Odu Ifa Ogunda Obara

Ifa Divination for Osin: Washing Destiny for the Blessing of Wealth

Understanding the Ritual of Ori Washing

This divination from Ogunda Obara introduces one of the most important rituals in Yoruba spirituality—washing one's ori (inner head/destiny) for wealth attraction. Osin Gagara represents anyone who desperately needs financial breakthrough but finds that ordinary effort alone is insufficient. The divination reveals that wealth is not merely earned through physical labor but must be spiritually attracted through proper cleansing and alignment of one's destiny with prosperity.

The specific instruction to wash ori "at the riverside" (lodo) is significant. In Yoruba cosmology, rivers and streams are sacred spaces where the physical and spiritual realms meet. Water is the primordial element of cleansing, carrying away spiritual impurities and obstacles while bringing fresh blessings. The riverside serves as a liminal space where one can directly commune with spiritual forces and perform transformative rituals that change one's destiny.

The Sacred Verse

Ako garun gase
Adifafun osin gagara
Ti n lo le weri ola lodo
Ebo won ni o se
Osi gbebo nibe orubo
Nje aweri ola arire
Awa weri ola
Ala wale
Aweri ola arire

English Translation

Ako garun gase
Ifa divination was cast for Osin Gagara,
Who was going to wash his destiny for the blessing of wealth at the riverside.
He was instructed to offer a sacrifice,
And he complied.
Therefore, we have washed our head for fortune and we are blessed.
We washed our destiny,
And returned home with blessings.
We washed our destiny and were blessed.

The Power of "Weri Ola"—Washing for Fortune

The phrase "weri ola" (washing for fortune/wealth) appears repeatedly throughout the verse, emphasizing that this is not casual bathing but intentional spiritual cleansing specifically for prosperity. The repetition serves multiple purposes: it reinforces the teaching, creates a rhythmic incantation that carries spiritual power, and demonstrates that the blessing is not one-time but recurring—"we washed... we returned... we washed again."

This repetitive pattern teaches that wealth attraction through ori washing is not a single event but an ongoing spiritual practice. Just as physical bathing must be repeated to maintain cleanliness, spiritual cleansing must be periodically renewed to maintain clear pathways for prosperity. The successful return home with blessings validates the effectiveness of the ritual and encourages continued practice.

For Those Not Yet Initiated

Ifa specifically addresses those who have not undergone full initiation into Ifa or Orisa worship. For such individuals, the washing ritual can still be performed at the riverside with proper offerings and prayers. This demonstrates the accessibility of Ifa's blessings—while initiation brings deeper spiritual power, even non-initiates can receive blessings through proper sacrifice and ritual observance under guidance of a Babalawo.

The Importance of Efun and Osun

The divination specifically requires including abundant white chalk (efun) and red camwood powder (osun) in the sacrificial items. These sacred substances carry profound symbolic and spiritual significance. Efun (white chalk) represents purity, peace, coolness, and spiritual clarity—it cleanses away darkness and obstacles while inviting positive spiritual forces. Osun (red camwood) represents vitality, attraction, beauty, and the life force—it draws blessings and makes one spiritually attractive to prosperity.

Together, efun and osun create a spiritual balance—the white cooling and purifying, the red attracting and energizing. This combination ensures that the ori washing not only removes obstacles but also actively attracts wealth. The instruction to bring "opolopo" (abundant/plenty) of both substances emphasizes that this is not a minor ritual but a significant spiritual investment requiring generous use of sacred materials. Learn more about Ogunda Obara divination practices on our dedicated page.

Prescribed Offerings (Ebo)

For washing destiny and attracting wealth, Ifa prescribes pigeons (eyele), representing peace and the gentle attraction of blessings; a rooster (akuko), symbolizing announcement of one's prosperity and spiritual authority; abundant white chalk (opolopo efun), for purification and spiritual clarity; abundant red camwood powder (opolopo osun), for attraction and vitality; and abundant money (opolopo owo), demonstrating serious commitment to the ritual and facilitating all aspects of the ceremony.

Practical Application for Modern Times

In contemporary society, this Odu speaks to anyone experiencing persistent financial difficulties despite hard work, those whose businesses struggle despite good products or services, professionals whose careers stagnate despite qualifications, and anyone who feels spiritually blocked from prosperity. The teaching is clear: sometimes the obstacle to wealth is not lack of effort but spiritual impurity or misalignment of one's destiny, which must be addressed through proper cleansing rituals.

