígbàtí When.
nihin Here.
nikan Alone.
níle At home.
nítòrpé Because.
nítòrítí Because.
nítòótó In truth.
niwòn In moderation.
nko Not.
nkoja Passing.
nlá Big.
nlo Going.
nmu Drinking.
nrin Walking.
nro Thinking.
nse Making.
nsó Go on.
nú To wipe, to be lost.
nwon They or them.
nyín You.
nyo Rejoicing.
O
o He, she and it.
ogìnrin Woman.
obirikiti Circle.
Obírítí Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "The
Immense Orbit."
óbo Vagina.
obuko Male goat, sacred as food for a feast in honor of Forces in Nature
(Òrìsà).
o dàbo Goodbye.
òde - Òrun The entire invisible realm, home of the ancestors (Egún)
and the Immortals (Òrìsà), the Source of Creation.
òdìdì Complete.
òdìndì Complete.
ódó - aró Blue river, a reference to the fluids in the birth canal, sacred
to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
ódó - ejé Blood river, a reference to the blood in the birth canal, sacred
to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
òdodo Justice.
Odù The Spirit of the Womb of Creation, also refers to the verses of Ifá
scripture and the pot used to initiate Ifá priests.
òfin Law.
òf ò Loss.
ofun loss.
Oga - ogo Praise name for the Source of Creation (Olórun) meaning:
"The Brave One."
ogbo ato Grow old, long life, used as a blessing from an elder to a
junior.
Ogboni Society of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth
(Onilé).
ogborogan Broad.
ògiri Wall.
oji Storm.
ojise Messengers.
òjò Rain.
ojù - àse Power in the eyes, spiritual power that can be seen coming
out of the eyes when a person is in an altered state of consciousness,
also refers to Mystic Vision.
ojúlùmò Acquaintance.
ojumo Dawn.
Ojú opón The north arm of the cross marked on the Ifá divination tray.
ojú - òrèrè Shrine for Ancestors who were Ifá initiates, it includes the
Osun staff.
okete Giant rat, sacred to the spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsù).
okorokoro Front.
oku Corpse.
olè Thief.
Olodo Praise name for the Spirit of the River (Osun) meaning: "Owner
of the Brook."
Olófín - àpèká - lúù Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger
(Èsú), meaning: "Enforcer of the Law Giver."
ológbò Cat.
ologogololo Naked.
olóòró Vertical.
Olórí Chief.
Olorí - Mérìn Spirit who protects towns, meaning: "Spirit with Four
Heads."
olórìyà - ìgún Vultures comb, sacred to the Spirit of the River (Osun).
Olúgbé - rere Praise name for the Spirit of the Mother of Fishes
(Yemoja), meaning: "Giver of Good Things."
Olúkòso Àìrá Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning:
"The Controller of Lightning."
oluku Friend.
olúkúlùlú Each.
Olumaki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of
Strength."
Oluorogbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "Chief of the Medicine of Truth."
Oluoyo Praise name for the Spirit of Lightning (Sàngó), meaning: "Chief
of Oyo."
olùrànlówó Helper.
olùsìn Worshipper.
Olusonso Praise name for the deified Ancestor who founded the city of
Ile Ife (Oramife).
Olúwa Praise name for the Source of Being (Olórun), meaning: "Chief of
Character."
Olúwà - mi - àmò - imò - tán Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny
(Òrúnmìlà), meaning: "Who can most understand the Source of Being."
Olúwèkù Praise name for the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning: "The
controller of those who wear the Ancestral masquerade."
Oluwo Igbo Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "Chief Diviner of the Forest."
Olúworíogbó The Spirit who makes Heads, meaning: "Creator of the
heads in the forest."
omi Water.
òmùgó Fool.
oníbàárà Customer.
oníbode Gatekeeper.
oníjó Dancer.
Oni're Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of the
Town of Ire."
onísé Worker.
omisòwò Trader.
oníyebíye Valuable.
onje Wait.
óògun Medicine.
òórun Smell.
oorun Sleep.
Òòsáálá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
meaning: "Spirit of Mystic Vision."
Òòsà Ìgbowújìn Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "The Spirit who lives in the Distant Forest."
Opèlé Wife of the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà)), chain used for Ifá
divination, meaning: "Puzzle of the Palm Tree."
opepe Young.
òpó Post.
opó Window.
òpópó Street.
