Odu Ifa Irete Iwori

Ifa Divination for the Elephant: Overcoming Insurmountable Obstacles

Understanding the Elephant's Challenge

This divination from Irete Iwori tells the story of the Elephant—one of nature's most powerful creatures—facing an obstacle it could not overcome alone. The Elephant intended to climb Alo Mountain, a seemingly impossible task given the elephant's massive size and the mountain's steep terrain. This metaphor speaks to situations in our lives where we face challenges that appear beyond our natural capabilities, where our strength and determination alone prove insufficient.

The Elephant represents anyone with great power, resources, or capability who nonetheless finds themselves blocked from reaching their destination. This could be a business leader unable to complete a crucial deal, a talented individual prevented from advancing in their career, or anyone whose path forward is obstructed despite possessing all the necessary qualifications and abilities. The mountain represents those goals that seem achievable in theory but prove impossible in practice due to unforeseen obstacles.

The Priest Atepa Awori and His Prescription

Atepa Awori, identified as the Elephant's priest (Babalawo), performed divination and prescribed specific sacrifices. The significance of seeking spiritual guidance before attempting the impossible cannot be overstated. Even the mighty Elephant recognized that some challenges require more than physical strength—they require spiritual alignment and proper preparation through sacrifice.

The Elephant complied with the prescribed offerings, demonstrating humility and wisdom. Despite being one of the most powerful creatures in existence, the Elephant did not rely solely on its natural strength but recognized the need for spiritual intervention. This teaches a profound lesson: no matter how capable we are in the physical realm, spiritual preparation remains essential for overcoming certain obstacles.

The Sacred Verse

Atepa Awori
Babalawo Erin
Lodifa ferin tin lo lee goke alo
Ebo won ni Ose
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Nje itaku to ni kerin man wo do
Toun erin lon lo

English Translation

Atepa Awori
The Elephant's priest
Ifa's divination for the Elephant that was going to climb the
Alo mountain
He was asked to offer the sacrifice
And he complied
Therefore, the obstacle that says the elephant should not
go, they were all going together

The Profound Message: Obstacles Become Allies

The most remarkable aspect of this divination is its conclusion: "the obstacle that says the elephant should not go, they were all going together." After the sacrifice, the very forces that were blocking the Elephant's progress became allies in achieving the goal. The mountain that seemed insurmountable became passable. The obstacles that said "you cannot" transformed into companions saying "we shall go together."

This represents a fundamental principle in Yoruba spirituality: proper sacrifice does not merely remove obstacles—it can transform opposition into support. Enemies can become helpers. Barriers can become bridges. What seemed designed to stop you can become part of your success story. This transformation occurs not through manipulation or trickery but through spiritual realignment that changes the very nature of the situation.

The Prescribed Offerings

The sacrificial items for this divination include palm oil, eko (corn meal), a machete, corn, and money. Each element carries specific symbolism. Palm oil represents smoothness and ease—the ability to move forward without friction. Eko symbolizes sustenance and the basic provisions needed for any journey. The machete represents the cutting away of obstacles and the power to clear one's path. Corn signifies abundance and the multiplication of blessings. Money represents the material resources required to manifest intentions in the physical world.

Modern Application

For those facing this divination today, the message is clear: whatever mountain you are attempting to climb, whatever obstacle appears insurmountable, proper spiritual preparation through sacrifice can not only make it possible but can transform the obstacles themselves into supporters of your success. The Elephant teaches us that acknowledging our limitations and seeking spiritual assistance is not weakness but wisdom.

Ifa says that enemies are actively bothering the person and there is a specific place they intend to go or a goal they wish to achieve. Through the prescribed sacrifice, they will be victorious over these enemies, and the obstacles blocking their path will dissolve. Learn more about Irete Iwori divination practices on our dedicated page.

Ifa Divination for The King in the Midst of Enemies: Victory Over Constant Opposition

The King Surrounded by Adversaries

This divination from Irete Iwori addresses a situation many people in positions of authority or visibility experience: being constantly surrounded and undermined by enemies. The King in this verse represents anyone who finds themselves in a leadership position where every decision they make is opposed, every project they initiate is blocked, and every success they achieve is sabotaged by those around them.