Ifa Divination for Osin Gagara (The Ostrich): The Wisdom of Strategic Silence

The Deterioration of Relationships

This second divination for Osin Gagara (here specifically as the ostrich) addresses one of the most painful experiences in human relationships—discovering that someone you considered a friend neither appreciates nor values you. The opening line "Eyan osi mo aye domi" (No good person remains, life has worsened) captures a profound disillusionment with the quality of relationships in one's environment. This is not mere pessimism but realistic assessment that the people around you do not have your best interests at heart.

The choice of the ostrich as protagonist is deeply symbolic. The ostrich is described as "olotangun" (one of very high character). Despite being the largest bird, capable of great speed and power, the ostrich is known for strategic retreat and discretion. In Yoruba wisdom, the ostrich represents someone who has the capacity to do much but chooses carefully when to act and when to remain silent, when to share and when to withhold information.

The Sacred Verse

Eyan osi mo aye domi
Adifafun Osin gagara tii se olotangun
Ebo won ni o se
O si gbebo nibe o rubo
Nje osingagara
Iwo lo lare
Eeyan o si mo
Aye domi
Osin gagara iwo lo lare

English Translation

No good person remains, life has worsened.
Ifa divination was cast for the very large ostrich, who was of very high character.
He was instructed to offer a sacrifice,
And he complied.
Therefore, great ostrich,
You are the one who must be praised.
No good companion remains,
And life has become worse.
Great ostrich, you are the one to be praised.

The Paradox of Praise Amidst Deterioration

The verse presents a fascinating paradox: it describes a worsening social environment while simultaneously praising the ostrich. This teaches a crucial principle—when the quality of people around you deteriorates, your value and praise actually increase by contrast. While others are becoming untrustworthy and unappreciative, your character, discretion, and wisdom make you worthy of honor. The ostrich is praised precisely because it maintains high character even when surrounded by low character.

The repetition of "iwo lo lare" (you are the one to be praised) emphasizes that recognition and honor come to those who maintain integrity and discretion when others do not. This is not arrogance but acknowledgment that in a deteriorating social environment, those who refuse to participate in toxicity, gossip, and betrayal stand out as worthy of praise.

The Warning About Unappreciative Friendships

Ifa explicitly warns that the person receiving this Odu is friends with someone who does not appreciate them at all. This is not casual acquaintance but someone the person considers a friend or confidant, yet this person neither values the relationship nor reciprocates the trust placed in them. The divination specifically warns against revealing secrets to this person, as doing so will cause problems.

In Yoruba cosmology, sharing secrets with someone creates a spiritual bond. When that person is unappreciative or malicious, the bond becomes a conduit for negative energy and spiritual attack. By revealing one's plans, struggles, and aspirations to such a person, one gives them power to harm, block, or betray. The ostrich's wisdom lies in knowing whom to trust and what information to share—or rather, what to keep hidden. For deeper understanding of Yoruba spiritual philosophy and divination systems, consult UNESCO documentation on Ifa of the Yoruba People.

Prescribed Offerings (Ebo)

For protection from unappreciative people and the wisdom of discretion, Ifa prescribes a rooster (akuko adie), representing vigilance and the announcement of truth; snails (igbin), symbolizing patience, discretion, and the ability to retreat into protective silence; and abundant money (opolopo owo), facilitating complete spiritual protection and transformation of the situation.

Practical Application for Modern Times

This Odu speaks powerfully to modern experiences of toxic friendships, workplace relationships where colleagues appear supportive but actually undermine you, family members who act interested but are actually jealous or manipulative, and social media "friends" who monitor your life not to celebrate but to criticize or harm. The teaching is clear: not everyone deserves access to your plans, struggles, dreams, or secrets. Strategic silence is not antisocial but spiritually protective.

Ifa Divination for Adigbonnaku: Embracing Divinely Ordained Partnerships

The Principle of Remaining Neutral When Ifa Favors

This divination from Ogunda Obara introduces a profound principle about divine favor and human response. The opening line "Bifa o gbe ni, ile alagbara nigbe nilo" (When Ifa favors someone, one should remain neutral) teaches that when blessings are coming, one must not allow ego, fear, or hesitation to block them. "Remaining neutral" means not interfering with divine favor through overthinking, false humility, or unnecessary conditions.

