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16 Principle ODU

These verses are only a fraction of the entirety of The 16 Principle ODU’s Orunmila Link:http://www.cultural-expressions.com/ifa/orisha/orunmila.htm



issue No. 2

Divination Except for the day you are born and the day you are supposed to die there is not a single event in one's life that cannot be forecast and if necessary changed. You are born with a specific path, divination serves as a road map to your path. Divination is defined as the faculty of foreseeing. Divination (Ifa) is an art and it involves having insight into one's fortunes and misfortunes from birth to death and beyond. Each person has a certain God given life potential. As a person grows, the world challenges him/ her with obstacles that tend to throw him/her out of alignment with whom he/she has the potential to be. Divination serves as a means to realign a person to their rightful path that was decided upon in heaven before one's arrival to earth. If one aligns himself with the forces of nature, which are within us all, one will have a more fortunate outcome with one's endeavors . Divination is a means for achieving one's endeavors (spiritual aspirations) and teaches us to balance ourselves with our environment. This crucial element (divination) is missing in the masses of the African descendants in the New World and even in Africa itself.

Western science is biased against the validity of divination as the source of inspiration. Divination deals with the invisible/spiritual forces that exist in our reality. Western science deals with these unseen influences, but calls them "laws of physics". The methodology used by Western science, in its futile attempt to understand unseen influences, is to conjure up theories and create experiments that test their theory. If the experiment produces the expected result, given static circumstances, the theory is considered valid. This process is based on the belief that the universe functions in a mechanistic and ordered manner and that the spiritual (unseen) influences are non-existent. However, the spiritual realm does exist and has an influence in our lives that parallels the obvious (physical). Divination deals with these unseen influences that play a life and death role throughout the duration of our lives on earth. Africa is the cradle of civilization. This cradle nurtured many different means for man to communicate with God. Throughout the African Diaspora only one form of communication, via divination and spiritual virtues, has reigned supreme. Ifa. Through the Ifa apparatus, divination is performed and fate is revealed. Ifa is expressed in all African countries in one form or another by one name or another. The slave master had to eliminate this ancient power that the African used in order to enslave the African in the New World. However, through it all, Ifa survives. Ifa is still intact

and is as accurate and as relevant today, as it was 10,000 years ago. There are many forms of divination. You have the physic network, palm reading, crystal balls, the I Ching, and so on. And of course we have Cleo!   All these methods are supposed to give the client insight into their unknown future. The Ifa system of divination, due to the amount of information and the number of possibilities is the most robust, ancient and the longest standing of all forms of divination. In the African tradition it is unthinkable to embark upon any major task without first consulting the oracle (Ifa) to ascertain whether or not the proposed action is favorable or not and to probe the probable outcome. To embark upon serious actions like marriage, child conception, new business ventures or the treatment of dis-ease without first seeking the guidance of Ifa is careless and foolhardy. This is a major mistake for the masses of African descendants in America that desperately need such guidance. Ifa works with the unseen forces of the universe through the inter-play of the forces of expansion and the forces of contraction. The forces of expansion are symbolized by a single vertical line (I). The forces of contraction are symbolized by a double set of vertical lines (II). These forces are seen as existing in eight dimensions which form two spheres, one inside the other. This sphere is symbolized through the use of two

vertical columns. Each column is made up of four sets of either single or double vertical lines. This system generates two hundred and fifty-six different sets of quadragrams. Each quadragram is a representation of several fundamental energy patterns that entail all of Creation. Each of these 256 energy patterns is born from sixteen major forces called Olodus. The remaining 240 are combinations of the first sixteen and are called Odu. Each Olodus/Odu is bought to life during a divination session and the message contained is revealed via the intuitive association of the Babalawo. The Babalawo's are priests of Orunmila that are specially trained, via years of instruction from elders on the secrets of divination. Babalawo literally means, Father of Secrets.  Within the same verses that detail your fate you have the appropriate sacrifice prescribed by the Babalawo to assure a favorable outcome. This is similar to visiting a MD in the western world. You visit the doctor; he reads you with his instruments and prescribes some medicine. Your body will sacrifice something for the betterment of the targeted problem if the prescription is followed. Babalawo's are spiritual doctors that use the instruments of Ifa through divination to heal and guide our spiritual being (prescription). Divination can also be referred to as Managed Care.

Sacrifice Sacrifice/Ebo guarantees success! We all should know what sacrifice is. "The giving up or foregoing of some valued thing for the sake of something of greater value or having a more pressing claim". Whatever one desires in this life requires the giving up of something. Life does not strive on taking alone. Life also requires giving; hence life is a process of give and take. The simplest form of sacrifice one can give is time. The most complex form of sacrifice one can give is change. This subject of sacrifice takes on many facets. This page will only touch on the fundamentals of sacrifice from an African/Ifa worldview. The sacrifice of time is the most fundamental form of sacrifice. In America we sacrifice most of our youth towards school. We then sacrifice our time towards daily labor to acquire finances for daily living. On a deeper level the sacrifice of time involves patience. Time sacrificed does not always bring about the desired result in our lives. Nor does time spent on something guarantee you peace of mind. When these disharmonies are prevalent we are taught to seek the spiritual realm and pray to beg God for favors.

Many of us are unaware and do not realize that the spiritual realm like the physical one requires some sort of giving in order to receive. Imagine walking into Human Resources at IBM and demanding a paycheck knowing that you never (sacrificed) worked a day at IBM. The Spiritual realm works the same way. The Yoruba believe in one supreme God called Olodumare. Olodumare is very remote to the Yoruba by virtue of the duality that exists with Olodumare. In other words God created both the "good" and "evil" forces at play in the universe and he gave Ase (power) to both sides. "When you speak about 'good', you have already presupposed 'evil'." One cannot exist without the other. There are two sides to every story or problem. Within Olodumare lay both sides to one story, so directing energy to Olodumare directly can be vain. Within Ifa the cosmos is divided into two halves. The right side is inhabited by the benevolent supernatural powers and the left side is inhabited by the malevolent supernatural powers. The benevolent powers are the Orisa and their helpful associations with humans. The malevolent powers are evil and destructive energies like Iku (death), Arun (sickness), Ofo (loss), Epe (curse) and so on. There is no peaceful

coexistence between these two powers, they are always in conflict. The Africans believe that verbalization is not enough in one's relationship with the supernatural. Ifa divination serves as a preamble to prayer. Via Ifa divination we can ascertain how to pray, to whom to pray and for what. For the Yoruba, divining (Ifa) serves as an approach to prayer and shows one why they need to pray and shows one the best procedure for elevating one's prayer via some form of sacrifice. In this world of many choices, this complex and varied approach is still miraculously accurate and effective. In this world of choices, this complex and varied approach is necessary. The variety of sacrifice includes time, song, dance, money, change and life force offerings. Communication with the sprit realm is what Ifa is all about. Sacrifice is an attempt to rearrange the forces of the universe so that they can work for us, resulting in peace and harmony for us in our environment. Within Ifa, sacrifice (in Yoruba it is called ebo) is an attempt by human beings to send a message to all these supernatural powers of the universe regarding our own human affairs. When all the supernatural powers accept our sacrifice/ebo, everybody is happy and are committed to work for us and we can achieve peace.

All of God's creations have some relationship with God and communicate with God at some level beyond our comprehension. Within Ifa, animals are sometimes used to communicate our message to the spiritual realm. Each animal species have distinct properties that are beyond our comprehension. For instance, most humans cannot smell sugar, however if we put sugar or honey on the table, ants will flock there by morning because they have smelt it. Their sense of smell is much higher than our own. The Ifa sacrificial rituals use the unique communication abilities of animals to relay our messages to the supernatural forces at play. The chicken is the first animal inhabitant of the earth and she accompanied the divinities/Deities from heaven to earth. The chicken is a favorite communicator of messages to the spirit realm because of its close association to the Deities from the very start. Life force offerings direct prayer via the animals' force to a specific force in nature to elevate our prayers for our benefit and to rearrange the universe to work in our favor. For example, if someone is sick and a sacrifice is prescribed by a diviner, that sacrifice is meant too appease the left and right side divinities. Humans do not give sacrifice directly to the supernatural powers on the left, they give it to their own guardian divinity who is on the right. The closest of these

right hand divinities is Ori (head) and can include a host of other Orisa and Eguns (ancestors). Esu, the divine messenger, who is almost always supposed to get part of any blood sacrifice and who shares elements of both the left and right side, will assure that the left hand divinities get their due. Esu plays a very important part in reordering universal events for the good of anyone that sacrifices in this manner. Sacrifice is essential to human well being. Some people live happy lives sacrificing their pride to beg from strangers. Some people sacrifice half of their adult life in school earning PHD's. Meat eaters in our society directly benefit from blood sacrifice to accommodate their daily meal. Most meat eaters are disconnected from the total disregard of the poor animal's life during its slaughter/sacrifice for their benefit. The Jews have their kosher food, which is prayed over animals, sacrificed for consumption. Within Ifa most sacrificed animals are consumed as to further their power (Ase) for our cause and the animals are treated with respect. The European sacrificed the lives of an estimated 100 million African men women and children for their Gods of materialism, greed, lust and conquest.  The Christians celebrate the human sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to this day still symbolize this via cannibalism with their communion ritual. Within

Ifa the holy Odu Irete-Meji and OturuponTura forbids human sacrifice! Within the traditional African worldview you are for the most part responsible for your own self-improvement. If you want to change your condition you must make sacrifice. Sacrifice often times does not require blood. Sacrifice sometimes requires one to look in a mirror and see beyond what is reflected and to make some psychological change. This can be the most difficult of sacrifices. However, we here at Cultural Expressions are well aware of why the chicken crossed the road, and now you know.

