Why do some Babaláwos give conflicting advice? This is a question many seekers face when they begin their Ifá journey. You may hear one priest emphasize certain practices while another stresses a different path. Rather than being a flaw in Ifá, these variations reflect the richness of lineage, integration, interpretation, and the living nature of the tradition.
At its heart, Ifá always points you back to your Ori and destiny. This post helps you understand why advice may differ, how to find reassurance, and how to trust the guidance of Ifá even in times of confusion.
Updated on January 23, 2026
Table of contents
- Why Conflicting Ifá Advice Can Feel Confusing
- Why Ifá Guidance Can Differ Across Lineages
- Why Inconsistencies in Ifa Guidance Occur
- How to Resolve Conflicting Ifá Guidance
- Making Sense of Contradictory Ifá Guidance
- Key Takeaways: Babaláwos & Conflicting Advice
- Common Questions About Ifá Guidance
- Explore More About the Role of a Babalawo
Why Conflicting Ifá Advice Can Feel Confusing
Imagine this: you receive an Ifá reading and are told you need to make sacrifices and offerings to a specific Orisha. The priest explains that they will perform the offering on your behalf at the temple. But before you ever received the reading, you had already read online that you’re supposed to take your own offerings out into nature, placing them at rivers, crossroads, or other sacred sites.
That kind of contradiction can leave you second-guessing everything. Which approach is right? Are the online sources wrong, or is the priest following a stricter version of the tradition?
This is where many seekers begin to feel confused or disoriented. The truth is, what you’re seeing is the result of lineage-based differences in how offerings are performed. But if no one explains that upfront, it’s easy to walk away unsure of what to do next.
Get our Ifá wisdom newsletter delivered directly to your inbox
Why Ifá Guidance Can Differ Across Lineages
At Asanee 44, we often meet people who come to us after receiving very different instructions or guidance about the tradition. Such contradictions can leave seekers frustrated, or doubting Ifá itself. What matters is understanding the origins of these differences and how to move forward safely in your practice.
We help clients understand where the guidance they received comes from. Different houses align with other lineages. This leads to variations in practice and philosophical beliefs. So, we explain such differences, outline what’s appropriate for their stage, and offer a clear path forward based on the tenets of our lineage.
Why Inconsistencies in Ifa Guidance Occur
In many cases, the differences reflect ile or temple customs or the intermixing of lineages. Below, we outline how this occurs using an example of performing ebo (sacrificial offerings).
But note that it also occurs in many other aspects of the tradition, including, but not limited to:
- Initiation processes and priesthood eligibility
- Divination style, tools, and follow-up protocol
- Use of sacred spaces, altars, and icons
- Types of offerings prescribed for different Orishas
- Prayer language, songs, and incantation styles
- Restrictions or taboos related to food, clothing, or behavior
- Guidance on ancestor veneration and Egungun protocol
Let’s take a look at how confusion may occur when giving sacrifices and offerings.
In this short, Dr. Asanee discusses the critical importance of choosing your Ifá priest or priestess wisely.
Different lineage practices
Lukumi, Santería, and related diaspora lineages often instruct seekers to place offerings in nature. These locations connect to the Orisha’s domain. They may include rivers, crossroads, forests, etc.
However, in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, sacrifices are typically performed by trained, initiated Babaláwos or Ìyánífás. They are placed in or near consecrated vessels and icons dedicated to specific Orishas, in most instances.
What this means for you:
- Ask your priest to identify which lineage they belong to.
- Determine how the lineage performs offerings, where they occur, and what your role should be in the process.
- Make sure the instructions you receive align with the lineage you are working with.
Variations in Ile (Temple) customs
Even within the same lineage, such as Isese, two iles in Nigeria can operate differently. This often occurs because each house follows its own family custodianship and inherited protocols. Think of it like Baptist churches. They share the same core doctrine, yet each church may conduct baptism a little differently based on its pastor, history, and community.
In the same way, iles can vary on more than sacrifices and offerings. Differences may include:
- Timing and sequencing of rituals
- Which materials are permitted
- Who performs which parts of a ritual
- Whether follow-up work is required
- How results are confirmed
What this means for you:
- Once, you find an ile that resonates with you, stick with it. Follow its guidance consistently to avoid mixing its protocols with those of other houses.
- Request your instructions in writing or as a voice note so you can follow them accurately.
- Do not blend guidance from different iles without checking first. If you received different guidance elsewhere, ask your priest, mentor, or trusted elder for guidance.
Subscribe
Get weekly Odu Ifá wisdom delivered directly to your inbox.
Misunderstandings about newcomer protocols
Newcomers are sometimes asked to perform tasks that may be reserved for trained, initiated individuals in certain lineages. This often happens because different lineages hold different beliefs about what is appropriate at each stage of a person’s journey.
In some houses, newcomers are expected to take a hands-on role in offerings and shrine work. In others, such tasks are strictly handled by initiated Ifa practitioners using consecrated items.