Adigbonnaku was the priest of "ibi kiibi" (any place/every place), while Ako Lolo was the priest of Alafin Oyo (the king of Oyo). Both received the same divination, but the emphasis is on compliance—when divine favor is manifesting through an opportunity, one must seize it without hesitation. The instruction to "remain neutral" paradoxically means to be actively receptive, removing internal obstacles to blessing.

The Sacred Verse

Bifa o gbe ni
Ile alagbara nigbe nilo
Adifafun adigbonnanku
Tii se awo ibi kiibi
Bifa o gbe ni
Ile alagbara nigbe nilo
Adifafun ako lolo
Tii se awo alafin oyo
Ebo won ni o se
O si gbebonibe o rubo
Nje adigbonnaku mo se bai ku
To ba se bayi ku o se ebo to yan ebo tipe.

English Translation

When Ifa favors someone,
One should remain neutral.
Ifa divination was cast for Adigbonnaku,
The priest of any place.
When Ifa favors someone,
One should remain neutral.
Ifa divination was cast for the one who stutters,
The priest of the Alafin of Oyo.
They were instructed to offer sacrifice,
And they complied.
Therefore, Adigbonnaku will not die this way.
If you die this way, it will not be good, because you have offered sacrifice and it has been accepted.

The Importance of Being Dynamic at Work

Ifa reveals that the person receiving this Odu is working somewhere but must remain dynamic and visible so that their value can be recognized. The term "dynamic" (used in the message/outcome) means actively engaged, visible, productive, and excellent in performance—not passive or hiding in the shadows. When you work dynamically, others notice your capacity and seek you out for partnerships or collaborations.

The divination specifically states that someone will learn about your work and want to enter into a joint venture with you. This is not random but divinely ordained—Ifa has arranged this partnership for your blessing. The critical instruction is that you must agree to this collaboration. Refusing out of fear, pride, suspicion, or false independence will block the blessing Ifa has prepared.

The Warning Against Death Through Missed Opportunity

The phrase "Adigbonnaku mo se bai ku" (Adigbonnaku will not die this way) carries profound meaning. In Yoruba spirituality, there are many forms of death—physical death, spiritual death, death of potential, death of destiny. Refusing a divinely ordained opportunity is a form of death—the death of one's progress, the death of blessing, the death of the life one was meant to live.

The verse warns: "If you die this way, it will not be good, because you have offered sacrifice and it has been accepted." This means that if you perform the prescribed sacrifice (showing you believe Ifa's message) but then refuse the opportunity when it appears, you will experience a particularly painful form of failure. You cannot claim ignorance—Ifa warned you, you sacrificed, and you still rejected the blessing. Such self-sabotage leads to regret far deeper than never knowing the opportunity existed. Explore more wisdom from our collection of Ifa teachings.

Prescribed Offerings (Ebo)

For recognizing and embracing partnership opportunities, Ifa prescribes pigeons (eyele), representing peace in collaboration and harmonious joint ventures; a rooster (akuko adie), announcing the arrival of the partnership and declaring one's readiness; and abundant money (opolopo owo), facilitating all aspects of the collaboration and demonstrating serious commitment.

Practical Application for Modern Times

This Odu speaks directly to employees who hide their talents, entrepreneurs who refuse to collaborate out of fear of being cheated, professionals who decline opportunities because they seem "too good to be true," and anyone who sabotages blessings through excessive caution or false independence. The teaching is clear: when opportunities align with Ifa's prediction and your sacrifice has been accepted, embrace them without hesitation.

Ifa Divination for Ara (Thunder): Extraordinary Manifestations of Divine Favor

The Child of Olodumare

This divination from Ogunda Obara presents one of the most exalted teachings in the Ifa corpus—that those who receive certain blessings are revealed as "omo Olodumare" (children of the Supreme God). Ara (Thunder) represents the most dramatic and undeniable manifestation of divine power in nature. When thunder sounds, everyone stops and acknowledges the presence of something beyond human control. Similarly, when divine blessings manifest in someone's life in extraordinary ways, it becomes undeniable evidence of their spiritual connection to Olodumare.

The divination specifically addresses someone coming from heaven (orun) to earth (aye), emphasizing that certain destinies are so clearly ordained from the spiritual realm that their manifestation in the physical world will be spectacular and undeniable. This is not about ordinary success but extraordinary achievement that makes observers marvel and acknowledge divine intervention.

