Odu Ifa Irete Ogunda

Ifa Divination for Sango: The Battle Between Divine Warriors

The Context of Cosmic Conflict

This divination from Irete Ogunda reveals a profound truth about conflict and victory: it is not always the most powerful who prevails, but rather the one who heeds divine guidance and performs the necessary sacrifices. The story centers on two mighty Orisha—Sango, the tempestuous deity of thunder and lightning, and Ogun, the fierce god of iron and warfare. When these two divine forces engaged in battle, their conflict serves as a template for understanding how humans should approach their own struggles.

Ifa identifies that when Irete Ogunda appears, two groups or individuals are locked in conflict. The divination specifically states that one party may appear stronger or more formidable, yet this apparent advantage means nothing without spiritual backing. The key message is clear: sacrifice (ebo) determines the outcome, not initial strength or resources.

The Power of Ogun's Obedience

What makes this story particularly instructive is that both Sango and Ogun received the same divination and the same instruction to perform sacrifice. However, only Ogun complied with the directive. Sango, perhaps relying on his inherent power and fearsome reputation, neglected to make the prescribed offering. This detail carries enormous significance—it demonstrates that even divine beings must respect the wisdom of Ifa and the necessity of sacrifice.

The prescribed sacrifice for appeasing Ogun is specifically kola nuts (obi), which holds deep symbolic meaning. Kola nuts in Yoruba spirituality represent communication, clarity, and the opening of spiritual pathways. By feeding Ogun with kola nuts, one acknowledges his authority, seeks his protection, and aligns with his warrior energy. This simple yet profound act transforms the spiritual landscape of any conflict.

The Sacred Verse

Eworo Isan
Eworo Atori
Adifa fun Sango oun Ogun
Nijo ti won jo n sota
Ebo ni won ni ki won o se
Ogun ni n be leyin ti tubo
Ero Ipo
Ero Ofa
E bani laru segun

English Translation

Eworo Isan, Eworo Atori
Ifa divination was cast for Sango and Ogun
On the day they were fighting.
They were asked to offer a sacrifice,
But only Ogun complied.
Pilgrims from Ipo,
Pilgrims from Ofa,
Come and witness my victory blessing.

Understanding the Prescribed Sacrifice

The ebo for this divination includes palm oil (epo), eko (fermented corn pudding), corn (agbado), and money. Each element carries specific spiritual significance. Palm oil represents life force and vitality, eko symbolizes sustenance and patience in conflict, corn represents abundance and the fruits of labor, while money demonstrates one's commitment and seriousness in seeking victory.

Practical Application for Modern Conflicts

For those who receive Irete Ogunda in the context of conflict or opposition, several crucial lessons emerge. First, never underestimate an enemy based on appearances—spiritual backing determines outcomes. Second, even when you possess natural advantages, sacrifice remains essential. Third, prompt action in performing prescribed offerings can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

This divination also teaches that victory is not merely about defeating an opponent but about aligning with divine will. The "pilgrims from Ipo and Ofa" who are called to witness the victory represent the community and collective consciousness that recognizes when someone has achieved success through proper spiritual channels.

For deeper understanding of the Ifa divination system's structure and symbolism, explore this UNESCO documentation of Ifa as intangible cultural heritage.

Ifa Divination for Fajiga: Protection Against Family Enemies

The Hidden Threat Within Kinship

This profound divination from Irete Ogunda addresses one of the most painful realities of human existence—betrayal and hostility from within one's own family circle. The story of Fajiga, a celestial woman who married into the earthly realm, reveals how marital bonds can expose individuals to unexpected opposition from their spouse's family members. This divination speaks directly to those whose partners face persecution, jealousy, or spiritual attack from relatives.

Ifa's revelation in this case is particularly specific: the wife (or female partner) of the person consulting is surrounded by enemies, and these enemies originate from her family of origin. This could manifest as jealous siblings, hostile in-laws, or relatives who oppose the marriage for various reasons—cultural, financial, or purely malicious. The identification of the source is itself part of Ifa's protective power, as naming the threat begins the process of neutralizing it.