Confusion also arises when people receive information without a clear understanding of which practice it belongs to. It also happens when teachings are taken out of context and applied without proper guidance.
What this means for you:
- If you are new, you should determine what is appropriate based on the lineage you work with.
- In Isese practice, offerings are facilitated by a priest through consecrated vessels and icons. Newcomers are not expected to handle these on their own.
- In many Lukumi, Santería, and similar houses, offerings placed in nature may be part of normal practice. If you receive this kind of guidance, ask for clear steps and boundaries.
Blended practices in the diaspora
In the diaspora, some seekers combine Isese practices from Nigeria with Orisha practices from the diaspora. Others also blend in elements from Hoodoo, rootwork, Vodou, or Christian folk practices.
This can happen because of family history, community influence, or the way teachings spread throughout the community. Blending can create conflicting guidance about:
- Who performs which actions
- Which materials belong to which tradition
- How consecrated items should be handled
What this means for you:
- Do your research to learn how various traditions approach similar work so you understand the differences.
- If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and pause until you receive confirmation to move forward.
- If you are unsure, seek a second opinion from a trusted Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, or an experienced mentor before taking action.
How to Resolve Conflicting Ifá Guidance
Use this quick flow to choose a lineage-aligned ile, commit, and verify results with your Ori without mixing house rules.
- Begin with your ancestors: If you have not started ancestor veneration, begin a simple practice. Ask your ancestors to guide you to the right house, priest, and path.
- Take time to choose an ile: Do not rush to commit to one house. Read, watch teachings, and talk with different priests and priestesses to understand their lineage and approach before you decide.
- Commit to one priest for a season: Once you find someone who resonates with you, plan to stay with them for a while. Follow their guidance for at least 6 to 12 months without working with others.
- Evaluate the results: Keep a simple log of instructions, actions, and outcomes. After working with one person for a while, decide whether to continue or move on.
When Life Demands Deeper Answers
Life often brings questions that can’t be answered through logic alone. Ifá divination helps you understand where you are, what forces are at play in your life, and how to align with your destiny.
At Asanee 44, Ifá divination consultations are performed by Babaláwo Ifákúnlé Àdìsá of the Àtẹ̀pa Ìwòrì Temple in Oyo State, Nigeria. Ifá readings are rooted in Odu-based wisdom and delivered through sacred, traditional protocols to support discernment, clarity, and informed decision-making.
Making Sense of Contradictory Ifá Guidance
Differences in Ifá advice often reflect lineage, blended traditions, and similar nuances. To move forward, study and research understand which path feels right for you. Then, take intentional action to determine which path is right for you.
If you’re in the early stages of your journey and need support making sense of what you’re learning, consider our Ifá Mentorship program at Asanee 44. Or dive into our How to Start Your Ifá Journey post for more foundational guidance.
Looking for practical ways to evaluate Ifá practice in daily life?
This free guide outlines eight foundational questions that help seekers assess integrity within Ìṣẹ̀ṣe-based practice.
Key Takeaways: Babaláwos & Conflicting Advice
- Differences usually come from lineage, ile customs, and blended diaspora practices. Variation is part of a living tradition, and Ifá ultimately points you back to your Ori and destiny.
- Identify your diviner’s lineage and house protocols, then commit to one ile for a season to avoid mixing protocols and teachings. Ask how offerings, shrine work, and follow-up are handled in that lineage.
- Request clear instructions in writing or audiovisual format so you can follow guidance accurately. This allows you to refer back to it in times of doubt, confusion, or when you need a reminder.
- Use a simple process to resolve conflicts. Begin with ancestor guidance, choose carefully, commit for 6–12 months, track actions and outcomes, and seek a trusted second opinion before blending practices.
Common Questions About Ifá Guidance
Yes. Two trained Babaláwos may offer different instructions depending on the lineage they belong to and the customs of their temple. For example, one may prescribe offerings through consecrated icons, while another may instruct you to place offerings in nature. These differences don’t necessarily contradict each other. Instead, they reflect the diversity of Ifá as a living, lineage-based tradition.
Begin by listening to your Ori and your ancestors. Pay attention to which priest’s approach resonates with you, feels grounded, and reflects clear, logical guidance. Once you find that person, follow their guidance consistently for a period of time, ideally 6 to 12 months, before seeking input elsewhere. This helps you stay aligned and see results without confusion.
Always trust your Ori. If something doesn’t sit right with you, pause before taking action. Seek a second opinion from a trusted Babaláwo, Ìyánífá, or experienced mentor who understands your stage of development and can help you assess what’s appropriate. Confusion is a sign to slow down, not to abandon the process.
Online sources often present general or advanced practices without clearly identifying the lineage or house they come from. This can lead to misunderstandings, especially for newcomers trying to apply those teachings without context. If you see something online that conflicts with what your priest has told you, ask for clarification rather than assuming one is wrong.
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
- Levels of Ifá Practitioners: A Guide for Beginners
- Follow Ifá Without a Trusted Babaláwo or Ìyánífá?
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.