Many people wonder how to determine when an Orisha is calling them. In this post, we explore three powerful signs that reveal when an Orisha may be reaching out to you. You will learn how Orishas communicate through dreams, synchronicities, emotions, and life events. You will also understand how to overcome confusion about these experiences and the steps you can take to move forward when you feel called by an Orisha.
Updated on January 12, 2026
Table of contents
What Is an Orisha & Why Do They Call?
In the Ifá tradition, Orishas are divine forces or emissaries who oversee domains associated with various natural elements. They also embody specific traits, characteristics, or attributes linked to their domain of authority.
These forces can be thought of as gods or deities, but not in the contemporary Western sense of the word. They are not the same as the Supreme Being that we think of when it comes to religions like Christianity or Islam. Instead, they are potent Cosmic beings that are invoked and appeased through sacrificial offerings (ebo). In this sense, they correspond to the original Old English translation of the word “god.”
Whether you’re familiar with these forces or not, you may not be aware if one of them is ‘calling’ you. In essence, you are likely unaware of or wondering about whether an Orisha is trying to get your attention. And this is common among individuals who are just starting their Ifá journey.
So, this post:
- Outlines three prominent signs that an Orisha may be reaching out to you
- Guides you through the steps you need to take to confirm this ‘calling’
- Answers common questions related to when an Orisha chooses you
Three Powerful Signs an Orisha is Calling You
While the Orishas can manifest themselves in many different ways, certain signs typically present with mighty force. As such, we outline what those signs look like below so you can determine whether they correlate with your experiences.
Here are three common signs to look out for:
1. Dreams & Visions
Dreams and visions are the hallmark of spiritual communication in the Ifá tradition. So, if you have vivid, repetitive, or remarkable dreams, there’s a strong likelihood that an Orisha or other spiritual force is trying to get your attention.
Typically, Orishas embody their symbology or natural domain when they reveal themselves in the dream state or visions. Oshun might reveal herself in flowing streams of water by the riverside. Even so, Oya may show herself to you as a rampaging hurricane that destroys everything in her path.
2. Strong Attraction to an Orisha
Another familiar sign that an Orisha may be trying to get your attention is through a strong attraction to its:
- Name or imagery
- Domain of authority
- Colors or symbolism
Maybe you suddenly feel drawn to the color white and desire to wear or keep it around you daily. This could signal Obatala’s peaceful presence in your life. Likewise, you could spend several hours each day researching Yemoja or sitting on the beach. These are all signs that an Orisha may be whispering your name.
Get our Ifá wisdom newsletter delivered directly to your inbox
3. Synchronicities & Repeated Patterns
Even so, you could experience synchronicities whereby you encounter numbers, sacred animals, or themes related to a specific elemental force. For instance, you may suddenly begin to encounter dogs in your daily life, whereas you didn’t beforehand. Stray dogs may continue to appear at your doorstep or follow you home, indicating a strong connection to Ogun’s protective energy.
You may also notice the number three appearing frequently everywhere you go. This could be a sign that Esu is seeking to connect with you. These types of repetitive events are almost always a sign of spiritual communication.
Common Misconceptions About an Orisha Calling
At Asanee 44, we often work with clients who come to us after experiencing unusual events for weeks or months.
Vivid Dreams
One client reported having vivid dreams of standing at the ocean’s edge, always surrounded by seashells. She also heard songs in a language she didn’t recognize in her dreams. These dreams became so persistent that she felt overwhelmed. Through Ifá divination, it was confirmed that Yemoja was reaching out to her, guiding her toward a deeper connection.
Repetitive Encounters
Another client came to us after repeatedly encountering the same signs. He suddenly and constantly found himself experiencing close-encounter lightning storms. At first, he dismissed these as coincidences. However, the patterns became undeniable, so he decided to take action. A divination session revealed that Shango was indeed calling him to initiate. This allowed him to fully embrace his role as a political leader within his community.
Unexplained Attraction
We also see clients who feel an unexplainable pull toward a particular Orisha. One woman described how she suddenly began collecting white clothing and surrounding herself with the color. However, she had never preferred white before. In fact, it was her least favorite color in her wardrobe collection. She also somehow felt compelled to spend more time in quiet reflection. Her Ifá reading confirmed that Obatala was guiding her toward a path of greater moral integrity.
These kinds of stories remind us that signs are real and meaningful. Yet, they also reinforce the importance of divination as the key to confirming which Orisha is calling and what steps must be taken in response.
Newsletter Sign-up
Enter your email below to receive Ifá wisdom in your inbox.
What To Do When You Feel Called by an Orisha
The Orishas reach out in many ways, often through dreams, synchronicities, or powerful shifts that cannot be ignored. These signs are real and significant, but they are only the beginning of the journey. The clearest way to confirm which Orisha is calling you and what steps to take is through an Ifá divination session.
At Asanee 44, we provide trusted Ifá divination rooted in lineage-based Isese tradition. If you believe an Orisha may be calling you, schedule a session with us to receive resolute guidance and ensure you are walking in alignment with your divine purpose.
Common Questions About an Orisha Calling
Yes. Everyone has a tutelary or “head” Orisha that aligns with their destiny. This Orisha governs your life path and is confirmed through Ifá divination. However, being “called” is not the same as having a head Orisha. A calling may come from another Orisha guiding you for a season, teaching you a lesson, or offering you protection.
Yes, it is possible for more than one Orisha to call you. Sometimes this happens during transitional periods when different energies are needed to guide your path. While these experiences can feel confusing, Ifá divination helps determine which Orisha is guiding you and how others are supporting you along the way.
The difference is often found in consistency and confirmation. Real Orisha callings show up repeatedly through dreams, synchronicities, and life events that cannot be ignored. Imagination tends to fade and is quickly forgotten. At Asanee 44, we encourage clients to keep track of patterns and then seek Ifá divination, which provides the clearest confirmation of whether an Orisha is reaching out.
If you ignore a genuine Orisha calling, you may experience ongoing challenges or blockages in areas connected to that Orisha’s domain. These difficulties are reminders to pay attention and realign. Working with an Ifá diviner can help you understand the nature of the calling and the steps you should take to bring your life back into balance.
Learn More About the Orishas in the Ifá Tradition
To gain deeper knowledge about the attributes, traits, domains of authority, and working with the Orishas, explore our resource library:
- Exploring the Yoruba Pantheon
- Who is Your Head Orisha?
- How to Work with the Orishas
- Caring for Orishas While Traveling
- Orishas of the Ifa Tradition Blog Series
Written by Dr. Asanee Brogan, founder of Asanee 44, a spiritual brand rooted in Ifá wisdom. Dr. Asanee Brogan is an Ori Alignment Coach, Ifá Educator, and author. She guides seekers in starting their Ifá journey, learning about Ifá divination, uncovering Odu wisdom, and aligning with their Ori.
Discover more from Asanee 44
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.