òpùró Liar.
orere Street.
orí ibi Lack of alignment with personal destiny, bad luck, misfortune.
orí ire Alignment with personal destiny, good luck, good fortune.
orin Song.
Òrìsà Alase Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "Spirit with the Power of Dreams."
Òrisà - bi Wife of Orungan.
Òrísálá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
meaning: "Spirit who Creates Light."
Òrìsà - og'enia Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "The Spirit who Owns Humans."
Oríta The boundary between the visible realm of Creation and the
invisible realm of Creation.
orógbó Bitter kola, Ifá herb eaten to insure that a person speaks the
truth.
oru Pot.
òrukàn Orphan.
oruko Name.
orúko Smallpox.
òsì Left.
Osibiriki Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "The One
who bursts out suddenly."
Òsìn Imole Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Chief of
Spirits."
Osugbo The word for male council of elders in some regions of Nigeria,
same as Ogboni.
Osùn dudu Black camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker
(Òsóòsì).
Osùn pupa Red camwood powder, sacred to the Spirit of Iron (Ògún).
osusu Bunch.
òtitó Truth.
Otu The priest who makes offerings on behalf of the King (Oba).
òwe Proverb.
owó Money.
òwò Trade.
owuro Morning.
Oye The Spirit of the Harmattan Wind, lives in Igeti hill with the Divine
Messenger, the male aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
oyikiti Surrounded.
oyun Pregnancy.
O
o You.
Oba - i gbó Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "King of the Forest."
Obanla Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth (Obàtálá),
meaning: "King of Purity."
Oba Omí Praise name for the male aspect of the Spirit of the Ocean
(Olókun), meaning: "King of the Water."
obara Rope.
Obàtálá gbingbin iki Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White
Cloth (Obàtálá), meaning: "The Big Big Spirit of the King of the White
Cloth."
Oba - ti - álá Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá), meaning: "King of Vision."
obè Soup.
obo Monkey,
oboto Lump.
òbun Market.
obuntun Bride.
ode Hunter.
ode mata Spotted medicine, sacred to the Spirit of the Tracker (Òsóòsì).
ofà Arrow.
òfé Free.
ofò - àse Power of the word, word of power, reference to the ability to
make effective prayers and a reference to the words that are used as
keys to invocation.
ògà Chameleon.
Ogan Ant hill, sacred to the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà).
obgà Garden.
Ogbo Flax.
ogbón Wisdom
Ogbóni Council of male elders who worship the Spirit of the Earth
(Onilé).
ògbún Calabash.
Ògbédan Member of male council of elders (Ogbóni) who carries the staff
of Ogbón (Edan).
ogòdò Swamp.
ogomo Palm fronds, sacred to all the Forces in Nature (Òrìsà), used as
spiritual protection in Ifá shrines.
ogoro Bamboo.
ohun Taboo.
ojó The Sun, the Spirit of the Sun, also means day depending on the
context.
òjòjò Everyday.
ojó Orún Four day week, traditional Ifá week and prayer cycle (Five
days in some regions).
oka Snake.
oka - ikú Struggle with the Spirit of Death (Ikú), life and death struggle.
òkan One.
okanjuwa Greedy.
Òkàràmàhó Praise name for the Spirit of the Divine Messenger (Èsú).
oke Bag.
òkékélujè Mighty and awesome, praise name for any of the Forces in
Nature (Òrìsà).
oko Husband.
okò Boat.
òkó Spear.
okòn Heart.
okìnrin Invalid, person protected by the Spirit of the King of the White
Cloth (Obàtálá).
òla Tomorrow.
olè Embryo.
ológbón Sage.
olójo One who has mastered a skill.
olómo Parent.
olomo Mountain.
Olona Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "Owner of the
Road."
omo Child.
omo ìtándógún Those who worship the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning:
"Child who fires a gun twenty times in the air."
omoléhìn Follower.
omo Odù The two hundred and forty verses that follow the first sixteen
verses of Ifá scripture,
Omolú Praise name for the Spirit of Infectious Disease (Babaluaiyé),
meaning: "Child of heat."
omu Breast.
onà Decoration.
ònà Road.
Ònà Aimo The north leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The path of wisdom."
Ònòméfà The six sacred directions, meaning the four directions of the
compass plus up and down, or the center axis.
Ònà Munu The west leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The direct path."
Ònà Okanran The east leg of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The straight path."