The Husband's Responsibility

What makes this divination especially significant is that the sacrifice must be performed by the husband on behalf of his wife. This instruction teaches that in Yoruba spirituality, protection is often a communal and relational responsibility. The husband cannot simply tell his wife to handle her family problems alone; he must actively intervene spiritually to shield her from these attacks.

The prescribed offering consists of palm oil, eko, corn, and money—the same elements as in the Sango-Ogun divination, suggesting that this too is fundamentally about victory in conflict, though the battlefield is more subtle and the enemies more concealed.

The Sacred Verse

Eworo isan
Eworo atori
Adifa fajiga lorun
Tii sobinrin aaye
Igba ti n be laarin ota
Ebo won ni ose
O gbebo nibe o rubo
Ero ipo
Ero ofa
E bani laru segun.

English Translation

Eworo Isan, Eworo Atori
Ifa divination was cast for Ajiga Lorun,
The wife of Aaye,
When she was surrounded by enemies.
She was asked to offer a sacrifice,
And she complied.
Pilgrims from Ipo,
Pilgrims from Ofa,
Come and witness my blessing of victory.

Interpreting the Celestial Origin

The detail that Fajiga came "from heaven" (lorun) to become "wife of the earth" (obinrin aaye) carries deep metaphorical significance. It suggests that sometimes we attract opposition precisely because of our elevated status, our goodness, or our success. Just as a celestial being faces earthly resistance, so too does someone of exceptional character or fortune often provoke envy and hostility.

Modern Application and Warning Signs

For couples today, this divination offers critical guidance. Warning signs that this divination may apply include: unexplained hostility from in-laws, family members who constantly create problems for the marriage, relatives who spread rumors or engage in character assassination, spiritual attacks manifesting as illness or misfortune targeting the wife, or a pattern of family-related conflicts that undermine the relationship.

The solution requires more than just the physical sacrifice—it demands a change in how the couple approaches these family dynamics. The husband must stand firmly with his wife, creating boundaries that protect their nuclear family from external interference. The wife must recognize that her husband's sacrifice is an act of love and protection, strengthening their bond against outside forces.

Ifa Divination for the Monkeys: Unity and Safe Journey

The Wisdom of Collective Movement

This divination from Irete Ogunda employs the metaphor of monkeys traveling to a farm to teach profound lessons about group dynamics, journey preparation, and the dangers of internal conflict. When a group of people—whether a family, business partnership, or community—plans to undertake a significant journey or venture, this divination speaks directly to their situation.

The Critical Warning Against Internal Conflict

The most striking instruction in this divination is the prohibition against fighting among themselves. Ifa reveals that external dangers are not the primary threat to the group's success; rather, internal discord will cause them to lose the blessings meant for them. This teaching reflects a deep understanding of group psychology—many ventures fail not because of external opposition but because of infighting, jealousy, competition for leadership, or disputes over resources.

The prescription to include "plenty of corn" in the sacrifice carries symbolic weight. Corn, which grows in abundance on a single stalk, represents prosperity that benefits all members. It also suggests that there will be enough blessing for everyone, eliminating the need for competition or conflict within the group.

The Sacred Verse

Pankere wobo
Wobo pankere
Adifa fun enlojo obo
Ti n loko ailero lodun
Ebo won ni won ose
Won si gbebo nibe won rubo
Ero ipo
Ero ofa
E ban ni wowo re.

English Translation

Pankere Wobo, Wobo Pankere
Ifa divination was cast for the group of monkeys,
Who were going to a temporary farm for the year.
They were asked to offer a sacrifice,
And they complied.
Pilgrims from Ipo,
Pilgrims from Ofa,
Come and meet me in the abundant blessing of goodness.

