Ori is the Orisa Yoruba that represents the destiny chosen by each one of us at birth and, therefore, is the most important communication bridge between Olodumare and its creation.
Who is Ori?
Representing the destiny we choose at birth, Ori is the Orisa who guides the fulfillment of that destiny in the world, so its constant propitiation is necessary, especially when it comes to a newborn or when we suffer from any health problem. In the Ifá Tradicional Pro application you can learn the details of how to make this propitiation to Ori.
We should know that this is one of the most important Orisa in Traditional practice, since Ifá teaches us that there is no other Orisa that can bring blessing faster to a person.
How to get initiated in Ori
The person who wishes to be initiated into the Orisa of destiny must first acquire knowledge of this Orisa. After she is able to take care of herself, she can begin her initiation with the babalawo with whom she receives her learning. We must remember that in Traditional Yoruba practice the person interested in initiation must acquire knowledge before initiating. Ori’s initiation is no exception.
This is a peculiar Orisa since his initiation is not necessarily the same for all people, because, in the same way, the Ile Ori can also differ with that of another person. This is because our destiny is unique, different from that of any other person. So divinations must be made to know what sacrifices are necessary before their initiation. Unlike other Orisa, Ori is essential for anyone who wants to improve their well-being. So it will not be necessary to determine if it is positive that a person is initiated.
How to feed Ori
To attend this Orisa there are specific ceremonies that can be performed with various materials.
Ibori
The Ibori or Ori bibo is the name given to the propitiation of this Orisa, better known in Afro-Cuban practice as “Head Prayer”. It can be made with different materials such as Obi Abata, which we place on our heads while the babalawo recites Ori’s verses. Other materials are black pepper, slug or yam.
Orí container
Materially this Orisa is represented by the “Ori Container”, which represents a crown. These containers are made in Nigeria in the traditional way and are consecrated by our babalawo. Once consecrated, the containers become a sacred place that contains within itself the vital energy of this Orisa.
Types of Ori in traditional practice
In Traditional Ifá practice there are three types of Ori. The first is the destiny that cannot be modified. An example of this is who our parents are, which is something inalterable.
The second is destiny that can be modified and they are the choices that we make in our lives. An example could be that, if a person is going to move and has two options of countries to go; one choice may do better than the other. The third type of destiny is one that can be completely modified or improved. This is achieved through the sacrifices that are made to this Orisa, which can help the person’s destiny to be much better.