Ònà tóbi Ayé The center point of the Ifá cross that is marked on the Ifá
divination tray, meaning: "The path that brings all things to earth."
ònì Crocodile.
òpá Staff.
Òpè Praise name for the Spirit of Destiny (Òrúnmìlà)), meaning: "Palm
Tree." (The Palm Tree is the Ifá symbol for the cycles of birth, life, death
and rebirth.)
opolo Frog.
òpón Bowl.
oran Affair.
ore Friend.
òrò Word, also refers to the Spirit of the Power of the Word.
orò Wealth.
Òrun The Invisible Realm, home of the Ancestors and the Immortals.
osán Fruit.
Osan Horse tail fan, carried by elders as a tool for offering blessings.
ose Soap.
Òsèèrèmògbò Praise name for the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
Òsìn Imolè Praise name for the Spirit of Iron (Ògún), meaning: "First
Among the Immortals."
otun Right.
owó Hand.
owon Thorn.
Òyìnsèsè Praise name for the Divine Messenger (Èsú), meaning: "One
who works with honey."
P
pa To kill, to betray, to break, to suffer, to cut depending on the
context.
páàpáà Myself, yourself, his self, her self, even, especially depending
on context.
pàdé To meet.
pàkátà Calabash.
pákí Cassava.
pákórò Night ritual for the Spirit of elevating the dead (Órò) at funerals.
pàló To ask a riddle, usually a riddle with some moral point involved.
pari To complete.
pariwo Shout.
pasan Whip.
peleke To increase.
pèsè To prepare.
pésè To be present.
pe Call.
pé To be late.
pèlé Soft, with sympathy, with caution
pépèpé Petty.
pere Generous.
pérepére In shreds.
pete Flat.
pinnu To decide.
pipe Complete.
pipè To call.
pípé Late.
pipon Redness.
pò Cheap.
pòjù To be ordinary.
polu Together.
ponripon Thick.
pupa Red.
putu Well.
R
rà To buy.
ra To perish.
rá To crawl.
ran To spin.
rán To sew.
ranti To remember.
rárá Song.
reti await.
re Yours.
rè To tire.
rèrè Good things, good fortune.
réin To laugh.
ri See.
rí Formerly.
rikisi Plot.
rin To walk.
rírà Buying.
rojó To complain.
ronú To ponder.
rorò To be fierce.
ro Gush.
rò To urge.
ròjo To rain.
rójú To strain.
ru Offer.
S
sà To apply medicine.
sáàbà Usually.
sàn To be well.
sánmò Sky.
sanra To be overweight.
sáré To run.
sè To cook.
se To make.
sì And.
sí To.
sibe Still.
simi To rest.
sìn To escort.
sinsin To rest.
sinú Into.
so To tie.
sódé Outside.
so To throw, to say.
sòrò To speak.
sun To sleep.
sunkún To cry.
S
sá stale, only depending on context.
sà To pick up.
sàbuku Disgraceful.
sàjé The practice of magic associated with astral travel among women's
secret societies (Iyaami).
sàn To flow.
sànbo To overflow
sansan Straight.
sebi Suppose.
sèké To lie.
sèlara To be jealous.
sèléri To promise.
selése To injure.
sísé To worry.
sòkoto Pants.
sorò To celebrate the annual feast for the Spirit of the Power of the Word
(Orò).
só To watch.
sòwò To spy.
T
tà To sell.
tààrà Straight.
tabi Or.
takú To refuse.
tan To finish.
tán To trust.
tani Who?
te To establish.
tè To press.
té To spread out.
téété Thin
telé To follow.
télè Already.
tenumó To emphasise.
tete Ifá herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs
(Amaranthus candatus Spinach).
tètèùpònlá Ifá herb used as medicine considered the parent of all herbs
(Amaranthus candatus Spinach).
ti Property.
tì To push.
tí That.
tijú To be shy.
tìkálára Self.
tímótímó Small.
tin Thus.
tinrin To sneer.
tìnùtìnù Sincere.
titi Until.
tò To approach, to follow.
tóóró Straight.
toro To request.
túkà To scatter.
tún To repeat.
túndé Reborn.
tutu Cool
W
wa To exist, to seek depending on context.
wà To be.
wé To twist.
wéré Quickly.
were Young.
wiri Hazy.
wo Relax.
wó Which.
wòran To watch.
wodi To investigate.
wo'gun mérin The four corners of the world, the four directions.
wolé To enter.
won Then.
wòròkò Elemental Spirits who work with the Spirit of Infectious disease
(Babaluaiye) to help spread disease.
wuye Quietly.
