Blog By Awo Falokun

The Differences Between Lucumi Systems Of Ifa Divination & Traditional Forms Of Divination

Agbo ato I frequently get asked about the differences between Lucumi systems of Ifa divination and traditional forms of divination preserved in the oral scripture of traditional Yoruba culture. Looking at this post gives us the opportunity to explore those differences. Let us start with the statement Ifa is not Memory, Ifa is wisdom. I would suggest traditional Ifa contains an element of both memory and wisdom. Those who study Ifa in traditional Yoruba culture are expected to memorize the metaphysical meaning of each verse and to memorize at least two ese from each verse. The word wisdom in Yoruba is ori ire meaning consciousness that brings good fortune. The integration of the metaphysical principles of each verse coupled the triggering effect of the ese supports an altered state of consciousness called possession by Ela that is the foundation of the Ifa divination process. The ese ifa are taught to young students of Ifa first by memorization and then by teaching the process of going into possession with the distinct frequency of each odu. Over time the training leads to a familiarity with the frequency so that an awo is able to recognize the frequency present in any moment during the course of the day. This is important because when a particular frequency presents itself as a conflict or problem the awo immediately knows that the solution to the problem is the invocation of the opposite odu.

Chapter from my next book titled Wakanda is Real

An examination of a single African culture gives a glimpse of the depth of the lies and deception contained within the accepted academic narrative.

Ifa is the Yoruba word for wisdom.

Yoruba culture is the foundation of an ancient civilization largely centered in Southwest Nigeria. Elements of the culture spread north of Nigeria into Benin and south of Nigeria into Cameroon. The split of the original kingdom across the boards of three countries was a result of the arbitrary creation of Nations by the European Council of 1886.

The Teacher Student Relationship In Ifa & Initiation

Agbo ato, I want to talk about the teacher student relationship in Ifa. In traditional Yoruba culture there is typically one or two egbe ifa in a community and you are typically initiated in the community where you family lives. Before you can change egbe for any reason there is usually lengthy discussions within Ogboni over your reasons for changing egbe and it is not a common occurrence. In the Diaspora we are faced with a number of problems when it comes to training; frequently the student does not live near the person who initiated them, most awo in the Diaspora do not teach generally based on a fear of competition, and there are very few functioning Ifa egbe where work is done in a community setting and training is a regular part of the ritual schedule.