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OLODU-IFA Oluwasina Kuti PDF
OLODU-IFA Oluwasina Kuti PDF
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
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 I’d read combined. This meant the wisdom of the
elders was way past my ability to even evaluate, let alone understand.
United States and assume their ritual experience made them experts on
study involves both learning the mechanics of the system and receiving
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. On my first trip to Ode Remo most of my instruction came
On my second trip I was able to convince the young men who just
entering the adult phase of their lives that I was a serious student. They
took the time to write down some of the elementary information that the
the basis for my studies while I was away from my teachers and at home
On my third trip Awo Sina Kuti wrote down the first sixteen verses
of Odu Ifa the text used in divination. The complete text involves two
hundred and fifty six verses of sacred scripture bases from one
Baba Kuti was kind enough to write the verses so I could again continue
students of Ifa here in the United States. Some have claimed that this
material is ‘secret’ and should not be shown to those who are not
initiated. In Ode Remo the stories, proverbs and sacred history found
within Odu Ifa are as commonly known in the village as Bible stores are
in most communities across America. What is secret is the way these
stories are used in ritual. The use of these stories as part of a ritual
students of Ifa who do not have access to teachers in Africa can begin the
learning the remaining two hundred and forty verses. I have included
the names of the remaining verses in the sequence they are learned in
Ode Remo. I have also included in parenthesis the name of the Odu as
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
quotation from the wisdom of the ancestors. This is the key element in
They are not a part of the material that is traditionally memorized. The
divination is the ability to see clearly the objective and to move towards
Ase o.
Awo Fa’lokun Fatunmbi
I I
I I
I I
I I
ÈJIOGBÈ
not - meet - happiness cast Ifá for Òdùnkún (Sweet Potato) on the day he
was going to make the journey to the land of Isu (Yam) and Agbàdó
(corn). Ifá advised Òdùnkún to make ebo so his life will be sweeter than
Isu and Agbàbó. Isu and Agbàdó were tasted by the people of earth and
danced and sang for joy saying he would do the ebo over and over again.
Ifá advised there was no value in repeating the ebo. Òdùnkún sang
and danced in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised Ifá, while Ifá
Commentary:
Ifá says this person is about to go on a journey. Ifá says there will
be a blessing of long life, abundance and children. Ifá says this person's
star will shine above all others who are met on the journey. Ifá says this
palm oil), 1 white plate, 4 eko (corn meal cakes), áàdùn (corn floor mixed
with oil), plus many sweet things (honey, sugar, candy) and 25 nira
Akogi - l'apa - tied - himself - with - a - rope cast Ifá for the
slanderer in the home, the slanderer out on the street and Òrúnmìlà on
the day they were all told to make ebo inside the home and out on the
street. The slanderer in the home and the slanderer out on the street
refused to make ebo. Òrúnmìlà made ebo and was victorious over his
enemies in his home and his enemies out on the street. Òrúnmìlà was
very happy, he started to sing and dance in praise of the Awo, while the
Awo praised Ifá, while Ifá praised Olodumare. When Òrúnmìlà started to
Commentary:
Ifá says the Immortals insist on justice. Ifá says this person will
receive a blessing of abundance. Ifá says there are many people saying
slanderous things about this person both at home and at work. Ifá says
this person will rise above their enemies. Ifá says this person should
worship Ifá.
ÒYEKÚ MÉJÌ
- on - the - farm cast Ifá for Onikabidun on the day Onikabidun wanted
to increase his joy. Ifá advised Onikabidun to receive five hoes treated
with Ifá medicine. Onikabidun took the hoes to his home. The people
from his home took the hoes to the farm, while the people from the farm
brought their hoes to his house. Both groups of people met on the road
between the house and the farm. The people from the farm said their
hoes were used for digging up wealth. The people from the house said
their hoes were used to bury placentas. Onikabidun was very happy, he
started to sing and dance in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised Ifa,
while Ifa praised Olodumare. When Onikabidun started to sing Èsú put
Ìyòyò ke wa yo fun mi o.
Ìyòyò ke wa yo fun mi o.
A mi yò nilé, a mi yo lájò.
Commentary:
Ifá says this person will receive a blessing of joy. Ifá says whatever
joy is in this person's life will be doubled. Ifá says the blessing of joy
includes abundance and children. Ifá says things have not being going
well for this person prior to making ebo. Ifá says this person's life has
been going in a zig zag pattern from good fortune to bad fortune. Ifá says
this person has troubled accepting joy in their life and this attitude must
change.
Eja aro (black cat fish), 1 epo (bottle of palm oil), 1 white plate, money as
determined by the Awo, offered to Ìbejì. The Awo will mark this Odu with
iyerosun on five hoes to be kept in the house, and five hoes to be kept
outside.
*
become - true - in - front - of - the - tub - cast Ifá for Ape with epo's head
and Alagoro Opero on the day the Ape did not want to loose all he had.