The Sacred Verse

Sese fun abi erin siki siki
Adifafun ara
Tii se omo Olodumare
Igba tin torun bowaye
Ebo won ni o se
O si gbebo nibe orubo
Nje ara momo de omo Olodumare
Taba laje adaramarade
Omo Olodumare
Taba laya adara ni arade
Omo Olodumare
Taba bimo adara ni arade
Omo Olodumare
Taba nire gbogbo
Adara arada omo Olodumare

English Translation

Sese fun abi erin siki siki
Ifa divination was cast for Ara (Thunder), who does things in an astonishing manner,
Who is the child of Olodumare.
When he was coming from heaven to earth,
He was instructed to offer a sacrifice,
And he complied.
Therefore, Ara has truly arrived, the child of Olodumare.
If one becomes wealthy, they will be able to do things that astonish people in good and elaborate ways,
Being a child of Olodumare.
If one marries a wife, they will do things that astonish people in good and elaborate ways,
Being a child of Olodumare.
If one gives birth to children, they will do things that astonish people in good and elaborate ways,
Being a child of Olodumare.
If one receives blessings of all goodness, they will do things that astonish people in good and elaborate ways,
Being a child of Olodumare.

The Meaning of "Adara Arada"

The phrase "adara arada" (also rendered as "adaramarade") is crucial to understanding this divination. It means doing things in a way that is both excellent (adara) and elaborate/extraordinary (arada)—not just successful but spectacularly so, not just blessed but obviously favored by heaven. This describes blessings that cannot be attributed to mere human effort or luck but clearly reveal divine intervention.

When applied to wealth, it means not just being comfortable but achieving prosperity that makes people wonder "how did they do it?" When applied to marriage, it means not just finding a spouse but entering into a union so harmonious and blessed that others marvel. When applied to children, it means not just having offspring but raising children who themselves become extraordinary. In every category of blessing, the manifestation exceeds normal expectations and testifies to divine favor.

The Importance of Meeting the Destined Child

Ifa specifically states that the person receiving this Odu must meet a certain child for whom they will offer sacrifice, and through this child, they are destined to become wealthy and very popular. This is not metaphorical but literal—there is a specific young person (biological child, spiritual godchild, mentee, or associate) whose destiny is intertwined with yours. When you encounter this child and perform the prescribed spiritual work on their behalf, both your destinies activate and blessings flow to you through this connection.

This teaches an important principle in Yoruba spirituality: blessings often come through relationships, not in isolation. Your breakthrough may be connected to investing in someone else's potential, mentoring someone younger, or spiritually supporting a child whose success will reflect back on you and open doors for you. The instruction to feed Aje (the deity of wealth) for this child demonstrates that your prosperity is linked to their prosperity.

Feeding Aje (The Deity of Wealth)

The divination requires feeding Aje with very specific items: white bean cakes cooked without oil (ekuru funfun), boneless meat (eran ti ko legun), and abundant omini plantains (opolopo ogede omini). Each element carries spiritual significance. Ekuru (steamed bean cakes) without oil represents pure, unadulterated blessing—prosperity that comes without complications or contamination. Boneless meat represents wealth without obstacles or problems—smooth, easy-to-digest blessings. Omini plantains, being a special variety, represent unique and premium blessings, not ordinary prosperity.

Together, these offerings create a spiritual meal that invokes Aje's favor in its highest form—wealth that comes easily, stays permanently, and brings no complications or enemies. The emphasis on purity (white bean cakes, white pigeons) throughout the offering demonstrates that this is about clean, blessed prosperity, not wealth gained through corruption or spiritual contamination. For scholarly perspectives on Ifa as a knowledge system, refer to research on algebraic characterization of Ifa divination codes.

Prescribed Offerings (Ebo)

For extraordinary blessings and divine favor, Ifa prescribes white pigeons (eyele funfun), representing pure, peaceful prosperity; white bean cakes cooked without oil (ekuru funfun), symbolizing unadulterated blessings; a rooster (akuko adie), announcing the arrival of spectacular success; a hen (abo adie), nurturing the blessings to maturity; and abundant money (opolopo owo), demonstrating serious commitment to manifesting divine favor.