Orunmila the Deity Orunmila is the God of Wisdom and Destiny Like the other Deities, Orunmila existed before man and is the only Orisa to witness creation.  Orunmila therefore has the knowledge concerning the fate of every man, woman and child.  Orunmila is the youngest Deity out of all the Deities created by God before the creation of the earth.  This circumvents the position for Orunmila to be the final manifestation of virtue for man to follow. Orunmila sojourned to earth on various occasions to assist man at the crossroads.   The crossroads I speak of are the moments we come to in life that require major decisions or points we get to in life that will affect the rest of our lives.  Esu, the Deity that sits at the crossroad, is forever indebted to Orunmila and has vowed to serve and assist Orunmila like non other (OgbeDi). Orunmila, through the sheer power of wisdom, sacrifice and patience became the commander and prosper of all Orisa (Irete-Wori). The expansion of man all over the earth and the frequent needs for Orunmila to sojourn to earth for the benefit of mankind became cumbersome

and frustrating for even Orunmila, this great God of Wisdom.  So Olodumare (God) endowed upon Orunmila a means for mankind to communicate with Orunmila to reveal ones individual fate.  This means is called Ifa.  Ifa is the embodiment of Orunmila and is also another name for Orunmila.  Ifa is a literary corpus that entails the fate of man and all of his accomplishments and transgressions.  Only priests of Orunmila have the authority to sound the voice of Ifa.  These priests are called Babalawo.  Orunmila vowed to serve man in spirit with his infinite wisdom and the Babalawo hold the same secrets to creation and the fate of man that Orunmila held through the medium of Ifa. Orunmila the Deity represents the power of wisdom to overcome misfortune. Orunmila the Deity represents the power of Divination to analyze our past, reveal our present and forecast our future. Orunmila the Deity represents the power of sacrifice to achieve what would other wise be impossible. Ase O!

Notes

Ogbe-Meji / Eji-Ogbe

Serving Sizes

I   I I   I I   I I   I

In the fixed order of Orunmila, EjiOgbe occupies the first position. EjiOgbe symbolizes all that is known and unknown in the universe. It is an image of all those forces that create the day. The White Hole -- The Light EjiOgbe is the sign of life --- A vigorous awakening EjiOgbe rules the head --- Facing East Physical element = Water...Water takes the precedence of all the other elements. It is recognized as "The Father of the Elements." Physical body element = Brains and Nerves Children would be disposed to be Travelers, Pioneers,sailors or heads of organizations.

This Odu denotes plenty of good and plenty of evil. Artistic creations EjiOgbe expresses a need to acquire wisdom and humility. Represents perfect alignment between the Ori and Ipori. Maintain high ethical standards which will be rewarded with enlightenment and abundance. Time heals the pain of any matter. We have cut off our own head to make us grow, like the banana tree. The hands belong to the body, the feet belong to the body. Victory over enemies, spiritual awakenings, long life, and peace of mind. In EjiOgbe barren women are blessed with children after sacrifice!

Two words have spoken Two tasks have given themselves to me The road is open Good medicine stays, Told a certain person way back when tears of compassion refused the curse of barrenness that she should take a long-necked jar, and when her sacrifice was done go to the place where water seeps slowly, slowly until the womb is full.

She sipped the dreaming water and they called her child Osun, generous river. Ifa says to sacrifice is beneficial, nothing waits for nothing good. Come and see my bouncing newborn baby at the foot of Lord Orisa! Story... of how Ori (head) was the only divinity that broke the kola nuts that Orunmila kept at his shrine. Ori's wish was for a permanent abode (home) and plenty of followers. Upon hearing the news of the finally broken Kolanuts, all the other divinities agreed, (since they all tried to break the nuts) that the "Head" was the right divinity to the Kolanuts. Almost immediately the hand, feet, body, stomach, chest, neck etc, each of which bfore then had distinct identities, all assembled and decided to go and live with the Head. Together, they all carried the Head high above as the king of the body. It is on account of the role played by Orunmila in his fortune that the head touches the ground to defer and revere to Orunmila to this day. The benevolence of the young EjiOgbe made him so popular that his house was streaming with callers night and day. He healed the sick, made sacrifice for paupers to become rich, helped the barren to have children and safely delivered all pregnant women who demanded his assistance. These activities Local Catering

earned him admiration from the beneficiaries of his magnanimity. He also developed enemies that were envious and plotted against him. EjiOgbe went for divination and was told to make sacrifice to his Ifa with a basket of snails. EjiOgbe's Awos collected Ero leaves and mashed them in the snails' liquid for EjiOgbe to bath with. After the sacrifice he began to live a peaceful life. Death held me and left me. Sickness tried me and left me No one eats tortoise along with its shell. No one eats a Ram together with its horns. The shell of the snail is kept after eating its meat. I have survived the evil plans of my enemies. Serious minded people do not listen to the bird singing the songs of woe; Difficulties and problems bring out the best in man; Patience and sacrifice make the impossible to become possible; Give me a difficult problem to solve that doubters may believe; Give me a war to wage that mortals may appreciate the strength of divinities; To learn from past misfortunes is to be wise; Not to learn from previous mistakes is folly; The person who fails to make sacrifice vindicates the diviner;

Local Catering

Just as the one who ignores advice turns the adviser to a seer. The man who learns from quarrels and the man who does not learn from quarrels were the two surrogates of EjiOgbe who made divination for the land of Quarrels. Orunmila enquires on how the situation is I respond that it is fine.  Early in the morning I met all Irunmole followers  where they were offering snails for ritual.  They asked me to state what I was lacking.   I said that it is wealth,  I responded that it is a spouse,  I said I needed children,  I also needed all the well-beings of life. They told me that when I return home I should wash my master's hands cleanly I should also clean my master's divination bag thoroughly I should offer sacrifice to Ifa with a big, matured kolanut I should offer sacrifice to my ancestors with bean- cake When I looked at my back, what did I see? I saw all prosperity coming towards me, They were coming abundantly. And when I turned to look back, what did I see? I saw good wives coming towards me, They all looked beautiful and elegant. When I also looked back, what did I see? I saw many children coming towards me, They all looked healthy and strong. When I looked back, what did I see? I saw all well-beings of life coming towards me, They are all abundant and satisfying. And I declared: Horses

shall be mounted in the practice of our profession With EJi-Ogbe as the owner of the world Horses shall be mounted in the practice of our profession. If one is rich without good character The wealth belongs to someone else That which we are after is character Good character If one is blessed with children without good character The children belong to someone else That which we are after is character Good character If one is blessed with houses without good character The houses belong to someone else That which we are after is character Good character. Let us not run the world hastily; Let us not rasp at the rope of wealth impatiently; What should be treated with mature judgment, Let us not treat in a fit of temper; Whenever we arrive at a cool place, Let us rest sufficiently well; Let us give prolonged attention to the future, And then let us give due regard to the consequence of things, And that is on account of our sleeping (end/death).

Ase O!

Oyeku Meji

II   II II   II II   II II   II

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Oyeku-Meji occupies the second position. Oyeku-Meji is the Black Disk or Hole. Odu signifies darkness and unhappiness and warns of death, sickness, worries and a bad omen, yet also carries with it the solution to all these problems. It symbolizes all those forces which can never be known. It is an image of those forces that create the night Speaks of the comings and goings between heaven and earth

The messenger of death Physical element = Fire Physical body element = Hairs of body and Neck. Children would be disposed to be agriculturalised, masons, or market masters. Wisdom of the departed Ancestors. Symbol of the fish, for it was this Odu that brought food/nourishment into the world. Organization of wisdom This Odu denotes that death and all other evil will appear or disappear From a child to adulthood hence death of child This Odu represent the power of spiritual transformation as well as physical reincarnation We are composed of flesh and death; Turn and return, father of transformations.