The specific details are particularly revealing: enemies have prevented the King from successfully doing what he intends to do. As soon as he approves a project, they ensure it does not become law. This speaks to systematic opposition—not random obstacles but coordinated resistance designed to frustrate and paralyze. Many people face similar situations in corporate environments, family businesses, political positions, or even within their own communities where jealousy, competition, or malice creates a wall of opposition against every initiative.

The Pattern of Blockage

The divination identifies a specific pattern: the King has good ideas and makes sound decisions, but enemies work to ensure these decisions never manifest into reality. This is more insidious than direct confrontation because it creates a situation where the person appears ineffective despite having wisdom and good intentions. Their reputation suffers, their confidence erodes, and eventually, they may begin to doubt their own judgment or abilities.

This pattern is particularly damaging because it affects not just the individual but everyone who depends on them. When a leader is systematically blocked, their entire community or organization suffers. Projects that would benefit many are prevented. Resources that could improve lives are wasted. Progress that seems inevitable never materializes. The enemies, therefore, hurt not just their target but everyone connected to that person.

The Sacred Verse

Atepa Iwori
Babalawo oba
Lodifa fun oba
Ti n be laarin ota
Ebo won ni ko ba ose
Oba si gbebo nibe orubo
Ero ipo
Ero ofa
E wa bawo laru segun

English Translation

Atepa Iwori
The king's priest
Ifa's divination for the king
When he was in the midst of enemies
He was asked to offer the sacrifice
And he complied
Pilgrims of Ipo
Pilgrims of Ofa
Come celebrate with me the blessings of victory

The Victory Declaration

The conclusion of this verse is triumphant: "Come celebrate with me the blessings of victory." After performing the prescribed sacrifice, the King not only overcomes his enemies but achieves such complete victory that he can publicly celebrate it. The pilgrims of Ipo and Ofa—representing witnesses from various places—are invited to observe and acknowledge this transformation from besieged to victorious.

This public celebration is significant because it reverses the reputation damage caused by the enemies' previous success in blocking the King. Now, instead of appearing weak or ineffective, the King's power and effectiveness are publicly demonstrated. The enemies who once prevented his projects from becoming law are themselves rendered powerless, and the King's authority is restored and even enhanced.

The Prescribed Offerings

The sacrifice for this divination includes palm oil, eko, a ring, corn, and money. The ring is particularly significant here—it represents authority, covenant, and the sealing of one's position. When a ring is included in sacrificial items, it often indicates issues related to authority, leadership, or the restoration of rightful position. The ring symbolizes that the King's authority, which has been undermined, will be restored and sealed by spiritual forces.

Understanding Enemy Patterns

Ifa specifically states that enemies have been pursuing this person and have not allowed him to successfully accomplish his intentions. This is not paranoia or imagination—Ifa confirms that real opposition exists and identifies its pattern. Understanding that one faces systematic opposition is the first step toward addressing it effectively. Many people waste energy trying to figure out why things keep going wrong when the answer is spiritual opposition that requires spiritual solutions.

The Promise of Complete Victory

The message is unambiguous: after offering the sacrifice, the person will be able to do everything they set out to do. Not some things—everything. The enemies' power to block and frustrate will be completely broken. Projects that were stopped will proceed. Decisions that were prevented from becoming law will be implemented. Authority that was undermined will be restored. This is not partial improvement but total transformation from powerlessness to complete effectiveness.

For deeper understanding of Ifa divination systems and their cultural context, explore the comprehensive resource on African Traditional Religions: Ifa Divination.

Ifa Divination for The King Crying for Wealth: From Scarcity to Abundance

The Cry for Financial Breakthrough

This divination from Irete Iwori addresses one of humanity's most common struggles: the desperate need for wealth and financial stability. The King in this verse, despite his royal position, finds himself crying for the blessing of riches. This teaches an important lesson: titles, positions, and even authority do not automatically translate into wealth. A person can hold an impressive title yet lack the material resources they need. They can have authority without prosperity, influence without abundance.