Practical Application for Modern Times

This Odu speaks to anyone who feels called to extraordinary achievement, those who sense they are destined for more than ordinary success, people who encounter young individuals they feel spiritually drawn to mentor or support, and anyone who wants their blessings to testify to divine favor rather than mere human effort. The teaching is that extraordinary blessings require extraordinary spiritual preparation and often manifest through relationships with specific individuals whose destinies are linked to yours.

Akose and Spiritual Preparations of Ogunda Obara

Understanding Spiritual Preparations in Ogunda Obara

Ogunda Obara provides two powerful spiritual preparations (akose) specifically designed to attract wealth and honor. These preparations work by combining physical substances with spiritual power to create transformative effects on one's destiny and spiritual body. Unlike sacrifices offered to deities, these akose are applied directly to the person or consumed, creating immediate spiritual changes that attract prosperity.

Akose Awure Ola (First Preparation): The Complete Bird Formula

This preparation combines several potent elements to create a comprehensive wealth attraction medicine. The formula requires one complete liili bird, a small portion of dried human skull, a small traditional bullet (likely representing penetrating spiritual power), and one whole alligator pepper. These ingredients are burned together until they become ash, then ground into fine powder.

Spiritual Significance of the Ingredients

The liili bird represents spiritual flight and ascension—the ability to rise above one's current circumstances. The dried skull represents ancestral power and connection to those who came before, invoking their blessings for your prosperity. The traditional bullet represents penetrating power—the ability to break through all obstacles blocking wealth. Alligator pepper is one of the most sacred substances in Yoruba spirituality, representing spiritual clarity, power, and the ability to overcome all opposition.

Application Method

The powder is divided into two equal portions. One portion is mixed with black soap (ose dudu) for bathing. The other portion is placed in a container and mixed with wine for drinking. Additionally, one bathes with the soap mixture. This dual application—both internal consumption and external bathing—ensures complete spiritual coverage. The wine activates the medicine internally while the soap creates an external protective and attractive field around the body.

Akose Awure Ola (Second Preparation): The Dark Place Formula

This preparation uses different herbs and application methods, specifically requiring use in darkness to enhance its spiritual potency. The formula combines imi esu leaves (leaves of the devil's pit—a powerful protective and wealth-attracting herb), white biotuje leaves (representing purity and spiritual cleansing), epo obo (vaginal oil—representing feminine creative and attracting power), and eedu (kitchen charcoal—representing transformation through fire).

Spiritual Significance and Application

All ingredients are ground together with black soap and taken to a dark place (okunkun) for bathing. The darkness is significant—it represents the womb of creation, the space where spiritual transformation occurs away from prying eyes and negative spiritual interference. Bathing in darkness activates the medicine's full power without dissipation through exposure to light or other people's attention.

The instruction to bathe "larolaro" (every morning) emphasizes that this is not a one-time ritual but an ongoing spiritual practice. Daily use compounds the effects, gradually transforming one's spiritual body to become increasingly attractive to wealth and honor. The use of imi esu leaves is particularly powerful—while the name references "devil's pit," in Yoruba spirituality, Esu is not the devil but the divine messenger and opener of ways, representing the power to open paths that seem closed.

Important Safety and Guidance Considerations

Both akose preparations in Ogunda Obara contain powerful ingredients, some of which are spiritually sensitive or potentially difficult to obtain. These preparations should only be prepared and used under the direct guidance of a qualified Babalawo who can: properly identify all herbs and ingredients, invoke the necessary incantations (ofo) during preparation, determine the appropriate timing for use, monitor the person's response to the medicine, and make adjustments if needed.

The spiritual power of akose comes not merely from the physical ingredients but from the prayers, invocations, and spiritual knowledge that accompany their preparation. A Babalawo ensures that the medicine is spiritually activated and properly aligned with the person's ori and destiny. Attempting to prepare these medicines without proper spiritual authority and knowledge will result in ineffective preparation at best, and spiritual complications at worst. For understanding the artistic and cultural dimensions of Ifa practice, explore research on Ifa as an artistic expression of Yoruba knowledge.

Modern Adaptations and Substitutions

In contemporary practice, particularly in locations where traditional ingredients are not available or where legal/ethical concerns exist (such as with human remains), a qualified Babalawo can identify spiritually equivalent substitutes. The core principle remains: combining substances that carry specific spiritual properties of attraction, protection, transformation, and power while invoking the appropriate spiritual forces through proper ritual and prayer.