Understanding the Prescribed Sacrifice

The addition of a dove (eyele) to the standard offerings of palm oil, eko, corn, and money introduces the symbolism of peace. The dove is universally recognized as a peace symbol, but in Yoruba spirituality, it specifically represents cool heads, gentle spirits, and the ability to maintain harmony. By sacrificing a dove, the group seeks divine assistance in maintaining peaceful relations among themselves.

Application for Modern Groups and Partnerships

This divination is particularly relevant for business partnerships, family ventures, group travels, cooperative societies, and community projects. Before embarking on any collective endeavor, participants should perform this sacrifice and, more importantly, establish clear agreements about conflict resolution, resource sharing, and decision-making processes.

The instruction to never fight among themselves must be taken seriously and practically. This means establishing: clear communication channels, defined roles and responsibilities, transparent financial arrangements, processes for addressing grievances without resorting to hostility, and a commitment to collective success over individual ambition.

Learn more about the philosophical foundations of Ifa practice through this scholarly article on Ifa as Yoruba knowledge creation.

Ifa Divination for Orunmila: The Path to Wealth and Resolution

Orunmila's Journey to Olokun's Palace

This divination presents one of the most auspicious scenarios within Irete Ogunda—a journey to meet with a powerful benefactor that will result in multiple blessings including wealth and a new wife. The story of Orunmila visiting Olokun Seni Ade (the wealthy ocean deity who wears a crown) establishes a template for how to approach important people who can transform one's circumstances.

What makes this divination particularly significant is that it addresses someone who is struggling with a property dispute or land matter. Ifa reveals that the powerful person they are about to visit will not only receive them well but will also provide the solution to their ongoing legal or property challenges. This dual blessing—both material wealth and resolution of conflict—makes this one of the most favorable messages within Irete Ogunda.

The Essential Requirement: Feeding the Priests

Unlike the other divinations in Irete Ogunda that prescribe standard offerings, this one includes a crucial additional requirement: the person must organize a grand feast for Ifa priests, complete with abundant food, kola nuts, and alcoholic beverages. This instruction reflects a profound spiritual principle—that those who generously honor spiritual practitioners and create spaces for communal celebration will themselves be honored and celebrated.

The feast serves multiple purposes: it gains the prayers and blessings of numerous priests, creates positive spiritual momentum before the important journey, demonstrates the person's respect for tradition and hierarchy, and establishes them as someone who understands the importance of community and reciprocity.

The Sacred Verse

Epo lose jesu
Suuku lo se nudi
Adifa fun orunmila
Ifa n sawo rele olokun sani ade
Yio wa gba aaya bo
Ebo won ni ose
Osi gbo riru ebo o rubo
Nje ifa gbase lowo wa ariya

English Translation

Palm Oil Is Good for Eating Yam
The corn stalk is good for cleaning oneself after defecation.
Ifa divination was cast for Orunmila,
When he was on a priesthood mission
To the house of Olokun Seni Ade.
He was destined to return with the blessing of a new wife.
He was asked to offer a sacrifice,
And he complied.
That is why Ifa has taken away our suffering.

Interpreting the Opening Metaphor

The verse begins with seemingly mundane observations—"palm oil is good for eating yam" and "the corn stalk is good for cleaning." These statements encode deeper wisdom about appropriateness and proper use. Just as palm oil enhances yam and corn stalks serve their purpose, so too must one approach the right person for the right solution. Not every wealthy person can help with every problem; Olokun Seni Ade is specifically the one who can resolve Orunmila's particular challenge.

The Dual Blessing: Wife and Wealth

The promise that Orunmila will return with a wife adds another dimension to this divination. In Yoruba culture, marriage represents not just romantic partnership but also alliance, legitimacy, and the beginning of generational prosperity. The fact that this wife comes from Olokun's house (the realm of oceanic wealth) suggests that she brings her own resources and connections, multiplying the blessing.