An honest sage is no longer in existence A truthful person is very rare indeed When I no longer have any reliable person to confide in

I choose to keep my thoughts within Those are the declarations of the oracle for Ajao who is being befriended by earthly beings and heavenly beings He was asked to offer sacrifice, He complied Alas, all the human beings seeking my friendship I harken not My thoughts had been kept within me All heavenly beings seeking my friendship I am not interested in your friendship I have kept my thoughts within me. This Odu is the incarnation of Jesus. The son of God was called Jewesun in heaven and was told to make sacrifice in order to survive the plot that was going to be hatched by human beings against him on earth. He was told to give to Esu, which he bluntly refused to do. he however agreed to make a small ebo. The Awos told him that if he did not make the sacrifice to Esu, it was the agents of the earth that would kill him and shorten his life and missionary works. But since he had made the

small ebo, he would awaken after three days and his fame would outlive him, after his return to heaven. When Jewesun got to the world, as he was about to begin his work of preaching the objectivity of truth, the way people lived in heaven and the love of God for his creations. Esu appeared to him in dreams and warned him that God had given him, Esu, Alewelishe, Onisegun, the influence of all that existed in the planetary system. Esu told Jewesun that if he did not give him what he asked, Jewesun would have himself to blame because he would cause his followers to destroy him. Jewesun once again refused to recognize Esu. Jewesun was actually killed or went home 33 years after he began his works on earth. Let us behave gently, That we may die peacefully; That our children may stretch out their hands Upon us in burial.

Death rejoiced at man's creation, He plundered humans at will to eat, Two Rats were playing on land, Two fishes were playing in water, The hen had laid its eggs and gone to roost, The goat had delivered many kids, The strong three year old Ram, The fat male Cow endowed with beefy flesh, were all created to appease Death, This assemblage of live stock Gave Death neither appeasement no satisfaction, Death continued to focus, His gaze on the human flesh. Ase O!

Iwori-Meji

II   II I    I I    I II   II

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Iwori-Meji occupies the third position. The esorteric representation of Iwori is the Hyena. Night mover, or preaditor, or scavendor. Iwori is an image of those forces that create ecological interaction in the forest. Iwori is the simultaneous beginning of cognition and purposeful activity. Natures Gangsters Fountain of Youth --- Impetus

Physical element = Air Physical body element = Eyes & Kidneys Mental power. Has the power of pulling good to you. Enemies are around Anybody born by this paticular Odu will not be barren: they always produce children but their children do not stay with them. This Ifa denotes temporary success and your riches do not remain with you long. Speaks of people gifted with the ability to see things in their true perspective

Cut, bind, halve the whole, Prowl on the outskirts, Claws, dig in. Hyena made sacrifice to become chief but failed to make ebo for protection against slander. Hyena's duty as chief was to protect farm. Esu removed all sheeps and goats and hiena was removed from office. Hyena went to divinver and was told to make ebo after which Hyena once again became chief. Guard agianst underserved punishment and judgement. Sacrifice for well-being Sacrifice for continuity This is what, O Orunmila, The diviner is doing.

If a child respects his father, everything he embarks upon will always be well. He will be a perfect gentleman. A thick rod it is that troubles the brass gong; A heavy rain it is that reduces the anthill to mud; Osun of Ewuji it is who finished eating , finished drinking, And crawled deliberately away into the river. Thus declares the oracle to hin-Iwa (After-Being) Who is the senior of Oni (Today) Oye people of Isinpe, it is on account of hin-Iwa That we are hospitable to Oni. (You must always be hospitable so you may have a good After-Life.) "Not round, not round; the back of Vulture's head resembles an axe handle, but it cannot split wood" was the one who cast Ifa for "Two-Knots, Eji Iwori" when he was coming to earth as the third figure of Ifa. Ifa says this is someone whose relatives are causing him trouble; they do not allow him to find a house or a farm, but if he sacrifices, he will find peace of heart and will overcome all his enemies. When the sixteen Figures of Ifa were coming to the earth, "Two-Knots, Eji Iwori" wanted to be third among them on earth; but the other Figures conspired against him. They told him that there was

no room for him to live on earth. Then"Two-Knots, Eji Iwori" got ready and went to the diviners, that they might examine his case and tell him how he might be able to find a place to live on earth. They said that one she-goat, a mortar, the tete leaf, the gbegbe leaf, and eleven shillings were required as sacrifice. "Two-Knots, Eji Iwori" heard and he offered the sacrifice. They said he should return to earth again. When he reached the earth he told the other fifteen Figures that he had come. They said, hadn't they told him that there wasn't room on earth for him to live? Then "Two-Knots, Eji Iwori" replied as his diviners had taught him: "The mortar will testify that I see room in which to settle, "The tete leaf will testify that I see room in which to stretch out, "The gbegbe leaf will testify that I see room in which to dwell." When the other Figures heard this kind of a reply, they said, "Ah! ah! this is a very powerful thing indeed, oh!" They said he should take his seat; then "TwoKnots, Eji Iwori" found his place to sit down in the third position among the other Figures. Ase O!

Idi Meji

I    I II   II II   II I    I In the fixed order of Orunmila, Idi-Meji occupies the forth position.

Divided circle-symbolizes the reproductive organs of women Indiscreet curiosity Physical element = Earth Physical body element = Buttocks and Hips Someone sitting and they have to mark off their own area. Too much talk!  "Ass backwards" Children would be disposed to be rulers. Idi is very aggressive and pugnacious Conceited --- Containment Prominent Fighter How Orunmila calmed the Iyamis Market woman and their use of honey to sweeten the good things in life. A restraining influence This is the rest and completion that follows anticipation. Known as the "Seal". Babalawo said: A single chain-link does not break. So ended the raging plague and death. Awo's were decapitated for malpractice! One divides, two perform, three sustains wants accord hole up releases four.

Yimiyimi, a beyin paale (alias of a Babalawo) Cast divination oracle for Ori (head) When suffering from unreasonable loneliness Head was advised to offer sacrifices Head complied The ears came to keep head company The nose came to keep head company The eyes came to keep head company The mouth came to keep head company May my head not be without companion What this stanza is stressing is that with appropriate sacrifice, one will be able to enjoy the company of others. It is also saying that loneliness is not good in any way.   Just looking at the head without nose, mouth, ears, eyes etc, is not pretty to percieve. It will be recalled that at the beginning of time, plants and animals did not procreate as we know it today.  Following the creation of men and women, they merely lived together without knowing how to procreate.  The woman did not know what to do with her pelvis and the man did not know what his penis was meant for. The sperm and menstruation who had separate identities then went for divination in the home of Idi-Meji.  Both Spermatozoa and Menstruation were both anxious to know how to procreate.  God had

created them leaving them to use their own intelligence to contrive how to procreate.  They were both advised to make sacrifice in which they both complied.  Thereafter, the sperm was told to go and live with man while menstruation was advised to periodically live with the woman.  That is how we became the children of the sperm and menstruation through the instruments of man and woman. "Hollowing is the foundation of the aran drum; if it goes up, it becomes huge; if it goes up, it becomes immense" was the one who cast Ifa for Ipesan, Chief of the Market. Ipesan arrives, oh, Chief of the Market; he is going to take new land on which to settle. Ipesan is what we call the Odan tree. A lucky person arrives at the market, Oh! Ifa says this is someone who will have a settlement of his own and lots of room, but he should sacrifice lest he encounter an enemy and a thing which will decrease the size of his settlement.  They said that Odan tree should sacrifice one he-goat, one cock, one cutlass, and one shilling seven pence eight onions, so that he would not encounter a slanderer at his settlement.  They said he would find a large enough place in which to settle, and that he would stretch out his arms and stretch out his legs.  Odan tree heard the sacrifice, and he offered one he-goat and one shilling seven pence eight onions for a place in

which to settle, but he did not offer the cock and the cutlass that he might be able to stay there for a long time. When Odan tree reached his settlement, he stretched out his arms and he stretched out his legs; but when he had finished stretching them out, people came and took a cutlass and began to cut off his arms and legs. Therefore this person should sacrifice in order that what he has achieved in the morning of his life shall not be destroyed by others in the evening of his life. Don't you see, Ifa has promised to receive what we relinquish. Listen, listen to what I'm saying now: Though our heads are carrying heavy loads, If we haven't arrived, we've got to keep going... Ase O!

