Ifá Beginner’s Guide for the UK: How to Start Your Journey

Yes. You can begin your Ifá journey while living in the UK. Starting does not require being physically present in Nigeria. But it does require sincerity, patience, and the willingness to learn from trusted sources.
 
Many people begin by honoring their ancestors, studying reputable materials, and connecting with a trained Ifá priest (Babaláwo) or Ifá priestess (ÌyánIfá) when guidance is needed. The key is to avoid rushing into the process or falling for online scams. Taking small, intentional steps builds a foundation that will prepare you for deeper levels of practice when the time is right.

You can honor your ancestors no matter where you live. In the Ifá tradition, the most important element is intentionality, not location. Many people in the UK begin with a simple ancestor altar at home. This can include a white cloth, a glass of water, a candle, and photos or names of loved ones who have passed.

Though ancestor altars are not originally part of Ifá practice, they have become common tools in the Western world for beginning lineage veneration. They help you build the habit of speaking to and working with your ancestors, which sets the stage for more formal practices later in your journey. You can begin with simple acts such as saying daily prayers, giving small and easy-to-find offerings, and expressing gratitude for their blessings.

As you honor them, you can ask them to lead you to the ideal Babaláwo or Ìyánífá to meet your needs.

Finding trustworthy guidance can be one of the biggest challenges for beginners in the UK. Because Ifá is still growing outside Nigeria, many people encounter misleading or false information online. The best approach is to take your time and look for initiated practitioners who are connected to a recognized lineage. Recommendations from trusted community members or teachers can also help.

If you don’t yet know a local practitioner, it is also possible to work directly with a trained priest in Nigeria or other parts of the world. The internet has made this a safe and meaningful option for thousands of seekers globally. Many people begin their journey this way before later traveling to Nigeria for in-person ceremonies or initiation.

Be cautious of anyone who pressures you for money, makes grand promises, or refuses to explain their lineage. A genuine priest or priestess will emphasize patience, integrity, and respect for the Ifá tradition. Taking the time to confirm who you are learning from ensures that you build your foundation on truth rather than deception.

Unfortunately, the growing interest in Ifá has also led to many false teachers and scams online. Some people create fake Ifá priest profiles, while others mix Ifá with unrelated practices to appear knowledgeable. The best way to protect yourself is to move slowly, verify sources, and always check a priest’s lineage.

Trustworthy priests and priestesses will be transparent about their training and will never rush you into initiation or demand large sums of money up front. They will also encourage you to ask questions and learn at a steady pace.

In the UK, many beginners choose to connect with trusted teachers or priests in Nigeria (or other parts of the world) through online guidance. This has become a safe and effective way to start the journey, especially when local options are limited or inaccessible. Working with a recognized lineage, whether locally or abroad, ensures that you are building your foundation on genuine Ifá practice.

Yes, you can begin your journey in Ifá without initiation. While formal Ifá initiation connects you to the tradition at a deeper ritual level, the path begins with preparation. In the UK, many seekers start by honoring their Ori, learning about the Odu, and venerating their ancestors. These practices build a foundation of respect and discipline that prepares you for deeper commitments later.

Working with a trained priest in Nigeria or another part of the world online can also help guide your first steps. Through prayer, study, and small offerings, you can begin living in alignment with Ifá even before initiation.

Your Ori is your inner head, the personal divinity that guides your destiny. Honoring it does not require access to African shrines or ritual tools. You can begin wherever you are. A simple way to honor your Ori is to keep a positive mindset, offer prayers each morning for alignment, and walk in gentle character (iwa pele).

Many people speak to their Ori as they would to a trusted guide. These simple acts keep you connected no matter where you live. Over time, Ifá practice deepens this relationship through traditional rituals like ibori. But daily attention to your Ori is always the foundation.

Practicing Ifá in the UK often means balancing African traditions from a Western cultural lens. Usually, the two don’t mesh well. So, the key is to stay rooted in respect for the tradition while adapting where necessary. 

For example, if you don’t have public spaces or community shrines nearby, you might start by building a temple or shrine space in your home. You may also need to explain your path in simple terms to friends or family who are unfamiliar with African spiritual systems.

Connecting with a trusted priest or an online community of fellow practitioners can provide support and guidance as you navigate these differences. What matters most is that your practice stays true to Ifá principles of balance, patience, and alignment, even when expressed in a different cultural setting.

There are many ways to begin studying Ifá, even if you live outside of Nigeria. Books, online articles, YouTube videos, recorded lectures, etc., can all provide valuable insight into the philosophy and practices of the tradition. Many materials can be shipped internationally from the U.S. or other countries. The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with teachers and communities around the world.

At Asanee 44, we also offer structured learning opportunities designed for beginners. A great starting point is our Ifá Religion, Divination, Sacrifice, and Orisha Worship course, which gives you a clear foundation in the basics of Ifá and how divination works.

In addition, we offer several Orisha courses that guide you in respectfully connecting with specific Orishas within the tradition. These programs are designed to guide seekers step by step, making them especially useful for those learning in places like the UK without direct access to a temple community.