In the Ifa tradition, spiritual medicine is often used to remedy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual maladies. Though in the western world, not much attention is given to this aspect of Ifa. Instead, more emphasis is often placed on sacrifices and offerings among those in the diaspora. However, Akose or spiritual medicine, is a vital … Continue reading Akose: Ifa Spiritual Medicine
Olódùmarè is a prominent figure in the Yoruba religion of Ifa. He is revered as the High Priest and Oracle of Ifa. As such, he has many names which reflect his various roles and attributes. These names are used to invoke the presence of Olódùmarè during religious ceremonies and rituals. And they give us many … Continue reading The Names of Olódùmarè
An Ifa or Orisa name is a spiritual name given to a person in the Yoruba traditional religion of Ifa. It is used to identify a person’s connection to Ifa or a specific Orisa. Every name given in the Ifa tradition has a specific meaning. And it is directly related to the individual’s destiny or … Continue reading When Should You Receive an Ifa or Orisa Name?
Ifa divination is an ancient spiritual practice from the Yoruba people of West Africa. It is a form of divination that uses an oracle to communicate with the divine. The oracle, known as the Oracle of Ifa, contains a set of sacred objects used in traditional Yoruba divinity. Through this system, one can gain insight … Continue reading How Ifa Divination Works
Have you ever wondered what the inside of an Ifa temple looks like? Did you imagine a pristine building with traditional architecture? Or did you think about a space lined with prayer mats, beads, and other spiritual paraphernalia? Well, an Ifa temple and Orisa icons often look quite different than the average person imagines. Ifa … Continue reading Tour of an Ifa Temple in Oyo, Nigeria
Since all non-Abrahamic traditions have been relegated to pagan status, I get this question quite often about the Ifa tradition. Many people assume that we are devil-worshipping, sadistic heathens for the most part. And this could be further from the truth. Ifa devotees absolutely believe in God, or what many refer to as the Creator … Continue reading Do Ifa Devotees Believe in God?
I often get asked the question, “how does one start practicing the Ifa tradition” by new and prospective devotees and onlookers. And 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 … Continue reading How To Start Practicing the Ifa Tradition
Some people who convert to Ifa from Christianity wonder if it is okay to practice Ifa and Christianity together. While there is no hard and fast rule as to whether such a practice is acceptable or not, there are a few things you should consider before making such a decision. The Ifa religion is a tradition practiced … Continue reading Ifa and Christianity