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Merindinlogun
The more the diviner understands the broad metaphysical implications of Odu, the more likely the ability to place the question and
answer in the context of spiritual growth. Relating metaphysical principles to the issues under consideration during consultation,
triggers intuitive insights into the consultation that transcend the limitations of the memorized elements of Odu. (pg. 129)
“The process of divination leads the Awo into feeling the affinity between the Odu and certain Orisha”. This affinity is tested and
evaluated through time and they will begin to make sense in an organic way. Any Orisha may speak during divination by speaking
through Esu to the Ase of the Awo.” (pg.147) The following are correlation possibilities for exploration.
In the folklore for Eji Oko, the ajogun (spirits of disruption) are warded off by placing feeing Esu small amounts of yam
flour. The Odu instructs against wearing black.
Orisha says the person must be kind and do works of good.
Orisha says ebo must be made to avoid trickery or deception.
Orisha says that if the person's head is cleansed, there will be an end of suffering.
Orisha says Ebo must be made if it is determined Iku is close.
3. Ogunda- Ogun
Means Ogun creates. This Odu is rooted in the principle that pushes life to evolve in all realms of creation. It can refer to a
path in the material world or to an internal spiritual path. When Ogun is asked to clear a path along a spiritual path, Ogun
will remove the inhibiting effects of dishonesty, injustice, senseless violence and betrayal.
Guiding principle: Your hearts desires will be manifested. Seeking spiritual growth will lead to good fortune.
Orisha says this person will assume priestly responsibilities.
Orisha says that if this person wants children, ebo must be made to Oshun.
Orisha says this person will receive the blessing of a good relationship, children and abundance.
Orisha says this person is destined to take a position of honor and responsibility within their own
profession.
6. Obara- Shango
Ifa teaches that enlightenment is transient. After every breakthrough, there is a period of rest in anticipation of that which is
about to unfold. It is the rest that comes after a long struggle; it is the hovering before the next move. Transcending the
ego and facing the deep lessons that arise while searching for the inner self carries with it the promise of abundance and long
life. Ifa teaches that the earth provides all the necessary abundance for survival and for a good life. The key to unlocking
these resources is to live in harmony with nature.
At times enlightenment can bring deception and a false sense of accomplishment. To avoid this trap, there should be periodic
periods of contemplation and retreat. This Odu also warns against complacency. There is the risk of mistaking personal
ambition for spiritual imperative. As a person masters problem solving and general negotiating skills, they become more
instinctive in their personal decisions and less involved in inner turmoil and conflict of decision making. Alignment between
personal will and spiritual will creates a greater sense of fulfillment than personal ambition.
This Odu brings the admonition for the need to consider communal needs, social justice and the survival of the family as
elements of personal destiny. Those who only consider their own needs, loose the support of those who can guide them to
their true destiny.
Odu instruction: When under the influence of this Odu, to avoid making serious mistakes, think clearly before taking action.
Orisha says this person should make preparations for abundance.
Orisha says, that if this person wants a relationship, they should make an offering of black cloth to Egun
Orisha says that an offering to Olokun (Spirit of the ocean) will insure a long life.
Orisha says, this person will be betrayed by a friend or received bad advice from an elder.
Odu Instruction: Be cautious in all business dealings to avoid being the victim of deception.
Orisha says that if this person turns away from Orisha & Ifa they will experience a troubled life.
Orisha says this person should be more forgiving.
Orisha says, if this person remains calm and cool headed, blessings will follow.
Orisha says if this person is experiencing anger, they should wear white cloths.
In metaphysical terms, Eji Ogbe represents the perfect alignment between the Ori (human consciousness) and the Ipori (The
archetypal soul double that lives in heaven: Adam Kadmon. SQ). In this process, without humility and in arrogance, the result
is increased misfortune instead of increased blessings. In perfect alignment, the result is mystic visions and increased
personal blessings and evidence of spiritual gifts or divine personal power (Ase).
The instruction in this Odu: High ethical standards will be rewarded with enlightenment and abundance.
Orisha says this person will receive the blessing of long life.