Irosun-Meji

I    I I    I II   II II   II

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Irosun-Meji occupies the fifth position.

The esoteric representation Irosun Meji is a hole which symbolizes the possibility of accidents and misfortune.  It is an image of the need to embrace caution. In Irosun-Meji you are inclined to do things

the hard way. In heaven Irosun-Meji was called "the man who can alter the course of death" Physical body element = Blood, liver and arteries Children would be disposed to be secretaries or journalists. Conquers the pitfalls of others. A lot of disappointments are caused by  bad organization of the life. Cautious behavior would take person through difficult times with abundance. Pay iba (homage) to ancestors to preserve their wisdom.

Irosun is things that have not surfaced yet. Death before Dishoner

Mirror, no matter how big cannot be used to perceive one's image for the future. This is the proclamation of the Babalawo to the mirror addict When longing for all the good things of life She was asked to offer sacrifice.  She complied.  There is no other

true mirror than one's child.  One's child is the truest mirror one can get. Ifa says the lady is too fashion-conscious. It is not advisable to marry her unless she is prepared to change her attitude to life. She must start to think of settling down and getting married in order for her to have her own children insted of concentrating on how to look good and smell nice alone. Tribulations befalling a sage is not   for life

Poverty of a sage will give way for prosperity Before long the experience will be relayed with happiness and laughter Before Irosun-Meji came to the world he was advised to make sacrifice with a cock and a tortoise to the misfortune divinity and a he-goat to Esu.   He was also told to give a guinea fowl to his guardian angle.  He refused to do any of the sacrifices.  He then came to the world where he was practicing Ifa art.   When he grew up, he was so poor that he could not afford to marry, let alone have a child.  The hardship became so

severe on him that out of  frustration he decided to throw his Ifa seeds away.  Meanwhile, he had a dream in which his guardian angel appeared to him telling him that he was the one responsible for his problems because he had stubbornly refused to make the sacrifice prescribed for him.  When he woke up in the morning, he decided to sound his Ifa and it was only then he realized that it was his guardian angel that appeared to him in the night. He quickly arranged to do the sacrifice to his Ifa and gave a he-goat to Esu.   His Ifa advised him to return to heaven to report back to God from whom he failed to obtain clearance in the first place.  For his trip to heaven, he was told to go with a cock, a tortoise, a pack of yams, a gourd of water, a gourd of oil, pepper, okro and snuff.  He collected all the things and packed them up in his divination bag. After travelling as far as the boundary of heaven and earth he went straight to the divine palace where he met the keeper of the

Divine chamber, the Misfortune divinity or Yeye Muwo, the mother of obstacles.  He knelt down at the Divine chamber and proclaimed that he came in all humility to renew his earthly wishes.  Yeye Muwo intervened that it was too early in the morning to make any wishes because there was no food in the house.  From his divination bag. He immediately brought out his fire wood, water, oil, pepper, salt, okro, snuff and finally, the cock all of which the mother of obstacles demanded in turn.  Yeye Muwo was up to her usual delaying tactics, but Irosun-Meji was fully prepared. Thereafter, Yeye Muwo cleared him to make his wishes.  Since it was forbidden to kneel down on the bare floor, he knelt on the tortoise which he brought from earth.   After making all his wishes, God blessed them with his Divine Mace.  When Yeye Muwo heard the sound of the Mace she quickly finished her cooking, but before she could come out, Esu motioned Irosun-Meji to leave quickly for earth.

When the mother of obstacles finally emerged from the kitchen, she asked God for the man who had been making his wishes and the Almighty Father replied that he had gone.   When she queried why He did not ask the man to make bad and good wishes, God replied that it was not His tradition to interfere when His children were making their wishes. In spite of all the gifts he had given to Yeye Muwo, she nonetheless left quickly in hot pursuit of Irosun-Meji.  As she was pursuing him, she sang...  He replied with a refrain of the same song saying that he had already made sacrifice and his wishes, leaving nothing out.  As he was singing he was racing along in fright! When Yeye Muwo saw that she could not reach him, she stood still and stretched out her thumb and tore through his back with it.  That is the hollow line running through the human back-bone, to this day, which is  to constantly remind us that the only way we can escape the long hand of misfortune is

by making sacrifice.  With that mark, Yeye Muwo proclaimed to Irosun-Meji and to the rest of humanity, (a curse) never to remember his/her heavenly wishes on getting to earth since the eyes cannot see the back of the body and that before realizing his wishes, he would have to grope in darkness for a long time and experience a lot of hardship in the process. The pain of the injury made Irosun-Meji unconscious and he lapsed into a trance of utter-darkness.  When he woke up, he found himself on his bed on earth.  He had forgotten everything that happened before then.  He however went about his business and prospered long afterwards. The state of darkness symbolizes the gestation period we spend in the womb, during which we lose all recollections of what we plan to do on earth. Ase O!

Owonrin Meji

II   II II   II I    I I    I

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Owonrin-Meji occupies the sixth position. Esoteric representation of Owonirn Meji is two triangles surrounding three points which symbolizes the invisible forces that create mixture in the universe. It is an image to use as the bases of Ifa numerology. Dangerous sign, it is an indication of persistent

drought, famine, and lingering disease. In Owonrin-Meji people are laughing at you. Children would be disposed to be physicians or electricians. Strainer --- Aliases "Lest we forget the primacy of earth" A need to be balanced --- A need to be humble Talks about a person that cursed someone and that curse came back to them. Victory over one's many enemies Tendency to make impossible and unreasonable demands Child killing his own mother Friends in heaven want to take you away from earth Material possessions overrule honor "Reverse Head" This Odu incarnates great profits. Image of seeing your destiny and moving straight towards it without faltering. The most esoteric of all rituals/sacrifices is feasting the multitude and looking for positive public opinion. Realize that even though it is not easy to

change one's destiny, all the same, it is not impossible to do so

submission. Thus I bow myself in submissiveness.

"It is not as the size of a tree that the spirit inside is like"

"Where is money to be found, oh?" "Money is to be found among one's own followers, oh" "Money is to be found among one's own followers, oh."

Hand presses down heavily upon me The invisible worm walks crookedly within me Broom song: Sweep out, out upon the road, cleanse me.

You slapped my ears, I never slapped you back; You butted me with your head, I uttered not a word or reacted. Edumare (Olodumare/ The Almighty) will query you as to what I took of you! Was Oracle's divination for Awonrinwon (Iguana) Who would order his affairs peacefully. Awonrinwon is the sage of peace Who would conduct; his cult in

The elders of Oyo were told to make sacrifice, But they ignored it. I was told to make similar sacrifice, I listened and did the sacrifice. I missed my steps and survived. Because I made sacrifice. Others missed their steps and died, Because they failed to make sacrifice. Those who make sacrifice, Unfailingly receive salvation. Gooro-maafiyun, Gooro-maafibo divined for animals, when they were going on a journey. They were all advised to sacrifice: Black cloth, they refused to make sacrifice. It was only the cat that heeded this advice : on reaching their

destination, they encountered the witches who devoured all who refused to sacrifice their black cloth. They saw the Cat afar off with black cloth on. His eyes were four- like theirs, as such, the witches decided not to kill him for food because he was one of them. When the cat was returning home he sang thus:Gooromaafiyun, Gooromaafibo........

Obara Meji

It is important for people to resist the urge to ventilate their domestic grievances in public, for fear that some evil minded listener may amplify it in the witch-world.

Ase O!

I    I II   II II   II II   II In the fixed order of Orunmila, Obara-Meji occupies the seventh position.

The esoteric representation of Obara Meji is the Rope which symbolizes the force of

attachment. It is an image of duration of human accomplishment. Physical body element = abdomen and intestines Children would be disposed to be traders or Mystics. This Odu denotes poverty and want but at last prosperity and happiness. Removes backbiting and injurious slander, restores power. Odu of the underdog The Odu of Commerce Encourage the marriage -- Make preparation for abundance Suggest time for contemplation, warns against complacency. Think clearly before taking action so as to avoid serious mistakes. Obara-Meji became more prosperous than all the other Odu put together. Things that people give to you no matter how small can be used to your advantage. Good Odu with relationships. Story of Sango when he got cast out of the kingdom of Oyo and Oya was the only one on his side. "I awoke to the sound of winnowing rain" It was Obara-Meji that introduced dreams to the world because while in the womb, he was always revealing impending dangers to his parents.