The phrase "crying for wealth" (fomi oju sogbere aje) indicates genuine distress about financial matters. This is not casual wanting or mild concern—this is deep emotional pain about one's financial situation. Many people find themselves in this position: working hard, holding important positions, yet struggling financially in ways that cause real suffering. The bills pile up, opportunities pass by for lack of capital, and the stress of financial pressure creates constant anxiety.

The Workplace Connection

Ifa provides specific guidance: the person is in great need of wealth, and they should offer the sacrifice at their place of work. This detail is crucial because it identifies where the financial breakthrough will manifest. The workplace—whether a business, office, farm, or any place where one's livelihood is earned—becomes the site of spiritual intervention. The sacrifice creates an opening in that specific location for wealth to flow.

This teaches that financial blessings often come through our existing channels of work, not necessarily through lottery wins or unexpected windfalls. The sacrifice enhances and opens up the person's work situation, allowing their efforts to produce greater returns. What they have been doing all along suddenly becomes more fruitful. Clients appear, opportunities arise, recognition comes, and promotion manifests—all because the spiritual blockage preventing prosperity in that workplace has been removed.

The Sacred Verse

Atepa Awori
Babalawo oba
Lodifa foba oba
Igba ti n fomi oju sogbere aje
Ebo won ni oba ose
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Kee pe
kee jinan
Aje wa jede tuturu

English Translation

Atepa Awori
The king's priest
Ifa's divination for the king
When he was crying for the blessing of riches
He was asked to offer the sacrifice
And he complied
Not for long
Nor too far away
The blessing of wealth then
comes in abundance

The Timing of Breakthrough

The verse emphasizes timing: "Not for long, nor too far away." This indicates that the financial breakthrough is not in some distant future but relatively close at hand once the sacrifice is performed. This is encouraging news for those in desperate financial situations—relief is near, not decades away. The phrase "wealth comes in abundance" (aje wa jede tuturu) suggests not just meeting basic needs but experiencing genuine prosperity that flows abundantly.

The word "tuturu" implies overflowing, more than enough, abundance that cannot be contained. This is the promise—not merely scraping by but experiencing real financial freedom and prosperity. From crying for wealth to celebrating abundance, the transformation is complete and dramatic.

The Prescribed Offerings

The sacrifice includes palm oil, eko, corn, a pigeon, and money. The pigeon is significant in financial matters because it represents messenger energy—the pigeon carries messages, and in this context, it carries the message of financial need to the spiritual realm and brings back the message of abundance. The pigeon also represents peace and the end of the anxiety and distress that financial struggle creates.

Speaking Truth

Ifa adds an important behavioral requirement: the person will be completely blessed, and they must continue to speak the truth. This connects prosperity to integrity. The wealth that comes through this sacrifice is meant to be maintained through righteous conduct. Speaking truth, especially in business and financial dealings, ensures that the blessings remain and multiply rather than being dissipated through dishonest practices.

Modern Application

For those facing financial distress today, this divination offers specific hope: offer the sacrifice at your place of work, maintain integrity in your dealings, and prepare for abundance to flow. The crying will turn to celebration, the struggle will transform into ease, and scarcity will become abundance—not in some distant future but relatively soon after proper spiritual preparation.

Explore additional teachings on prosperity and blessings through our collection of Ifa wisdom.

Ifa Divination for Osaala Deity: Recovery of Lost Blessings and the Gift of Children

The Deity's Desire for Offspring

This divination from Irete Iwori is particularly powerful because it features Orisanla (Osaala) Oseremogbo—one of the most important Orisha in the Yoruba pantheon—as the one seeking Ifa's guidance. Even a divine being recognized the need for divination and sacrifice when facing the challenge of not having a child that resembled him. This teaches a profound lesson: regardless of one's spiritual status or power, there are situations that require consultation with Ifa and proper sacrifice.

The specific concern—wanting a child that looked like him—speaks to the desire for true legacy and continuation. This is not merely about having children in general but about having offspring who carry forward one's essence, character, and spiritual lineage. Many people desire children who not only exist but who embody the parent's qualities and can continue the parent's work and purpose in the world.

Lost Blessings Seeking Return

The divination also addresses "the blessings of goodness" generally—blessings that were once present but had departed. This speaks to a common human experience: there was a time when things were better, when certain blessings were present, but somehow those blessings were lost or disappeared. The divination promises not just new blessings but the recovery and return of blessings that once belonged to the person but had gone missing.

