Babaláwo & Dá Ifá: Ifá Priests and Divination

Babaláwo

In Yorúbà the word Awo means “one who keeps secrets” or “one that possess hidden knowledge”. Baba, means father. The word Babaláwo is a title and profession held by those who posses hidden knowledge and esoteric information about nature and the spiritual world. A Babaláwo, commonly known as an Ifá priest is someone who has been initiated and trained in the art and science of traditional medicine, divination, counselling, plant identification, effective prayer, chanting, and utilization of the forces of nature to influence ones life circumstances. The oral knowledge of Ifá is passed down from elder to disciple to transmit how the Universe functions and how the spiritual laws of nature can be manipulated to effect an intentional outcome.

A Babaláwo is traditionally tasked with remedying appropriate solutions for the well being of their clients through the wisdom and knowledge of Ifá. Babaláwo are taught how to divine and access Ifá through Ọ̀rúnmìlà with the use of a divining chain known as Ọpẹ̀lẹ̀ or the use of consecrated palm seeds known as Ìkín Ifá. Babaláwo are well versed in the medicinal and esoteric uses of plants and incantations to create substantive changes in the lives of their clients. Babaláwo go through many years of training and study to be able to continually learn and memorize a vast of amount of knowledge which is usually transmitted orally. The role of a traditional Babaláwo is to convey the truthfulness of Olódùmarè to the best of their ability.

The role of Babaláwo in the context of society is to be a living embodiment of divine balance and spiritual equilibrium. Babaláwo harness the powers of nature to restore spiritual alignment between self and the universe through the guidance of Ifá. They are taught how to negotiate and communicate with various spiritual forces to reshape the world around us. Genuine Babaláwo are gifted with the ability to make a lasting impact in the lives of those who seek them out for healing and transformation.  

Dá Ifá

One common thread between all of our human experiences is the need to make the best decisions at the appropriate times. In life, in business, in relationships, virtually everything comes down to the decisions we make based on the choices we have access too. Usually when we are making significant decisions we engage our analytical faculties and assess all necessary information and/or consult our peers to make the most appropriate and informed decision possible. Ideally, when we have access to more information we make better choices and become more influential in our given circle.  

For thousands of years, our human ancestors have accessed the ordering patterns of nature with the aim of discerning their influences to increase positive social and spiritual outcomes while mitigating negative ones. Human beings have consistently tapped into the universal “storehouse of knowledge” to govern kingdoms, run successful enterprises and avert catastrophes. When we tap into the ordering aspects of our universe we can effectively manipulate and influence those forces for our benefit; thus we gain insight into how to optimize our resources and gain access to abundance.

Ancient human beings understood the interrelationship between both spiritual and material realities. Up till today it is not uncommon for various cultures to seek solutions to the problems of the physical world through appealing to the spiritual world. Be it related to health, wealth, disagreements, investments, relationships, or important life decisions. A competent Spiritualist who could communicate with the unseen world and give clear and relevant guidance have always been sought out. 

Ifá consultation provides clear, time tested and proven ways of accessing the intelligent and ordering power of the Universe to enlighten and align one to their divine nature in the pursuit of their life purpose. Ifá uses ancestral wisdom and spiritual technology to access the energetic patterns at work in any life situation. When we consult Ifá, we access the wisdom of an intelligent and ordered universe to resolve issues heal relationships and restore divine order.

Ifá consultation is a spiritual diagnostic system. A Babaláwo is likened to a traditional doctor who is charged with the task of making a correct diagnosis and applying the right remedy to engender some aspect of healing in the life of the patient. The difference between a medical doctor and a Babaláwo is that a Babaláwo must take themselves and their ego out of the diagnostic process and allow the universe to define a clients core issues and prescribe the best remedies accordingly. 

When Babaláwo consult Ifá they engage in symbolic and dynamic conversation with divine intelligence. The manner in which Ifá communicates to both Diviner and client is unique. Ifá will reveal a binary pattern, known as an Odù and the sign will be interpreted by Babaláwo. Using that particular Odù as a reference point, Babaláwo will call to memory different narratives and historical accounts of beings in the past who had the same or similar issues as the client. The Babaláwo will then treat and prescribe remedies that are directly related to the historical precedent as defined in the Odù revealed. Ifá as a system of divination and healing uses historical precedence as a means to communicate information based on the ordering patterns and spiritual laws of nature.

Additionally, Babaláwo are well aware that there is a strong connection between Ọ̀rúnmìlà, Orí, Ifá and Èṣù. When someone consults with Ifá, Ifá makes sure that the prescribed offerings are appropriate and applicable in the life of the client. Ifá may reveal a need for the person to appease their Orí. Hence, the reason that when you are doing Ìrúbo, one must go to Orí first because everything starts from Orí. If ones Orí is not balanced, the Awo will first seek to balance a persons inner and outer self by way of cleansing and appeasing ones Orí during the Ẹbọ before it is can ultimately be accepted by the Universe. There is no way ones offering will be accepted and manifest favourably in the life of the person without the consent of their Orí. If there are Ebora or negative entities around the person, well trained Awo have the Àṣẹ to be able to deal with those Ebora and send them away. Once this is successful, other Ìmàle can be petitioned to intervene successfully in the life of the person.

Aboru Aboye.

Ifawuyi Opeifa