Y
ya To split.
yà To turn aside.
yá To flood.
yakata To straddle.
yalayala Swift.
yàn To choose.
yanran Good.
yara Room.
yára To be quick.
yàtò Different.
yesi Who.
yeye Mother.
Yeye Aiye Praise name for the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé), meaning:
"Mother of the Earth."
yebe Lavish.
yewere Worthless.
yèyé Foolishness.
yi This
yibi Greatness.
yio Will.
yo To appear.
1
àbikú The Spirits of young children who live a short life between
reincarnations.
àjínde The spirit of a deceased ancestor (Egún) who speaks at their own
funeral through a medium.
elénìní Elemental spirits that block human growth, they are usually
generated by interalized fear.
eburú Elemental spirits that work with the Spirit of Infectious disease
(Babaluaiye).
eléré The Spirit of a child who dies young and reincarnates with the
same destiny, same as àbikú.
Òrìsà ìlú Spirits who are the guardian of towns and cities in traditional
Yoruba culture each town honored a particular Òrìsà.
wòròkò Elemental Spirits who work with the Spirit of Infectious disease
(Babaluaiye) to help spread disease.
SPIRITUAL FORCES
Àjàlá - mòpin Spirit who shapes the head and forms the consciousness
of each new born child.
àjé Spirit of a Bird used by women (Ìyáàmi) to invoke powers used for
abundance and justice. This same power is used to consecrate the
crown of the Yorùbá Kings. Also used as a reference to money or
abundance.
4
Amúsan Spirit of one of the children of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
Aroni Spirit of the forest, elemental spirit with the body of a human
and the head of a dog.
Arúku Spirit who transforms and elevates the spirit of the ancestors.
Èsú The Spirit of the Divine Messenger, who also as a role as the Spirit
of the Divine Trickster and the Spirit of the Divine Enforcer.
Èdán Spirit of the Male aspect of the Spirit of the Earth (Onilé).
5
Èlà The Spirit of Purity, the First Reincarnation of the Spirit of Destiny
(Òrúnmìlà).
Elédà Creator, associated with the power center between the eyes.
Ìpòrí The Spirit of the Big Toe, in Ifá Ancestor reverence the big toe is
the place where personal consciousness (Orí) forms a link with Ancestral
consciousness (Orí Egún).
Ìràwò alé The star Sirius, the Spirit of Sirius refered to as the canoe
star in Ifá scripture.
Olorí - Mérìn Spirit who protects towns, meaning: "Spirit with Four
Heads."
Òrìsà agbala Guardian Spirit of the back yard, the younger brother of
the Spirit of the Farm (Òrìsà Oko).
O'yansa Spirit of the Mother of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya), meaning:
"Mother of Nine."
Oye Spirit of the Harmattan Wind, lives in Igeti hill with the Divine
Messenger, the male aspect of the Spirit of the Wind (Oya).
Yemòwó Spirit of the Wife of the Spirit of the King of White Cloth
(Obàtálá).
PRAISE NAMES
ÈSÙ
Bara Strength.
9
ÒSÓÒSÌ
ÒGÚN
OBÀTÁLÁ
Obàtálá gbingbin iki The Big Big Spirit of the King of the White Cloth.
OLÓKUN
AGANJU
SÀNGÓ
11
OYA
OSUN
OSÁNYÌN
BABLUAIYÉ
12
ONILE
ÒRÚNMÌLÀ
Àáyán - awo - inú - igbó Ayan Tree is the Mystery of the Inner
Sanctum of the Sacred Grove.
Amòlà Ifé Owòdáyé "The Savior of Ifé from the Early Days.
Olúwà - mi - àmò - imò - tán Who Can Most Understand the Source of
Being.
OLODÙMARÈ
ÒRUN
Ipò - okú Ancestral home of the a person's spiritual shadow (ojiji), place
where the spirit of the deceased lingers if it does not receive proper
elevation.
òde - Òrun The entire invisible realm, home of the ancestors (Egún)
and the Immortals (Òrìsà), the Source of Creation.
Oríta The boundary between the visible realm of Creation and the
invisible realm of Creation.
Ònòméfà The six sacred directions, meaning the four directions of the
compass plus up and down, or the center axis.