Modern Application and Guidance

For those who receive this divination today, several practical steps emerge: identify the influential person whose help you need, prepare thoroughly before approaching them (this is what the sacrifice represents), show proper respect and acknowledgment of their status, be clear about what you need but humble in your request, honor spiritual protocols by feeding priests and seeking their prayers, and trust that if properly prepared, your mission will succeed.

The property dispute element suggests that this divination often appears when someone has been struggling with a seemingly intractable problem that requires intervention from someone with authority or resources. The solution comes not from continued struggle but from wisely seeking help from the right quarter.

For additional scholarly context on Ifa's mathematical and symbolic systems, see this academic study on the algebraic structure of Ifa divination codes.

Victory and Prosperity Rituals (Isegun and Aje)

Understanding Spiritual Medicine in Irete Ogunda

Beyond the sacrifices (ebo) prescribed in divination, Irete Ogunda also provides specific spiritual medicines (ogun) for achieving victory over enemies and attracting wealth. These formulations combine herbal materials with spiritual items to create powerful tools for transformation. It's important to understand that these are not mere superstitions but represent sophisticated knowledge systems that work on both material and spiritual levels.

Isegun: The Medicine for Victory

The victory medicine (Isegun) prescribed in Irete Ogunda is specifically designed for those facing persistent opposition or enemies. The formula includes:

• Igbago Egun leaves: A bunch of these sacred leaves known for their protective and combative properties
• Emina yam: A specific type of yam that carries the energy of strength and sustenance
• Parrot feather (ikoode): Representing victory, as parrots are associated with Orunmila and divine communication
• Whole alligator pepper (atare): A single complete pepper symbolizing focused, concentrated power

Preparation: All ingredients are burned together until they become ash, then ground into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with red palm oil and applied to the body every night before sleeping. The nightly application creates a spiritual shield that works during the vulnerable sleep hours when enemies might send negative forces.

Why This Formula Works

Each component contributes specific spiritual properties. The Igbago Egun leaves carry warrior energy, the yam provides sustenance and strength, the parrot feather connects to divine wisdom and communication, and the alligator pepper adds heat and potency. When combined and applied with palm oil (the life force), they create a formidable defense that gradually weakens enemies while strengthening the user.

Aje: The Medicine for Wealth Attraction

The wealth medicine (Aje) in Irete Ogunda is designed to draw prosperity and financial success. Its components include:

• Whole rat (odidi okete): A large, complete rat representing industriousness and the ability to gather resources
• Plenty of Awoyoyo leaves: Herbs specifically associated with attracting goodness and blessings
• Whole alligator pepper (atare): Again for concentrated power and opening of spiritual pathways
• New money (owo tuntun): Fresh banknotes of any denomination, representing the wealth you wish to attract

Preparation and Usage: All materials are burned together and ground into powder. This powder must be consumed with white boiled beans (ekuru funfun—beans cooked without oil or salt) every Thursday morning until the medicine is finished. Thursday is sacred to Obatala, the deity of purity and clarity, making it the ideal day for wealth attraction work.

The Spiritual Logic of the Wealth Formula

The rat is chosen because rats are legendary gatherers who store provisions—exactly the quality needed for wealth accumulation. Awoyoyo leaves carry the energy of attraction and goodness. The new money serves as a spiritual magnet, drawing similar energy to itself. The white beans represent purity of intention and Obatala's blessing on legitimate wealth acquisition.

Important Considerations for Modern Practice

These traditional formulas should only be prepared and used under the guidance of a qualified Ifa priest or Babalawo who understands proper procedures, incantations, and taboos associated with these medicines. The spiritual preparations work in conjunction with practical effort—they are not substitutes for diligent work, ethical business practices, or wise financial management.

Additionally, these medicines are most effective when the person has already performed the prescribed ebo (sacrifice) for their situation. The medicine amplifies and sustains the spiritual work begun through proper sacrifice and divination.