Ifá advised Ape to made ebo. Ape made ebo on the day he kept the
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 Ifá, while Ifá praised Olodumare. When the Ape
started to sing, Èsú put words in his mouth. The Ape sang;
Mo ru ìyán, mo ru ìyán o.
Mo ru ìyán, mo ru ìyán o.
Commentary:
Ifá says this person must make ebo to ensure they do not loose
what they already have gained. Ifá says adimu offerings of pound yam
wrapped around the pot of this person's Òrìsà. Ifá says prayers must be
offered to avert unexpected death and misfortune. Ifá says this person
has struggled in the past and they will receive a blessing of peace.
Éèwo (taboo): grey rat, do not cover the head with leaves when it
rains.
II II
I I
I I
II II
ÌWÒRI MÉJÌ
to - pierce - elu - an - aged - pot - covered - at - the - mouth - cast Ifá for
Olu on the day he wanted to go Ilé Olókun (house of the Spirit of the
Ocean) and Ilé Olosa (house of the Spirit of the Lagoon). Ifá advised Olu
to make ebo so the journey would be blessed with goodness. Olu made
the ebo. Olu arrived at the home of Olókun and beat him three times
playing ayo (a game of chance). Olókun promised he would give half of
his property to anyone who could beat him playing ayo. Olu went to the
home of Olosa and beat him three times playing ayo. Olosa promised he
would give half of his property to anyone who could beat him playing ayo.
It was on that day Olu received the blessing of abundance. Olu was
singing and dancing in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised Ifá, while
Ifá praised Olodumare. When Olu started to sing, Èsú filled his mouth
Commentary:
Ifá says this person should make ebo to ask for the blessings they
seek. Ifá says this person should become skilled in games of chance. Ifá
says this person should offer a sheep to Eleda. Ifá says this person will
eko (corn meal cakes) and money to be determined by the diviner, offered
to Obàtálá.
among - us cast Ifá 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. Ifá 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
Commentary:
Ifá says this person should make ebo to avert death and disease.
Ifá says that this person should make ebo so that the world will not treat
them as if they are either dead or worthless. Ifá says this person should
receive two sets of Ìbejì, one set of female Ìbejì, and one set of male Ìbejì,
as part of their personal shrine. Ifá says the Ìbejì will provide protection
eko (made from cooked yam), eku (small rat), 1 epo (bottle of palm oil)
I I
II II
II II
I I
wanted to see goodness greet him twice a day. Ifá advised Onibode
Ejiejiemogun to make ebo so goodness would not pass him by. Onibode
Commentary:
Ifá says this person will receive blessings if ebo is made. Ifá says
this person believes good fortune has passed them by. Ifá says when
good fortune has come to this person in the past it has slipped through
their fingers. Ifá says this person remains optimistic about the future
and they should offer prayers to the Òrìsà asking for support in the
manifestation of their dreams. Ifá says constant prayer will brings this
varity of prepared foods), 4 eko (corn meal cakes), 1 epo (bottle of palm
the day Òrúnmìlà was carrying lagede to the three meeting places of
death. It is duck we call sojiji and it is lagade who was being carried to
the three meeting places of death. Ifá advised Òrúnmìlà to make ebo so
death, disease and the stone of trouble would not greet him at the three
meeting places of death. Òrúnmìlà made ebo and passed through the
three meeting places of death with lagade. Both of them made the
Awo, while the Awo praised Ifá, while Ifá praised Olodumare.
Commentary:
Ifá says this person must make ebo so the stones thrown by death
(corn meal cake), 1 àgbo (ram), 1 white plate and money determined by
container it must not be eaten. Do not dig holes near the entrance to the
city.
I I
I I
II II
II II
ÌROSÙN MÉJÌ
Their - mouth - their - mouth cast Ifá for Apeni on the day he was
being threatened by the mouth of the people of the world. Ifá advised
Apeni to make ebo to avoid death and destruction from the mouth of the
people of the world. Apeni made ebo. Apeni was protected from the
death and destruction caused by the people of the world. Apeni was
singing and dancing and praising the Awo, while the Awo praised Ifá,
while Ifá praised Olodumare. When Apeni started to sing Èsú put a song
Commentary:
Ifá says this person must make ebo for protection from enemies.
palm oil), akara (bean cakes), moin - moin (startch balls) and 16 nira
Okansusu Irosu on the day Okansusu Irosu made the journey from the
home of the ancestors to the home of the people on earth. Ifá advised
will see a child eat it, when Okansusu Irosu prepares soup he will see a
child eat it. Okansusu Irosu made ebo and saw children eating
praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised Ifá, while Ifá praised
Commentary:
eiyelé (pigeon), 1abo adie (hen), 1 white plate, 1 epo (bottle of palm oil)
II II
II II
I I
I I
Thief - but - not - a - thief - who - made - the - diviner - take - our -
things - in - our - presence cast Ifá for Owon foliage on the day that he
wanted to bring the power of a chief from the sea. Ifá 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 Ifá, while Ifá was
praising Olodumare. When Owon foliage started to sing, Èsú put a song
Owon has brought the power of the chief from the sea.
