A bit about Ifa-Orisha and Ifa divination
In Ifa, Orunmila is the spiritual force that was present when Olodumare (God) created and populated the earth. Orunmila knows the secrets of creation, the forces of good and evil, and the possibilities to deal with those; he represents the moral and ethical order in the universe, in contiuous interaction with Eshu who personifies "creative disorder" and who is the driving force behind all evolution. Initiated persons called Awo are able to communicate with the Orisha's. This is called Ifa divination, a spiritual experience that helps the client to lead a balanced life in a world that is full of conflicts and contradictory interests.
Ifa Divination, whaddayaknow?!
Ifa divination knows 16 metaphysial principles that may be combined in 256 ways. Each principle or Odu is a window on reality; through divination the Awo determines the window behind which the client stands, in order to help him or her see their situation in the right perspective.
The Odu that is applicable to the client's situation appears through the casting of an oracle chain or Opele, or the casting of sixteen cowrie shells (Owo Merindinlogun); subsequent casts supply additional information on how to interpret the first Odu. Each of the 256 combined Odu's contain several texts, and those Odu's that are important during the consultation are clarified by one or more of these ancient myths and historical tales. The texts give, among other information, "prescriptions" for daily life, tailored to the client's specific situation.
Besides diagnosing problems, Ifa divination also offers their solution. Often this is pointed out by the texts, while in other instances the Awo's own knowledge and experience give the first impulse to solution. The ultimate purpose of divination is to help the client live in harmony with his/her destiny, which is not a fixed path, but an extensive navigation map from which to choose the best road.
Specialists in Ifa divination are called, depending on their initiation(s), Babalawo, Omolawo and/or Awolorisha. The translations would be something like "Father of the Mystery", "Child of the Mystery", and "Mystery of the Orisha". The position of diviner is not gender-specific; especially in non-African countries ("African diaspora") many Awo's are female. The Awo is consulted in case of a crisis or challenge in any part of daily life, like spiritual development, material prosperity, marriage, health. Their advice is also asked for important decisions or choices like making a journey, change of jobs, buying a house, or choosing a partner.
The Awo never stops learning; their study is a lifelong process. The more the Awo learns, the better he/she is able to counsel, diagnose problems, prescribe traditional or non-traditional remedies, and perform rituals on behalf of those who consult them. Ifa's survival in the modern world shows the remarkable adaptability of this ancient tradition, that for the Awo is a way of life as well.
