How to Begin Your Ifá Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Seekers

Starting your journey in the Ifá tradition can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to African spirituality. This guide outlines the foundational steps for beginners, from understanding the tradition to receiving your first divination. Whether you’re reconnecting with your ancestral heritage or seeking deeper purpose, this post offers the insights and support to get started with confidence.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand key principles of the Ifa tradition
• Work with the Orishas at a beginner level
• Choose a trustworthy priest or priestess
• Approach your first Ifá reading with confidence

Let’s walk through each step so you can begin your path with alignment and confidence.

Updated on January 20, 2026

Begin Your Ifá Practice

I often get asked by new and prospective devotees and onlookers how to start practicing the Ifa tradition. This is a very commendable inquiry. I think that any time one embarks on a spiritual journey, one should seek to understand the process before jumping in.

While the answer to this question may be straightforward, the process can be complicated at times. You see, the Ifa tradition is a vital part of Yoruba culture. It is a system that involves divination, sacrifices, offerings, and balanced living.

It has been around for centuries and is part of a distinct tribal group. The authentic tradition is rooted and grounded in the culture, language, and customs of the Yoruba people.  

Accessing Ifa Wisdom

It can be difficult for the average layperson to access the tradition. Though Ifa temples are scattered worldwide, connecting with one can be intimidating. Ifa is not typically considered a proselytizing religion. People do not actively seek to convert followers to Ifa.

Instead, they focus on living their lives in accordance with Ifa beliefs and concepts. 

Therefore, it is unlikely that you will:

• See signs and billboards pointing you to an Ifa temple, or
• Have random people approach you with pamphlets about it

Instead, you will have to search out Ifa beginner resources on your own. It is a growing community, but it is not as easily visible as other religions. This is one of the primary reasons I guide and mentor individuals who desire to start practicing the Ifa tradition.

Below is a framework of the steps I usually outline during my consultation sessions.

Understand the Ifa Tradition

To practice Ifa, followers must first learn about core elements of the tradition, including:

• Ifa Divination
• Ori and Destiny
• Orisha Deities
• The Odu Ifa

Once you have a general understanding of these concepts, you can begin incorporating them into your daily life in healthy, productive ways.

Connecting with an Ifa community at the beginning of your journey is also helpful. This can provide you with support and guidance as you learn more about the system.

There are Ifa temples in many parts of the world, so finding one near you may be straightforward, depending on your location. You can also find many resources online, such as books, articles, courses, and websites dedicated to Ifa.

Variations in Practices

Keep in mind that customs vary from house to house or temple to temple, and can differ quite significantly from region to region. You will find that individuals in the diaspora produce much of the online information about the tradition.

Notably, the vast majority of it derives from Caribbean syncretic lineages such as Santería and Lucumí. In some instances, these versions differ significantly from how Ifa is practiced in Yorubaland.

However, gaining knowledge about the tradition from different sources can be beneficial in the long run. You can discover how the tradition has evolved and transitioned over time in various areas of the world. Therein, you can find what works best for you.

Learn Core Ifa Concepts

Some of the key principles or core concepts of Ifa include:

• Ase (Life Force)
• Ori (Inner Head)
• Egungun (Ancestors)
• Orishas (Divine Forces)
• Idafa (Ifa Divination)
• Ebo (Sacrifice)

Ase Energy

Ase is the divine life force or universal energy that empowers and animates all things in the universe. It is the driving force behind all creation and action. Harnessing and maintaining a positive flow of ase is crucial for manifesting one’s desires and living in harmony with one’s destiny. 

Ori (Inner Head)

Your Ori, or inner head, is the aspect of you that guides you toward your destiny. It is considered the most important part of a person’s being, as it is the source of one’s fate and purpose in life. Connecting with and honoring your Ori is essential for achieving balance and fulfillment. Ori is one of the many Orishas or deities revered in the Ifa tradition. I have outlined some of the more popular ones below.

Iwa Pele

It is also vital to understand Ifa guidelines before fully embracing the system. Ifa is a tradition based on standards of balanced character or iwa pele. There are underpinning rules that should be followed to avoid negative consequences. You will become aware of many of them throughout your practice. But overall, adherents are expected to live a life of good character to achieve success.

Connect with Your Ancestors

It is also important to begin an ancestor veneration practice before you start working with any African spiritual system. This will help you connect to your roots and the spirit world, as your ancestors or Egun will guide you along your journey. Your ancestors act as intermediaries between you and the spiritual realm, providing protection, support, and insight as you navigate your Ifa journey. Duly honoring them grounds and empowers you with the ancient wisdom needed to fully embrace and thrive in your chosen path.

As such, this should be your first step before embarking on an Ifa spiritual journey. Your ancestors can help you find the right resources and connect with the right people along your path. But it may be necessary to do ancestor connection or elevation work before you begin venerating them. There are many ways to accomplish this goal.