Commentary:
Ifá says this person must make ebo so they may receive an
important title or position. Ifá says this person has the head of a leader.
Ifá says this person must assume a position of responsibility within their
family. Ifá says this person can help their family solve a problem.
rat), 6 eja aro (black cat fish), 1 white plate and 25 nira (money), offered
Ifá for Ologbo Jigolo (sluggish cat) on the day Ologbo Jigolo found himself
under attack by those who throw hexes. Ifá advised Ologbo Jigolo to
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 Ifá, while Ifá prasied
Olodumare. When Ologbo Jigolo started to sing, Èsú put a song in his
Commentary:
Ifá says if this person is planning to take a trip they should make
ebo in order to avoid being harmed by hexes. Ifá says after ebo is made
this person should use Eyonu herbs to attrack good things while on the
journey.
Etutu (offering): 10 okete (large rat), 1 epo (bottle of palm oil), 1
I I
II II
II II
II II
ÒBÀRÀ MÉJÌ
washing - the - left - hand - with - the - right - hand cast Ifá for Awun
(white wood) on the day he wanted to have his head cleaned. Ifá advised
Awun to make ebo. Awun made ebo. It was on that day that Awun
received a good head. Awun sang and danced in praise of the Awo, while
the Awo praised Ifá, while Ifá praised Olodumare. When Awun started to
uses as a bath.
uses as a bath.
Commentary:
Ifá says this person should have their head cleaned so the hand of
the Awo will ease their burden. Ifá says this person should worship Ifá
palm oil), 6 iyan funfun (white yam), 6 eko (corn meal cakes) and 50
Abarere Awo Odán cast Ifá for Odán on the day he was preparing
to re-establish himself. Ifá advised Odán to make ebo so the area would
have shade. Odán made ebo. The area started having shade. Odán
started to sing and dance in praise of the Awo, while the Awo praised Ifá,
while Ifá praised Olodumare. When Odán started to sing, Èsú put a
itself.
Odán was born, Odán survived. Odán has established
itself.
Commentary:
Ifá says it is a good time for this person to start a new project. Ifá
says if this person wants to move the time is right. Ifá says if this person
relationship.
palm oi)l, 1 white plate, 4 eko (corn meal cakes) and 100 nira (money)
offered to Èsú.
II II
II II
II II
I I
ÒKÀNRÀN MÉJÌ
staff - will - draw - blood cast Ifá for Sakoto on the day he was making a
journey to the town of Owa. Ifá advised Sakoto to make ebo. Sakoto
made ebo. As Sakoto was traveling to Owa he met Èsú and gave him a
bean cake. Èsú took the cake and changed himself into a woman. Èsú
gave the woman a bean cake. Èsú took the cake and changed himself
into a small child. Èsú possing as a child asked Sakoto for whatever he
could give. Sakoto gave the child a bean cake. On the journey Sakoto
gave away three bean cakes. Èsú asked Sakoto where he was going.
Sakoto said he was making the journey to Owa. Èsú told Sakoto the
people of Owa had been suffering for a long time without rain. Èsú
pointed to a patch of ado (small gordes used to carry medicine) and told
Sakoto to go among the ado. Èsú 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. Èsú said as Sakoto
approached the entrance to Owa he should lift the ado up over his head
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 Ifá, while Ifá
praised Olodumare. When Sakoto started to sing, Èsú put a song in his
Commentary:
person should make ebo so that the journey will bring fame and
abundance. Ifá says when this person arrives at their destination they
will be able to solve a problem that will bring good fortune. Ifá says this
person should offer bean cakes to Èsú become making the journey. Ifá
says when this person arrives at their destination they will have many
benefactors.
oil), 1 white plate, 4 eko (corn meal cakes) and 20 nira (money) offered to
*
There - are - different - ways - found - the - land - of - the -
ancestors cast Ifá for Igbegbe (rat) on the day he was doing to sell rat at
the market. Ifá advised Igbegbe to make ebo so he would see things
Commentary:
Ifá says this person is not seeing things clearly. Ifá says this
oil), mariwo (dried palm leaves), 1 white plate and 25 nira (money),
I I
I I
I I
II II
ÒGÚNDÁ MÉJÌ
Dried - palm - leaves cast Ifá for tiger on the day that tiger was
going hunting. Ifá 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
Tiger returned to the Awo and asked what should be done in order to
reap the fruit of his efforts. Ifá advised tiger to make ebo. Tiger made
ebo. From that day on tiger eat all the game he captured on the hunt.
Commentary:
Ifá says this person must make ebo to keep the fruit of their labor.
1epo (botttle of palm oil), 1 white plate and 55 nira (money), offered to
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. Ifá 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:
Ifá says this person should make ebo to insure good fortune
comes their way. Ifá says many blessings are close but there is a risk
2 Osunsun (hard wood stick used to strike the bells) and money
One bell is for the diviner and the other bell is for the person who has