Odù Ifá: The Ordering Power of Nature

Through Odù we are capable of accessing omniscient wisdom. Odù are from where everything in creation known and unknown is birthed into existence. Odù as a manifestation of divine wisdom, encompass all of creation and explain the nature of all things. Ifá guides and aligns one with the inherent nature of the universe through Odù.

Within the Ifá divination system, Odù manifest self as a combination geometric patterns.

Ifá as a system of divination and spiritual inquiry recognizes 16 sets of geometric patterns of binary codes.  Each pattern can be combined to create a set of 256 Odù - (16x16) - known as Odù Ifá.  Odù are in fact sacred geometric patterns that encompass the totality of nature.  Each Odù is made up of a set of markings based on a (4x4) pattern of (I or II). For example the first Odù in the series is Èjì Ogbè which is made of a set of (I) marks. While the last of the 256 Odù, Òfúnṣẹ́ (Òfún Ọ̀ṣẹ́) is made up a series of (I and II) marks.

I   I I   II

I   I II   I

I   I I   II

I   I II   I

Èjì Ogbè   Òfúnsé

All 256 Odù of Ifá are a combination of 16 different sets of binary signatures.  The Awo (Ifá Priest) will use these markings to engage in a direct conversation with Ifá and bring to light that which is unseen as a cause and reason for a clients spiritual inquiry.  

Within every Odù there exist numerous accounts of existence that when accessed through spiritual inquiry (Dáfá) or Ifá Divination; they are able to address ones needs while further guiding one to the appropriate course of action to take so as to be able to achieve a desired outcome. 

Ifá guides and aligns one with the inherent nature of the universe through Odù. If we understand Ifá in simplistic terms than we can imagine it as a large book; Odù are likened to the table of contents or chapters within the text.  Each “chapter” is made up of different narratives or accounts of existence in the form of oral poetry, known as Ẹsẹ Ifá.

Aboru Aboye.

Ifawuyi Opeifa