Ifa’s initiation into Yoruba culture is based on knowledge. Starting in Ifá, in any of the Yoruba ceremonies, means committing to a life of study that allows us to have the tools and learn the advice that Ifá and the Orisa give us to improve our luck and overcome any tribulation. Here you will be able to know the different Yoruba initiation ceremonies, what it consists of and you will be able to obtain the keys to start in Ifá and what to do once started.
Why get the Ifá initiation?
Knowing the Odù de Ifá, your priest will be able to make offerings to the Orisas that will be key to improving different aspects of your life. By acquiring this Ifá initiation, the person will have the power to perform different Yoruba ceremonies depending on the knowledge they have acquired. This knowledge can be improved with the Ifá Tradicional app.
Types of yoruba ceremonies
In the Yoruba culture, there are several types of Ifá initiation that take place from the time the children are just born until they begin completely on the Ifá paths to become a babalawo.
Click on each one and know what they consist of.
This initiation is commonly known as the Yoruba christening. It is carried out to the person at an early age and consists of strengthening the life of the child on earth to achieve the different luck during his life.
This initiation of the Isefa (Isfá) also known as the hand of Orunmila or the hand of Orula, consists in receiving the first hand of Ifá. With this initiation the Odu de Ifá (Ifá sign) that governs the person during his life or until he performs any Yoruba ceremony of higher rank can be known.
This Ifá ceremony (Ìtèlégàn in Yoruba) is very similar to the initiation performed for an Iyanifá since during the consecration for the Iyawo (Ìyáwò), that is, the person who is beginning, the Orisha Igba iwa Odù does not participate. Likewise, the prohibitions that an Iyanifá has will remain, such as the initiation of a person in Ifá or participating in any ceremony with the Orisa Igba iwa Odù.
This Itefá ceremony is the initiation into the Ifá practice that is performed for both women and men. With this initiation, the woman will be able to perform Ifá divinations and participate in Ifá ceremonies except any ceremony related to the Orisa Igba iwa Odù.
Itelodu (Ìtèlódù) is the other name by which the initiation of ifá is known in traditional practice. It is only called by this name when initiation is carried out for a man, since Orisa Igba iwa Odù participates in it. The person to whom he consecrates has no restrictions to perform Ifá ceremonies or initiations beyond those that his own knowledge prevents him from performing.
With whom to do the Ifá initiation?
None of the previous Yoruba initiations and ceremonies can be performed a second time, so it is important to know where and with whom we perform it. As in the case of the Ifá divination or any other Yoruba ceremony, we must start with a babalawo about whom we are sure of his knowledge and results.
The keys after the Ifá initiation
Knowledge
Ifá study is the key before and after the traditional Ifá initiation. Knowing our Odù de Ifá and learning it well we can prevent many problems or improve our lives.
Working Ifá
The initiates will be able to perform divination and Ifá ceremonies, provided you have the necessary knowledge. If you are not in possession of them, you should not perform these tasks.
Behavior
A babalawo and any initiate must have good behavior: be correct and respect the moral laws that Ifá instills in us. Learn more about the commandments in the app.