How Can You Follow Ifá Without a Trusted Babaláwo or Ìyánífá?

Practicing Ifá without a Babaláwo or Ìyánífá is a common reality for many beginners, especially in the diaspora. This post explains what it means to begin the path of Ifá without a personal priest or priestess. You’ll learn what’s still possible, what to be cautious of, and how to stay aligned with tradition while navigating your journey.

Updated on January 23, 2026

When Ifá Guidance Feels Out of Reach

Have you ever felt unsure about how to begin your Ifá journey because you didn’t have access to a trusted Babaláwo or Ìyánífá?

I remember that exact feeling. It was lonely, overwhelming, and filled with questions I didn’t have the answers to. I didn’t want to get it wrong. I didn’t want to disrespect the tradition. But I also didn’t know who to turn to or whether the priests and priestesses I found were trustworthy.

If that’s where you are right now, this post is for you.

It’s for those who are trying to walk in alignment but don’t yet have an Ifá teacher or mentor to walk beside them. It’s for those who want to honor Ifá with integrity, even while navigating it alone.

Is It Okay to Start Practicing Ifá Without a Babaláwo or Ìyánífá?

Yes, it is possible to practice Ifá without having a personal Babaláwo or Ìyánífá, commonly referred to as a godparent. But it requires grounded awareness and humility.

The roles of Babaláwos and Ìyánífás are essential in traditional practice. These individuals serve as diviners, initiators, interpreters of the Holy Odu, mentors, guides, and much more. But Ifá is not limited to one doorway.

Even without access to a priest or priestess, you can begin a respectful path by recognizing:

• Ifá wisdom is communal. Ancestors, trusted teachers, and sacred texts can offer insight, even if you’re still seeking personal guidance.
• Intuition plays a role. Your Ori (inner head) already holds divine wisdom. Learning to go inward is a crucial part of learning and walking the path of Ifá.
• Discernment is protection. In the absence of a mentor, it’s even more important to be cautious about who and what you follow.

You don’t need to delay your journey until someone validates it. But you do need to be patient, stay observant, and build your practice with integrity.

What to Avoid When You’re Learning Without Ifá Guidance

When you don’t have a trusted priest or priestess, it’s easy to fall into fake Babalawo traps, especially online. You’re hungry to learn, and some people take advantage of that. So be mindful of the following as you seek guidance along the way:

• Be cautious of “priests” who overpromise results or aggressively push initiations.
• Avoid blending practices from multiple traditions without understanding their roots.
• Do not attempt to initiate yourself. Ifá initiation requires community, ceremony, and sacred transmission.

What You Can Do on Your Own

Even without formal guidance, there’s still a powerful way to begin. Ifá teaches that wisdom starts with humility and self-awareness. Here are some practices that are both safe and deeply aligned with the tradition:

• Begin ancestral veneration through altar work, prayer, and offerings
• Take beginner-friendly Ifa courses, read books, consume other resources, and listen to teachings from trusted elders
• Pray and build a relationship with your Ori by speaking and listening to it regularly

Common Mistakes That Ifá Beginners Make Without a Godparent

It’s completely valid to begin your journey without a Babaláwo or Ìyánífá, but many new practitioners take avoidable missteps when trying to go it alone. At Asanee 44, we often see these common patterns:

• Relying too heavily on social media posts or popular influencers as their teachers
• Assuming that sincerity alone replaces divination, ebo, initiation, or other active facets of the tradition
• Ignoring their destined path by copying others out of fear of “doing it wrong”

At Asanee 44, we remind beginners that patience and discernment are also spiritual practices. The path of Ifá is not a race. It’s a way of life.

Start Your Ifá Journey: The Pathway to Purpose and Power

• Explore the Path of Ifá: Understand the role of ancestors in the Ifá tradition, examine the Holy Odu, or listen to Ifá guidance before seeking a teacher.
• Discern the Path of Ifá: Not every voice is your guide. Ask yourself: Does this feel aligned with the values of tradition? Do I feel peace or pressure? Discernment is a skill, and your Ori is your compass.
• Align with the Path of Ifá: Let what you’re learning shape your daily life in positive ways. You don’t need a formal title to speak respectfully to your ancestors, observe societal taboos, or change how you respond to life.
• Walk the Path of Ifá: When you’re ready to deepen your practice, seek support that’s grounded, not flashy. Also, be sure to subscribe to the Asanee 44 newsletter for
  • Weekly Odu wisdom
  • Beginner tools and insights
  • Accessible resources to stay anchored

Ready to Begin Your Ifá Journey with Confidence?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The path of Ifá becomes clearer when you walk it with wisdom, structure, and support. At Asanee 44 we offer a variety of resources to help you along your path. 

Be sure to subscribe to our blog, the Asanee 44 Àṣẹ Academy, and our other social media channels for updated Ifá teachings. Whether you’re still searching for a mentor or learning how to honor your ancestors, we’re here to help you stay aligned and rooted.

Common Questions About Beginning Your Ifá Journey

Explore More About the Role of a Babalawo

To discover more about the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of a Babalawo, explore our resource library:

• What Is a Babalawo in the Ifa Tradition?
• How to Identify a Legitimate Babaláwo
• Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Babaláwo
• Choose the Right Babaláwo for Your First Ifá Reading
• Babaláwo Expectations Throughout Ifá Divination
• Why Do Some Babaláwos Give Conflicting Advice?
• Levels of Ifá Practitioners: A Guide for Beginners

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