As you deepen your journey in the practice of Ifa, you will uncover the traditional Yoruba ways of honoring your ancestors or egungun within this revered system. Through time-honored rituals and ceremonies, you will connect with the wisdom and guidance of those who have come before you.

These practices will teach you how to:

• Acknowledge their presence
• Properly venerate your ancestors
• Seek their support in your daily affairs

This connection strengthens your foundation and enriches your understanding of the timeless legacy of your progenitors.

Discover The Orishas

If you are new to Ifa, you should know a few things about the Yoruba pantheon before you begin practicing the tradition. First, it is vital to understand that Ifa is a monotheistic practice, though devotees serve many deities. This has led some to view the tradition as a polytheistic religion, meaning many gods or deities are worshiped. 

However, the true essence of Ifa is monotheistic. Ifa devotees believe in a Supreme Creator, Olodumare. Though the Orishas and other forces created by Olodumare significantly impact our day-to-day lives. Therefore, they are revered or honored through sacrifices (ebo) and offerings.

Some of the better-known Orishas include those outlined below. However, there are many more, as the Orishas are innumerable. You’ll learn more about the Yoruba pantheon as you develop your practice. 

ORUNMILA

Also referred to as Ifa, Orunmila is associated with divination, wisdom, and prophecy and is often invoked for guidance and protection. Orunmila is one of the essential Orishas in the Yoruba religion and is widely revered among followers of other Orisha traditions in the Caribbean Islands and South America.

Learn More About Orunmila

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Orunmila’s energy and how it shapes destiny and daily life, explore the following resources:

• Beginner Guide: Orunmila in Ifá Tradition Learn how Orunmila serves as the witness to destiny, guiding humanity through wisdom, truth, and divine order.
• Masterclass: Ifá Religion: Divination, Sacrifice, and Orìṣà Worship Enroll to understand Orunmila’s role in Ifá divination and how his teachings illuminate our divine purpose.

ESU

Esu, also spelled Eshu, is considered the Orisha of communication and mischief. This divine force is typically depicted as a man with two faces, one black and one red. He is usually described as a trickster god, known for teaching people lessons through cunning and crafty devices. He is also known for being very helpful, as he is the god of the crossroads, capable of opening doors of opportunity.

OBATALA

This is the Orisha of peace, purity, and creativity. Obatala is typically depicted in all white, which represents purity. He is known to be very fair and just, with little to no tolerance for immorality.

Learn More About Obatala

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Obatala’s energy and how it shapes destiny and daily life, explore the following resources:

• Beginner Guide: Obatala in the Ifá Tradition Learn how Obatala embodies wisdom, purity, and moral living as guiding principles for balance.
• Advanced Study: How Obatala Guides Criminal Justice and the Restoration of Order Explore Obatala’s role in justice and balance within the criminal justice system.
• Masterclass: Obatala: Mythology, Worship, and Ritual Practices Enroll to explore how Obatala’s temporal authority shapes creation, morality, and divine order.

OSHUN

In Ifa and other diasporic traditions, the Orisha of love, beauty, and fertility is known as Oshun or Osun. Oshun is typically depicted as a beautiful woman wearing yellow or gold clothing, symbolizing beauty, joy, and prosperity.

Learn More About Oshun

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Oshun’s energy and how it shapes destiny and daily life, explore the following resources:

• Beginner Guide: Oshun in the Ifá Tradition Learn how Oshun embodies the attributes of magnetism, prosperity, and love as pathways to abundance and divine favor.
• Advanced Study: How Oshun Guides Emotional Healing & Self-Compassion Explore Oshun’s lessons on forgiveness and restoration.
• Masterclass: Oshun: Mythology, Worship, and Ritual Practices Enroll to deepen your understanding of Oshun’s sacred mysteries and her role in healing, creativity, and manifestation.

OGUN

The Orisha of war and strength is popularly known as Ogun in many African diaspora traditions. In Yoruba culture, this deity is associated with the colors green and black, which represent the forest and path clearing. In diasporic traditions, he is most commonly associated with the color red, which embodies the energy of passion, power, and war.

ShANGO

One of the most famous Orishas in Yorubaland, Shango, is the god of thunder and lightning. This fierce force of justice is usually depicted as a man carrying a double-headed ax and is often associated with the colors red and white.

Receive Ifa Divination Guidance

Ifa divination is core to the practice of this sacred tradition. This process is conducted by a Babalawo (male priest) or Iyanifa (female priestess), who interprets the Odu (sacred verses) to provide guidance. The process involves casting divination instruments and analyzing the resulting patterns to reveal details about your destiny or life purpose. 

It likewise results in giving ebo. Ebo involves making offerings and sacrifices to the Orishas to align with one’s destiny and seek their blessings. These rituals are performed to address specific issues, gain favor, and ensure the well-being of the practitioner and their community.

