The Yoruba empire is one of the oldest in modern history, at least they have been around since the early 14th century. Their culture and traditions peaked during the late 16th century, during the old Oyo empire. The success of the Yoruba tradition is not entirely tied to foreign religions, or the now various denominations amongst the dominant religions we have today, after the European invasion.
Their success was tied to their divination system, popularly known as the Odu Ifa, which has 256 verses, with each verse revealing the many hidden truths about a culture fading away. Here are the things to know about the Yoruba divination system, and how threatened it has become in today’s reality. The heart of Ifa divination lies within the Odu, a collection of 256 sacred verses.
Each mode offers a unique message, providing guidance and insight into various aspects of life. Here’s a brief breakdown of the first 16 odu: Ogbe (Supporter): Represents pure light, expansion, and alignment with destiny. Oyeku (Mother of Spirit of Death): Signifies darkness, endings of cycles, and potential for peace.
Iwori (Deep Seer): Represents transformation, fire, and the importance of character. Odi (Seal): Symbolizes rebirth, procreation, and letting go of the past. Irosun (Resounding Osun): Represents ancestral lineage, fulfilling potential, and honouring family.
Owonrin (Reversed Head): Represents unexpected change, chaos, and adaptability. O’bara (Resting and Hovering One): Signifies inner s.
