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Elements of Ifa Part III: Implements of Ifa

Posted on 18 October 2009 by Babalawo Aworeni

The implements of Ifa are the spiritual items used by a Babalawo. The following list includes the primary implements used by an Ifa priest, however it must be noted that there are other special items that are used that cannot be listed. The primary implements used by an Ifa priest are as follows:

Ikin Ifa-

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The Ikin were given by Orunmila to humans to divine on earthly matters. Orunmila gave them to people to divine for their problems. Whatever the Ikin is true and cannot be changed. Olodumare first gave the Ikin to Orunmila to consult then Orunmila gave them to human beings in order to have the guideline in life. If you consult with Ikin, the sacrifice must be made the same day.

Opele-

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Opele was the servant of Orunmila. Orunmila used money to buy him at the market. Orunmila discovered that Opele had knowledge, Opele was once a human being. He was handicap with a limp leg. Orunmia originally wanted to use Opele to clear the bush but when clients would come to visit Opele would speak their problems before Orunmila. Opele stayed in the house and divined for Orunmila’s visitors. One day when Orunmila was traveling, Opele was called to the palace to divine. While Opele was at the palace he committed a major offense. When Orunmila returned he was very angry and beat Opele on the head with the Iroke Ifa. Opele broke into eight pieces. Orunmila didn’t want to throw Opele away, but joined the pieces together and used him to consult.

There are many different types of Opele: Egbere, Agbigba, Akaragba, etc. Although Opele tells the truth Ikin is more accurate and Ikin are used for important consultations, like initiations.

Owo Eyo or Erindinlogun-

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The cowries were presented to women through Osun. Orunmila gave them Osun to use to consult. The cowries are made for females and men should not use them. The Owo Eyo say the truth and are an important divination tool.

Opa Orire or Osu:

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This is the staff of Orunmila. It is used as a walking stick by Orunmila. When a babalawo is walking to a spiritual place he will use his Orire. Only an Elder Awo can use the Orire. It represents the premise that an Awo can never die, that he will live long.

Opon Ifa-

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The Opon Ifa is used when consulting Ifa. It is used during sacrifice. The Opon Ifa symbolizes the heaven. It represents the four earthly directions, North, South, East and West. The center of the Opon Ifa is the junction of the earthly directions in heaven. The head is carved at the North position on the Opon Ifa, representing the eyes, where the Opon Ifa sees all that is happening on earth and the sacrifice or messages will be sent to heaven.

Iroke Ifa-

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The Iroke is used by Orunmila when he travels to an occasion to pray for the people. Anywhere an Awo travels he will brng is Iroke. It is also used during sacrifice to knock the Opon Ifa.

Irukere-

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Orunmila uses the Irukere when traveling to an ocassion. The Irukere is also used by kings. It is also used for spiritual services. Orunmila uses Irukere to save people. Only elders, kings, chiefs or those of special importance can use Irukere. It should be used during a sacrifice, or during consultation, it sits to the left.

Apo Abira or Apo Ikofa- This is a bag that a babalawo carries on his left. All the materials of Ifa are kept in this bag.

Adura (Prayer):

Gbogbo eniti won se abewo si orishada.com won ko ni fi ohun mo ni eniyan oju ti won fi wo koni fo ase o

All of the people the visit Orishada.com will not know blindness that the eyes that you use to view this site will always see clear. Ase o

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