Be sure to obtain as much information as you can about Ifa divination before you get a reading. Doing so will help you determine whether your reading is legitimate. It will also help you understand what to expect throughout the Ifa divination process.

Purpose of Ifa Divination

Ifa divination works by revealing information that you need at the moment. In many instances, you will get an opportunity to ask questions. But it is not necessary to ask questions every time you get a reading. In many instances, devotees are simply interested in feedback from the Odu revealed during the session.

This sacred message, derived from the Ifa corpus, pertains to you at the time of your reading. It will tell you what steps to take to achieve balance and harmony in your situation. Ebo or sacrifice likewise follows an Ifa reading, as mentioned. The required ebo will vary from person to person and cannot be determined until the reading is completed.

It is important to understand that an Ifa reading differs from a psychic or tarot reading. Instead, these types of readings are primarily intuitive. While they can offer deep insight into your situation, Ifa divination presents very structured information based on ancient, sacred verses.

The ultimate goal of an Ifa reading is to provide you with a solution or remedy for realignment. It is not designed to give the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” about your circumstances. Instead, Ifa is concerned with you living a balanced life rather than understanding every detail about your circumstances.

Choose An Ifa Priest or Priestess

Another important step in your Ifa journey is choosing an Ifa priest or priestess for your spiritual needs. But don’t be too hasty to commit to a Babalawo or Iyanifa at first. Take your time, as this is a very important relationship.

There are many Ifa priests and priestesses available in the traditional community. Some are better than others. Some resonate with you more than others. The goal is to find someone you can connect with on a deeply personal level and who you feel comfortable working with.

When you have found the right Babalawo or Iyanifa, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This means being honest about your goals and intentions and open to their guidance. Respecting their time and energy is also important, as they offer valuable services.

Ifa Mentorship

Additionally, a mentor or guide can be instrumental in your journey into the Ifa tradition. Having someone answer your questions and lead you down the right path is invaluable. Once you start practicing the Ifa tradition, your mentor will often be your Babalawo (priest) or Iyanifa (priestess).

However, finding a priest or priestess can be challenging at first. Even more, it can be difficult to connect with these individuals due to their busy schedules. Fortunately, skilled practitioners serve in this capacity. At Asanee 44, we offer Ifa mentorship services to individuals who are trying to find their way along their Ifa journey.

Other individuals provide similar services – some are free, and some are fee-based. The key is to find someone you resonate with who can guide you and answer your questions. This individual should also be available to support you on a continuous basis. And, of course, they should be knowledgeable about the tradition.  

Honor Spiritual Forces

Nothing can substitute for actually practicing the tradition for someone serious about this path. For the average person, the beginning of their journey often involves receiving the Hand of Ifa or Isefa. This is usually the first consecrated icon that an Isese (traditional) devotee receives. 

I have covered this topic in more depth in a separate post, so I won’t go too in-depth about it here. But the basic premise of Isefa is that one gives offerings and sacrifices to Ifa through this icon.

In doing so, the individual begins to align with their destiny and achieve balance and harmony in their life. Receiving the Hand of Ifa is a major step in practicing the tradition. As such, the decision to work with this sacred vessel should not be taken lightly.

Feeding the Orishas

After you receive your Hand of Ifa, you will most likely receive additional spirit pots and spiritual paraphernalia to complement your practice. This is where the work truly begins – feeding the Orishas and living in harmony with humanity, nature, and the spirit world. You will get many readings and perform numerous rituals as you continue your practice.

Ifa Initiation

If you decide to do so, you may even get initiated into the tradition. However, not all practitioners take this route. Though there are conflicting opinions, many do not consider initiation mandatory for devotees of the Ifa tradition.

Instead, some take this step to deepen their connection, advance their practice, and secure more blessings. Finally, you will spend a lifetime learning about and studying the tradition, as there is no end to the depth of Ifa’s wisdom.

Walk The Path of Ifa

The Ifa tradition emphasizes aligning with one’s destiny and focusing on personal growth and development. Devotees revere Olodumare, the Supreme Creator, and honor various Orishas through offerings and sacrifices as part of their self-improvement journey.

Ancestor veneration is also an essential part of Ifa practice. Ifa is a replete spiritual system that embodies the wisdom of our progenitors.

To learn more and dive deeper into Ifa wisdom, it’s essential to:

• Actively engage in study and dialogue with others
• Adhere to moral codes of conduct (iwa pele)
• Connect with an Ifa temple or community

Embark on your Ifa journey with the guidance and support you need. Schedule an Ifa consultation with Asanee 44 to learn more about this divine path.

Common Ifa Beginner Questions

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Want more guidance on starting your Ifá journey?

To discover more about beginning your Ifá practice, explore our resource library:

• How to Start Practicing Ifá
• How Do You Start Working with the Orisha?
• Beginner’s Guide to Ifá Concepts and Beliefs
• Starting Your Ifá Journey Series

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