Frailty of my right hand Gains confidence in my left Obara-Meji was famous for his concern about the poverty of god's creatures.  People had deluded themselves with the feeble and defeatist philosophy that there was virtue in material poverty.  He demonstrated that a creature's destiny was his own choice and that whether or not a person stayed poor was the measure of his personal effort.  After helping several others in heaven, he saw a lot of poverty on earth and he decided to come to the world to bring wealth and prosperity to it. Obara-Meji became famous.  His fame and popularity soon began to evoke envy and enmity.  He was soon to realize that success breeds envy, and envy evokes animosity which begets enmity.  Generally people do not fall in love with those who excel them.

The fly which does not get greedy, never dies inside a wine container. The fly which flies high up in the air, and who is not tempted by the baits on the low ground, does not get caught in a gum trap. Having obtained all he wished for and more, one day, Obara-Meji received a visitor called Efun yemi abori bebele, who advised him to make sacrifice so that his new found prosperity might endure to the end of his life.  He was told to make sacrifice...  He did the sacrifices.  That is why Obara-Meji lived for so long in affluence until all his children also became very old.  The gray hair on his head and body turned to be as white as cotton and his wealth sustained to the end of his life! Ase 0!

Okanran Meji

II   II II   II II   II I    I

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Okanran-Meji occupies the eighth position.

The esoteric representation of Okanran Meji is twin faces which symbolizes power of dual forces. It is an image of BI-polar strength. Okanran is the seat of the emotion and psychic energy. Sango enters the world Physical body element = Heart, veins and nails "The first word" Children would be disposed to be smiths, mechanics or hangmen.

The knife that cuts the bread kills the man. Psychic balance Sango's famous freindship with Obatala Washes off, catches on, doubles, redoubles, paints the world red

In deep sadness one masters the discouragement

Divine justice - The incarnation of Sango as Orisha- The universe allows for transformation through tragedy and crisis. World begins as one. Folklore of Sango's preparation to marry Oya. For lack of doing prescribed ebo, Oya yielded certain powers greater than Sango. Hence, wind before lightening.  Have a piece of mind to avoid danger. "Thunder does not crash during the harmattan; lightning does not flash secretly, male and female partridges do not have upright combs on their heads" was the one who cast Ifa for black Ereje, mother of

Ram, she who gave birth to Elephant and Buffalo, and whose third child was Ram. These three children planted ochra, and the God of Thunder (Sango) came from the sky to steal it; when their mother saw that ochra was being stolen, she said she did not know what was picking it. Elephant began to watch the field, and one day the God of Thunder came back to pick ochra; when he saw Elephant, he roared at him, and Elephant fled into the forest. Buffalo also went to watch the farm; when the God of Thunder saw Buffalo, he roared at him, and he, too, fled into the forest. When it came Ram's turn, he took She-goat along with him because she was his servant; and when the God of Thunder was coming, he brought Dog along. When the God of Thunder reached the Farm and saw Ram, he roared at him, but Ram roared back, and when he began stabbing Ram with his knife, Ram began butting him. When they had been fighting a while, the God of Thunder's knife broke, and Ram's horn broke also. The God

of Thunder sent Dog to bring him another knife, but when Dog reached the road, he found a bone and lay down to eat it. Ram likewise sent She-goat to bring him another horn; and when humans held out yam rinds to her, She-goat replied, "Today is no day for rinds, 'bkk bkkrik." So She-goat brought another horn to Ram; and when Ram had fastened the horn to his head, he chased the God of Thunder away. Since that time the God of Thunder has remained in the sky, and when thunder crashes and lightning flashes, Ram paws the ground with his feet, saying, "Our fight is not yet finished." So you want to go call upon Sango? Are you not afraid of that wife of his? Her rows can ruin everything. Sango drinks fire, but all the same, his wife is a very strong woman. Sango spits fire, well and good, but Oya's fierce,

fiercer than her husband Tornado is a liberated woman. Ase O!

Ogunda Meji

I    I I    I I    I II   II

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Ogunda-Meji occupies the ninth position. The esoteric representation of Ogunda Meji is the dagger which symbolizes the power of metal to be forged into tools. It is an image of virility. "Ogun Creates" The Path Maker --- Compulsive --- Stubborn This Odu relates to Ogun Ogun led the second reconnaissance mission from heaven to earth Reference to the need of some sort of protection. That protection relates to the need to survive rather

than become the sacrifice for someone else's survival. Physical body element = Male Organs Children would be disposed to be soldiers, butchers or burglars. This Odu denotes War This Odu denotes total victory This Odu denotes total devastation All of this client's good fortune is with his Ori. Keeps the law away, prevents surgery. One is dominated by the events or by its passions. Sometimes, a brutal or accidental end. Without Ogun, no four-footed animal can be sacrificed, no infant's cord cut (separating him into individual life), nor the act of circumcision accomplished. In traditional times, during court proceedings, one swears to Ogun like one swears to the Bible today!

By thy rod, black fire, center me. Good deeds never go unrewarded Evil deeds never remain unsanctioned Constant good deeds without visible results may appear as a loss Good deeds are beneficial, evil is not

Ogun went off spontaneously made Ifa for Gun on the day he was going to war against his enemies. Told to sacrifice for overcoming. This done, they made gun medicine. Alagbara ni noskun Ade divined for Ogun, He was advised to sacrifice a cutlass, a cock and roasted yam. He was told that he must always go about with his cutlass because he was to make fortune with it. He was asked to eat the roasted yam. He did so. He was thirsty after this and he went to the river to drink water. As he finished drinking he saw two people fighting over a fish they killed.. He advised them to be patient and go home to share the fish. They ignored him The first man told him he came from the east and the second from the west after which he cut the fish into two for them. The first thanked him and requested him to open a foot-path from where they were to his town and that he would enrich his (Ogun's) life if he (Ogun) did. He further said that Ogun would receive valuable things that would give him confidence. The other one also thanked him and made the same request. Ogun agreed and he has been known as "Ogun-da-meji." since the day he cut the fish into two. Agogo-owo-koseif'apokosi divined for Olofin when Olofin Ajalorun was about to send his son called Ogun to the world to open the way of life. He was

told that he would never finish the job however hard he may be working but he should make sacrifice against ill health and death. The whole world would always request Ogun him to pave their way for them but no one would share his sorrow with him in his life. Ase O!

Note: These verses are only a fraction of the entirety of OgundaMeji

Osa Meji II   II I    I I    I I    I

Knowing how to pull people to the left Osa denotes prospect of many children and plenty of riches. Stakeless river, seven pines, wings in the night. First to be reverenced, definitely should be one's elders.

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Osa-Meji occupies the tenth position. The esoteric representation of Osa Meji is a female face surrounded by a lunar crescent and a sky filled with stars which symbolizes the secrets of female power. It is an image of women's secret societies. Power of Aje (Witches) Physical body element = Female Organs Children would be disposed to be Aviators Child born to the deepest of Mothers In Osa your best friend can be your worst enemy Inclined to guess things without learning Mind hustler -- Constantly running

Kasaka ja-Katitisa divined for Eji-Osa, EjiOsa was going to Ife on scientific research, they say he would be horrified by something which could prevent him from carrying out his project. For this reason he should sacrifice:- A ram and a thunderbolt. He refused. When he got to Ife, a fight ensued. They tried to fight back but could not. They had to run. From this day they were called Osameji. Osa-Meji made divination for the white man when he was coming to the world.  The white man was advised to make sacrifice in order to be able to create, invent, develop, achieve

great heights and command universal honor and respect.   He made the sacrifice. When a woman called Ogodo yaya was leaving heaven, she went to the same Awo's to make divination for her in order to be able to have a child who will change the course of events in the world.  She was advised to make sacrifice...   She made the sacrifice and came to the world.  On getting to the world, she did not have children, so she went to the two Awos on earth called Ukporo bayi and Aila baaye.  She was told to make sacrifice...   She did the sacrifice after which she began to have children. Later, she wanted to have more children and again went for divination.  She was told to make sacrifice...  After making the sacrifice a child was born with pale skin and curly hair.  Afraid of the kind of child she had, she ran to the Awos who made divination for her to explain what it meant.  They told her that since she left heaven with a wish to give birth to a child who would alter the face of the earth, her wishes had manifested and she was told that the child was going to begin a new