The verse states clearly: "the blessing that was once lost has been found." This is restoration, not merely replacement. When something precious is lost and then found again, the joy is particularly intense because it combines relief at recovery with gratitude for second chances. The divination promises this quality of blessing—not settling for less but recovering what truly belongs to you.

The Sacred Verse

Epo lose je su
Akaso lodun gaka
Obinrin se barin jokunrin lo
Adifa fun oosala osere mogbo
Tin sun kun pe oun o foju bare
Ebo won ni ose
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Nje morire nile
Morire loko
Ire to so nun ire de

English Translation

Palm oil is the best for eating yam
The ladder is the most suitable for climbing
Women are better friends than men
Ifa's divination for Orisanla Oseremogbo
Who was crying for not having a child that looked like him and for the
blessings of goodness
He was asked to offer the sacrifice
And he complied
Therefore, I received the blessing at home
I received the blessing on the farm
The blessing that was once lost has been found

The Wisdom Sayings

The verse begins with three proverbial statements that encode deep wisdom. "Palm oil is the best for eating yam" speaks to appropriate pairing and choosing what works best for one's purpose. "The ladder is the most suitable for climbing" teaches about using proper tools and methods for reaching one's goals. "Women are better friends than men" (in this context) points to the importance of choosing allies wisely and recognizing where true support comes from.

These sayings set the philosophical foundation for the divination: success comes from making wise choices about methods, tools, and relationships. Just as you would not try to eat yam without proper seasoning or attempt to climb without a ladder, so you cannot achieve your deepest desires without proper spiritual preparation and the right supportive relationships.

Multiple Locations of Blessing

The conclusion of the verse is significant: "I received the blessing at home, I received the blessing on the farm." This indicates that blessings manifest in multiple areas of life—both in the domestic sphere (home, family, personal life) and in the productive sphere (work, livelihood, business endeavors). The sacrifice does not bring blessing to only one area while leaving others barren; rather, it opens channels for blessing to flow comprehensively throughout one's entire existence.

The Role of Children in Spiritual Lineage

Ifa provides specific guidance regarding children: there is one child who should propitiate the deity so that his destiny is channeled to his father's blessing. This reveals a sophisticated understanding of how spiritual energy and blessing flow through family lines. A child who properly honors the family's spiritual traditions becomes a conduit through which blessings flow not just to themselves but back to their parents and ancestors.

This teaching has profound implications for family dynamics and spiritual practice. It suggests that children are not merely recipients of blessing but can actively participate in creating blessing for their entire family line through proper spiritual observance. The child who honors the deity (Orisa) creates an alignment that benefits multiple generations, channeling destiny itself toward the father's benefit.

The Prescribed Offerings

The sacrifice includes palm oil, eko, corn, money, and specifically two snails and two kola nuts for the Orisa propitiation. The pairing of two snails and two kola nuts is significant—two represents partnership, balance, and the union necessary for procreation. The snails, as we have seen in other Odu, represent ease, protection, and carrying one's blessings. The kola nuts represent consciousness, spiritual alertness, and the ability to communicate with divine forces.

Two Blessings Approaching

Ifa declares that two blessings are approaching, and the person should offer the sacrifice in order to be blessed with a new child. The number two appears repeatedly in this divination: two snails, two kola nuts, two blessings. This numerological pattern emphasizes partnership, completion, and the doubling of joy. For someone seeking children, this is particularly auspicious—not just one blessing but multiple blessings approaching simultaneously.

The promise of a "new child" (omo) after proper sacrifice and Orisa propitiation addresses the deepest desire expressed at the beginning of the divination. The child that resembles the parent, the child who can continue the spiritual lineage, the child who channels destiny toward family blessing—this is what comes through proper spiritual preparation and observance.

For scholarly perspectives on Yoruba spiritual traditions and Orisa worship, see the UNESCO documentation on Ifa of the Yoruba People.

