What is Ifa?
Ifa is described as the "Truth" which characterizes Oludumare. The truth is described as the wisdom Oludumare applies in governing the affairs of mankind on earth. It is also described as the unchanging and indestructible word. Ifa is referred to as Ope (another alias of Ifa) that whoever consults or puts his or her trust in Ifa will surely get the message from the Almighty and thereby given the guidelines and solutions to any problems.
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Only Ifa can explain our existence of life, sickness, failure, poverty, wealth and many other things!
Origins
The origin of Ifa is as old as the beginning of time. It is the direct speech of the Almighty Olodumare, which came into being in form of declarations made by Him. It is from these declarations that the universe and its fullness came into being.
During the creation of the universe, Olodumare used a tool called "Ase" which can be roughly translated to mean "be and it will be". This same "Ase" was also used to bring about all other heavenly beings into existence.
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Isese is the Yoruba word for tradition.
"May the dew ooze slowly, may the dew ooze rapidly, may the dew ooze throughout and unfold completely. These were the declarations of Ifa to Origun. When going to create the vast expanse of the universe in the dawn of time"
- Osa Ogunda
Orisa
The Orisa are spirits sent by the Almighty Olodumare. Orisas possess certain attributes of Olodumare but they also exude his energies. In Yoruba , Orisa means 'Eni-Ori-sa-da' which translates to 'being whose Ori has specially selected and endowed'. It is our Ori that leads us to the physical world from the spiritual realm and assists us on earth to fulfill our destiny.
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The name Orisa is described to beings that have through their excellent skill and supernatural ability, performed various achievements that are beyond the ordinary beings' comprehension. Most of these achievements are meant to assist humanity and to teach them to be successful on earth.
A number of Irunmole were elevated to the Orisa status as a result of their outstanding performances in shaping the lives of mankind include, but not limited to, Esu (Elegbara), Obatala, Sango, Osun, Ifa (Orunmila), and Ogun.​ There are also some human beings who were elevated to Orisa status due to their achievements. They include Oya, Yemoja, Oba, Ibeji, Aje, plus many more!
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"It is Orisa that assists and guides in the choice
of one's destiny, but it is one's Ori that helps and determines ones position in life"
-Ogunda-Irete