generation of white men on earth.  That is how the white race came into existence. The ubiquitous wanderer, or wind, who does what he likes and means what he does, was the nickname of Osa-Meji Before Osa-Meji came to the world he was advised to make sacrifice because he was going to practise his Ifa art in the midst of witches.  He was told to give a he-goat to Esu, a guinea to his Ifa and a pigeon to his head.  He did not perform the sacrifice as he was in a hurry to come to the world. Although he was one of the sixteen children of Orunmila who decided to come to the world at about the same time, he did not find the way to the world in time, because of the he-goat he failed to give to Esu.  His guardian angel could not guide him because he also made no sacrifice to him.  His Head did not come to his rescue either, because he offered no sacrifice to it.  He was therefore wandering on the way until he came to the last river in heaven before crossing to the world.  At the bank of the river

he met the mother of witches, Iyami Osoronga who had been there for a long time because no one else agreed to help her to cross the river.  She too was coming to the world but was too feeble to cross the tiny thread bridge over the river. Iyami Osoronga begged him to back her through the river, but he explained that the bridge would not take two passengers at a time.  She then proposed to him that he should open his mouth so she could get into it.  He agreed and she took a position inside his stomach.  When he got to the earth end of the bridge, he told her to come out, but she refused on the grounds that his stomach provided a suitable abode for her.   His problems with witchcraft had begun.  When she refused to disembark, he thought he could bluff her by saying that she would die of hunger inside his stomach, but she said that she would not die for as long as he had a liver, a heart and intestines, because those were her favorite meals. He realized what problem he was up against,

when the women bit his liver.  He then brought out his divination instruments and sounded Ifa on how to get out of the impasse.   He was told by Ifa to make instant sacrifice with a goat, a bottle of oil and white cloth, which he brought out quickly from his Akpo minijikun. He quickly cooked the liver, heart and intestines of the goat and told Iyami that food was ready for her.  When she smelt the inviting scent of the food, she came out of his stomach.  She however told him that it was forbidden for her to eat on full view of anyone.  He then made a tent with the white cloth and she went under the tent to enjoy the meal.  As she was eating Osa-Meji ran away and quickly found a womb to enter to come to the world. As soon as Iyami finished eating, she looked round for Osa-Meji but he was no where to be found.  She began to shout his name Osasa, Osasa,Osasa which is the cry of the witches to this day.  She is still looking for Osa-Meji up till now.

No other divinity is able to withstand the witches when they decide to fight.  They can always subdue all of them, with the exception of Olodumare and Orunmila, due to the way they handled them on prior occasions.  Anyone who believes that charms and other diabolical preparations can subdue witchcraft is merely deceiving himself, unless they are aware of special incantations made in the past for this purpose.

Ika Meji

Ase O!

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Ika-Meji occupies the eleventh position.

II   II I    I II   II II   II

The esoteric representation of Ika Meji is Ojo the primordial serpent who symbolizes the reptiles of the forest. Ika is an image of the use of fire for protection. Sudden things coming right at you Forest floor --- Be constantly on guard Physical body element = muscles and shoulders Extremities --- Toes and Fingers Insures sequence --- A clean slate Things slip through your fingers -- You just

miss opportunities Children would be disposed to be shipwrights, theatre managers or musicians. Pride You win the war but loose the battle. Permits a person to come out of a vicious circle. Violent character but is short Incline to the health and to the zing the illness can only be accidental. The hot winds that bring disease

Omipensen-akodun-koro divined for Ogun when he was going to attack his enemy. He was advised to make sacrifice:- A keg of palm wine, roasted yam and palm-oil. Ogun refused. Then he was told that he would be poisoned before he returned. In the long run he fought and won the battle but one of his men offered him a piece of roasted yam which he ate but the yam got stuck to his throat with the result that he could not speak again and had to made gestures to indicate anything he wanted to say.

Everything can accounted be Crawlers and creepers keep away from me Wicked fingers!

Story of hunters who were unable to capture elephant. Turtle said he will bring elephant to village. Turtle took food that the elephant liked to eat and told elephant to follow him for more in abundance. The elephant followed the turtul back to village were he had him sit on map to eat. Under the mat was a huge pit which elephnat fell into. Odu suggests that faith, wisdom and intelligence when combined have greater power then physical strengh alone. Be aware of possible danger in all undertakings.

The one who cut two ears of corn to deify his head was to be called Ikameji. The one to whom this Odu was divined will be fruitful in the world.

"Pouncing," the diviner of Cat, was the one who cast Ifa for Cat when he was trading every day, but having his profits slip from his grasp. They said he should make sacrifice.  He made the sacrifice. From that time on, Cat has never again had things slip from his grasp . Ifa says there is someone who is having everything slip from his grasp; he should sacrifice so that things will never slip from his grasp again.  It is understood that the needles became Cat's claws, with which he keeps things from escaping from his grasp. This verse thus explains how cats came to have claws, and why they can hold things tightly. Ase O!

Note: These verses are only a fraction of the entirety of Ika-Meji

Oturupon Meji

II   II II   II I     I II   II In the fixed order of Orunmila, Oturupon-Meji occupies the twelfth position. The esoteric representation of Oturupon Meji is the baby in the mothers womb which symbolizes premature birth and abortion. It is an image of instability within the forces of the earth. Regeneration --- Endurance Abundance of Children  ---  Celibacy

Physical body element = Bones of body Children would be disposed to be Scientists or Chemists. This Odu denotes prospect of twin babies. Oturupon Meji reveals how the faculty of intelligence came to the world. Oturupon relates to Egungun (Ancestor Society). The Egungun should be allowed to comment on the resolution of any conflict. Oturupon deals with the spiritual consequence of lack of courage. Oturupon people are very spacey. They have all these great ideas with no reality. They daydream often. Predispose to a superior nature but fail to achieve Clouded by too many details.  Simplicity works fine. Good intuitions, but one does not follow them. "No one knew when Egherun married the Vulture and when she left him"      Be truthful, do good; Be truthful, do good; It is the truthful That the divinities support. Agba igbin f'idi j'elu divined for Odo, he was told that wherever he might be in life he would always be securely seated but he was to die for his bravery. 

"Odo, consume your soup, made for ebo, so that you might have a good situation."  "Gbegi" stick to one place. There lived a hunter who had a secret agreement with the elders of the night to help him in his hunting expeditions.  They provided him his game on the condition that he would always allow them to drain the blood of any animal he killed.   Meanwhile, his wife was anxious to find out why he usually came home with headless animals.  She decided to follow him to the forest to find out what was happening to the heads and blood of the animals he was killing.  He did not know that the wife usually accompanied him to the forest. On one occasion, the elders of the night told him to warn who ever was following him to the forest to desist from doing so.  On getting home he told the wife about the warning and she pretended as if it had nothing to do with her. On his next hunting expedition, the wife trailed him to the forest behind his back.   On getting to the forest he started hunting.  When he finished hunting, he went into conference with the elders of the night and they drained all the blood and emptied them into a clay pot.  At that stage the elders of the night asked him whether in defiance of their instructions, he came with any spy.  He denied coming with anybody.  They insisted that someone came with

him.  They told him to keep watch.  They removed the leaves with which his wife concealed herself and ordered her to come out.  When the hunter discovered that it was his wife, he begged them to spare her life and forgive her.  They told him that there was no forgiveness in the witch world. They called her up and told her that since she was so curious to find out what they sere doing with the blood of the animals being killed by the husband, she would have to pay the price of her transgression.  They collected all the blood drained from the animals shot by the husband that night and made her to drink it.  After drinking the blood, she began to suffer from palsy, or issue of blood.  She became so ill that the husband had no time to devote to his hunting.  The night people had turned their backs on him because of the action of his wife.  He later went to appease the elders of the night and after paying the fine stipulated by them, they agreed to modify the woman's punishment, by proclaiming that from then on, the woman would only see blood once a month which is the menstruation (from Idi Meji) that all women have to this day. The large-faced drum. The water used to bath, In the bathroom, Sprinkles on the walls and floor, Of the bathroom.

No man is wise enough, To count the sand of the earth. No one travels far enough, To know the dimension of the earth. He who eats akara and moyin moyin Knows the sobriquet of beans. These were the Awos who made divination for Orunmila when he was returning to heaven through the sea.  As he left for the sea (Okun) his followers asked him.  Now that you are leaving us for good, who shall we call our father.  He told them to refer to anyone they  pleased as their father.  He decided to go back to heaven never to return to the world physically again.  He however told them that he would send them the instruments through the tree of life (the palm tree) through which he would always talk to them.

Ase O!