Yoruba Science: Akose Irete Iwori - Practical Spiritual Applications

Understanding Akose (Spiritual Medicine)

Irete Iwori provides two powerful Akose formulas—one for Isegun (victory) and one for Aje (wealth). These preparations represent the convergence of herbal knowledge, spiritual understanding, and practical application that characterizes Yoruba spiritual science. Unlike simple rituals, Akose involves creating physical preparations that carry spiritual power and produce tangible results in the practitioner's life.

The term Akose literally means "medicine for doing" or "medicine for making things happen." These are not passive prayers but active spiritual technologies that combine natural elements with spiritual intention to create specific outcomes. The formulas handed down through generations have been tested and proven effective by countless practitioners who have used them to achieve victory over enemies and attract wealth.

Isegun: The Victory Formula

The Preparation

For achieving victory (Isegun), the formula requires the following components:

• Isu ogiri sako (a specific type of yam)
• Eepo obo (a particular herb)
• Eeru alamo (a medicinal powder)
• Black soap
• A live toad (opolo)
• A covered calabash

The Method

The preparation method is precise: the yam, herb, and powder are ground together with the black soap, creating a spiritually charged cleansing agent. A live toad is placed first in a covered calabash, then the prepared soap is placed on top of it. The person bathes with this preparation, drawing upon the combined spiritual properties of all the elements.

Understanding the Components

Each element serves a specific spiritual purpose. The toad (opolo) in Yoruba spirituality represents survival under pressure, the ability to live in hostile environments, and transformation. Toads are amphibious—they can live in water or on land—symbolizing adaptability and the ability to thrive in different conditions. When enemies create hostile environments, the toad's energy teaches survival and eventual victory.

The black soap serves as both physical cleanser and spiritual purifier, removing negative attachments and obstacles. The specific yam and herbs carry properties known in traditional medicine for strengthening one's spiritual defenses and enhancing personal power. The calabash, being a container, holds and concentrates the spiritual energy of the preparation.

Modern Application

For those seeking to use this formula today, it is essential to work with a qualified Babalawo who can properly identify the specific herbs mentioned (as plant names can vary by region) and who can perform the necessary invocations to activate the spiritual properties of the preparation. The bath should be taken with clear intention, visualizing the victory one seeks while using the preparation.

Aje: The Wealth Formula

The Preparation

For attracting wealth (Aje), the formula requires:

• Ewe akisan (akisan leaves)
• Ewe ogo (ogo leaves)
• Iyere (a medicinal substance)
• Four snails (igbin merin)
• Palm oil
• Salt

The Method

The akisan and ogo leaves are ground together with iyere and used to cook four snails with palm oil and salt. When fully cooked, prayers are said over the preparation, clearly stating one's intentions for wealth and prosperity. The entire preparation must then be consumed.

Understanding the Components

The four snails represent stability (the number four) combined with the snail's natural symbolism of carrying one's blessings and moving forward with ease. By consuming the snails prepared with these specific medicinal leaves, one is literally incorporating the spiritual and physical properties of wealth attraction into one's being.

The akisan and ogo leaves are known in Yoruba traditional medicine for properties related to attraction, drawing, and magnetic pull—exactly the qualities needed to attract wealth. Iyere adds medicinal potency and spiritual activation. Palm oil represents smoothness and abundance, while salt preserves and purifies, ensuring that the wealth attracted remains and is not corrupted.

The Power of Consumption

Unlike external applications, this medicine works from within. By consuming the preparation, the person absorbs its properties into their very being. This teaches that some blessings must be internalized, not merely applied externally. Wealth attraction requires an internal transformation—a change in one's spiritual frequency that makes one magnetic to prosperity.

The Importance of Prayer

The instruction to say prayers over the preparation before eating is crucial. This is not merely food but medicine, and the prayer activates its spiritual dimension. The practitioner should clearly state their need for wealth, visualize prosperity flowing into their life, and express gratitude in advance for the abundance that is coming.

Safety and Proper Use

Both formulas should be prepared and used under the guidance of qualified traditional practitioners who understand the proper procedures, prayers, and precautions. These are powerful spiritual technologies that require respect and proper application to be effective and safe. Modern practitioners should seek out legitimate Babalawos or Iyanifas who can guide them through the proper use of these formulas.

For academic research on Ifa divination systems and their practical applications, explore the study on Ifa as an artistic expression of Yoruba knowledge creation.