Orisha says this person need to acquire wisdom and humility.
Orisha says this person should consider initiation into the priesthood.
Orisha says, this person should make an offering to Obatala and they should maintain some form of spiritual
discipline. (If following several spiritual paths, they need to choose one and commit to it.)
9. Osa- Oya
Osa is the metaphysical principle that being the winds of change. Osa is similar to the Tower card in the Tarot. There is an
element of random chaos within the system that regulates the earth's environment. Presumed chaos leads to a more profound
state of balance.
The folklore in this Odu speaks of the power of Aje (elemental spirits, powerful sources of abundance, and guardians of
women’s powers, extremely disruptive to those abusive with women).
Owonrin incarnates great prophets, those who have the courage to deviate from the past in search of a better future, in search
of deeper levels of understanding and harmony. This Odu uses the image of seeing your destiny and moving forward
unfaltering. By embracing the past, without becoming bound by it, the future remains open.
The rainbow is the spirit call Osumare, In Ifa scripture, Osumare is the covenant between Olorun, Olofi, Elohim (owner of
heaven) and Ile (earth). Nature allows consciousness to grasp the essence of the creator.
The best protection against thus type of indiscriminate destruction is to maintain a steady spiritual discipline. Faith wisdom
and intellect have greater power than physical strength alone.
Orisha says this person has very serious issues in their life that need to resolve. A change in lifestyle
including significant contributions to worthy causes is required for transformation to occur.
Orisha says that is this person has an infectious disease; ebo must be made to Babaluaye.
If this Odù come with Ibi and the person is suffering from an illness, it must be taken to Ifa.
Folklore indicates that the key to abundance and good fortune is to preserve rituals and ceremonies that were performed by
the ancestors. By continually giving praise to Orisha and Egun, our connection to them remains strong. I add, “To only turn to
them in times of need is to live in the darkness of basic primitive needs, it's spiritually stagnating and non-evolving. They are
not vending machines” (SQ).
Orisha says this person will receive a blessing of abundance, children and a long life.
Orisha says that if this person is involved in a bitter dispute, both parties should make offering to Egun, The
Egúngún mediums should be allowed to comment on the resolution of the conflict.
If this Odù come with Ibi and the person is suffering from an illness, it must be taken to Ifa.
Ofun Kanran is credited in the folklore with the incarnation of both Christianity and Islam. It is the source of inspiration for
those religious leaders who call for peace and justice.
This Odù indicates that fasting and meditation should be a part of regular spiritual practice.
Orisha says that major concerns ion this person's life are about to be spoiled. This person should donate
clothes to the poor and hold a fest for family and friends. Ebo should be made for this person's Orisha before the
feast.
Orisha says this person should give money to the elders in his family.
If this Odù come with Ibi and the person is suffering from an illness, it must be taken to Ifa.
This Odù suggests that the best way to overcome the forces of negativity is by remembering those ancestors who were good
hearted and courageous.
The instruction; suffering will come to an end through faith and spiritual discipline.
Orisha sys, that offering should be made to this person spiritual teacher and to their father and mother.
Offering should also be taken to Egun, followed by a feast to the elders of this person spiritual family.
Orisha says this person has a tendency to throw away their good fortune. This person’s head should be
cleansed to reverse this tendency.
If this Odù come with Ibi, this person should be taken to Ifa.
The Scripture says this person must feed the earth to avoid death.
• Orisha says this person is on the verge of an extreme crisis and must be taken before Ifa for consultation.
• Orisha says this person must make ebo to the Earth.
When this Odù appears, the diviner doers not throw to determine the orientation. The person must do the sacrifice and consult
Ifa.
In Ifa whenever Orisha is involved, the Odu that gives birth to the Orisha is acknowledge prior to the actual invocation of a
specific Orisha. In addition, some Orishas are involved through the use of a sequence of Odu rather than a single Odu. Not
every Orisha that speaks in a particular Odu is incarnated by that Odu. Often an Orisha will appear in a particular folktale to
represent the compensating force that will change ibi into Ire.