Otura Meji

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Otura-Meji occupies the thirteenth position The esoteric representation of Otura Meji is the Kasan, which is a blouse worn by advisers to the Chief and soldiers that symbolizes the interaction between various ethnic groups. It is a image of the power of the word. This Odu relates to Ifa and deserters from his cause. It denotes victory over enemies and prospect of many children. Physical body element = Arms, hands, and lungs

Children would be disposed to be diplomats, fishmongers or lawyers. The Market Place Power of mental judgement Patience brings great rewards Sustain from marriage Recognize Taboo Peace that comes from an inner knowing "Stabilize the family" Suggests meditation and fasting Confusion and doubt is followed by clarity and abundance. Otura-Meji opened the way for wealth to come to the world! Human speech is treacherous, a source of dissension and loss, and a possible cause of death. Folklore credits this Odu with the inspiration for their religious leaders of both Christianity and Islam. Orunmila never wrecked vengeance or punished 'them' even though he had the power and ability to do so with impunity. A single santified word outweighs a load of

profane verbiage. Sprout, big mouth, halve yourselves, lip-lobes, clam up, double tongue, utter.

Lying does not debar one from becoming rich, Covenant-breading does not debar one from reaching old age; But the day of sleeping, there awaits trouble! The most important work done in heaven by Otura-Meji is the revelation of how the white man attempted to learn from God how to produce a human being.  The white man had become so vast on earth in the field of inventions that he thought he should crown his achievements by going to God to teach him

how to manufacture a human being.  When he got to heaven, he approached an Awo called Ayegbe kooshe gbere gede, "No mirror can be wide enough to see the length of a whole year".   The white man was advised to give a he-goat to Esu but he refused to do it because he did not believe in making fetish sacrifices. Without making the sacrifice he went to the palace of God and asked to be taught how to produce a human being.  Since God never refuses any request made to him, he told the white man to fetch mud for the work,which he did.  God has a large mirror in his workshop which he looks at when molding any object.  He examines the reflection of the object from the mirror and he must pass it as perfect before confirming it as being fit for existence. With the mud fetched by the white man, He molded the image of a human being and the white man watched him.  After molding the human image, God left it to dry and meanwhile moved to his inner chamber to attend to other callers. As soon as God left, Esu come into the

workshop in the shape of a heavenly police and asked the white man whether he could not replicate the image prepared by God.  the visitor confirmed that he could.  Esu then told him to leave for home with the image, because it would speak after drying up. With that piece of deceptive advice, the white man left with the human image.  When he however got home the image could not speak after drying up.  that is why the white man is unable to cast any speaking image to this day.  It was on account of the sacrifice which the white man refused to make. To speak is to begin to sort out, to divide things.   Odd or even? The person you meet once, meet again, and meet later as an elder in a town, is called an old man.  That was the mane of the Awo Otura-Meji who made divination for the head of the Imoles to enable them to inherit the prosperity of the earth with minimal effort, from a sedentary position.  He made the sacrifice.

When he got to the world, he struggled for a long time before he was able to realize his destiny, but when he finally met Otura-Meji again on earth he made the same sacrifice for him in the cave and told him that his flock was going to multiply but that the reward of his sacrifice would be reaped by his descendants and followers.  He was told that money would always come to them with very little or no effort.  Those who wanted to know the truth about God would always come to him for the message.  ("Ase O! Baba") Olusese awon ni Awo inu igbo, Elu-odanaf'idij'Odu, divined for Orunmila. He was told to sacrifice:- Six mats, six ikoodes, ...   so that he might be able to govern his town. They told him that all the people would respect and honor him in this mat. That is why the Babalawo sit on mat to read Ifa till today. Orunmila heeded the advice and speedily made the sacrifice.

I threw a missile; And it hit a trickster; Who made a long dress; To conceal his treachery. Whoever hides to practice; Wickedness against others; Will have evil endangering him openly. Truth and False hood were arguing between themselves.  Truth argued that he was more powerful that Falsehood.  On the other hand Falsehood argued that he was stronger that the Truth. Otura-Meji told them that the power of falsehood is transient and ephemeral and that Truth, although slow and weak, overcomes Falsehood in the end, He then sang: No matter how powerful wickedness is; Righteousness overcomes wickedness in the end! Ase O!

Irete Meji

I    I I    I II   II I    I In the fixed order of Orunmila, Irete-Meji occupies the fourteenth position. The esoteric representation of Irete Meji is a square within a circle, the circle symbolizes that which is unknown and the square symbolizes that which is known. It is an image of mutiny and rebellion which either brings long life or infectious disease. Irete denotes initiation into Ifa Irete = Steps Physical body element = Legs, feet and spleen Children would be disposed to be dyers or brewers. Power of medicine Where the Iyamins came to earth

A split second decision can affect the rest of your life! Resistant to pain and  adaptable to the roughest conditions Whole and domineering character Unlimited ambition In Irete-Meji Orunmila learned the secret of prosperity. "It pays to stoop to conquer"

Odan-ab'orepegunpegun cast Ifa for Akon, they say that: he would never fit well with the people in the market. If he wanted to adjust this fault in him, he should sacrifice:-Ata-epo (Pot of oil) and a shawl. Akon (the crab) refused to make sacrifice. On the market-day, Akon balanced his pot of palm-oil on his head and in an attempt to wrap himself with his shawl, the pot fell from his head and his shawl was soiled with oil and up till today the oil stain is still on the crab. The boy began to sing thus: My name is Kporoye --- My mother's name is

Kporoye --- Daughter of Ajero kin osa --- In the land of Ijero --- Married to Ewi of Ado. --- My mother Kporoye told me --- The story of how the quest for a child --- Brought her for divination to Udo --- Where she met an Ifa priest --- Who made divination and sacrifice for her. --- As she went to deposit --- The sacrifice near the pit --She heard a distant cry for help. --- From within the pit --- Behold, it was the Ifa priest --- Who made the sacrifice for her --- Who was inside the pit. --- As she helped him --- To get out of the pit --- She fell to the ground --- And her feminine glory was exposed. --- The Ifa priest --Who could not resist --- The urge of nature --Fell on her --- And made love to her. --- My mother Kporoye --- Has not seen the Ifa priest since then. --- But true to his prediction --- That the fortuitous event would bring forth a male child. --- I was born to Kporoye --- In her old age --- At a time when no one --- Expected her to bring forth a child. --- Although my mother's husband --- The Oba of Ale Ugotun --- Accepted me as his child --- The blood of my real father --- Runs through my veins. --- And the fact that

I went about --- Singing songs and collecting leaves --- Like my father was said --- To be in the habit of doing --- Made my play mates --- To call me funny nick-names. --- One day, I confronted my mother Kporoye --- To tell me the true story of my birth. --- She told me that my father --- Comes from the land of Okemesi --And that at the entrance to his house --- There is a money bearing tree. --- The branches and foliage --- Of the tree bear crowns. --- The stem bears beads --- And the roots bear corals. --- At the entrance of the house --- Is the dried corpse of a human body. --- After hearing the story --- I insisted on coming to see my father. --- On our way to Okemesi --- We were apprehended by three bandits --- And sold separately into slavery. --- I lamented that I would never --- See my father again. --- Even if I die as a slave --- I can now rest assured --- That I have come to at last --- To the land and the house of my father. --- The description given by my mother --Assures me that the house --- To which I was finally sold into slavery --- And where I now crack this palm kernel --- Is indeed the abode of

my father. --- Ejielemere of Okemesi --- If I die in six days time --- It would no longer be in vain --- Because I have come to die --- On the bosom of  my father! Ase O!

Ose Meji

I    I II   II I    I II   II

In the fixed order of Orunmila, Ose-Meji occupies the fifteenth position. The esoteric representation of Ose-Meji is the cressent moon which symbolizes female fertility. It is an image of female creativity Advise to look for money with caution and discretion so that money might not destroy one.

Physical body elements = Breasts and bladder Children would be disposed to be Spiritualists or reformers. All that decays and dissolves into its consitutive elements. Surrender, flight and loss The Wrestler  ---  Credulous This Odu denotes plenty of children, victory over enemies and plenty of good fortune. Person is destined to assume priestly responsibilities Person is destined to take a position of honors and responsibility within their chosen profession Orunmila learned mysteries of abundance. Osun is considered keeper of the mysteries of abundance. Osun enticed Obatala for this secret and gave it to worshipers. "I want, I want, I insist on broke me" Desiring spiritual growth will lead to abundance.

Orunmila prophesied, it came to pass; It came to pass Bara, Agbonniregun, They asked what was it that was coming to pass? He answered that it was the blessing of wealth foretold. The Olodus, that is, the sixteen main apostles of Orunmila, were in the habit of going to the river to wash the signs of old age from their bodies.  After each such bath, they often came out looking several years younger than their ages.   At one of their weekly meetings, the sixteen Olodus agreed on the date they were to go to the river for their annual cleansing session. On getting home from the conference.  OseMeji invited one of his Awos called Gere Gere Shalu Gere, to make divination for him

against the upcoming trip to the river.   He was advised to offer sacrifice to Esu because of the benefits awaiting him at the river.  He did the sacrifice without any delay. On the appointed day, all sixteen Olodus assembled at the river and they began to have their dives into the river in order of seniority.  Each of them was required to make three dives into the river.  When it was the turn of OseMeji to dive, being the fifteenth Olodu, he dived the first time and came out of the river with a dried fish on the left hand and a fresh fish on the right hand.  He made a second dive and emerged with a white cloth on his left hand and a black cloth on the right.  In his third and final dive, he came out with 200 cowries on his left hand and beads on the right hand. The other Olodus accused him of playing magic, but he declined saying that he did not know how to make divination, let alone magic. On getting home he assembled all his surrogate Awos and told them to interpret his finds in the river.  They told him that the fishes

indicated that he would live long enough to enjoy all the good things of life.  The cloth meant that he would live in peace and concord to the end of his life, which was going to be very long.  The last finds meant that he was going to live a life of prosperity and abundance.  He actually lived a full life and lived longer than any other Olodu on earth. When our own handicraft suffices us reliance is never placed on theft. Theft can never suffice us, except our own honorable labor: This declares the Oracle to Agbonniregun (alias Orunmila) When he was set out from township to rural areas. He was warned that he would do marvelous acts of kindness, But that he would be repaid evil for good; But the Almighty God would requite him manifold. And all the deities would also repay him amply He saw a lame man, and he restored his limbs; The lame man failed to express any gratitude. Orunmila called him back And asked why he failed to be grateful. He saw an albino, touched his skin, The albino's skin became

restores to normalcy. He saw a hunched back man, and touched his hunch; The hunch of his back dropped to the ground. He called back the man and asked why he was ungrateful. He found a woman laboring of child, He took care of her and she was delivered safely. He met people where somebody died of an illness; The deceased, borne in a coffin, was about to be buried, Orunmila stopped the concourse of mourners and raised the dead to life. They all acclaimed Orunmila, saying "All Hail to His Majesty ! " Orunmila got to another Place, There Death was intimidating someone, Orunmila began to sing as a challenge: If I see Death I would crush him in a fight." Woroji, woroji! wowo! (what a frightful scene to behold !) If I catch sight of plague, I would worst him in combat; Woroj, woroji! wowo! what a frightful scene to behold!) Death fled away, In fear of Orunmila; Plague took to flight to avoid Orunmila. Quite apart from being a Deity who

prophesied and worked miracles, ORUNMILA was also a DOCTOR and HEALER In addltlon to his qualities of being (a) KING (b) PRIEST (c) TEACHER and (d) DEITY.  Also as teacher of mankind he was a LINGUIST.

Ofun Meji

Ase O!

II   II I    I II   II I    I In the fixed order of Orunmila, Ofun-Meji occupies the sixteenth position. The esoteric representation of Ofun Meji is an egg marked with 12 paired points, and four horizontal lines which together symbolizes the 16 odu Meji. It is the image of the birth universal principles. Ofun denotes all the different characters and types of people in the world. Physical body element = Rostrum, nostrils and

throat Children would be disposed to be Judges, Police, Diviners or wine merchants. In Ofun-Meji the quarent will be great! Consent the power given by others. Calabash Incline to a paternal or protective bossiness Life in accordance with the dictates of Ifa is "sweeter than honey" Whoever loves Money beyond bounds will have his character damaged. Wisdom it is that excels money. Ifa says that we should not break an oath with a friend, least we meet death unexpectedly Argbo ile fi-ire-sa-ke jeke je divined for Olofin when he was going to produce sixteen Imales (the 16 principle Odus) Babalawo should not be anxious in gathering wealth save in collecting knowledge. The egg within becomes the womb, passivity becomes creativity personified.

Epa!

Enfold all... Those that are wise are ruled by calm Ogbaragada cast Ifa for Odu when he was going to create all the differnt characters in the world. He was advised to sacrifice: Four pillars, one big calabash (with cover) and a chain. He heeded the advice and made the sacrifice. He was assured that no one would query his action, Therefore he should pitch the four pillars together on the gorund and place the calabash on them and to tie his hand to the poles with the chain. He did so and subsequently created all kinds of characters and was since then known as Oduduwa. Argbo ile fi-ire-sa-ke jeke je divined for Olofin when he was going to produce sixteen Imales (the 16 principle Odus) Death, children of death, Life, children of life... Ofun-Meji revealed that it took Olodumare (God) six days to create the land, seas,

atmosphere, plants, animals and humanity.  The reason Olodumare created all organic and inorganic matter before creating mankind was to provide abode for man, water for him to drink, food to eat, air to breathe and for him to settle down to a routine life in heaven from the seventh day.  Ofun disclosed that God rested on the seventh day after completing the creation of the divinosphere.  Hence it would take six days to complete the initiation ceremony of any divine priest and he should clean the house and rest on the seventh day. Ajitu gbaye Aringinniginni gbayi Ojini ku to ku to r'ohun oro sarigbon lo Orun They cast divination oracle for Orunmila When coming From Ikole Orun (Heaven) to Ikole Aye (earth) They also cast divination oracle for the human race Who were to divide into three groups: The acheivers Those who follow the acheivers The bystanders

They all were coming to do three things on earth They were coming to do good They were coming to do evil They were coming to do neither good nor evil.  Aa see mogamoga kii ri ohun oro se arigbonlo Agbonmiregun's Sage (Another name of Orunmila) Cast divination oracle for Agbonmiregun When going to Olodumare to make enquiries on why Olodumare created three groups with three distinct characters at the same time? Three groups exhibiting different traits cannot live together without friction. With friction, someone is Bound to be hurt.  Olodumare responded: It is a way of knowing human attitudes. From the Ifa verse above, it shows clearly that on earth, there are three groups of people: those who make things happen (good or bad); those who assist in making things happen; and those who watch things happen. The first group is very rare, the second group many, while those who fall into the third group are in abundance.

On the other hand, man cormes into the world to exhibit his various attitudes and characters independently, Consequently individuals are responsible for-their actions good or bad. Generally, all those attitudes that are socially acceptable, approved of and backed up by rewards are categorised as good. Examples of these kinds of attitudes are humility, godliness, honesty, hardwork, forgiveness, patriotism, respect and so on. The types of rewards attached to these kinds of attitudes are praises, encouragements, blessings, better life hereafter and so on. Also, all those attitude that are socially unacceptabie, disapproved of and backed up by negative sanctions are categorised as evil. Examples are lawlessness, stealing, meanness snubbishness, pride and so on. Sanctions attached to these attitudes include social frown, rebuke, jail, banishment, execution, to worse life hereafter. The third category of attitudes and characters are those that do not constitute neither good nor bad. For instance, sleeping or waking up

at normal times is neither good nor bad. But if one constitutes the habit of deliberately disturbing others while they are asleep or awake either by occupying their space or deliberately matching on them while awake, it becomes evil. Also, eating and drinking is neither evil nor good, but if a person who has got the means of affordng his daily meal makes It look as if those who have got no such means are either criminals or social exrements, it becomes evil. Poverty or affluence is neither good nor evil. However, the way a person exhibits his state of financial well-being may constitute evil or good. On ths whole, certain things become clear from this Ifa verse Ofun-Meji: the most important purpose of man on earth is to come and exhibit his characters and attitude. These characters and attitudes are not part of man's destiny-- in other words man is free to choose between good and evil. This freedom of choice makes man distinct from any other being on earth. Nobody 'pushes' a man to do evil or

good. Man's purpose of being on earth is not religion. Religion is only a means to an end while the end itself is the way man exhibits his attitudes and characters. Other beings on earth such as plants and animals need to be studied in order to help man prolong his stay on earth so as to exhibit his choice of attitudes and chracters for a longer period.  Also, all forces of nature are to be studied and understood so as to be able to adapt and abide by their rules in order to live longer (This will be made more explicit In future).  Life on earth continues indefinitely. Only living beings on earth at any particular point in time will cease to exist while others will be born on rotational bases. In Ofun-Meji Ifa says: The world continues indefinitely Esinsin o kate ileke wiri-wiri-wiri Cast divination oracle for Orunmila When going to the world of infinitude. Ase O!